JMB High Teacher, Husband Charged with Sexual Abuse of a Minor
SALISBURY, Md. – A James M. Bennett teacher and her husband have been arrested on a litany of charges connected with the sexual abuse of a minor.
According to court documents obtained by WMDT, Ann Moncrief Schuchart faces 52 charges including sexual abuse of a minor, second degree assault, third degree sexual offenses, neglect of a minor, and failure to report child abuse. Schuchart was arrested and taken into custody on Tuesday, May 19, and was initially held without bond. On Thursday, May 21, she was released on her own recognizance following an initial appearance with Judge Kathleen L. Beckstead of the Wicomico County Circuit Court. The case was forwarded to the Circuit Court on May 18 after initally being filed in Wicomico County District Court.
These charges follow the arrest of Schuchart’s husband, Brock Schuchart, on Apr. 30. Additional court documents obtained by WMDT show Brock Schuchart faces 102 criminal counts, which include similar aforementioned charges in addition to multiple counts of possessing and filming child pornography, sexual solicitation of a minor, and three counts of second degree rape. He is being held without bond, and his initial appearance in court has been scheduled for Jun. 5.
Ann Moncrief Schuchart has been employed with Wicomico County Public Schools (WCPS) for over a decade, and was notably named Teacher of the Year in 2021. WCPS officials say Schuchart has been placed on administrative leave and is not currently working in the school system.
“The alleged occurrences of unreported child abuse took place outside of the school setting, unrelated to school or school system operations or interactions with students within the school system,” WCPS said in a statement. “Regardless of where concerns about child abuse arise, all school system employees are required to comply fully with Maryland’s mandatory reporting requirements. Staff members of Wicomico County Public Schools complete annual training on the mandatory reporting requirements.”
WCPS also said they are fully cooperating with all investigative agencies. Because the matter involves an active investigation, personnel matters and minor child confidentiality considerations, the school system says they cannot provide additional details at this time.
“We remain committed to maintaining a safe learning environment for all students and to ensuring compliance with all legal and professional requirements,” WCPS concluded.
