Severna Park Elementary School Student, Parent Testifies During Trial of Former 3rd Grade Teacher Accused of Child Sex Abuse

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A former student of the accused 3rd grade Severna Park Elementary School teacher who is being tried on child sex offense charges testified in front of a jury consisting of 7 men, 5 women and 4 alternates, before her mother also testified today. 

The now 10 year old fourth grade student took the stand today under oath in the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court in the case of Matthew Schlegel, a 45-year-old former educator at Severna Park Elementary School. Mr. Schlegel is confronted with 21 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.

The court went into recess with the child's mother on the stand, who told prosecutors that her family has filed a lawsuit against the school system for failing to protect her daughter. The details of that lawsuit were not immediately available

The inquiry was initiated in March 2024 by the Criminal Investigation Division Child Abuse Unit following allegations of sexual abuse involving a teacher and several students at Severna Park Elementary School. Students and the school administration identified Matthew Scott Banks Schlegel, then 44 years of age and a resident of Severna Park, as the individual against whom these allegations were made. Following these revelations, Mr. Schlegel's employment was promptly terminated by the school system.

The ensuing investigation involved comprehensive forensic interviews conducted by Child Protective Services with multiple child victims. Following these interviews and in consultation with the Office of the State’s Attorney, Matthew Scott Banks Schlegel was formally charged on May 15, 2024, with several criminal offenses, including second-degree assault and sex abuse of a minor. He was apprehended at his residence on May 16, 2024.

Matthew Schlegel, now 45 years old, is facing 55 charges, encompassing sex abuse of a minor, second-degree assault, and third- and fourth-degree sex offenses. These charges arise from claims of inappropriate physical interactions with students within the school environment, occurring in classrooms as well as other areas.

During today's testimony, the child's mother informed the prosecutors that her family has initiated legal action against the school system, asserting a failure to ensure the safety of her daughter. The specific details pertaining to this lawsuit were not immediately disclosed prior to the court's adjournment.

Schlegel and his lawyers have denied the accusations. 

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