Former Fresno Adventist Academy Teacher Refuses Plea Deal in Sexual Crimes Case, Could Face up to 260 Years
12 June 2019 | Christopher Bispham, a former teacher at Fresno Adventist Academy, refused a plea deal this week that would have seen him accept a 30-year prison sentence.
Bispham faces accusations of repeatedly molesting students and, if convicted of all charges, could face up to 260 years in prison.
He will be tried in the Superior Court of Fresno County in California.
Bispham was taken into police custody in Florida in October, 2017, after appearing to be on the run from authorities. He faces 18 charges relating to four boys.
Fresno-based ABC 30 television reported that Bispham was arrested in Orlando due to the charges for the alleged crimes, all of which took place during his employment at the Adventist school.
According to the Fresno Bee, Bispham is being held in custody at Fresno County Jail in lieu of $1M bail.
Fresno Adventist Academy released a statement acknowledging the arrest.
The Fresno Bee reports that a civil lawsuit is in process against Bispham and Fresno Adventist Academy alleging negligence by the school, emotional distress and sexual battery.