San Diego Priest Facing Sex Charges in Minnesota

By Brandon Lewis
CBS 8
October 7, 2016

http://www.cbs8.com/story/33345966/san-diego-priest-facing-sex-charges-in-minnesota

A San Diego Catholic priest is facing sex charges in Minnesota and on Friday his lawyer spoke with CBS News 8 on behalf of the priest.

The diocese in San Diego said the charges against Father Jacob Bertrand are related to a sexual encounter he had with a woman in 2010.

The 33-year-old priest took a leave of absence in August as an investigation began into allegations of sexual misconduct.

The victim said she first met Father Bertrand while the two were studying spirituality at an university in Italy in 2009.

The two became friends and court documents allege a year later he visited her and her family in Minnesota.

According to prosecutors, Father Bertrand herd their confession then held a private mass with the victim.

Bertrand is accused of twice having sexual conduct during the ceremony. He is now facing two felony charges of criminal sexual conduct as a member of clergy.

According to Minnesota law, even consensual sex between the two is illegal if he was acting in the role of a priest.

The diocese said there are no allegations against Father Bertrand in San Diego and he will remain on leave until the case makes its way through the courts. .