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Updated: 8:02 PM Oct 22, 2009
Durand Teacher Sex Charges Update
The small community of Durand is in shock after learning that a Durand high school teacher is accused of having sexual contact with four underage students.
Posted: 7:29 PM Oct 22, 2009Reporter: Alice Barr |
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"I'm shocked, I don't know what to say about that," says Durand High School Senior Megan Musselman.
Musselman feels strange entering school Thursday, knowing a teacher who works in the building is now accused of having sexual contact with four male students, between the ages of 14 and 17. Twenty-three-year old Jennifer Diane Bland faces six counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.
The Durand schools website lists Bland as a high school Spanish teacher.
"I've talked to her, she seems like a cool lady. She seems like she wouldn't have a relationship with a kid," says Musselman.
We checked for comment at Bland's home address in Durand, but no one answered.
The investigation moved quickly. On Tuesday, someone contacted Durand police with concerns about Bland's behavior. Durand then called in the Winnebago County Sheriff's Department and charges came forward Thursday.
"This was a very immediate response, that's what you're seeing. Strong concern for the community, strong concern for a school district and strong concern for children," says Winnebago County State's Attorney Joe Bruscato.
Bruscato would not comment on whether the kids were Bland's own students, where the alleged misconduct took place, or over what period of time.
In an afternoon court appearance, Bland's bond was set at 20 thousand dollars, with the condition that she not contact any minors.
The incident has shaken up the small school district's environment.
"Well I normally think of it as safe, but this is kind of weird, what if a male teacher does this. It could happen, whether anyone finds out or not," says Musselman.
District Superintendent Doug DeSchepper says there will be counseling services available.
"The District will continue to preserve and protect a safe, healthy academic environment for its students," says Dr. DeSchepper.
Bland faces up to 42 years in jail. She's due back in court November 19th and is on paid leave from the school district right now.
State's Attorney Bruscato says there's a possibility that there are other victims out there. The Winnebago County Sheriff's Department is asking anyone with information about this case, especially Durand students and parents, to call the department at 815-319-6416 during the day, or 815-319-6300 at night. You can also call Crime Stoppers at 815-987-5863.
Latest Comments
I went to Durand High School and agree with Eddie. what happened bears54? Did she say NO too many times and "GOT WHAT SHE DESERVED?" This needs a REAL investigation before anybody makes a conclusion on who the REAL victim is.
I went to highschool with Jennifer. I was not very close with her but there is no way that this is true.
I am a Junior in Durand @ Durand High School, and have been in Ms. Bland's Spanish Class. It's about time someone spoke up and told the truth here, problem is these guys are lying through their arses, they have been cooking this up since last year and its all crap. You better go searching a little deeper here people, there is a lot of crap being spread about this lady and it goes back to getting even with her husband, open your eyes man this town is full of lame people and the school is full of even more. The girls are jealous and these guys want everybody to think they are real jobs. This guys are stretching the thing to make themselves more popular, and once their stupid parents, the cops and the rest of the lamos find out the truth they are really going to feel and look stupider than they seem now.
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