MINNSOTA
Pioneer Press
May 7, 2018
A former Roman Catholic priest was sentenced to 10 years of probation after pleading guilty to sexual contact with a Mendota Heights woman during a private Mass, according to Dakota County prosecutors.
Jacob Andrew Bertrand, 35, who had been a priest in San Diego, pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct in January. The probation sentence was announced Monday by Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom. If Bertrand violates any of its conditions, he could be sentenced to four years in prison.
Backstrom praised Assistant County Attorney Heather Pipenhagen, who prosecuted the case.
”The plea agreement in this case was entered into after considerable discussions with the victim and upon receiving her consent,” Backstrom said in a prepared statement. “We are pleased that Mr. Bertrand has been held accountable for his actions.”
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