CALIFORNIA
San Diego Union-Tribune
Peter Rowe
May 7, 2018
A chance encounter in Rome led a Minnesota woman to seek spiritual solace from a San Diegan studying for the Roman Catholic priesthood, Jacob Bertrand.
She received his prayers — and a sexual relationship that Bertrand later described as “the second holiest sacrifice next to Jesus and Mary on Calvary.”
In a Minnesota courtroom Monday, Bertrand was sentenced to 10 years probation and a $1,000 fine for criminal sexual conduct. He was also ordered to complete an assessment as a sex offender and then undergo any recommended therapy.
Under the terms of a plea agreement, Bertrand would face up to four years imprisonment if he violates the terms of his probation.
“The plea agreement in this case was entered into after considerable discussions with the victim and upon receiving her consent,” said the prosecutor, Dakota County Attorney James C. Backstrom. “We are pleased that Mr. Bertrand has been held accountable for his actions.”
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