Assistant Principal Accused Of Sexual Abuse Lancaster Mennonite Official On Administrative LeavePOSTED: 8:27 am EST November 10, 2011
UPDATED: 12:29 pm EST November 10, 2011
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LANCASTER, Pa. -- An assistant principal at Lancaster Mennonite High School in Lancaster County is under investigation for accusations he sexually abused students at his home.
Steve Geyer has been placed on administrative leave without pay.
"We're surprised, shocked, disappointed, frustrated. There are just all sorts of emotions that you have because we're really here to take care of children and our goal as a school is to provide a safe environment where they can grow," Superintendent J. Richard Thomas said.
Geyer is accused of sexually abusing exchange students who were living at his home.
He started at the school in 1999 as an English teacher.
On Friday, someone came forward to school officials with the allegations.
Three high school students and one middle school student were staying at his home. They have been placed in another host family's home.
Geyer has not been formally charged.
East Lampeter Township police are leading the investigation.School Superintendent Issues Statement
Thomas, issued this statement."We are grieved to share with you a situation that came to our attention Friday afternoon, November 4. We received a report that students were sexually abused by Mr. Steve Geyer, assistant principal of the Lancaster Campus, in his home. Our primary concern is the safety, security, and well-being of our students. All students were immediately removed from Mr. Geyer's home and provided with other living arrangements.
"Immediately, the allegations were reported to the appropriate authorities as required by the Child Protective Services Law. At the same time, Mr. Geyer was placed on administrative leave and barred from all contact with students. The school continues to cooperate fully with any investigation. We encourage anyone with additional relevant information to contact the superintendent's office or authorities.
"We solicit your prayers for the students and their families and rely on God's guidance as an educational community as we work through this difficult time."