BALTIMORE (MD)
WBAL NewsRadio [Baltimore MD]
June 14, 2025
By Ashlyn Wilson
Jury deliberations began Friday in the trial of Matthew Schlegel, a former Anne Arundel County school teacher accused of sexually abusing third grade students.
Schlegel faces 21 counts related to allegations of sexually abusing five of his former students behind his desk during class at Severna Park Elementary School. He had 22 of the 55 charges dropped against him in May.
The defense concluded its case by asserting that the accusations were a terrible mistake, arguing that the victims’ testimonies were inconsistent. The prosecution maintained that the girls’ stories were remarkably similar.
“Hopefully the jury can see that this is a terrible mistake that has happened, but our client hasn’t done anything,” defense attorney Patrick Seidel said.
The trial is expected to continue on Monday.