Prosecutors Request Mistrial In “Teacher Of the Year” Case

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — Prosecutors have asked for a mistrial in the case of a West Fargo teacher accused of a having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old female student in 2009.

KFGO-AM reports prosecutors filed a request Wednesday for a mistrial to be declared for 36-year-old Aaron Knodel. He has pleaded not guilty to five counts of felony corruption or solicitation of a minor.

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

The presiding judge dismissed the jury last month last month following one juror's medical emergency while they were deliberating. The judge said that the juror failed to disclose during jury selection that she had been a victim of sexual abuse.

Prosecutors first have to seek a mistrial if they want a new trial.