Many of you in his class probably would know me as his "Tech person". I have always trusted him and am amazed that he did something like this. He was kinda "off" to many people because of no homework, and other things. He would always tell us side stories of his life (none to do with this) and the class got CRAZY somedays (mainly 7th period - You know who you are ). However, no one would have guessed this. This has been a bigger topic over the weeks than the CRCT, which always gets people and teachers nervous. This topped it, so it's huge. I went on an overnight field trip with him. Everyone that went said it's creepy that we went. We had just finished learning the Court System, and it was ironic. Mr. Bowen said, "I feel sorry for the people who mess up their lives by doing that kind of stuff." On the Monday we came back, there were so many guesses of what happened. There were serious guesses such as family problems to stupid ones like going to Cuba via rowboat. I feel sorry for him, but at the same time, he messed it up. I do hope this is just an accusation and not real, but it isn't looking good. All you people who are saying, "Glad he's gone!" this is for you. If you knew him for 7+ months like we did, this would seem different to you. To you though, he is just another criminal who should be locked up. He was probably the popular favorite on the school team and now this. I just hope all of you realize if this was your teacher/parent/etc. you wouldn't say that unless you were the victim. I feel very sorry for the victim and their family, so don't think I'm all on Mr. Bowen's side.

-Someguy

You know what the weird thing is? that everybody use to like him and thought he was a pretty nice cool teacher.. up until now. So why all of sudden your changing your mind? Is it because he's been accuse of the mlestation or that you judge before you really know. As the days are going by I hear comments from other people that once liked him but now doesn't and that to me is sad. We shouldn't stop liking a person based on some fact we don't know is true. You don't judge a person of their bad judgments or mistake but judge their character and what they bring. Mr. Bowen was a very good person and we should pray for him.

I hope this is not true. But regardless, I'm praying for this whole family.

all i have to say is...georgia on my mind

This is quite a creepy story. He was my track coach back in middle school. Glad he was finally arrested!

To all the people out their who have heard the news about Mr. Bowen it's quite a shock, but do not judge him. Technically he's been accused that doesn't mean he did it or maybe he did. It's just been reported on someone else's opinions that could be true or not. He was my teacher and never in my life did he seem like that kind of person who would ever do that. Sure he has his awkward moments(but who doesn't). It is just a funny trait that some teachers have. So what, can you blame him for that? NO not necessarily. He was always nice to me and very generous. He always believed that we could do better in everything we do and he always helped us when we had questions on something we didn't get. So why all of sudden did this happen? We are all not perfect, yes we try to be but who is? (except God). Sure if the charges were true he made a BIG mistake, but who hasn't in their life. We should always forgive those who need to be forgiven. That reminds me when he would always say sayings that where important in life ..yet were kinda silly. In a way you would just ponder them and then laugh. We should all pray for his family and friends most importantly for him. One, if he's innocent he has lost everything because of someone's lie and two, if he did do that.. we should pray that God will get through to him to make him a better person. We have all tried to adapt to the situation, but in ways nothing is ever the same without him as our teacher. What it comes down to is that we should not always believe what people or gossip says until we get the facts straight (and I mean crystal clear). WE should not judge people or their mistakes, but forgive what they have done. I'm not saying he did it or not but keep him in your prayers.

He had been hanging around {{{{EDITED}}}} an awful lot lately. Maybe looking for his next victim? Creepy I tell ya

Mr. Bowen was my reading and Ga history teacher i just want to say that I trusted you Mr.bowen how could you.You were my favorite teacher on our team i finally find a teacher who i like then i find out he is a sicko. I hope you learn your lesson and besides everyone at our school hates you right now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Who knows at this point. Its a sad commentary when he has already been tried and convicted...let the truth come out. Its too easy to assume guilt...human nature I suppose when an adult and child are involved. If he's guilty, then he should suffer the consequences. If not, his reputation is already in the toilet and he will suffer anyway.

Standard Citizen "Teacher In Trouble" rules apply:
1. Story hits paper version of The Citizen
2. Adult friends of Craig Bowen show up here to voice support for him
3. The usual suspects will then criticize the adult friends and accuse them of supporting child molesters.
4. Someone will bring up "innocent until proven guilty", will be ignored.
5. After school ends today, a number of Bowen's students will register and post here. About 80-85% will have nice things to say, the remainder will criticize him. Most of these posts will contain profanity and/or bad grammar.
6. The usual suspects will criticize the kids.
7. The kids will fire back at the usual suspects and a Class 3 flamewar ensues.
8. The usual suspects will then vent on DA Scott Ballard.
9. The usual suspects will find a way to blame this on the Democrats. The fact that Bowen once ran for public office as a Republican will be conveniently overlooked.
10. After 3 days this will die down.
11. After trial, or 3 months from now (whichever comes sooner), this blog entry will be resurrected and the same arguments will be re-hashed with a different group of people.
___________
Diagnosing Denise

I have known this family for over 30 years. They are a fine Christian family. I can only hope and pray that instead of rumors and judgement, that we remember them all in our prayers. This family like I said is a wonderful family, they need our prayers and our mouths silenced as they go through this. Anyone that knows them and really knows them will only pray that GOD gives them the strenghth. I for one will never judge and point my finger. I hope it isn't true, but non the less, The Bowen Family is in my heart, thoughts and prayers.

We all need to find some time and pray over this entire situation. We need to seek God for some kind of understanding and reasoning, and have hope that no matter what result that comes from this, that those hurting can heal quickly and with little pain.

Rooroo, he wasn't CHARGED in 2000-2003, that is when the alleged crimes took place.

Somebody please help me understand that if this man was charged with sexual battery in 2000-2003, why on earth was he able to teach?!

My daughter is in 8th grade at RSMS and is also on the track team, makes my blood curdle thinking about it and why it was never addressed- nice back ground checking Fayette County!

He was my teacher this year lozl you should've seen everyone yesterday when his stuff was gone.