Knodel; Wife Take the Stand in Day 4 of West Fargo Teacher Sex Trial

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Aaron Knodel took the stand today in his own defense on day four of the West Fargo Teacher’s trial.

Knodel is accused of having a sexual relationship with a student back in 2009.

KVRR’s Brittany Ford has been following the story and has the details.

It was a surprise to many in the courtroom today when Aaron Knodel took the stand to defend himself.

The defendant spoke about his relationship with his accuser and the phone call evidence, all while holding what appeared to be a rosary.
 
“I just listened…I listened.”

He said repeatedly that the long phone calls between the alleged victim and himself were only about helping her with her personal problems and nothing more.

He also stressed how he tried to minimize his contact with her.
 
“I don’t recall any of the specific conversations. I do know I was trying to avoid her and reduce the contact.”

During the cross examination, prosecutors revealed the content of the sticky notes left in the Twilight book.

Knodel continually denied that he was the author of those notes.

The last witness today was Knodel’s wife.  Holding back tears, she took the stand.

“Marie Knodel said she knew all about the phone calls, because she paid the cell phone bill.  She also said she overheard some of the conversations.”
 
“Probably after midnight she had called. She was all up in arms because one of her parents had left the house and they were intoxicated and she didn’t know what to do.”

Marie explained that she also knew about her husband giving her cell phone number to the former student.

“I can’t remember the context of what she was going to call about but he said here’s my wife’s phone number if you need to get a hold of me, my phone’s about to die.”

The alleged victim testified on Wednesday she wasn’t supposed to use the wife’s phone number and it was listed in her contacts as “Don’t”.

Marie Knodel’s cross examination will continue on Monday.

Brittany Ford KVRR News.
 
The defense has three other witnesses to call before closing statements will be made.