New Jersey pre-K aide allegedly filmed himself abusing children in bathroom and during nap time

WOODBINE, N.J. -- A 44-year-old former teacher's aide at an elementary school in New Jersey was read dozens of new charges during a court appearance Monday, including manufacturing child pornography and aggravated sexual assault, according to prosecutors.

Shaun Stebbins appeared in court virtually as authorities outlined the new allegations, which stem from an investigation that began in the spring. Police have since identified additional alleged victims, including children as young as 3 and 4 years old.

Prosecutors allege Stebbins abused multiple preschool-aged children in his care at Woodbine Elementary in Cape May County, where he worked as a teacher's aide from 2022 until his arrest in March.

The new allegations have shaken members of the community.

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"How can we heal from this? How can we move on so this doesn't happen again?" Victoria London of Woodbine said.

"There has to be more eyes and more ears, more listening," London said. "And maybe there needs to be a better screening."

Stebbins was first arrested in March and accused of sexually abusing four children, all siblings, in his Somers Point home for more than a decade. Investigators said the allegations date back to 2012 and that the victims reported the abuse continued until 2025.

According to prosecutors, one of the alleged victims came forward as an adult in March, prompting investigators to examine whether abuse had also occurred at Woodbine Elementary.

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Prosecutors said a search of Stebbins' electronic devices uncovered numerous images and videos of students from the school.

Court documents allege Stebbins photographed and recorded children's genitalia in school bathrooms and recorded himself performing sexual acts on children in the bathroom and during nap time.

Stebbins was ordered to remain detained pending his next court hearing on Nov. 4.

The school district referred all questions to its attorneys, who had not responded to requests for comment at the time of publication.