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Bertrand sentenced to 83 months in molestation case

Andrew Wesley Bertrand was sentenced to 83 months April 6 after being found guilty of two counts of first-degree child molestation in Mason County Superior Court.

According to court documents, Shelton Police took a report March 7, 2021, of two girls who had been touched under their clothes by Bertrand. Both girls had a forensic interview March 11. One girl said Bertrand was dating her mom in 2020. The girl and Bertrand would stay up to watch the television show “Umbrella Academy” after her mom went to sleep, and Bertrand would slide his hand under her shirt and shorts. She said he did this about 10 times and never acted like it happened.

The other girl said Bertrand was dating her mom and would also reach under her shirt and pants. After her mom broke up with Bertrand, she stayed friends with Bertrand’s daughter. While watching a movie with Bertrand and his daughter, he reached down her pants when the daughter went to the bathroom. She said she mentioned it to Bertrand’s daughter.

Bertrand was arrested March 17 by the Mason County Sheriff’s Office.

According to presentencing report, Mr. Bertrand refused to make a statement regarding his offenses or give his version of what happened and would only answer questions with his attorney present. The report also states that Bertrand had a tendency to date mothers with daughters around the same age as his own daughter.

“All of this is notable, as it suggests that Mr. Bertrand has used his position of influence within the community, money and position of authority to gain access to single mothers and groom them to gain access to their young daughters,” the report states. “This also suggest that there are potentially multiple unadjudicated victims as well.”

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Matt Baide, Reporter

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Shelton-Mason County Journal & Belfair Herald
Email: [email protected]

 

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