A former New Jersey elementary school aide who worked with pre-K students for roughly four years is facing dozens of criminal charges, including aggravated sexual assault and manufacturing child sexual abuse material, after investigators discovered numerous images and videos of students on his electronic devices, prosecutors said.
Shaun M. Stebbins, 44, worked at Woodbine Elementary School in Cape May County from February 2022 until his arrest in neighboring Atlantic County on March 29, according to the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office.
The investigation expanded into Cape May County after authorities in Atlantic County and Somers Point notified prosecutors in April that a separate sexual assault investigation involving Stebbins at his home had uncovered suspected crimes in the neighboring county.
A search of Stebbins’ devices allegedly revealed numerous images and videos of Woodbine Elementary School students, prosecutors said. Authorities did not disclose how many students were involved or provide details about when the material was recorded.
According to court documents, Stebbins filmed and performed sex acts on children in a school bathroom and during nap time, ABC7 reported.
Cape May County prosecutors announced 61 charges against Stebbins on Oct. 30, including 29 counts of manufacturing child pornography, five counts of aggravated sexual assault, 13 counts of sexual assault by sexual contact and 14 counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
The manufacturing and aggravated sexual assault charges are first-degree offenses that can carry prison sentences of 10 to 20 years under New Jersey law.
The remaining charges are second-degree offenses, typically punishable by five to 10 years in prison.
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Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland said his office continues to investigate the case.
“Children are among our most vulnerable population, and we have a responsibility to protect their safety and well-being. Anyone who harms a child will be held accountable through our justice system.”
Stebbins remains in the Atlantic County Correctional Facility pending court proceedings.
The Woodbine School District, the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office and the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s requests for comment.
Prosecutors are asking anyone with information about the investigation to contact the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit at 609-465-1135 or submit an anonymous tip at cmcpo.tips.
