April 7, 2026 - by Herman Law
A South Jersey man who worked as a pre-k paraprofessional has been charged with sexually assaulting multiple young children over more than a decade. Prosecutors say they are concerned there may be more survivors who have not yet come forward.
Shaun Stebbins, 43, of Somers Point, New Jersey, was arrested in late March 2026 and faces multiple counts related to the sexual abuse of children. The charges include assault, child sexual abuse material offenses, and endangering the welfare of a minor. In New Jersey, a first-degree crime carries a sentence of 10 to 20 years in state prison.
According to the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, the alleged abuse involved four siblings under the age of 13, spanning from 2014-2025 in Somers Point. One survivor reported that Stebbins began sexually abusing her when she was approximately 5 or 6 years old.
Authorities also seized electronic devices from Stebbins’s home. Stebbins has been held at the Atlantic County Justice Facility since his arrest, pending a detention hearing.
At the time of his arrest, Stebbins had been working as a paraprofessional at Woodbine Elementary School in Cape May County since 2022, a small school serving children from preschool through eighth grade. He was named the school’s 2024-2025 Paraprofessional of the Year. Prosecutors have noted that Stebbins obtained his employment during the ongoing sexual abuse. Investigators have not found credible evidence connecting the sexual abuse to the school.
Atlantic County Prosecutor William E. Reynolds said the case reflects a pattern he has seen before, noting that individuals who prey on children often seek out roles in schools, organizations, and youth programs specifically to gain access to potential victims.
Prosecutors have urged anyone with information to contact the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-909-7800 or submit an anonymous tip at ACPO.tips.
Cases like this are a painful reminder of how perpetrators of sexual abuse exploit positions of trust. For survivors and their families, the criminal justice process is often only part of the picture.
Survivors of childhood sexual abuse may also have civil legal options. Depending on the circumstances, civil litigation may offer a path to seek accountability from individual perpetrators and, in some cases, institutions or organizations that had a duty of care. Every survivor’s situation is different, and contacting an attorney is the best way to understand what options may be available.
Herman Law exclusively represents survivors of sexual abuse in civil litigation. It is not just one area of our practice; it is our entire purpose.
We understand that coming forward is one of the hardest things a survivor can do. Whether the abuse happened recently or years ago, you deserve to be heard, and you may have legal options available to you.
If you or someone you love was sexually abused in a school or another institutional setting, contact our team today for a free, confidential consultation.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and awareness purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Herman Law does not represent any victims of sexual abuse or assault referenced in this article.
6abc Digital Staff, & Hartman, T. (2026, April 3). South Jersey pre-kindergarten aide charged with sexually assaulting kids over 10-year span. WPVI-TV/6abc Philadelphia. https://6abc.com/post/south-jersey-pre-kindergarten-aide-charged-sexually-assaulting-kids-10-year-span/18831373/
Brandt, J., & DiMattei, R. (2026, April 3). Woodbine, New Jersey, pre-K teacher’s aide charged with child sexual assault, officials say. CBS Philadelphia. https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/shaun-stebbins-charges-woodbine-elementary-somers-new-jersey/
Moran, R. (2026, April 3). South Jersey man who worked as teacher’s aide charged with child sex assault. The Philadelphia Inquirer. https://www.inquirer.com/crime/woodbine-school-teachers-aide-arrest-child-sex-assault-20260403.html
Tully, T. (2026, April 3). Preschool instructor charged with sexually assaulting children. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/03/nyregion/nj-preschool-instructor-sexual-assault-children.html
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by an attorney at Herman Law, with legal experience in helping victims of sexual abuse.
Speaking up is never easy—but you’re not alone. If you’re ready to explore your legal options, our compassionate team at Herman Law is here to listen, support, and guide you forward. Reach out today in complete confidence.
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