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Matthew Scott Banks Schlegel, 44, who has been the subject of an investigation since March by the Anne Arundel County Police Department's Criminal Investigation Division Child Abuse Unit was taken into custody on Thursday, officials say.
According to police, Schlegel was identified by students and school administrators as the subject of the investigation, and he was immediately removed from the school system once the allegations were made.
The investigation involved multiple interviews with child victims by Child Protective Services, leading to an arrest warrant charging the Anne Arundel resident with second-degree assault, sex abuse of a minor, and other offenses.
According to reports, Schlegel may have abused nearly a dozen students.
He was arrested by officers on Thursday, May 16 at his Severna Park home. He's being held at the Jennifer Road Detention Center without bail. No future court date has been set.
He was charged with a total of 36 offenses following his arrest, court documents state.
"In the interest of the safety, security, and mental well-being of the children who are victims of this traumatic incident, as well as the integrity of the investigative and prosecutorial process, we are urging the public and media to be respectful and use discretion while commenting or reporting on this sensitive case," the department wrote in a statement.
The investigation into Schlegel is ongoing.
Anyone with additional information or possible victims can contact the Anne Arundel County Police Tip Line by calling (410) 222-4700.
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