Former Severna Park Teacher Acquitted Of Most Sexual Abuse Charges

After a nearly a month-long trial, former Severna Park Elementary School teacher Matthew Schlegel has been acquitted of 18 counts related to the alleged sexual abuse of his students.

Schlegel was arrested in May 2024 after eight students accused him of inappropriately touching them in the classroom earlier in the school year. At the time of his arrest, Anne Arundel County Public Schools reassigned him to a position that did not involve direct contact with students.

While the jury cleared Schlegel of the most serious charges, they were unable to reach a verdict on three counts of second-degree assault. Prosecutors may still pursue a retrial on those charges, which carry the potential for prison time if convicted.

WMAR-2 News reached out to the school district for clarification on Schlegel’s employment status following the verdict. Bob Mosier, Chief Communications Officer for the school system, said no changes have been made at this time.

“There are proceedings still to be carried out in this case, including a hearing today, and it would, therefore, be inappropriate for us to comment at this time,” Mosier said.

Schlegel remains in custody. A bail hearing is scheduled for Wednesday at 1:30 p.m.