The criminal trial of Matthew Schlegel, a former elementary school math teacher accused of sexually abusing third-grade students, continues in Annapolis.

The state is presenting its case to the jury, alleging that Schlegel sexually abused third-grade students in his classroom at Severna Park Elementary School. Jurors have heard testimony from some of the alleged victims, who were accompanied by therapy dogs in the witness box.

The defense maintains that none of the allegations are true, arguing that police and Department of Social Services investigators were biased and incompetent, and that forensic interviews were designed to elicit answers that fit the investigative narrative.

Schlegel had 22 of the 55 sexual abuse counts against him dropped.

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