Sex offender arrested after father raises questions

CARROLL COUNTY, Ga. — A registered sex offender is back in jail after a father raised questions about the man who he said was visiting his child's school.

Charlie Bell said something seemed off about the man his 5-year-old daughter's mom started dating.

"So I took his name and looked him up on the internet, and there he was," he said.

William McDougal, 37, showed up in the sex offender database. He was convicted and sentenced to 10 years in prison for child molestation. He served three years and was out on parole.

Bell said McDougal started visiting and checking his daughter and her older sister out of school. He even showed up at the school's Valentine's Day dance, according to Bell.

McDougal's probation conditions said that he was to have no contact with minors.

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"I'm really upset. I really am, because I have talked to the police department. They've known since Friday evening," Bell said.

When Bell got frustrated with the progress from police, he called Channel 2 Action News.

Channel 2's Carl Willis called the Carroll County sheriff's office, the probation office and Carrollton police, who said his calls spurred action.

Multiple agencies pushed the process forward. McDougal was arrested at the probation office.

"That was my whole point of calling you guys, to get something done about the situation," Bell said.

The child's grandmother said she is thankful for the arrest.

"That he can't be in contact with not only my grandchildren, but also other people's children," Lorie Bell said.

McDougal's original case was out of Clayton County, and he will be transported out there overnight for his probation violation hearing.

Cox Media Group