Shaun M. Stebbins, a 43-year-old preschool instructor in South Jersey, was charged with sexually assaulting multiple children over an 11-year period, according to prosecutors. The abuse allegedly occurred at Woodbine Elementary School, where Stebbins worked as an aide in preschool classes. Authorities seized 15 hard drives and electronic devices from his home, citing evidence of online activity, including livestreaming. Prosecutors warned that his access to children through employment may have enabled further undetected abuse, mirroring patterns seen in prior cases where predators exploit institutional trust.

The school district’s superintendent and board president declined to comment amid the scandal. Stebbins, who received the school’s “employee of the year” award in 2025 and appeared in district social media photos hugging students, faces six charges: aggravated sexual assault of a minor, permitting child pornography, and endangering children through sexual conduct. The alleged abuse spanned 2014 to 2025, with four children reporting incidents two weeks prior to his arrest. Relatives described Stebbins as socially active online, though no public profile links him to the school beyond his employment.

Stebbins, a former Air Force member and Stockton University social work graduate, was arrested Sunday and remains jailed without listed legal representation. His arraignment is scheduled for Monday in Atlantic County Superior Court. The case highlights systemic risks of inadequate vetting in childcare roles, particularly when abusers leverage positions of authority to evade scrutiny. Victims’ advocates emphasize the urgency of stricter background checks and monitoring in educational settings.

This case underscores the critical need for enhanced safeguards in schools, where trusted adults like Stebbins can exploit access to harm vulnerable populations. Authorities urge communities to remain vigilant about behavioral red flags, particularly in roles involving minors. The investigation continues, with prosecutors urging any additional victims to come forward.