Former foster parent sentenced in pornography case
Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2008
FAYETTEVILLE - A former foster parent from Bella Vista was sentenced to 70 years in prison Thursday in federal court for producing and transporting child pornography.
Brian J. Bergthold, 46, pleaded guilty to the July 26, 2007, charges.
"You didn't do this to me," Bergthold said, sitting in the witness stand before being formally sentenced.
"I did this to you. "Bergthold spoke to the victims in the room and the families of victims representing others who couldn't be there.
A thin, pale man, Bergthold wore a white dress shirt and black tie.
Throughout the trial, he alternated between cheery talk with family and friends who came to support him and solemnly watching the proceedings.
Bella Vista police detective Barb Shrum testified that five boys reported being abused while in Bergthold's care.
Another child not in his care also reported abuse, Shrum said.
U. S. District Court Judge Jimm Larry Hendren sentenced Bergthold to the maximum terms, making them consecutive.
Hendren sentenced Bergthold to 30 years for the first count of producing child pornography and 20 years for the second.
Bergthold also received a sentence of 20 years for production of child pornography while he was a resident of Oregon.
The Oregon charge stems from a video recording Bergthold made of two minors having sex. The video showed him fondling the male.
Bergthold also was fined $ 75, 000.
Bergthold's attorney, Drew Miller, argued for a lighter sentence for his client throughout the hearing.
Ronald Mc Inroe, a clinical psychologist, was brought in on behalf of Bergthold. Mc Inroe testified that Bergthold is not a pedophile or sociopath but was himself a victim and was abused and possibly raped.
Mc Inroe said Bergthold spent most of his life confused about his sexuality, a factor that contributed to his actions.
Mc Inroe recommended the lightest sentence possible, saying Bergthold would not likely commit the same crimes again. A repeat offense is unlikely with a prison term of 30 years, Mc Inroe said, adding it is rare that 76-year-old men commit such crimes.
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