Pre-K Aide Facing Sexual Assault Charges, Possible More Victims

Authorities investigating reports of alleged abuse at Woodbine Elementary School in New Jersey

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:54pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a cracked and damaged child's toy, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the disturbing nature of the alleged crimes.The harsh flash illuminates the damaged remnants of childhood innocence, a sobering reminder of the gravity of the allegations against the former school aide.Woodbine Today

A 43-year-old preschool aide in Cape May County, New Jersey, Shaun Stebbins, has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child. Investigators say he may have abused children at the Woodbine Elementary School where he worked as a contracted employee.

Why it matters

This case highlights the critical need for thorough background checks and ongoing monitoring of all school employees, even contracted workers, to protect vulnerable children from potential predators who may seek access to them. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging any other potential victims to come forward.

The details

Stebbins was arrested on March 29 and charged with first-degree aggravated sexual assault of a victim under 13, as well as charges related to photographing a child in a sex act, showing obscenity to a minor, and criminal sexual contact. He is currently being held in jail. The Cape May County Prosecutor's Office and New Jersey State Police are actively investigating reports of alleged abuse that may have occurred at the Woodbine School District where Stebbins worked.

  • Stebbins allegedly sexually assaulted multiple children under 13 between 2014 and 2025.
  • He was arrested on March 29, 2026.

The players

Shaun Stebbins

A 43-year-old man from Somers Point, New Jersey, who worked as a contracted preschool aide at Woodbine Elementary School and has been charged with multiple counts of sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child.

Jeffrey H. Sutherland

The Cape May County Prosecutor, who stated that detectives are actively investigating reports of alleged abuse that may have occurred at the Woodbine School District.

Woodbine Elementary School

The school district in Cape May County, New Jersey, where Stebbins worked as a contracted preschool aide.

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What they’re saying

“The safety and well-being of our community, especially our children, remains our highest priority.”

— Jeffrey H. Sutherland, Cape May County Prosecutor

What’s next

The Cape May County Prosecutor's Office is urging anyone with information about potential abuse by Stebbins to come forward and report it by calling 609-465-1135 or submitting an anonymous tip through their website.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical importance of thorough background checks, ongoing monitoring, and swift action to protect children from potential predators, even in positions of trust within the school system. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are encouraging any other victims to come forward.