Paint the Park Pink: Severna Park Community Rallies Behind Witnesses in Child Sex Abuse Case Following Aquittal, Not Guilty Verdict

Paint the Park Pink, a group of supporters for the children who testified during the jury trial of now aquitted Matthew Schlegel, has emerged in the days since the suspended Severna Park Elementary School teacher was found not guilty on 18 counts of child sex abuse. 

"Because #justicenotserved is not the end of our story," says the the social media group which has gained more than 1,000 instagram followers. "We believe our girls."

Matthew Schlegel has been acquitted on all 18 felony child sex abuse charges. He was initially arrested and booked into the Jennifer Road Detention Center on May 16, 2024, and released on June 18, 2025, sources tell Report Annapolis News.  According to court records, Schlegel was released on his own recognizance while awaiting a disposition on the three misdemeanor assault charges. 

As a result, he has since been returned to paid status with Anne Arundel County Public Schools. 

After nearly 20 hours of deliberation, an Anne Arundel County jury acquitted the suspended Severna Park Elementary School teacher on 18 of 21 child sex abuse-related charges. A mistrial is anticipated for the remaining three counts of second degree assault. A status conference in the case has been scheduled for July 1.

The jury delivered their split verdict in the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court concerning Matthew Schlegel, who had been accused of sexually assaulting several female students between the 2022 and 2023 school years. Initially, Schlegel had been indicted on 55 counts, but 34 of those counts were dismissed before the trial began, according to court documents.

In a statement to Report Annapolis News, a spokesperson for the school system said, "Our school district will now finalize its review of the matter consistent with our internal processes and will make further decisions regarding Mr. Schlegel’s status and employment assignment in accordance with our obligations under state law." 

It is currently unclear what position Schlegel will hold or where he will work during this time.

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

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.***

For news tips, investigative report ideas and general inquiries:

info@reportannapolis.com

***The content on this posting, on the website and in the articles is provided "as is;" and no representations are made that the content is error-free.***

***No reader, user, or browser of this posting, website and the articles should act or refrain from acting on the basis of the content without first seeking advice from a competent and qualified professional.***