Maryland Teacher Molested Multiple Students; Faces 55 Charges after Victims Reported Disturbing Actions to Authorities
A federal grand jury in Maryland has recently indicted an elementary school teacher on numerous charges, alleging sexual abuse of his students.
A former elementary school teacher in Severna Park, Md., Matthew Schlegel, 44, is now facing 55 charges of sexual abuse involving at least eight children under his instruction, as revealed in documents.
Schlegel was arrested last month at his home on multiple charges, including child sex abuse and fourth-degree sex offense, according to reports.
Police initiated an investigation into a case of alleged sexual abuse at Severna Park Elementary School in March 2024, as stated in the charging documents.
Authorities allege that from August 2022 to March 2024, numerous other students have come forward with their own claims of abuse, which reportedly took place during school hours. Schlegel was taken out of the classroom on March 15 due to the investigation.
The Anne Arundel District Attorney’s Office and Anne Arundel Public Schools have yet to respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
A judge ruled to deny Schlegel bail ahead of his trial during a court hearing on May 28. The judge described the “statement of facts, if true, as heinous.”
Peter O’Neill, the former teacher’s attorney, made a case in court for Schlegel’s eligibility for bail, emphasizing his strong ties within the community as evidence that he is not likely to flee.
A significant number of individuals, including Schlegel’s spouse, relatives, close acquaintances, and former pupils, showed their support by attending Schlegel’s court hearing.
According to reports, prosecutors characterized the suspect as cunning and adept at manipulating children.
O’Neill informed that a civil case has been filed by the families of the alleged victims against Schlegel and the county school system, Anne Arundel Public Schools.
Schlegel has been a teacher in the Anne Arundel County Public Schools since 2008 and started teaching at Severna Park Elementary School in 2016.
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