Judge orders US Marshals to escort former Gilman School teacher to Baltimore court amid trial delay

The trial of Christopher Bendann, a former teacher at Gilman School, has now been suspended after he refused to leave his cell to attend the hearing. Judge James K. Bredar has now ordered the US Marshals Service to ensure his presence in court, as reported by FOX Baltimore. Bendann is facing significant charges, including sexual exploitation of minors and possession of child pornography, and is alleged to have committed the acts while teaching at the private institution in North Baltimore.

During jury selection on Wednesday, Bendann’s absence prompted Judge Bredar to issue an order for him to be transported immediately to court. The wording of the order was clear: “The United States Marshal will IMMEDIATELY transport the defendant to the Motz Ceremonial Courtroom at the United States Courthouse in Baltimore so that the long-scheduled jury trial in this case may begin,” Judge Bredar stated, as reported by CBS News Baltimore. Concerns about Bendann’s state of mind were raised, as his attorney Christopher Nieto had previously requested a screening for suicidal ideation.

As the case became more complicated, Bendann’s co-counsel Gary Proctor not only expressed reservations about the forced removal from jail, but also hinted at the potential rift in the attorney-client relationship. Proctor even planned to withdraw his defense of Bendann, arguing that Bendann’s actions, or rather his inaction, indicated a rift. “The fact that he won’t come to court suggests that he doesn’t have confidence in his attorney,” Proctor told Judge Bredar in a statement detailed by CBS News Baltimore.

Judge Bredar, citing a U.S. Supreme Court precedent, confirmed that Bendann had to be present at the beginning of the trial in any event.