Pre-K Aide Charged with Child Sexual Assault in New Jersey

Shaun Stebbins accused of multiple offenses dating back to 2014 at Woodbine Elementary School

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:56pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a broken crayon against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the violation of trust and the fragility of childhood innocence.A shocking case of alleged child abuse at a New Jersey school exposes the need for stronger safeguards to protect vulnerable students.Somers Point Today

A 43-year-old pre-K teacher's aide at Woodbine Elementary School in Woodbine, New Jersey has been charged with multiple counts of child sexual assault and child pornography offenses involving multiple victims over an 11-year period from 2014 to 2025. Shaun Stebbins, a resident of Somers Point, was arrested earlier this week by Somers Point police and is currently being held in the Atlantic County Justice Facility.

Why it matters

The charges against Stebbins are deeply concerning, as they involve a trusted school employee allegedly exploiting his position of authority to sexually abuse children. This case highlights the need for rigorous background checks, ongoing monitoring, and strong safeguards to protect vulnerable students, especially in early childhood education settings.

The details

Stebbins is facing first-degree aggravated sexual assault of a victim under 13 and multiple child pornography offenses. The alleged crimes occurred between 2014 and 2025. Authorities believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward, and they are urging anyone with information to contact the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office.

  • Stebbins was arrested earlier this week by Somers Point police.
  • Stebbins will have a detention hearing on Monday, April 7, 2026.

The players

Shaun Stebbins

A 43-year-old pre-K teacher's aide at Woodbine Elementary School in Woodbine, New Jersey who has been charged with multiple counts of child sexual assault and child pornography offenses.

Atlantic County Prosecutor William Reynolds

The Atlantic County prosecutor who expressed deep concern that Stebbins may have more victims who have not come forward, and urged the public to contact the prosecutor's office with any information.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— William Reynolds, Atlantic County Prosecutor

What’s next

A judge will decide on Monday, April 7, 2026 whether Stebbins should remain incarcerated through future court proceedings.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical importance of thorough background checks, ongoing monitoring, and robust safeguards to protect children, especially in educational and childcare settings where predators may seek positions of trust to exploit vulnerable youth.