A Split Verdict: Jury Finds Former Severna Park Elementary School Teacher Not Guilty on 18 Counts, Mistrial to be Declared on Remaining Counts in Child Sex Abuse Trial

After nearly 20 hours of deliberation, an Anne Arundel County jury acquitted a former Severna Park Elementary School teacher on 18 of 21 child sex abuse-related charges. A mistrial is anticipated for the remaining three counts. 

The jury delivered their split verdict shortly after 5 PM today in the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court, concerning Matthew Schlegel, who was accused of sexually assaulting approximately five female students between the 2022 and 2023 school years.

Initially, Schlegel had been indicted on 55 counts, 34 of those counts were dismissed before the trial began, court documents show.

Upon the announcement of the "not guilty" verdicts, several family members became visibly upset and exited the courtroom. One family member was heard exclaiming, "Oh my God!" in the courthouse hallway, while others attempted to console her as she cried out, "God no!"

According to a spokesperson for the State's Attorney's Office, it remains undetermined whether the State will pursue a retrial on the outstanding three counts.

 In a statement to Report Annapolis News, the Anne Arundel County Public School System affirmed that the jury's split verdict does not alter Schlegel's employment status. The school district stated, “There are proceedings still to be carried out in this case, including a hearing tomorrow, and it would, therefore, be inappropriate for us to comment at this time."

At least one of the families of the children have filed a civil suit against Schlegel, the School Principal and the Anne Arundel County Public School System. To read the complaint, go to: Mother Doe vs AACPS, et al

***The filing of a lawsuit is not indicative of guilt or wrong doing on the part of any of the parties involved.***

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