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A 44-year-old elementary school teacher there, Matthew Schlegel, allegedly sexually abused at least eight students in his classroom, facing 55 charges brought by a federal grand jury. A town in Maryland, Severna Park, is grappling with a disturbing case. A 44-year-old elementary school teacher there, Matthew Schlegel, allegedly sexually abused at least eight students in his classroom, facing 55 charges brought by a federal grand jury.
Just last month, Schlegel was first arrested on 36 counts related to child sex abuse and sexual offenses against minors. Since then, the grand jury has piled on additional charges based on evidence uncovered, per court records, per CBS News, WBFF-TV and the Capital Gazette.
According to the outlet, the abuse allegedly took place during school hours over a staggering 20-month period from August 2022 until March 2024, when he was finally removed. Prosecutors paint a chilling portrait, calling Schlegel "crafty" and an expert at "grooming children" to make them victims.
Schlegel's attorney argued for bail, stating the teacher's community ties made him unlikely to flee. A judge was so appalled by the alleged facts that, if true, they were deemed "heinous" - leading to Schlegel's bail being denied before trial per WBFF-TV and the Capital Gazette.
Now, as the legal case proceeds, child advocates insist that coordinated trauma counseling is absolutely vital for helping the young victims heal and overcome.
"Children who experience sexual abuse can face lasting psychological impacts like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress," said Karen Kalergis, director of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network. "Comprehensive support tailored to their individual needs is critical for healing."
Trauma experts recommend evidence-based treatments such as cognitive processing therapy and parent-child interaction therapy. School and community-based counseling resources should coordinate care and treatment plans.
"With proper intervention and counseling approaches, we can help young survivors regain their childhoods and thrive," Kalergis added. "Communities must wrap care around these children throughout the long recovery journey."
The Anne Arundel School District has not commented on potential counseling services. The victims' families are also bringing a civil case against Schlegel and the schools.
If convicted, Schlegel could face substantial prison time for the alleged crimes against students in his classroom.
