News Summary

The Wilmington community is in shock following the arrest of former junior varsity assistant softball coach Gordon B. Cordell III. He faces serious allegations of secretly recording minors in compromising situations using hidden cameras. Cordell has been indicted on multiple charges including voyeurism and illegal use of minors in nudity-oriented material. The investigation, which has garnered attention from local authorities and Homeland Security, is ongoing as the community grapples with the implications of his actions.

Shock in Wilmington: Former Softball Coach Arrested in Disturbing Case

In a shocking turn of events, the quiet town of Wilmington has been rocked by the arrest of Gordon B. Cordell III, a 48-year-old former coach. Cordell was taken into custody on August 16, 2023, following disturbing allegations of secretly recording minors in compromising situations. The former junior varsity assistant softball coach for Wilmington High School is now facing a host of serious charges, leaving the community reeling.

What Happened?

According to initial reports, Cordell allegedly used a hidden camera disguised as a Bluetooth speaker to film his victims. This disturbing behavior supposedly took place between January 1 and April 23, 2023, in Clinton County, raising serious questions about his technology savvy and the lengths he went to conceal his actions.

Charging documents reveal that the recordings involved both adult and child victims who were “in a state of nudity.” This shocking revelation has understandably left many in the community outraged and anxious.

Charges Against Cordell

The former coach is facing some significant legal troubles. He has been indicted on multiple counts:

  • Four counts of illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material or performance
  • Two counts of voyeurism
  • One count of possessing criminal tools

Immediate Response from the School District

After the allegations came to light, the Wilmington City School District swiftly severed all ties with Cordell, ensuring he would no longer be involved in any coaching or photography roles. Cordell was not only an assistant coach for the junior varsity softball team, but he was also under contract as the district’s sports photographer for the last two seasons.

Interestingly, district officials reported that all FBI and BCI background checks conducted on Cordell prior to his hiring did not reveal any prior issues of concern. But the recent developments have led to a wave of worry among parents and school staff.

Investigation Takes a Wider Scope

The investigation has seen collaboration between Wilmington Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations, primarily due to the extensive digital evidence and the number of victims that have come to light. While no complaints have been filed against Cordell by students or staff, the sheer scale of the allegations has put the entire community on alert.

A key point of concern is that no hidden recording devices were found on school property, which raises questions about the locations where the recordings took place.

Details on Bond and Next Steps

After his arrest, Cordell was granted a bond set at $75,000 cash or surety and an additional $25,000 recognizance bond. One of the conditions attached to his bond is that he must avoid contact with any alleged victims. The case is far from over, as Cordell’s pretrial hearing is scheduled for September 12, 2023, at the Clinton County Common Pleas Court.

Unsettling Online Activity

X-rated accounts focused on nude photography of women. The timeline of when he began following these accounts remains unclear, but it certainly raises eyebrows.

Community Reaction

As more details emerge, many in Wilmington are left grappling with the implications of Cordell’s actions. The community—known for its close-knit atmosphere—is now faced with mistrust and unease, especially among parents concerned about their children’s safety.

This unsettling case serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of vigilance and awareness in our communities. The coming weeks will be critical as investigations continue and the court prepares to hear what promises to be a high-stakes case of legal and moral significance.

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