Image sources: Mugshot of John McAleer, a Frederick County Public Schools special education assistant charged with sexually abusing multiple students, courtesy of Frederick County Sheriff’s Office. The visible injuries on his neck are from an apparent suicide attempt. Oakdale Middle School, pictured in the background, is where he was employed, © Google, via Google Maps.
Case Against John McAleer
The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office arrested John McAleer, a 22-year-old special education instructional assistant at Oakdale Middle School, following reports of the sexual abuse of multiple students. According to 7 News, “‘The judge called the allegations in the case ‘unspeakable.’”
According to the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, an investigation began after authorities “received a report alleging sexual abuse of a minor involving a Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) employee” on September 19, 2025.
Authorities identified McAleer, who worked with special education students through FCPS.
The day of the report, he was placed on administrative leave by the district. Detectives soon identified several minor victims who reported similar abuse by McAleer.
McAleer is accused of sexually abusing at least two students under the age of 14 on school grounds during the school day.
According to 7 News, “The children are on the autism spectrum and are mostly non-verbal or only able to speak a word at a time. The allegations came to light when a new staffer at the school spotted McAleer alone with a young boy, according to the documents.”
McAleer is facing the following criminal charges:
- Two counts of Sexual Abuse of a Minor
- Two counts of Third-Degree Sexual Offense – Victim Under 14
- Two counts of Third-Degree Sexual Offense – Cognitively Impaired Victim
SWAT Raid and Suicide Attempt
On October 6, 2025, the FSCO SWAT team executed a search warrant at McAleer’s home in Frederick County.
According to the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, “McAleer refused to exit the home and barricaded himself in a bedroom. Deputies attempted to negotiate with him, but he did not respond. While continuing efforts to get McAleer out of the residence, deputies observed blood inside the bedroom and made an emergency entry. McAleer was found with serious self-inflicted injuries from an apparent suicide attempt with a knife.”
Deputies provided life-saving aid to McAleer before he was flown to a local hospital.
McAleer was released from the hospital on October 12, arrested by the Metropolitan Police Department (Washington, D.C.), and extradited to Frederick County three days later, where he was booked into the county’s Adult Detention Center.
McAleer’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 13th with Judge Dino E. Flores, Jr. at Frederick District Court.
Others May Have Been Harmed
Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins told 7 News that the allegations were horrific, emphasizing the vulnerability of the students involved.
“It’s horrific that young kids would be victimized like this and especially students with disabilities. So again, we’re talking at least two confirmed victims. Maybe more. Right now, we think at least three or four more.”
The investigation into McAleer is ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Detective Lawson at 301-600-2817 or LLawson@FrederickCountyMD.gov.
Response from the District
Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) has not issued a public statement addressing the allegations against McAleer or the district’s handling of the case.
However, according to Maryland Bay News, “Frederick County Public Schools issued a short, tightly worded statement confirming McAleer had passed a background check and was placed on leave once allegations surfaced,” but offered no additional information.
A principal’s letter to parents referenced “potential inappropriate conduct with students” but did not name McAleer or acknowledge that special needs students were allegedly among the victims.
Maryland Bay News also points out that FCPS has previously faced scrutiny over its treatment of special education students, yet “there appears to be little evidence of reform in how the district monitors its staff or safeguards its most vulnerable students.”
School Oversight and Accountability
As a special education instructional assistant, McAleer worked closely with some of the school’s most vulnerable students.
The crimes he allegedly committed are deeply disturbing, involving students who were non-verbal and may have struggled to communicate what was happening to other adults.
Exploiting their vulnerability is an unconscionable breach of trust.
According to 7 News, a new staff member “reported to Frederick County Sheriff’s detectives that there were warning signs as early as last spring when she first started working at the school. She claimed McAleer had photos and videos of children, which he shared, and that she heard him describing a boy’s private parts to another staffer. None of that was reported at the time.”
This alleged lack of reporting allowed the abuse to continue and violated the school’s duty to protect vulnerable students.
When negligence in hiring, supervision, or reporting enables abuse, schools can be held civilly liable.
Civil action not only helps survivors seek justice but also drives reforms that make classrooms safer for every child.
Support for Survivors
Speaking up about sexual abuse can be incredibly difficult, especially for children with disabilities.
At Andreozzi + Foote, we represent survivors of sexual abuse in Maryland and nationwide, holding schools and institutions accountable when they fail to protect children in their care.
If you or your child were harmed by John McAleer or another school employee, our team is here to listen and help you take the first step toward justice and healing.
Every consultation is free and completely confidential.
You are not alone, and you deserve justice.
Contact us today.
