Home23 MIRAMONTE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS - Los Angeles, CA (2005-2010) / Convicted: Teacher, Mark Berndt
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23 MIRAMONTE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS - Los Angeles, CA (2005-2010) / Convicted: Teacher, Mark Berndt
by So_Cal Fri Nov 15, 2013 9:32 pm
Ex-Miramonte teacher pleads no contest, sentenced to 25 years
Friday, November 15, 2013
Former Miramonte Elementary School teacher Mark Berndt is seen in court in this undated file photo. (KABC Photo)
LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Former Miramonte Elementary School teacher Mark Berndt has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading no contest on Friday to felony lewd act charges.
Berndt, 62, was accused of blindfolding students, covering their mouths with tape and placing items in front of their faces, including live cockroaches and a spoonful of his semen. The alleged abuses involved 23 children between 2005 and 2010.
As part of his plea agreement, Berndt will also be required to register as a sex offender for life.
"A school ought to be one of the safest places in America. This plea spares these young victims the anguish of testifying at a trial and sends an unmistakable message to those who would dare take advantage of our children that justice will prevail," said District Attorney Jackie Lacey in a statement.
During the court hearing, defense attorney Manny Medrano said his client was remorseful for his actions.
"He taught for over 30 years, your honor," Medrano said during the court hearing in downtown Los Angeles. "He was a dedicated educator. He was well-respected by his teaching peers at that school. He was loved by many of (his) students and the parents of those kids, your honor. And indeed, since his date of arrest ... he's received a multitude of letters, supportive letters, from former students and the parents of those kids."
The attorney representing the young victims says with Berndt's no contest plea, his clients will not have to re-live the horrors and testify during a criminal trial.
"Children get re-traumatized when they have to face the person that did the harm. So this is good for the families. There will be closure at least in this criminal case," said attorney Luis Carrillo.
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Berndt taught at Miramonte Elementary for 30 years. One of his former students says while he never did anything inappropriate to her, she's glad he's nowhere near her young daughter and that he's admitting to his crimes.
"I think it's wrong, but after all, he can't lie because God is looking at everything, so he can't get out of it. So I hope he gets extra time," said Janel Braccey.
http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/local/los_angeles&id=9327262
Friday, November 15, 2013
Former Miramonte Elementary School teacher Mark Berndt is seen in court in this undated file photo. (KABC Photo)
LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Former Miramonte Elementary School teacher Mark Berndt has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading no contest on Friday to felony lewd act charges.
Berndt, 62, was accused of blindfolding students, covering their mouths with tape and placing items in front of their faces, including live cockroaches and a spoonful of his semen. The alleged abuses involved 23 children between 2005 and 2010.
As part of his plea agreement, Berndt will also be required to register as a sex offender for life.
"A school ought to be one of the safest places in America. This plea spares these young victims the anguish of testifying at a trial and sends an unmistakable message to those who would dare take advantage of our children that justice will prevail," said District Attorney Jackie Lacey in a statement.
During the court hearing, defense attorney Manny Medrano said his client was remorseful for his actions.
"He taught for over 30 years, your honor," Medrano said during the court hearing in downtown Los Angeles. "He was a dedicated educator. He was well-respected by his teaching peers at that school. He was loved by many of (his) students and the parents of those kids, your honor. And indeed, since his date of arrest ... he's received a multitude of letters, supportive letters, from former students and the parents of those kids."
The attorney representing the young victims says with Berndt's no contest plea, his clients will not have to re-live the horrors and testify during a criminal trial.
"Children get re-traumatized when they have to face the person that did the harm. So this is good for the families. There will be closure at least in this criminal case," said attorney Luis Carrillo.
Related Content
Story: Ex-Miramonte teacher to plead in molest case
Story: Former Miramonte principal head of new school
Story: Suit alleges LAUSD superintendents hid abuse
Story: LAUSD settles some Miramonte abuse lawsuits
Berndt taught at Miramonte Elementary for 30 years. One of his former students says while he never did anything inappropriate to her, she's glad he's nowhere near her young daughter and that he's admitting to his crimes.
"I think it's wrong, but after all, he can't lie because God is looking at everything, so he can't get out of it. So I hope he gets extra time," said Janel Braccey.
http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/local/los_angeles&id=9327262
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