8 Students Abused By Teacher Who’s Facing Sex Charges In Anne Arundel County: Report

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Court records say Schlegel is up against seven counts each of sex abuse of a minor, third-degree sex offense, fourth-degree sex offense (sexual contact) and fourth-degree sex offense (person of authority). He is also charged with eight counts of second-degree assault.

If found guilty on all charges, Schlegel’s maximum sentence is 339 years and his maximum fine is $34,000.

“Our school system immediately reassigned Mr. Schlegel and he no longer works in any capacity in the system where students are present,” Anne Arundel County Public Schools spokesperson Bob Mosier told Patch in a Thursday email.

Schlegel has worked for AACPS since 2008. He worked at Severna Park Elementary from 2016 to this year.

“This is an issue that has had a dramatic impact on this school community since the first allegation came to light months ago,” Mosier said.”We also have provided – and continue to provide – resources for students and staff at the school.”

Acting Severna Park Elementary Principal Sharon Hansen wrote a letter to families Thursday to inform them of the arrest. Principal Kyle Butler is currently on prearranged paternal leave.

“AACPS promptly turned the matter over to the appropriate law enforcement agencies and have been working with them since that time,” Hansen said. “Our school system is ready to support the school’s needs as necessary.”

Butler first notified families of the investigation in a March 18 letter.

“Mr. Schlegel will be out of our school indefinitely,” Butler said in his initial letter, outlining the ensuing substitute teacher plans.

Butler gave families a second update with more details on April 7.

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“An allegation involving Mr. Schlegel was presented to me and, as is the normal course of action, I immediately reported that allegation to our school system’s Office of Investigations so that it could be appropriately addressed,” Butler wrote in the second letter. “It is not uncommon for that office to remove staff from positions of direct contact with students while issues are investigated. Such an action does not imply guilt, but is simply a precautionary measure to allow the investigation to take place without additional fear or anxiety being imposed on any party.”

Butler said he acted swiftly but won’t disclose specifics of the case.

“First and foremost, I want to make abundantly clear that I have acted immediately, appropriately, and prudently with any information that has come to my attention,” the principal said. “Except in conversations with families that are directly impacted, I cannot – and will not – detail the information that led to Mr. Schlegel being away from our building. Both the families involved and Mr. Schlegel have a right to privacy and confidentiality and a right to have this process play out in its entirety.”

Butler added that his team will continue its “support to those involved in this case … for as long as necessary.” He invited students to discuss their feelings with school counselors.

“I fully realize both the emotion that comes with a situation like this and the frustration that accompanies not being able to be provided with every answer. I can simply assure you that the process is proceeding appropriately,” Butler said. “If there is a point in time where I am able to share more information regarding this matter with you, please be assured I will do so.”

Although an arrest has been made, detectives asked anybody with any information on this or other potential cases to call (410) 222-4733. Tipsters can stay anonymous by dialing (410) 222-4700.

Patch contacted Schlegel via his AACPS email for a comment. He has not yet responded. We will update this story if he replies.

Related: Teacher Removed From School, Misconduct Investigated In AACPS: Reports

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