Jury Still Out in “Teacher Of the Year” Case

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — The jury in the sexual misconduct trial of a former North Dakota teacher of the year has not reached a verdict after two days of deliberations.

Jurors in the case against Aaron Knodel will continue to discuss the case Wednesday. Jurors began debating the fate of the educator Monday after the defense and prosecution finished their closing arguments.

The 36-year-old West Fargo High School English teacher is accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old student over a period of several weeks in early 2009. He has pleaded not guilty to five counts of felony corruption or solicitation of a minor.

Knodel and the student testified during the trial.

Knodel was named North Dakota teacher of the year in 2014, before the allegations surfaced.