A former New Jersey elementary school aide faces 61 criminal charges, including aggravated sexual assault and manufacturing child sexual abuse material, after prosecutors discovered images and videos of students on his electronic devices. Shaun Stebbins, 44, worked at Woodbine Elementary School in Cape May County from February 2022 until his arrest on March 29.
The investigation began in Atlantic County and Somers Point, where authorities notified Cape May County prosecutors of suspected crimes in their jurisdiction related to a separate sexual assault investigation involving Stebbins at his home. A subsequent search of Stebbins' devices allegedly revealed numerous images and videos of Woodbine Elementary School students, according to the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office.
Prosecutors announced the charges on October 30, which include 29 counts of manufacturing child pornography, five counts of aggravated sexual assault, 13 counts of sexual assault by sexual contact, and 14 counts of endangering the welfare of a child. The manufacturing and aggravated sexual assault charges are first-degree offenses, carrying potential prison sentences of 10 to 20 years under New Jersey law. The remaining charges are second-degree offenses, typically punishable by five to 10 years in prison.
According to court documents, Stebbins is accused of filming and performing sex acts on children in a school bathroom and during nap time. Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland stated that the office continues to investigate and that "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."
Stebbins is currently being held in the Atlantic County Correctional Facility pending court proceedings. The Woodbine School District and the prosecutor's offices have not immediately responded to requests for comment. Prosecutors are asking anyone with information to contact the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office Special Victims Unit at 609-465-1135 or submit an anonymous tip at cmcpo.tips.