Baltimore, MD – A federal jury in Baltimore has convicted Christopher Bendann, a former teacher at Gilman School, on all counts related to sexual exploitation of a child, possession of child pornography, and cyberstalking. The verdict came after less than an hour of deliberation, following a three-day trial that presented damning evidence against the 40-year-old Baltimore resident.
Former Gilman School Teacher Convicted of Sexual Abuse and Exploitation
Bendann faced accusations of sexually abusing a student during his tenure at Gilman School, where he worked from 2007 to 2023. The victim, now 23, testified that Bendann’s inappropriate behavior began when he was in eighth grade and escalated over time.
Prosecutors presented eight videos to the jury, which they argued constituted child sexual abuse material. These videos, recovered from Bendann’s iCloud account and laptops, showed metadata indicating the victim was 16 or 17 at the time of recording. FBI Special Agent Calista Walker testified that Bendann was audible and sometimes visible in the clips.
Jury’s Swift Verdict Finding Private School Teacher Guilty of Sexual Abuse
The jury’s quick deliberation surprised many, given the volume of evidence presented. Juror Cecily Floyd, a 40-year-old clinical social worker, stated, “It was copious amounts of evidence and facts that we could not ignore”.
Defense Strategy
Despite Bendann’s public proclamations of innocence on social media and at a news conference, his defense team’s arguments failed to sway the jury. His attorneys, Christopher Nieto and Gary Proctor, attempted to portray the relationship as consensual and occurring after the victim turned 18.
Sentencing and Implications for Sexually Abusing Student
Bendann now faces significant prison time. Each count of sexual exploitation of a child carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison. Additionally, he faces up to 10 years for possession of child pornography. Sentencing is scheduled for January 21, 2025.
This case has sent shockwaves through the Gilman School community and raised questions about the safeguarding of students in educational institutions.
Legal Recourse for Victims of Teacher Sexual Abuse
The recent conviction of Christopher Bendann, a former teacher at Gilman School, has brought the issue of sexual abuse in educational settings to the forefront. This case raises important questions about the legal rights of victims and the responsibility of schools to protect their students. To explore these complex issues, we spoke with Aaron Blank, a seasoned child sexual abuse lawyer in Maryland. In this interview, Blank offers valuable information on the legal options available to those who have experienced sexual assault by a teacher, particularly in private school settings. He also discusses strategies for holding negligent institutions accountable and provides guidance for victims considering legal action.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: Mr. Blank, what legal options do victims have in cases like this?
Aaron Blank, Esq.: Victims of teacher sexual abuse have several avenues for legal recourse. They can pursue criminal charges against the perpetrator, as we’ve seen in the Bendann case. Additionally, civil lawsuits can be filed against both the abuser and the school.
Banville: How can schools be held accountable in these situations?
Blank: Schools have a duty of care to protect their students. If they fail to properly screen employees, ignore warning signs, or mishandle abuse allegations, they can be held liable for negligence. Victims may seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, therapy costs, and emotional distress.
Banville: What advice would you give to victims considering legal action?
Blank: I’d urge victims to speak with an experienced sexual abuse attorney as soon as possible. These cases often have specific statutes of limitations, so timely action is important. An attorney can help navigate the complex legal process and work to hold all responsible parties accountable.
Support and Legal Guidance for Victims and Families
The Bendann case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of sexual abuse in educational settings. For victims and their families grappling with the aftermath of such trauma, it’s crucial to remember that help and support are available. Our team of attorneys specializes in advocating for survivors of sexual abuse, and we’re committed to helping you navigate the complex legal landscape. We understand the sensitivity of these cases and the courage it takes to come forward. If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse by a teacher or in a school setting, we encourage you to reach out. Our experienced attorneys offer free, confidential consultations to discuss your rights and potential legal options. Don’t face this challenging journey alone – contact us today to learn how we can support you in seeking justice and healing.
Source:
Mr. Banville is a personal injury attorney who has experience in handling auto accidents, work injuries, medical malpractice, dog bites, slip and falls, and representing survivors and victims of sexual abuse. Mr. Banville is affiliated with law firms in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, D.C., and Maryland. Abuse Guardian
