Key Takeaways
- Shaun Michael Stebbins, 44, a former prekindergarten teacher’s aide at Woodbine Elementary School in New Jersey, was initially arrested in March 2026 following allegations that he sexually abused four children from the same family.
- On October 30, 2026, Stebbins was charged with 61 additional charges, including aggravated sexual assault and manufacturing child sexual abuse material.
- Court documents allege abuse of preschool students inside school restrooms and during nap time.
- The allegations raise serious questions about institutional oversight and potential civil liability against Stebbins’ employers.
A former prekindergarten teacher’s aide at Woodbine Elementary School in Cape May County, New Jersey, is facing 61 additional criminal charges following an investigation into allegations that he sexually abused young students.
Shaun Michael Stebbins, formerly Burtchaell, 44, of Somers Point, New Jersey, was initially arrested in Atlantic County on March 29, 2026, following allegations that he sexually abused four children from the same family at his home from 2012 to 2025.
The investigation subsequently expanded, and October 30, 2026, the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office announced 61 additional charges, including aggravated sexual assault, manufacturing child pornography, and endangering the welfare of a child.
Shaun Stebbins Arrested In March 2026
On March 29, 2026, Shaun Stebbins was arrested following an investigation by the Somers Point Police Department and Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office into allegations that he sexually abused four children from the same family, including children as young as five.
According to NJ.com, “The father first learned about the alleged abuse on March 25… four days before Stebbins was arrested.”
According to the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, Stebbins, was charged with:
- first-degree aggravated sexual assault of a victim under the age of 13
- first-degree permitting a child to engage in pornography,
- second-degree photographing a child in a sex act,
- second-degree endangering the welfare of a child by sexual act,
- third-degree showing obscenity to a minor
- fourth-degree criminal sexual contact
“In a police interview following the March arrest, a victim said they were abused by Stebbins twice a week from 2012 to 2017, according to the affidavit.” (NJ.com)
Additional allegations included Stebbins photographing a child nude, exposing children to pornography, and secretly watching a girl shower through a hole in the floor.
None of the alleged victims in the initial investigation were students at Woodbine Elementary School, but authorities believed there could be additional victims.
According to the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, “Shaun Stebbins was employed at Woodbine Elementary School as a teacher’s aide from February of 2022 to the date of his arrest in Atlantic County on March 29, 2026.”
Investigation Expands to Woodbine Elementary School
In April 2026, evidence uncovered during the Atlantic County investigation prompted the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office to investigate possible additional offenses involving Stebbins, eventually leading to the new charges.
According to ABC 7, “Prosecutors said a search of Stebbins’ electronic devices uncovered numerous images and videos of students from the school. Court documents allege Stebbins photographed and recorded children’s genitalia in school bathrooms and recorded himself performing sexual acts on children in the bathroom and during nap time.”
On October 30, 2026, Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland announced 61 additional criminal charges against Stebbins as a result of the investigation:
- twenty-nine (29) counts of manufacturing child pornography, a crime of the first degree;
- five (5) counts of aggravated sexual assault, a crime of the first degree;
- thirteen (13) counts of sexual assault by sexual contact; a crime of the second degree;
- fourteen (14) counts of endangering the welfare of a child; a crime of the second degree.
Additional reporting identified alleged victims as young as three and four years old.
Stebbins appeared in court on November 2 to hear the most recent charges against him.
The Investigation Is Ongoing
The Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed that the investigation into Stebbins remains ongoing.
Prosecutor Sutherland stated, “‘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.’”
Anyone with information related to the case is being asked to contact the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit at (609) 465-1135 or anonymously on the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office website at cmcpo.tips.
Woodbine School District’s Response
Shaun Stebbins worked as a prekindergarten teacher’s aide at Woodbine Elementary School from February 2022 until his March 29, 2026, arrest.
In 2024, he was named Woodbine Elementary School Paraprofessional of the year.
The school district has stated that he was employed through ESS, a staffing company, not the district itself.
Following his arrest, Woodbine School Superintendent Adrienne Breitinger said the district had immediately requested a replacement for Stebbins.
The district told families that they had no “additional information beyond what was reported in the media regarding the investigation.”
As of November 5, 2026, the district had not responded to media requests for comment regarding the additional charges involving children at the school.
Could Woodbine School District or ESS Face Civil Liability?
The allegations against Shaun Stebbins raise serious questions about whether Woodbine School District, ESS, or both could face civil liability for allegedly failing to protect young children from sexual abuse.
Under New Jersey law, schools and staffing companies may face civil claims when negligent hiring, inadequate supervision, or failures to address known risks contribute to sexual abuse.
A civil investigation could examine whether:
- ESS adequately screened Stebbins before assigning him to Woodbine Elementary School, including conducting background checks and verifying his employment history.
- Woodbine School District and ESS had adequate policies and procedures in place to prevent child sexual abuse, and whether those safeguards were consistently followed and enforced, particularly during bathroom visits and nap time.
- Either institution knew or should have known of potential risks, including prior complaints, warning signs, or inappropriate conduct.
- School personnel complied with mandatory reporting requirements and responded appropriately to suspected abuse.
- ESS and Woodbine School District fulfilled their respective responsibilities for supervising contracted employees and protecting students.
New Jersey allows survivors of childhood sexual abuse to pursue civil claims against institutions. Whether Woodbine School District or ESS could be held legally responsible would depend on their respective duties and whether their actions or failures contributed to the alleged abuse.
Andreozzi + Foote Represents Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse
If your child was sexually abused by Shaun Stebbins at Woodbine Elementary School, you may have civil legal rights.
Civil lawsuits can provide survivors and their families with an opportunity to seek compensation for the physical, emotional, and psychological harm caused by sexual abuse. They can also help hold responsible institutions accountable for failures in supervision, oversight, and child protection.
Andreozzi + Foote represents survivors of childhood sexual abuse, including individuals harmed by teachers, school employees, and other adults entrusted with their care.
Our trauma-informed attorneys are available to listen and help you understand your legal rights and options.
All consultations are free and confidential.
📞 (866) 311-8640
📧 info@vca.law
Image sources: Shaun Stebbins, via 6 ABC. Shaun Stebbins, courtesy of Daily Voice, via Woodbine Elementary School Facebook.
