A former pre-kindergarten classroom aide at Woodbine Elementary School in Cape May County, New Jersey, is facing 61 criminal charges after investigators say they found images and videos of students on his electronic devices, according to the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office.
Shaun M. Stebbins, 44, worked at the school from February 2022 until his arrest on March 29 in neighboring Atlantic County. The case against him in Cape May County grew out of a separate investigation in Atlantic County and Somers Point, where authorities were already examining allegations of sexual assault tied to Stebbins’ home. In April, those investigators alerted Cape May County prosecutors that their probe had turned up evidence of suspected crimes there as well.
A search of Stebbins’ devices allegedly uncovered numerous images and videos of Woodbine Elementary School students. Prosecutors have not disclosed how many children were involved or when the recordings were made. Court documents reviewed by ABC7 indicate Stebbins filmed and carried out sex acts on children in a school bathroom and during nap time.
On Oct. 30, the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office announced the full scope of charges against Stebbins: 29 counts of manufacturing child pornography, five counts of aggravated sexual assault, 13 counts of sexual assault by sexual contact, and 14 counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
The manufacturing and aggravated sexual assault counts are first-degree offenses under New Jersey law, carrying potential prison terms of 10 to 20 years. The remaining charges are second-degree offenses, which typically carry sentences of five to 10 years.
Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland said the investigation is ongoing.
“Children are among our most vulnerable population, and we have a responsibility to protect their safety and well-being. Anyone who harms a child will be held accountable through our justice system.”
Stebbins is being held at the Atlantic County Correctional Facility awaiting further court proceedings. The Woodbine School District, the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office and the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Fox News Digital.
Prosecutors are asking anyone with information relevant to the investigation to contact the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit at 609-465-1135 or to submit an anonymous tip through cmcpo.tips.
