Anne Arundel elementary school teacher arrested for sexually abusing multiple children

An Anne Arundel County elementary school teacher has been arrested on charges of sexually abusing eight children.

Matthew Schlegel, 44, was arrested this morning at his home in Severna Park. He faces more than 30 charges, ranging from second-degree assault to sexual abuse of a minor. Schlegel is a third-grade math teacher at Severna Park Elementary School.

Project Baltimore was on scene early this morning as officers searched Schegelel’s home and vehicle.

According to school sources, the first allegation was reported March 15 by a third-grader who claimed Schlegel touched her inappropriately.

Three days later, on March 18, Severna Park principal Kyle Butler sent an email to parents of third-graders stating that Schlegel had been removed from the school “indefinitely.”

The parents were not told why Schlegel, supposedly a popular teacher, was suddenly gone.

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On April 7, Severna Park parents learned more information when the principal sent a second email to the entire school community.

The email said an allegation against Schlegel had been reported to the school system’s investigative agency. After the first allegation, the principal said he met with “several other families” and also provided their information to authorities.

The school system would not confirm how many students made allegations. But Project Baltimore spoke with a parent whose 9-year-old daughter is one of the alleged victims. That parent says that by early April, at least four third-graders had made similar allegations against Schlegel.

According to materials independently reviewed by Project Baltimore, the alleged misconduct occurred in Schlegel’s classroom during the school day.

Schlegel is expected to have his bail reviewed today or tomorrow.