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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Ferris asst. principal charged with molestation

Ferris High School assistant principal Todd Bender acknowledged having sexual contact with a teenage boy but told investigators the teen initiated the interactions, according to court documents. Prosecutors charged Bender with two felony counts of child molestation Thursday. Spokane Police have been investigating him after a teen boy came forward with allegations of several molestations in 2011. In three separate incidents, the victim said Bender gave him alcohol, then put his hand down the teen’s pants. The victim’s parents told police that Bender “had always pushed some boundaries.” They said he showed up at their house in the middle of the night twice, and they found him searching through their son’s gym bag. The victim told police that Bender has repeatedly called and texted him and has recently started calling and texting his girlfriend’s brother. In interviews with detectives, Bender reportedly shared details of three sexual encounters with the teen but insisted it was the victim’s idea. Bender also agreed to record a video statement for police, and wrote a letter of apology to the victim, according to court documents. Bender was admitted to Sacred Heart Medical Center on Nov. 5 after he had been acting despondent, according to court documents. He remains in the hospital for observation, and police worry he may be a suicide risk. Bender has worked at Ferris High School since 1995. He’s been an assistant principal at Ferris High School for seven years. He was previously an English teacher and track coach. Spokane School District spokesman Kevin Morrison said Bender remains on paid administrative leave. “He’s in the hospital. We haven’t been in contact with him,” he said.