Former Gilman School teacher Chris Bendann found guilty of sexual exploitation and child pornography

Baltimore, MD – A federal jury in Baltimore has convicted Christopher Bendann, a former Gilman School teacher, 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 was accused of sexually abusing a student while at the 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 that they alleged were child sexual abuse material. The videos, recovered from Bendann’s iCloud account and laptops, contained metadata that showed the victim was 16 or 17 at the time of the recording. FBI Special Agent Calista Walker testified that Bendann was audible and sometimes visible in the clips.

Jury quickly finds private school teacher guilty of sexual abuse

The jury’s quick deliberations surprised many, given the amount of evidence presented. Juror Cecily Floyd, a 40-year-old clinical social worker, stated, “It was a wealth of evidence and facts that we couldn’t ignore.”

Defense strategy

Despite Bendann’s public declarations of innocence on social media and at a press conference, his defense team’s arguments failed to convince the jury. His attorneys, Christopher Nieto and Gary Proctor, attempted to portray the relationship as consensual and occurring after the victim turned 18.

Punishments and implications for student sexual abuse

Bendann now faces a significant prison sentence. Each count of sexual exploitation of a child carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison. He also faces up to 10 years for possession of child pornography. Sentencing is scheduled for January 21, 2025.

This case has sent shock waves through the Gilman School community and raised questions about the protection of students at educational institutions.

Legal Resources for Victims of Teacher Sexual Abuse

The recent conviction of Christopher Bendann, a former Gilman School teacher, 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, an experienced child sexual abuse attorney in Maryland. In this interview, Blank provides valuable information about the legal options available to those who have experienced teacher-involved sexual abuse, particularly in private school settings. He also discusses strategies for holding negligent institutions accountable and offers guidance to victims considering legal action.

Laurence Banville, Esq.: Mr. Blank, what legal options do victims have in these types of cases?

Aaron Blank, Esq.: Victims of teacher sexual abuse have several options for legal action. They can file criminal charges against the abuser, as we saw in the Bendann case. In addition, civil lawsuits can be filed against both the abuser and the school.

Banville: How can schools be held accountable in such situations?

Empty: 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 can seek compensation for damages, including medical bills, therapy costs, and emotional distress.

Banville: What advice would you give to victims considering legal action?

Empty: I would 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 ensure that all responsible parties are held 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 struggling with the aftermath of such trauma, it is crucial to remember that help and support are available. Our team of attorneys specializes in defending survivors of sexual abuse, and we are 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 at the hands of 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 embark on this challenging journey alone—contact us today to learn how we can support you in your search for justice and healing.

Source:

https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/criminal-justice/chris-bendann-gilman-school-testimony-guilty-XU5EU5GHC5ERTBGQLCCHDAE4II/