Ex-Bartlett High teacher found guilty of endangering student in liquid-nitrogen demonstration
A former Bartlett High School teacher was found guilty Wednesday of misdemeanor reckless conduct for pouring liquid nitrogen on a student's chest and groin during a science experiment in 2018.
The six-person jury also found Garry Brodersen, 66, of the 0-100 block of North Grove Street in Carpentersville, guilty of misdemeanor endangering the health and safety of a child.
"Mr. Brodersen displayed extremely poor judgment when he doused a student with a dangerous chemical during a science demonstration," DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a news release.
The student was lying on his back in a classroom when Brodersen poured the liquid nitrogen onto his chest, then a larger amount onto his groin. In a cellphone video WGN News obtained, the student jumps to his feet in pain after the chemical was poured on the groin area.
Nitrogen, a gas, takes a liquid form when it is between -320 and -346 degrees Fahrenheit. At those temperatures, it rapidly freezes skin tissues and eye fluids.
Brodersen was placed on paid administrative leave after the incident came to light. The Elgin District U-46 school board approved a resignation agreement in July 2018.
He remains free on bond and is next due in court March 18 for post-trial motions and possible sentencing.