A Mount Joy man who was charged Tuesday with sexual abuse of children has been suspended without pay from his teaching job at Burgard Elementary School.

Matthew S. Deppen, 32, of 152 New Haven St., Apt. A, was arrested Tuesday by Penn Township police and charged with sexual abuse of children, attempted sexual abuse of children and invasion of privacy.

According to the Lancaster County District Attorney's Office, Deppen used a hidden camera to videotape three girls, ages 9 to 11, in various stages of dress at his former Manheim home in 2004.

The alleged incident was discovered only recently.

Deppen, an 11-year employee of Manheim Central School District, taught at Burgard and the former Mastersonville elementary schools.

He is not accused of any wrongdoing at either school, said Jon Rednak, interim Manheim Central superintendent.

The charges against Deppen "came as a surprise to everyone," Rednak said. "He was liked and respected as a teacher by parents and students."

Rednak said he is not aware of any Manheim Central parents or students who have made allegations against Deppen.

The district alerted parents to the arrest via a sealed letter sent home with students Wednesday, automated phone messages about the letter and a notice on Manheim Central's Web site.

Deppen has been replaced at Burgard by a substitute teacher, and the district is conducting its own investigation to determine what further action it may take against him.

Deppen will have an opportunity to appear at a disciplinary hearing before the school board, which could decide to reinstate or fire him, Rednak said.

A hearing has yet to be scheduled.

After his arraignment before District Judge Thomas J. Fee, Deppen was committed to Lancaster County Prison on $250,000 bail. He was later released.

Deppen is scheduled to appear before Fee for a preliminary hearing Jan. 15.

bwallace@lnpnews.com