Former Gilman School teacher to be held on federal sex abuse charges

BALTIMORE -- A former teacher at an all-boys school in Roland Park charged with the sexual abuse of a student will be detained until trial on new federal charges, a judge ruled on Monday.

Christopher Bendann, who taught at the Gilman School, allegedly maintained inappropriate and suspicious relationships with current and former students, according to authorities.

The 38-year-old, who had been free on home detention awaiting a state trial, was arrested by the FBI last week. He is charged with sexual exploitation of a child and possession of child pornography in a federal indictment. 

Detectives with the Baltimore County Police Department's Crimes Against Children Unite were alerted by Child Protective Services in January that Bendann had relationships with students, police said.

An investigation led them to discover at least one person who described sexual abuse by the former teacher and advisor. 

Baltimore County Police executed a search and seizure warrant in February at Bendann's Towson home. He was arrested and charged with sexual abuse of a minor, second-degree rape, perverted practice and related offenses. 

Detectives believe there are multiple victims in the case. 

Anyone with information about the crimes can contact the Crimes Against Children Unit at 410-887-7720 or Child Protective Services at 410-887-8463.