The Free Press, Mankato, MN

Local News

January 26, 2008

Teacher gets max sentence in sex case

Statement of remorse doesn't sway judge, girl's relatives

By Brian Ojanpa

LE CENTER — A former Montgomery teacher and coach who had ongoing sexual relations with a 14-year-old student has been given a 12-year prison sentence — the maximum allowed for the crime.

Troy Bernard sobbed and put his head in his hands as Judge Richard Perkins sentenced him Friday in Le Sueur County District Court.

“You knew — you knew! — what you were doing was wrong, and you knew it better than 98 percent of the sex offenders I see in this court, and that concerns me greatly. That’s a huge red flag,” Perkins told Bernard.

“We believe you’re remorseful, but we’re not sure to what, and to whom.”

Moments earlier, his voice breaking with emotion, the 36-year-old Bernard had addressed the court, speaking of how sorry he was for his actions.

“I can’t imagine what I’ve put their family through,” he said. “It was never my intention to hurt anyone ... I have so much turmoil and anguish.”

But relatives of the girl, during their victim impact statements, painted Bernard as a manipulative, methodical predator.

“She couldn’t imagine you’d exploit her sexually the way you did. She thought she was very special to you,” the girl’s grandmother said.

The girl’s father glared at Bernard and laid raw his feelings toward him:

“If I acted on how I feel, I wouldn’t be here today. I’d be the one going to jail. Did you even think of the damage you were doing? Did you even care? She was not meant to be used so you could fulfill your sick needs. My fear is that you just don’t get what you’ve done.”

Bernard pleaded guilty in October to criminal sexual conduct. He had sex with the girl from July 2006 to May 2007. The incidents occurred in his Montgomery home, and on one occasion at school.

He taught fifth grade and coached high school track and volleyball.

Le Sueur County Assistant Attorney Jason Moran argued for the maximum sentence Friday.

“There are some crimes that are so morally wrong, so violating of the public’s trust, so despicable. She was 14 and he was 35 ... He knew it was wrong, but he continued to do it anyway.

“(The girl) had friends. She was popular. She had a bright future. All of that has been turned upside down.”

In their courtroom statements, family members said the girl lost weight, suffered migraines, and became distrustful of others.

They spoke of how she dropped out of school after being shunned by friends, and was the target of gossip and innuendo in the small community, where maintaining anonymity in connection with the case was all but impossible.

Then it was the girl’s turn to speak:

“People are quick to judge me. They want to look at my past, not who I am now.”

She said before the sexual incidents began she’d viewed Bernard as a good friend and source of support.

“But I’d never in my life wish the hurt I’ve been going through on my worst enemy.”

Before imposing the sentence, Perkins took to task those in the community who have assigned blame to the victim.

“She is not at fault, and anyone who thinks so is ignorant.”

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Local News