With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today during our fall member drive.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Teacher Accused of Blindfolding Kids and Feeding Them His Semen Said it Was a "Tasting Game"
Photo of Mark Berndt courtesy of L.A. Sheriff's Department
()
Miramonte Elementary School teacher Mark Berndt, 61, has been arrested and his highly questionable teaching methods are under scrutiny following an extensive investigation into accusations he blindfolded students and had them tasting his semen fed to them by spoon.The Los Angeles Times reports that sources close to the case say Berndt explained to the children that they were being blindfolded as part of a "tasting game" and that the eye coverings were protection. The substance, thought by investigators to be the suspect's semen, was fed to the children, and Berndt instructed them to lick it off their lips.
More from the Times:
[The students] were supposed to say whether the substance was sweet or salty and whether they liked the taste. The blindfolds were necessary, Berndt allegedly said, "because he was going to put on bright lights to take the pictures and he didn't want to hurt their eyes."
Berndt was arrested at his home in Torrance on Monday after a nearly year-long investigation that began when a film processor turned over about 40 suspicious photos. The photos allegedly depicted kids who were blindfolded and had their mouths covered with tape in a school setting. In some of the photos, Berndt was posing with the children, either with his arm around them or his hand over their mouths.
Support for LAist comes from
A spoon found in the trash in Berndt's classroom was tested and determined to be semen containing Berndt's DNA.
"I hope this man spends the rest of his life in prison," said Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent John Deasy, who says the Berndt was not permitted back in the classroom after the LAUSD learned of the accusations, and was subsequently terminated by the Board at their next meeting.
Berndt is currently charged with 23 felony counts, and is being held on $2.3 million bail.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent. -
Kevin Lacy has an obsession with documenting California’s forgotten and decaying places. -
Restaurants share resources in the food hall in West Adams as Los Angeles reckons with increasing restaurant closures.
Best of LAist