A shocking incident has come to light at Severna Park Elementary School in Maryland, where a third-grade teacher, 44-year-old Matthew Schlegel, has been accused of sexually assaulting at least eight girls in his classroom. The authorities have charged Schlegel with multiple felony counts related to the abuse of his students.
According to reports, Child Protective Services interviewed eight current and former female students of Schlegel, who claimed that he molested them by groping their private parts. The girls described incidents of being touched under their desks or in front of other students. Witnesses also mentioned seeing girls sitting on Schlegel’s lap during class.
The alleged abuse took place between August 2022 and March 2024, leading to Schlegel facing 36 charges, including second-degree assault and sex abuse of a minor. He was removed from his classroom in March and is currently being held without bond.
During a bond hearing, Schlegel’s defense attorney argued for his release, citing his high moral character as attested by family and friends. However, the state argued that Schlegel is dangerous, with one girl expressing a desire for him to stop touching her. Circuit judge Cathleen Vitale ruled in favor of keeping Schlegel in jail until the next hearing on June 12.
Schlegel, who has been with the Anne Arundel County school system since 2008 and teaching at Severna Park Elementary School since 2016, has not yet commented on the allegations. The school district declined to comment on the ongoing case.