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The new school year has begun, but Jeffery Blahusch, 47, a middle school teacher in western Pa., remains on paid leave as he deals with criminal charges stemming from his summer break when he was accused of repeatedly masturbating on his back deck in full view of neighbors.

(screen shot/KDKA)

The new school year has begun, but a 47-year-old middle school teacher in western Pennsylvania remains on paid leave as he continues to deal with criminal charges stemming from his summer break when he was accused of repeatedly masturbating on his back deck in full view of some of his neighbors.

KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh reports that suspect Jeffery Blahusch, a middle school teacher with Franklin Regional School District in Murrysville, Pa., recently waived his preliminary hearing in the case. But the news station says there are "hints" that a plea bargain is in the works.

Meanwhile, the teacher's attorney, Mel Vatz, tells this KDKA:

"Unfortunately, this is something that happened in the privacy of Mr. Blahusch's home. "He intended no harm to anybody."

Previously, Blahusch is quoted as telling police that the incident would ruin his family's lives and likely cost him his teaching job.

Neighbors upset over the teacher's nudity on is outdoor deck allegedly shot videos of Blahusch "committing sexual acts on himself on his back deck" in order to provide evidence to police.

In initially investigating the case, police say they spoke with Blahusch's Allegheny County neighbors who showed them four videos allegedly depicting Blahusch fondling and pleasuring himself on his back deck outside his O'hara Township home.

The videos were taken from June 6-27 and all the alleged incidents occurred between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. while it was still light outside.

As a result, Blahusch was charged with four counts each of indecent exposure and open lewdness.

He is a sixth grade science teacher in Franklin Regional School District and was listed as the head coach of the middle school's softball team.

However, KDKA reports Blahusch currently remains on paid, administrative leave despite a petition being circulated by his supporters in the district to get the charges dropped.

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