Horsham Man, Local Teacher Masturbated In Public: Reports

HORSHAM, PA —A Horsham man has been charged in Montgomery and Bucks counties after authorities said he was caught masturbating in two public locations.

Matthew Gagat, 47, of Horsham, is charged with open lewdness, indecent exposure, and disorderly conduct crimes. Gagat is listed as a fifth grade teacher at Lynnewood Elementary School in the School District of Haverford Township.

According to court records, the incidents occurred on March 3 in Horsham Township and June 27 in Sellersville Borough.

The March incident occurred in Whitemarsh Memorial Park in Ambler and the June incident in Lenape Park in Sellersville, North Penn Now reports.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports in both instances, people reported seeing a man masturbating to local police. In both cases, Gagat denied masturbating when confronted by police, the outlet reports.

Court documents show he is scheduled for an Aug. 6 preliminary hearing in Bucks County, and that he was formally arraigned in Montgomery County on July 17.

In the Montgomery County case, he is free on $10,000 unsecured bail.

The district said it only learned of the incidents Monday night.

"First and foremost, we understand and share in the concern this news causes, and the desire for more information and for a meaningful response from the school district," Superintendent of Schools Maureen Reusche, Ed.D., said in a letter to the community. "We will do our very best to provide as much accurate information, context, and support as soon as possible."

Reusche said the district will work to share as much information as possible with sensitivity and transparency.

"We are very much aware that there are many important questions to be answered and information to be addressed," she said. "We expect to be able to share additional information in the next few days and to provide opportunities for additional support to our families, as well. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work as quickly as possible."

Gagat is still listed on the district's website as a teacher as of Tuesday afternoon.

Patch has reached out to Horsham Police and Perkasie Police for more information and will update the story when additional details are made available.