The trial for Christopher Bendann, a former teacher at Gilman School, is now on hold after he refused to leave his cell to attend court proceedings. Judge James K. Bredar has now instructed the U.S. Marshals Service to ensure his presence in the courtroom, 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 these acts while teaching at the North Baltimore private institution.
During Wednesday's jury selection, Bendann's absence prompted Judge Bredar to issue an order demanding his immediate transportation to court the order's language was clear, "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," Judge Bredar stated, as reported by CBS News Baltimore. Concerns arose about Bendann's state of mind as his attorney Christopher Nieto had previously requested a screening for suicidal ideation.
With the case becoming more intricate, Bendann's co-counsel Gary Proctor expressed reservations not only about the forced removal from the cell but also hinted at the potential breakdown of the attorney-client relationship, Proctor was even prepared to withdraw his representation of Bendann as Bendann's action, or rather his inaction, suggested a rift, "The fact that he won't come to court suggests that he doesn't have faith in his counsel," Proctor told Judge Bredar in a statement detailed by CBS News Baltimore.
Judge Bredar, citing a U.S. Supreme Court precedent, affirmed the necessity of Bendann's attendance at least at the trial's commencement.
