Fact vs Fiction: Defense, Prosecution Square Off Over Credibility of Witness Statements in Case Against Accused Severna Park Elementary School Teacher

Today's proceedings in the trial of Matthew Schlegel, the Severna Park Elementary School teacher accused of sexually abusing several students, were quite intense, focusing heavily on the credibility of the witnesses.

A current 5th-grade student, who has been identified as another alleged victim in this case, gave her testimony regarding claims of inappropriate touching. The student alleged that Mr. Schlegel improperly touched her when she was a 3rd-grade student in his class. She specifically recounted instances where he "would put a pen up my shorts... It happened multiple times. It felt unusual." 

Following the young girl's testimony, her mother took the stand and described the significant emotional distress her daughter experienced. She stated that she reported these incidents to school officials and the Department of Social Services back in the spring of 2024. She testified about her daughter’s hallucinations, which she believes triggered severe panic attacks and separation anxiety following the alleged assault. According to the mother, her daughter "didn’t want to go to school and didn’t want to leave my side." She further detailed a significant change in her daughter's overall demeanor, noting that she went from being a happy and well-adjusted child to one who became increasingly anxious and withdrawn, even reporting instances of her complaining about seeing "ghosts," doubling down on a profound impact the alleged abuse had on the child's well-being.

The defense's line of questioning seemed to center on a delay between the time of the alleged abuse and when it was disclosed. They focused on the timeline of the reported emotional distress, emphasizing that these behavioral changes reportedly began a full year after the alleged incidents took place. 

Mr. Schlegel is currently facing a jury composed of 7 men, 5 women, and 4 alternates. He is charged with multiple offenses, including 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 at Severna Park Elementary School. Mr. Schlegel denies these allegations and has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

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.***

***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.*** 

For news tips, investigative report ideas and general inquiries: info@reportannapolis.com