Second Durand Teacher Charged
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Posted: 11:03 PM Dec 1, 2009
Second Durand Teacher Charged
We now know the name of the second Durand teacher accused of miscounduct with students. Criminal charges came forward Tuesday against 41-year old Bret Meier.
Reporter: Alice Barr
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"With this small town it's just a big shock," says Durand mother Deb Hoffman.

The past five weeks have been rough on the Durand school district. In that time, two high school teachers have been arrested for inappropriate conduct with students.

First, 23-year old Jennifer Bland was charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse and criminal sexual assault, for allegedly having sexual contact with six male students, ages 13 to 17.

Now the Winnebago County State's Attorney's office is charging 41-year-old Bret Meier with one count of child pornography, three counts of indecent solicitation of a minor and two counts of distributing harmful materials. The charges are all related to one Durand student who is younger than 18.

For the students still walking into the school every day, reactions range from fear: "Everybody's been trusting these teachers to give good educations and be good teachers but now that you know this is happening, you don't know if these teachers going to do it, or your other teachers are going to do it," says Durand student Jorie Dreier.

To shame... "It's been really embarrassing to know that Durand is going through this," says another Durand student Audrey Manning.

To disbelief... "I personally think it's all a lie because Mr. Meier was like a great teacher," says Durand student Abby Albersteet.

Authorities say someone informed the school district about Meier's alleged misconduct, while the Winnebago County Sheriff's Department was continuing its investigation into Bland's case and investigators are asking anyone else with information to come forward.

But Albersteet believes some students are trying to use the investigation to their advantage.

"I heard kids saying oh I don't like this teacher let's try getting him fired," says Albersteet.

Durand administrators are doubling their reviews of any complaints made to the district, to determine their validity and act quickly.

Meier resigned from the school district last week and turned himself in to police Tuesday. He's being held on 100 thousand dollars bond.

Jennifer Bland was fired from the district and is out on bond, but banned from contacting any minors. She's due back in court December 23rd.


Latest Comments

Posted by: Friend of a friend Location: IL on Dec 14, 2009 at 04:45 PM

Let's keep this man and his family in our prayers during the upcoming holiday season. This is undoubtedly an incredibly difficult time for Bret, his family, and friends. Give his wife and children the privacy they deserve.
Posted by: 2004wasthebeginningoftheend Location: I wish I still lived in Durand. on Dec 7, 2009 at 10:29 PM

Meier is truly an amazing teacher. He was one of the only people that made high school bearable for me. I don't think I would have graduated if I hadn't had him as a teacher. I agree with his decision to resign 100%. the fact that he resigned does not show guilt, but a lack of wanting to work at a school where his students could screw him over like this. I just wish Durand didnt have to lose such a great teacher. and he had no other option than to turn himself in. the repercussions would have been much greater if he had not. Ignorant comments made by students show why most high school students are not considered "adults." I would like to thank Meier, for helping me when I needed it most, I really dont think I would be where I am today without his presence in my past. I wish him the best, and I hope the news stations,and people commenting on other Durand stories, stop making Durand sound so horrible. Durand is a very good school and there are plenty of great teachers.
Posted by: Publius Intelius Location: Durand on Dec 4, 2009 at 02:46 AM

Continued: If the material were created by the student, but sent to the teacher, then it is unclear whether Bret Meier ever willingly accepted it. If he did not accept the material, but destroyed it upon its receipt, then the strength of the case dramatically disipates. However, the student would face prosecution.