Woodbine Teacher's Aide Charged with Child Abuse

Prosecutors fear more victims may come forward due to school access

Apr. 19, 2026 at 2:50pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a broken, lifeless child's toy, its features obscured by harsh shadows and stark lighting, conveying a sense of darkness and violation.A chilling reminder that predators often hide in plain sight, exploiting positions of trust to gain access to vulnerable children.Woodbine Today

A 43-year-old teacher's aide at Woodbine Elementary School in New Jersey has been charged with sexually abusing at least four minors over a decade-long period. Shaun M. Stebbins, who was named the school's 'Paraprofessional of the Year' in 2024, is accused of committing sexual acts on children under 13 between 2014 and 2025, as well as creating and possessing child sexual abuse material. Prosecutors are urging anyone with information about additional potential victims to come forward.

Why it matters

This case highlights the disturbing reality that individuals who prey on children often seek positions of trust within schools, organizations, and youth programs to gain access to victims. It underscores the importance of thorough background checks, vigilant monitoring, and swift action to protect vulnerable children from abuse.

The details

According to prosecutors, Stebbins committed sexual acts on at least four minors under the age of 13 between 2014 and 2025. Three adults have also reported abuse when they were minors as far back as 2012, though they were not Stebbins' students. A 14-year-old victim said Stebbins showed him pornographic videos and recorded the sexual assaults, while a now-adult woman said Stebbins watched her shower through a hole in the floor.

  • Stebbins was arrested on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
  • The alleged abuse occurred between 2014 and 2025.

The players

Shaun M. Stebbins

A 43-year-old teacher's aide at Woodbine Elementary School in New Jersey who was charged with sexually abusing at least four minors over a decade-long period and creating and possessing child sexual abuse material.

Woodbine Elementary School

The school where Stebbins worked as a teacher's aide and was named 'Paraprofessional of the Year' in 2024.

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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. Out of an abundance of caution, we are alerting the public despite the holiday weekend and in advance of the scheduled detention hearing.”

— Jim Reynolds, Atlantic County Prosecutor

What’s next

The judge will decide on Monday whether to allow Stebbins to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the urgent need for schools, organizations, and communities to implement robust safeguards, thorough background checks, and vigilant monitoring to protect children from predators who seek positions of trust to gain access to vulnerable victims.