Shaun M. Stebbins, 44, a former pre-kindergarten teacher's aide at Woodbine Elementary School in New Jersey, faces 61 additional criminal charges after prosecutors accused him of sexually assaulting young students and producing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The new charges, announced on October 30, 2026, followed an investigation into images and videos allegedly recovered from his electronic devices.
Stebbins, a resident of Somers Point, previously faced charges in a separate Atlantic County investigation involving four children. The latest allegations concern incidents authorities believe occurred at Woodbine Elementary School in Cape May County, where he worked from February 2022 until his arrest on March 29, 2026.
What Is Shaun Stebbins Accused Of?
According to Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland, investigators found numerous images and videos involving Woodbine Elementary School students while examining Stebbins' electronic devices.
Court documents reported by 6abc Philadelphia allege that Stebbins sexually abused preschool-aged children, including children as young as 3 and 4, while working as a teacher's aide.
Prosecutors allege that some incidents occurred in school bathrooms and during classroom nap periods. The evidence reportedly includes recordings of alleged sexual assaults and inappropriate images of children.
Stebbins appeared virtually in court on November 2, 2026, when prosecutors outlined the additional allegations. The full number of children potentially affected has not been publicly established.
Breakdown of the 61 Criminal Charges
The Cape May County Prosecutor's Office announced the following charges against Stebbins on October 30, 2026:
- 29 counts of manufacturing child sexual abuse material: First-degree offenses involving the alleged production of illegal sexual material depicting minors.
- 5 counts of aggravated sexual assault: First-degree offenses involving allegations of serious sexual crimes against children.
- 13 counts of sexual assault by sexual contact: Second-degree offenses involving alleged unlawful sexual contact.
- 14 counts of endangering the welfare of a child: Second-degree offenses related to the alleged mistreatment or exploitation of minors.
Under New Jersey law, first-degree crimes generally carry potential prison sentences of 10 to 20 years, while second-degree crimes typically carry sentences of five to 10 years. Actual penalties depend on any convictions, applicable sentencing provisions, and judicial determinations.
These 61 charges are additional to the criminal charges previously filed against Stebbins in Atlantic County.
How the Investigation Began
Stebbins was initially arrested on March 29, 2026, following an Atlantic County investigation into allegations that he sexually abused four children over several years.
According to prosecutors, the investigation began after one alleged victim, who had reached adulthood, reported abuse. Authorities subsequently identified three other alleged victims, who were siblings of the person who came forward.
Investigators alleged that the abuse began in 2012 and continued until 2025, with incidents reportedly occurring at Stebbins' Somers Point residence.
During an April 6 court appearance, Stebbins faced 16 charges connected with the initial investigation. The allegations included sexual assault and offenses related to the exploitation of minors.
In April, Atlantic County authorities notified the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office that the investigation had uncovered evidence suggesting possible additional offenses within Cape May County.
Investigators from both counties and the Somers Point Police Department subsequently coordinated their work, leading to the additional charges announced in October.
Shaun Stebbins' Employment at Woodbine Elementary School
Stebbins worked as a pre-kindergarten teacher's aide at Woodbine Elementary School in Woodbine, Cape May County, for approximately four years, from February 2022 until March 2026.
His employment became a central focus of the investigation after authorities identified images and videos involving students from the school.
Following his initial arrest, the school district sought a replacement aide. The district previously indicated that classroom aides were employed through an outside staffing provider.
The allegations have raised concerns among local families about student safety, supervision, and the safeguards intended to protect young children in educational settings.
As of November 5, 2026, authorities had not publicly disclosed a complete list of affected students or established the total number of alleged victims connected with the school investigation.
Where Is Shaun Stebbins Now?
According to the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office, Stebbins remained in custody at the Atlantic County Correctional Facility following the announcement of the additional charges.
During his November 2 court appearance, he was ordered to remain detained pending further proceedings. Another court hearing was scheduled for November 4, although a verified outcome of that hearing was not available in the reviewed reports.
The investigation remains ongoing. Prosecutors have asked anyone with relevant information to contact the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office Special Victims Unit at 609-465-1135.
What Happens Next in the Shaun Stebbins Case?
The criminal proceedings involve allegations investigated by authorities in two New Jersey counties. Prosecutors will need to establish the elements of each charged offense through admissible evidence before a conviction can occur.
The investigation may also involve further examination of digital evidence, witness statements, and information provided by families or other individuals with knowledge of the alleged incidents.
Although the number and severity of the charges are substantial, they do not establish criminal guilt. Stebbins remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
The case remains under investigation as authorities continue addressing allegations involving children both inside and outside the school environment.
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