New Jersey school aide faces 61 charges after images and videos of students found on his devices
A former teacher's aide at an elementary school in New Jersey, United States, is facing 61 criminal charges. According to prosecutors, numerous images and videos of students were found on his electronic devices. The charges include aggravated sexual assault and manufacturing child sexual abuse material.
The accused is Shaun M. Stebbins, 44. According to the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office, he worked at Woodbine Elementary School from February 2022 until his arrest. He worked with pre-kindergarten students there for roughly four years.
Stebbins was arrested on 29 March in neighbouring Atlantic County. In April, authorities in Atlantic County and Somers Point notified Cape May prosecutors that a separate sexual assault investigation at Stebbins's home had uncovered suspected crimes in the neighbouring county. The investigation then expanded into Cape May County.
Prosecutors said a search of Stebbins's devices allegedly revealed numerous images and videos of Woodbine Elementary School students. Authorities did not disclose how many students were involved or when the material was recorded.
On 30 October, Cape May County prosecutors announced a total of 61 charges against Stebbins. They include 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 offences that can carry prison sentences of 10 to 20 years under New Jersey law. The remaining charges are second-degree offences, typically punishable by five to 10 years in prison.
Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland said his office continues to investigate the case. He said children are among the most vulnerable population and there is a responsibility to protect their safety and well-being, and that anyone who harms a child will be held accountable through the justice system.
Stebbins remains in the Atlantic County Correctional Facility pending court proceedings.
Prosecutors asked 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.
