Severna Park Elementary teacher arrested on child sex abuse charges following months-long investigation
Matthew Scott Banks Schlegel, faces 36 criminal charges, including seven counts of child sex abuse and 14 counts of fourth-degree sex offense — a category reserved for adults in a position of authority, according to the Maryland Judiciary.
A third-grade teacher at Severna Park Elementary was arrested at his home Thursday morning following a two-month investigation into allegations he sexually abused eight of his students.
Matthew Scott Banks Schlegel, 44, faces 36 criminal charges, including seven counts of child sex abuse and 14 counts of fourth-degree sex offense — a category reserved for adults in a position of authority, largely in schools — according to the Maryland Judiciary
Schlegel, who lives in Severna Park, was removed “indefinitely” from his classroom position in March after a student reported inappropriate contact to school officials. He was quickly reassigned to an out-of-classroom position, according to spokesperson Bob Mosier.
In an April 7 letter to families and staff, Severna Park Principal Kyle Butler said he would not discuss why the teacher had been removed with anyone other than the families “directly impacted.”
School administrators sent another letter Thursday, reiterating Schlegel’s removal following the first allegation and reminding students and staff that emotional support resources are available.
“It is my goal to help students be able to access available resources in the wake of this difficult news and to ensure a continuity of instruction,” said Acting Principal Sharon Hansen.
Butler is currently on family leave, according to the letter.
Between late March and late April, Child Protective Services conducted forensic interviews with eight of Schlegel’s female students, some from this school year and others now in higher grades.
The allegations range from August 2022 to March 2024.
Schlegel has worked in the Anne Arundel school system since 2008, first as a second-grade teacher at Tyler Heights Elementary before moving to Severna Park Elementary in 2016.
According to charging documents, the students said Schlegel touched or groped them during class or when they went to the bathroom. At times, the conduct was discreet, made under students’ desks or at his own, while others were made in front of others. Numerous witnesses told investigators they had seen students sitting on Schlegel’s lap during class, police said.
Though Schlegel has been arrested, Child Abuse Unit detectives are asking anyone with information on this or other potential cases call 410-222-4733. Anonymous tips may also be left on the Anne Arundel County Police Tip Line at 410-222-4700.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.