Matthew Schlegel, the Severna Park Elementary school teacher recently acquitted on more than a dozen sexual assault charges, is taking another step to clear his name. According to his attorney, Patrick Seidel, Schlegel has voluntarily submitted to a polygraph test to further prove his innocence.
While Schlegel has been cleared in criminal court, the court of public opinion remains divided. Several sources also tell FOX45 civil lawsuits are mounting against him.
Eight girls were attached to the criminal case, accusing Schlegel of touching them inappropriately during the school day. Following an emotional, month-long trail, Schlegel’s acquittal left parents enraged and sparked wide-spread protests. Across Anne Arundel County, many residents and business owners also put up pink signs, reading “we believe them” in support of the girls.
During the trial, Schlegel testified under oath and has always maintained his innocence.
While polygraphs aren’t typically admissible in court, Seidel says they’re out of options when it comes to restoring Schlegel’s reputation.
“Everything in this case is demonstrating that he is innocent, and unfortunately, we’re stuck in the position where despite all of that, we still have to prove this negative,” said Seidel.
A report provided by Schlegel’s attorney outlines the key questions asked during his polygraph examination:
While teaching at Severna Park Elementary, did you ever inappropriately touch a student for sexual pleasure? Answer- No
Have you had sexual contact with any student at Severna Park Elementary? Answer-No
The report goes on to state that Schlegel passed with “no deception indicated.”
“He can fail it, and I’ve seen that happen where people have failed. He can be inconclusive, which is, the majority of these tests are inconclusive, or they can’t say one way or the other. But in this case, there’s no indication of deception, which is a pass. And frankly, in my experience, that’s rare,” said Siedel.
It’s unclear what or how many additional questions Schlegel was asked. Seidel did not release the full transcript, and the polygraph examiner did not respond to FOX45’s request for comment.
Thiru Vignarajah, who represents several families of the alleged victims, issued the following statement in response to the results:
Pathological liars pass polygraphs all the time. Polygraphs are not admissible in any Maryland court because they are unreliable and easily manipulated. Junk science doesn’t erase the facts, the testimony of survivors, or our pursuit of justice.