San Diego Priest Sentenced With Fine, Probation After Having Sexual Relationship With Woman
Closeup of the neck of a priest wearing a black shirt with cassock and white clerical collar. (Shutt..
Closeup of the neck of a priest wearing a black shirt with cassock and white clerical collar. (Shutterstock) 
6:31 PM 05/09/2018
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Roman Catholic priest Jacob Bertrand was sentenced to 10 years probation and a $1,000 fine earlier this week for having a sexual relationship with a Minnesota woman seeking spiritual guidance from him.
Father Bertrand had sex with the woman in a Minnesota mass at a private home after meeting her abroad in Rome. He described the sexual relationship as “the second holiest sacrifice next to Jesus and Mary on Calvary.”
The woman made complaints to church officials in 2012 and 2014, and finally made a criminal complaint to police in 2016.
The woman and Bertrand came to a plea deal. On top of his sentencing, Bertrand had to complete a sex offenders assessment and undergo recommended therapy.
Kevin Eckery, a diocesan spokesman, commented that Father Jacob “is not expected to return to active ministry.”
Bertrand served in four San Diego parishes and was ordained a priest in 2010.
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