Anne Arundel County, Maryland – Matthew Schlegel, a 44-year-old former elementary school teacher, is facing 55 charges related to the alleged sexual assault of multiple students at Sna Park Elementary School. Schlegel, who had been employed by the Anne Arundel County Public School System since 2008, was arrested following a months-long investigation.
Schlegel’s arrest sent shockwaves through the community, as many parents and colleagues expressed disbelief at the allegations. The charges stem from incidents alleged to have occurred between 2022 and 2024, involving at least eight female students, all in the third grade.
According to the application for statement of charges filed with the District Court of Maryland, the investigation began in March 2024 after several students came forward with accusations against Schlegel. The school system immediately removed him from the classroom, and Child Protective Services launched a comprehensive investigation.
Forensic interviews were conducted with at least eight students, who provided disturbing details of the alleged abuse. One student described how Schlegel, her math teacher, would touch her inappropriately under her clothing while in class. Another student reported similar incidents, alleging that Schlegel touched her private areas both over and under her clothes on multiple occasions.
An empty classroom with desks and chairs arranged neatly.
Several students reported that Schlegel would often have them sit on his lap, during which he would touch them inappropriately. Others accused him of using objects, such as a pencil, to touch them under their clothing. Disturbingly, some witnesses reported observing Schlegel with students on his lap during class. One witness even claimed to have witnessed Schlegel inappropriately touching a victim.
The allegations paint a picture of a predator who used his position of authority to groom and abuse his young students. Anna Sonoda, a licensed clinical social worker and author of the book “Duck Duck Groom: Understanding How a Child Becomes a Target,” says that this type of behavior is unfortunately all too common.
“This is a pattern of behavior that we see again and again,” explains Sonoda. “Predators often target children because they are vulnerable and easily influenced. They use grooming tactics, such as showering children with attention and compliments, to gain their trust and make them feel special.”
Sonoda emphasizes that predators thrive on access and space, which teachers often have in abundance. Schlegel’s alleged abuse, much of which is said to have occurred in the classroom, highlights the brazen nature of some predators.
“The fact that he was allegedly abusing these children in plain sight, in front of other students and possibly even other adults, is incredibly concerning,” says Sonoda. “This suggests a high level of confidence and a disturbing disregard for the consequences of his actions.”
Schlegel, who is married with children, has maintained his innocence. His attorney argued for house arrest, citing the support of his family and friends as evidence that he was not a flight risk. However, the court ultimately denied this request, and Schlegel is currently being held without bail at the Jennifer Road Detention Center.
A close-up of handcuffs on a person's wrists.
The charges against Schlegel are incredibly serious, with some carrying sentences of up to 25 years in prison. If convicted on all counts, he could potentially face life behind bars.
Sonoda stresses the importance of believing and supporting survivors of abuse. She encourages anyone with information about this case, or any other instance of abuse, to come forward.
“It is crucial that we create a culture where survivors feel safe and supported in coming forward,” she says. “By working together, we can hold predators accountable and protect children from harm.”
The Anne Arundel County Police Department is urging anyone with information to contact their tip line at 410-222-4733. Callers can remain anonymous.
