Former Gilman school teacher charged in sex abuse case appears in court for first day of trial
Christopher Bendann, the former Gilman School teacher charged with child pornography and possession among other crimes, refused to leave his cell to attend jury selection for his federal trial Wednesday morning.
Bendann was arrested in February 2023 after being accused of sexually exploiting a former student between 2016 and 2019.
Judge James K. Bredar ordered U.S. Marshals retrieve him from the Chesapeake Detention Center in Baltimore.
"The United States Marshal shall FORTHWITH deliver the Defendant to the Motz Ceremonial Courtroom in the United States Courthouse in Baltimore so that the long-scheduled jury trial in this matter may commence," read the order from Judge Bredar.
Bendann's attorney Christopher Nieto told Judge Bredar he previously asked that Bendann be screened for suicidal ideation.
His co-counsel Gary Proctor asked that Bendann not be "forcibly extracted from his cell."
He also said he was prepared to withdraw as counsel.
"The fact that he won't come to court suggests that he doesn't have faith in his counsel," Proctor told Judge Bredar.
The judge cited U.S. Supreme Court precedent that Bendann must be present "at least at the start of the trial."
He asked Proctor whether there were concerns Bendann was not competent to stand trial. "You can be competent and nevertheless be contemplating suicide," Proctor said.
For those in need, the 24-hour suicide-and-crisis lifeline can be reached by dialing 988.
Shortly before noon, Bendann appeared in court, dressed in a suit and tie.
His lawyers filed a motion asking for a psychiatric evaluation to determine whether he was competent to stand trial.
At the judge's urging, they played a recording of Bendann speaking to his father from jail last night.
Bendann said, "I can't do it" when asked whether he would show up for court.
He told his father, "I'm not going to last much longer. I might not even make it until tomorrow."
The lawyers said they were concerned about his mental state and that he was a suicide risk. They said it was "detrimental" to their case that he would not assist them.
"He seems to be stuck on certain issues and cannot get past that," Nieto told the judge.
Bendann answered a series of questions from the court and told the judge he was mentally stable.
"I find a difficult to understand how prosecutors can lie and that be reported as evidence," Bendann told Judge Bredar.
He also told Bredar, "I'm disappointed with my legal team for not allowing me to speak to the media, which I have requested several times."
Bredar determined Bendann's mind was "razor sharp" and he was competent to stand trial.
"I find that the defendant is deeply engaged in the process," Bredar said.
Bendann said he would like to be present at certain points in the trial and not others. Judge Bredar said he would allow that, and Bendann can make a decision daily on whether he wants to attend.
Bredar cautioned, "The trial will not be stopped or held up."
Jury selection was set to get underway. Wednesday afternoon as the case proceeded.
