Severna Park Elementary Teacher’s Sex Abuse Trial Expected to Start Next Week

This upcoming week marks the commencement of the trial for Matthew Schlegel, a 45-year-old former educator at Severna Park Elementary School. Mr. Schlegel is confronted with 55 charges, encompassing sex abuse of a minor, second-degree assault, and third- and fourth-degree sex offenses. These charges arise from claims of improper physical interactions with students within the school premises, extending to both classrooms and other areas.

An inquiry was launched in March 2024 by detectives from the Criminal Investigation Division Child Abuse Unit following the disclosure of sexual abuse allegations involving a teacher and several students at Severna Park Elementary. Students and the school administration identified Matthew Scott Banks Schlegel, then 44 years of age and residing in Severna Park, as the subject of these allegations. Subsequent to these revelations, the school system immediately terminated Mr. Schlegel's employment.

As part of the investigative process, Child Protective Services conducted detailed forensic interviews with multiple child victims. Following consultation with the Office of the State’s Attorney, Matthew Scott Banks Schlegel was formally charged on May 15, 2024, with a range of criminal offenses, including second-degree assault and sex abuse of a minor. He was apprehended at his residence on May 16, 2024.

***Any suspects/arrested/charged individuals and persons of interest named or identified in the articles are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.***