Our community is reeling from disturbing allegations against a trusted school employee who prosecutors say used his position to harm the most vulnerable among us.
Shaun M. Stebbins, a 43-year-old pre-kindergarten aide at Woodbine Elementary School in Somers Point, faces serious criminal charges after authorities say he sexually assaulted multiple children under the age of 13 between 2014 and 2025. The Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office also alleges he created and possessed child sexual abuse material during this period.
Atlantic County Prosecutor William E. Reynolds emphasized the gravity of the situation in a public statement, expressing deep concern that additional victims may exist given Stebbins' prolonged access to young children through his school employment.
"We are issuing this press release to make the public aware of these heinous allegations," Reynolds said. "As we have seen in other recent cases, individuals who prey on children often place themselves in positions of trust within schools, organizations, and youth programs to gain access to victims."
The charges against Stebbins are extensive and severe. He faces 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 conduct, third-degree showing obscene material to a minor, and fourth-degree criminal sexual contact.
The allegations span more than a decade, raising urgent questions about how such abuse could continue undetected for so long. First-degree charges in New Jersey carry potential sentences of 10 to 20 years in state prison.
For parents and guardians in our community, particularly those whose children attended Woodbine Elementary School during this timeframe, this news is understandably distressing. Authorities are actively investigating and encourage anyone with information or concerns about potential additional victims to come forward.
This case serves as a painful reminder of the importance of vigilance in protecting our children and the devastating breach of trust that occurs when those entrusted with their care exploit that position. Our community's healing will require not only justice through the legal system but also support for the victims and their families as they navigate the difficult road ahead.
The investigation remains ongoing. Parents with questions or concerns should contact the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office directly.
