Former Teacher Faces Trial for Child Pornography
- Former Gilman School teacher Christopher Brennan refuses to appear for his child pornography trial.
- Brennan's refusal leads to concerns and delays in the legal proceedings.
- The teacher's behavior creates tension as the trial progresses.
Christopher Bendann, a former teacher at Gilman School, faced jury selection for his federal trial on charges of child pornography and possession after refusing to leave his cell. Arrested in February 2023, Bendann is accused of sexually exploiting a former student from 2016 to 2019. Judge Bredar ordered the U.S. Marshal to ensure Bendann's presence in court to commence the long-scheduled trial. During the proceedings, Bendann's attorney, Christopher Nieto, raised concerns about his client's mental health, specifically requesting a screening for suicidal ideation. Judge Bredar acknowledged the complexities of Bendann's situation, noting that while he may be competent to stand trial, he could still be contemplating suicide. This raised questions about Bendann's faith in his legal representation, as indicated by his refusal to attend court. Among the attendees was Atlas Pyke, a former student and assistant track coach under Bendann, who came to support the alleged victims. Pyke expressed shock when Bendann attempted to engage with him during the trial's preliminary moments, highlighting the emotional weight of the case. Bendann also expressed dissatisfaction with his legal team for not permitting him to speak to the media, indicating a desire to participate in certain aspects of the trial. Judge Bredar granted Bendann the option to decide daily whether he wishes to attend the proceedings, allowing him some control over his participation in the trial.