Mark Berndt, California teacher accused of lewd conduct, pleads not guilty

By: Crimesider Staff
Topics: Daily Blotter

Mark Berndt

(Credit: AP Photo/ Los Angeles Sheriff's Department)

(CBS) LOS ANGELES - The former elementary school teacher charged with taking bondage-style photographs of students pleaded not guilty Tuesday to committing lewd acts on dozens of children between 2008 and 2010, reports CBS Los Angeles.

Mark Berndt, 61, is accused of photographing students at Miramonte Elementary School with cockroaches on their faces and being fed spoonfuls of a milky-white substances that tested positive for Berndt's DNA.

He has been charged with 23 counts of committing a lewd act on a child involving 23 children. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's office also announced earlier this month that more potential victims have come forward.

According to CBS Los Angeles, police say the allegations came to light after a photo processing technician saw the photos Berndt had printed in January 2011. Investigators then used DNA evidence to connect Berndt to the victims. They then found spoons in the teacher's trash -- similar to the ones used in the photos -- that reportedly contained Berndt's bodily fluids.

Berndt is now being held in solitary confinement on $23 million bail. He is expected to make another court appearance March 28.

The entire Miramonte Elementary School staff has since been reassigned as authorities continue investigating allegations again Berndt and former third-grade teacher Martin Springer, who is also accused of lewd acts against students.

Complete coverage of Miramonte Elementary School on Crimesider

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by Ioldman February 21, 2012 3:17 PM EST: He's not guilty, I believe him.
As a teacher, his IQ must be in average range. Even a criminal with a low IQ would not give incriminating evidences to a store clerk, let alone a teacher. He can do print himself even at a store or at home.
If he did it, he would not fit to stand trial because of his too low IQ. Again he's innocent!!!. Remember, that kind of accusation happened before in LA.; Reply to this comment


by phil8192 February 21, 2012 3:15 PM EST: I wonder what the legal theory is that justifies pleading "not guilty", in face of the evidence. Sure, he has the right to a trial, but Berndt could save everyone a bunch of money and aggravation by admitting guilt and accepting the punishment. Unless his lawyer pulls a rabbit out of a hat, that's where this thing is going to end up, anyway.; Reply to this comment