A pre-kindergarten teacher's aide in New Jersey has been arrested and charged with sexually assaulting multiple children over a period exceeding ten years, according to authorities. Shaun M. Stebbins, 43, was taken into custody on Sunday following an extensive investigation by law enforcement agencies.
Multiple Charges Filed Against Educator
Stebbins faces a comprehensive list of charges including aggravated sexual assault of a victim under 13 years old and various offenses related to child pornography. The Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office confirmed these serious allegations stem from reported incidents involving numerous victims between 2014 and 2025.
Prosecutors Express Grave Concerns
Atlantic County Prosecutor William E. Reynolds issued a statement expressing deep concern that additional victims may exist, particularly given the defendant's employment providing access to young children. "We are issuing this press release to make the public aware of these heinous allegations," Reynolds stated. "We are deeply concerned that there may be additional victims, particularly given the defendant's access to children through his employment."
Reynolds further noted that individuals who prey on children often deliberately position themselves in roles of trust within educational institutions and youth programs to facilitate access to potential victims. This pattern has been observed in numerous previous cases involving child exploitation.
Investigation Reveals Extensive Allegations
The investigation, conducted by the Somers Point Police Department with assistance from the County Prosecutor's Office Special Victims Unit, revealed that Stebbins allegedly committed multiple sexual acts against several victims all under the age of 13. Additionally, he stands accused of creating and possessing child sexual abuse material.
School District Responds to Arrest
Stebbins had worked as an aide in a preschool class at Woodbine Elementary School for several years. According to reports, he had even been honored as an employee of the year, though all photographs of him were removed from the district's social media platforms following the allegations.
In a message to parents obtained by media outlets, Superintendent Adrienne Breitinger stated the district had no additional information beyond what had been reported publicly. "Upon being informed of the arrest, the District immediately requested a replacement aide," the message read. "The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority."
Allegations First Emerged Recently
The claims against Stebbins initially surfaced approximately two weeks ago when four students came forward with detailed accounts of alleged abuse, according to a relative of one victim who spoke with The New York Times. The relative also mentioned that Stebbins spent considerable time online, including participating in livestreams, and that investigators had seized fifteen hard drives and other electronic devices from his residence.
Legal Proceedings Underway
Stebbins was arrested by the Somers Point Police Department and is currently detained at the Atlantic County Justice Facility. He is scheduled to appear in court for a detention hearing, with prosecutors noting they released information about his arrest "out of an abundance of caution" despite the holiday weekend timing.
The investigation remains active as authorities continue to examine evidence and pursue potential additional leads. The Independent has reached out to both the Somers Point Police Department and Woodbine School District for further comment on the developing case.
