THOMASVILLE — A man charged with child molestation in a Remington Park incident Monday night was released from the Thomas County Jail Tuesday morning after the charge was reduced to reckless conduct, a misdemeanor.

John Allen Spear, 38, 94 Cannon Road, Pavo, was released on a $500 bond.

Thomasville police responded about 5:20 p.m. Monday to the City of Thomasville-owned facility to a complaint about Spear, who was seated in a vehicle, touching his genitals.

Police observed the activity, but Spear was not exposing himself in public, said Sgt. Rachelle Denmark, Thomasville Police Department public information officer.

Girls were practicing softball nearby. The youngsters did not witness Spear’s actions with his hand and genitals underneath his pants, Denmark said. Elements of child molestation did not exist, she added.

Denmark said that after conferring with the district attorney’s office, the reckless conduct offense replaced the child molestation charge.

Bryant Beadle, father of a seven-year-old girl practicing softball Monday night, said Spear was observed “making unusual movements.”

“He pulled up in a pickup truck. He was observed watching the kids,” Beadle said Tuesday morning.

Beadle, president of Balfour Lumber Co., said police approached Spear from behind and caught him.

“It turns your stomach at the sickness that’s in the world,” Beadle said. “You can’t imagine how dark somebody’s life can be to take them to this length.”

Pointing out more than 100 Thomas County registered sex offenders on the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Web site, Beadle said, “It’s upsetting in any small town like this.”

The Thomasville YMCA operates programs at Remington Park.

“We are concerned about the incident. However, it is a public park owned by the city,” said Clay Campbell, Thomasville YMCA president.

Campbell said the YMCA has no control over who enters the park, stressing Spear has no role in YMCA programs.

YMCA coaches are screened, and the organization is always vigilant about protecting children left in the agency’s care, Campbell said.

“We would encourage parents to do exactly what they did last night,” Campbell added.

He urged anyone witnessing any suspicious activity at the facility to alert park personnel or call police.

Thomas County Superior Court records show Spear was convicted of four counts of burglary in 1993 and sentenced to 20 years probation and restitution. A 1994 charge of entering auto was nolle-prossed.

“This case is taken very seriously by the Thomasville Police Department, and any community concern is valid in such as case,” Denmark said.

After learning Tuesday afternoon of Spear’s release, Beadle questioned the safety of the community with the suspect out of jail.

“Why is a man who acts like that in the presence of young children not behind bars?” he asked.

“This is another reason to never let your child out of your sight,” Beadle added.