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Jury selection on the second day of the trial of the former Gilman School teacher

Carry on.

Jury selection in trial of former Gilman school teacher, opening statement on Friday

A jury has been selected in the trial of a former Gilman School social studies teacher. The start of the trial was delayed when Christopher Bendann refused to leave jail, but he showed up Thursday morning and stayed until the judge announced jury selection. The 40-year-old faces nine counts, including sexual exploitation of a child and child pornography. The 12-person jury and four alternates were selected at the very end of the second day. The government said Bendann sexually abused an underage student, recorded it and later used the video to stalk the alleged victim on the Internet. Bendann pleaded not guilty, telling the judge the evidence was fabricated and prosecutors were out to get him. He plans to testify in his own defense. Work continued as the judge met with individuals and asked potential jurors case-specific questions. After briefing, the trial will begin in earnest Friday morning with opening arguments.

BALTIMORE —

A jury has been selected for the trial of a former Gilman School social studies teacher.

The start of the trial was delayed because Christopher Bendann refused to leave prison.

But he appeared on Thursday morning and stayed until the judge announced the panel's selection.

The 40-year-old is accused of nine counts, including sexual exploitation of a child and child pornography.

The 12-member jury and four alternate juries were selected at the very end of the second day.

The government said Bendann sexually abused a teenage student, recorded the act and later used the video to cyberstalk the alleged victim.

Bendann pleaded not guilty, telling the judge the evidence was false and prosecutors were targeting him. He plans to testify in his own defense.

Work continued as the judge met with individuals and asked potential jurors case-specific questions.

Following the publication of the instructions, the trial will begin with opening statements on Friday morning.

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