New Jersey Elementary School Aide Faces 61 Child Sex Crime Charges

Shaun M. Stebbins, a former teacher’s aide at Woodbine Elementary School in New Jersey, is charged with over 60 criminal offenses. These include aggravated sexual assault and manufacturing child sexual abuse material, following the discovery of incriminating images and videos on his devices, according to prosecutors.

Stebbins, 44, worked with pre-K students at the school in Cape May County from February 2022 until his arrest on March 29. The investigation widened after a separate case in Atlantic County revealed suspected crimes in Cape May County.

“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,” said Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland.

A search of Stebbins’ electronic devices allegedly revealed images and videos of students from the school. The number of students affected and the timeline of the recordings have not been disclosed. Court documents indicate that Stebbins filmed and engaged in illicit activities with children in school areas like bathrooms and during nap time, as reported by ABC7.

On October 30, Cape May County prosecutors announced 61 charges against Stebbins. These 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. Aggravated sexual assault and manufacturing charges are first-degree offenses, each carrying the potential for 10 to 20-year prison sentences under New Jersey law. The remaining charges are second-degree offenses, typically punishable by five to 10 years in prison.

Stebbins remains detained at the Atlantic County Correctional Facility as court proceedings continue. The Woodbine School District, Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, and Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office did not immediately comment. Authorities are urging anyone with information on the case to contact the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit at 609-465-1135 or submit an anonymous tip online.