Parents Outraged After Teacher Acquitted of Sexual Abuse Charges
SEVERNA PARK, MD — Parents of five students expressed deep outrage following the acquittal of Matthew Schlegel, a third-grade math teacher at Severna Park Elementary School. On June 18, Schlegel, 45, was found not guilty of 18 counts of sexual abuse, with the jury deadlocked on three additional charges.
Defense attorney Thiru Vignarajah is representing the parents, whose daughters testified about alleged inappropriate contact during classes. Vignarajah stated that the families felt betrayed by the justice system, emphasizing their determination to pursue further action to seek justice. “This is not the end,” he assured, indicating the parents’ plans to continue the fight for their daughters.
The grandmother of one alleged victim, Donna Fava, echoed these sentiments, reinforcing that the fight for justice has “only begun.” Following the verdict, Schlegel has been placed on paid leave pending an employment review by Anne Arundel County Public Schools, where he will be under specific conditions regarding contact with minors.
The acquittal has sparked controversy, with one affected mother expressing frustration over the emotional toll on her daughter. In a show of solidarity, parents created nearly 2,000 signs across the community reading, "We stand with our girls" and "We believe them."
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