Former Bartlett High School Teacher Found Guilty Of Reckless Conduct That Injured Student

Press release from the DuPage County State’s Attorney Office:

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin announced today that late yesterday evening a six-person jury found a former Bartlett High School chemistry teacher guilty of Reckless Conduct for injuring a student during a science demonstration.

Additionally, the jury also found Garry Brodersen, 66 (d.o.b. 2-25-1955) of Carpentersville, guilty of one count of Endangering the Health or Life of a Child. Both charges are Class A Misdemeanors. In reaching their verdict, the jury deliberated for approximately four hours following a two-day-long trial in front of Judge Paul Marchese.

On May 15, 2018, Brodersen was performing a science demonstration for his class. During the demonstration, he poured liquid nitrogen on a student’s chest and groin area. The chemical caused burn injuries to the student’s groin and a finger.

Bond for the offense was set at $15,000. Brodersen posted $1,500, the necessary 10% of his bond, and was released from custody.

“Mr. Brodersen displayed extremely poor judgement when he doused a student with a dangerous chemical during a science demonstration,” Berlin said. “I would like to thank Judge Marchese for ensuring a fair trial for both sides as well as the jury for their service, particularly while the pandemic, while less severe than before, is still a fact of life. I would like to thank Assistant State's Attorneys Jennifer Nielsen and Adam Rodriguez for their efforts on this very disturbing case."

Brodersen’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 18, 2021 for filing of post-trial motions or sentencing.

This press release was produced by the DuPage County State’s Attorney Office. The views expressed here are the author’s own.