Former Gilman School teacher Chris Bendann to stand trial in federal court

A former Gilman School teacher is due to appear in federal court Wednesday on charges of sexually abusing a student and videotaping the sexual abuse.

Chris Bendann will appear in U.S. District Court in Baltimore for jury selection. He is accused of sexually assaulting a female student five times between Sept. 16, 2017, and Feb. 9, 2019, and recording eight explicit videos.

Here’s what you need to know:

Who is Chris Bendann?

Bendann, 40, of Baltimore, graduated from The Gilman School in 2003 and worked at the private, independent boys school in Roland Park from 2007 to 2023, according to his LinkedIn page.

In addition to teaching geography and social studies, Bendann also held other positions, including admissions officer.

What are the allegations in this case?

Federal prosecutors allege Bendann took the student and his friends out after they had been drinking, in exchange for making them run naked laps around Meadowood Regional Park and on a hill near St. Paul’s Schools.

During these rides, Bendann demanded that the student undress and masturbate, prosecutors allege. Later, they allege, Bendann began touching the student’s genitals.

Prosecutors say Bendann sexually abused the student in his home or while house-sitting for other families, and filmed the incident.

Prosecutors say Bendann threatened to release sexually explicit images if he did not comply.

“Puppy,” Bendann texted the student on Dec. 7, 2022, when he was an adult. “Puppy reply.”

The Baltimore Banner does not name people who report being victims of sexual abuse without their consent.

What charges are being filed against Bendann?

Bendann faces nine charges:

• Sexual exploitation of a child (five charges)
• Possession of child pornography (three charges)
• Cyberstalking (one charge)

Sexual exploitation of a child is punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment.

How did we get here?

In a letter dated January 20, 2023, Gilman Principal Henry PA Smyth wrote that the school fired Bendann after learning of several reports of “inappropriate, extracurricular behavior with students.”

On February 3, 2023, police executed a search warrant at Bendann’s home in the Rodgers Forge neighborhood of Towson and arrested him.

Bendann was initially charged in Baltimore County with sexual abuse of a minor, rape, perverted practices and related offenses. He was later released to home confinement to await trial.

As part of the investigation, the FBI seized 18 electronic devices that police had seized during the raid. But investigators were unable to examine them for several months as both sides argued legal issues under fire.

A federal grand jury returned a six-count indictment against Bendann on August 16, 2023, and police arrested him two days later. Bendann was indicted on three additional charges on May 29.

He remains in custody at the Chesapeake Detention Facility.

What has Bendann said about the allegations?

Bendann has maintained his innocence from the beginning.

In private messages on Facebook and Instagram, Bendann wrote that the allegations were false, saying that he was sadly one of more than 3,000 people in the United States who have been wrongly accused of crimes since 1989.

“Unfortunately, in a court of public opinion, one is guilty until proven innocent,” he said. “That is wrong. I know there are many rumors about this case. While my accuser has had free rein to share his story through his lawyer, I will have my day in court and set the record straight.”

He later held a press conference with his then-attorney, Kobie Flowers, on the steps of the Baltimore County Courthouse and again declared his innocence.

Who are the lawyers handling this case?

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Colleen McGuinn and Kim Hagan are prosecuting the case. Meanwhile, Christopher Nieto and Gary Proctor are representing Bendann.

U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar will preside over the trial.

How long is the process expected to take?

The process can take up to two weeks.