A former New Jersey elementary school aide who worked with pre-K students for about four years is facing 61 criminal charges. Prosecutors say investigators found numerous images and videos of students on his electronic devices.
Shaun M. Stebbins, 44, worked at Woodbine Elementary School in Cape May County beginning in February 2022. He was arrested in neighboring Atlantic County on March 29, prosecutors said.
The investigation reached Cape May County after authorities in Atlantic County and Somers Point notified prosecutors in April that a separate sexual assault investigation involving Stebbins had uncovered suspected crimes there.
Prosecutors say a search of Stebbins’ devices revealed images and videos of Woodbine students. They have not said how many children were involved or when the material was recorded. Court documents allege that Stebbins filmed and sexually assaulted children in a school bathroom and during nap time.
On Oct. 30, Cape May County prosecutors announced 61 charges: 29 counts of manufacturing child sexual abuse material, five counts of aggravated sexual assault, 13 counts of sexual assault by sexual contact and 14 counts of endangering a child’s welfare.
The manufacturing and aggravated sexual assault charges are first-degree offenses, which carry potential prison terms of 10 to 20 years under New Jersey law. The other charges are second-degree offenses, generally punishable by five to 10 years.
Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland said the investigation is continuing and that his office has a responsibility to protect children and hold people who harm them accountable.
Stebbins is being held at the Atlantic County Correctional Facility as court proceedings continue.
Prosecutors are asking anyone with information to contact the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit at 609-465-1135 or submit an anonymous tip.
