HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — Two more students have come forward, accusing a fired Klein ISD elementary school teacher of sexual misconduct, according to prosecutors.
Matthew Stegeman, 52, is already facing one count of indecency with a child by sexual contact after being accused of inappropriately touching a 7-year-old student at Klein ISD's Epps Island Elementary School in September 2023. Prosecutors said in the last few weeks more victims have come forward.
"We have had at least two other victims come out," Jill Wells, with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, said. "I can say they've been forensically interviewed at the children's assessment center, which is the first step in investigating those as well."
Wells said the 7- and 8-year-old victims are alleging they were also inappropriately touched by Stegeman at school.
"It’s especially hard when it happens in this type of setting," Wells said. "Where it’s someone that you trust to take care of your child during the day and to take care of them."
Wells said the Harris County District Attorney's Office is working with Klein ISD police to see if they'll accept any additional charges against Stegeman. Meanwhile, she commended the parents of the victims for having difficult conversations with their children.
"I think this is one of those times that it really does work," she said. "You have those conversations with your kids. They know what a good touch is, and a bad touch is and when to speak out."
Stegeman's next court date has been set for March 25.