Elementary school teacher Matthew Schlegel charged with groping 8 girls

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From Steve Helling

Authorities say a Maryland elementary school teacher sexually abused at least eight third-grade girls at Severna Park Elementary School.

According to the indictment documents, the child welfare office interviewed at least eight current and former students of 44-year-old Matthew Schlegel. They claim that the math teacher sexually harassed them.

The girls, all of whom are still in elementary school, said Schlegel groped their genitals and described touching them under their desks or in front of other students.

Schlegel, who is married and has two children, is currently being held without bail.

The documents also say that several witnesses told investigators they saw girls sitting on Schlegel’s lap during class.

The alleged abuse occurred between August 2022 and March 2024.

Schlegel faces 36 different charges, including seven counts of second-degree assault and 14 counts of sexual abuse of a minor. He was expelled from his classes in March.

Dozens of Schlegel’s family members and friends stood behind him during Tuesday’s bail hearing. Defense attorney Peter O’Neill argued the supporters were evidence of his “high moral character” and that he should be released from prison.

“Even if you’re facing the most serious charges … these are people who are willing to stand up for him,” O’Neill said, according to Capital Gazette.

However, the state considers Schlegel to be dangerous. One girl is said to have told investigators: “I still want Mr. Schlegel to be my teacher. I just want him to stop touching me,” reports WBAL-TV.

District Judge Cathleen Vitale was unimpressed by O’Neill’s objection and ruled that Schlegel detained until his next hearing on June 12.

Vitale acknowledged that the girls’ credibility would ultimately be tested in court – but for now he should remain behind bars.

Schlegel has been an employee of the Anne Arundel County school system since 2008. He has taught at Severna Park Elementary School since 2016.

His attorney did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.