Prosecutors said Thursday that “additional individuals have come forward” in the case against a Unit 5 junior high teacher accused of grooming at least one child.
Brandon Knapp, 43, appeared at Thursday’s pretrial hearing in jail clothing and shackles. He was joined by his new defense attorney, John Lonergan.
Prosecutor Aaron Fredrick told the court that additional discovery was underway and that “additional individuals have come forward” and will be interviewed. Lonergan said he anticipates challenging the admissibility of certain evidence in the case.
Judge William Yoder gave attorneys 30 days to file pretrial motions, with the next pretrial hearing set for 9 a.m. July 7. The judge also approved an Extended Media Coverage request, allowing portions of the court proceedings to be video or audio recorded.
Knapp, an eighth-grade social studies teacher at Chiddix Junior High in Normal, was placed on paid administrative leave. Prosecutors say he made sexually suggestive remarks to a 13-year-old girl last year. Grooming is a Class 4 felony.
Knapp is being held at the McLean County jail.
