Somers Point man was already jailed on charges involving four children in Atlantic County; prosecutors say electronic evidence uncovered alleged crimes involving Woodbine Elementary School students.
WOODBINE, N.J. — A former Woodbine Elementary School teacher's aide already accused of sexually abusing children in Atlantic County now faces 61 additional criminal charges in Cape May County after investigators discovered photographs and videos of students on his electronic devices, authorities announced Friday.
Shaun M. Stebbins, 44, of Somers Point, was charged October 30 with 29 counts of manufacturing child sexual abuse material, 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 charges follow a months-long investigation involving the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office, Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office and Somers Point Police Department.
Stebbins worked as a pre-kindergarten teacher's aide at Woodbine Elementary School from February 2022 until his arrest on March 29, 2026.
The latest charges represent a significant expansion of a criminal investigation that began earlier this year with allegations involving four children in Atlantic County.
Investigators Discover Evidence Involving School Students
According to Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland, his office was notified in April that an investigation already underway in Atlantic County had uncovered evidence suggesting additional crimes occurred in Cape May County.
Investigators subsequently examined electronic devices belonging to Stebbins.
Authorities reported finding numerous images and videos involving students from Woodbine Elementary School.
The discovery led to the additional charges announced Friday.
The 29 counts involving the alleged manufacturing of child sexual abuse material and five aggravated sexual assault counts are classified as first-degree crimes.
The 13 sexual assault by sexual contact counts and 14 endangering the welfare of a child counts are second-degree offenses.
Under New Jersey law, first-degree crimes generally carry potential prison sentences of 10 to 20 years, while second-degree crimes typically carry sentences of five to 10 years. Actual sentencing would depend on any convictions and applicable legal requirements.
Prosecutors have not publicly identified the alleged victims or disclosed how many Woodbine students are involved.
They also have not released a detailed timeline of when the alleged offenses involving students occurred.
Atlantic County Prosecutor Warned of Additional Victims in April
The new charges follow concerns publicly expressed by Atlantic County Prosecutor William Reynolds when Stebbins was first arrested.
In an April 3 announcement, Reynolds said authorities were investigating allegations that Stebbins sexually abused multiple children under the age of 13 over a period exceeding 10 years.
The alleged offenses occurred between 2014 and 2025 and included sexual assault and the creation and possession of child sexual abuse material.
The original investigation was conducted by Somers Point police with assistance from the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office Special Victims Unit.
According to previous reporting by CBS Philadelphia and 6abc, the investigation involved four children from the same family.
At the time of the original arrest, Reynolds specifically raised concerns about Stebbins' employment in an elementary school.
"We are deeply concerned that there may be additional victims, particularly given the defendant's access to children through his employment," Reynolds said in the April 3 statement.
The prosecutor also warned that individuals accused of sexually exploiting children sometimes obtain positions that provide access to vulnerable young people.
The original allegations did not establish that students at Woodbine Elementary School had been victimized.
Friday's announcement, however, revealed that the subsequent investigation had produced additional charges involving alleged crimes in Cape May County and evidence depicting Woodbine students.
Questions Surround School Employment and Oversight
Stebbins' employment at Woodbine Elementary School is now a significant part of the developing case.
According to an April report by NJ.com, Woodbine School District Superintendent Adrienne Breitinger informed parents that Stebbins had been employed through a staffing company that supplied personnel to the district.
The superintendent reportedly said the district immediately requested a replacement after learning of his arrest.
In that communication, Breitinger emphasized that student safety and well-being were the district's highest priority.
The latest allegations raise additional questions about employee screening, supervision and whether school officials received complaints or warnings during Stebbins' approximately four years working at the elementary school.
There has been no public finding that the school district or staffing company committed wrongdoing.
It also remains unclear what additional steps the district has taken to notify families or review safety procedures following the new charges.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported Friday that a Woodbine School District spokesperson could not be reached for comment. 6abc also reported that it had requested a response from the school but had not received one.
Prosecutor Says Investigation Remains Active
Cape May County Prosecutor Sutherland emphasized the seriousness of the allegations in announcing the new charges.
"Children are among our most vulnerable population and we have a responsibility to protect their safety and well-being," Sutherland said.
"Anyone who harms a child will be held accountable through our justice system," he added.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are asking anyone with information about Stebbins or the allegations to contact investigators.
Stebbins remains incarcerated at the Atlantic County Correctional Facility pending further court proceedings.
The new charges have not been adjudicated. Stebbins is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Anyone with information about the investigation can contact the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office Special Victims Unit at 609-465-1135.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the prosecutor's office at cmcpo.tips.
This is a developing story.
About the Author
Karen Johnson
With over 30 years of news experience in major markets like Los Angeles, Denver, and Columbus, Karen now covers our area for South Jersey NewsBeat. She also brings her articulate and conversational news delivery to WOND radio listeners every weekday. Her background includes work with the NBC Radio Network, and she thrives in fast-paced news environments.
