this morning on "world news now" -- teacher's plea. the veteran los angeles elementary school teacher facing a long list of unspeakable child sex abuse allegations appears in court. >> while pleading not guilty, mark berndt claims he's the one being mistreated. it's wednesday february 22nd. good wednesday morning, everyone. it's ash wednesday. >> yes. >> i'm paula faris. >> and i'm rob nelson. good morning, everybody. that teacher, mark berndt, remains in custody this morning. his bail set at $23 million. that is 1 million for each of the 23 children he's accused of molesting. the scandal of course sent shock waves through the city of l.a. and really around the world. >> you won't believe what he's trying to claim now, too. also this morning the