BEND, Ore. — A 62-year-old man, arrested last year in connection with the distribution of child sexual abuse material, has pleaded guilty to several felony charges. Jack Bergeron Jr., who was living at a daycare facility in northeast Bend at the time of his arrest, faces a recommended prison sentence of seven years.

Bergeron was arrested in May 2024 following a raid on a home on NE Burnside Avenue, where he was charged with 20 felony counts of encouraging child sexual abuse and one misdemeanor count of encouraging sexual assault of an animal. The charges raised significant concern, but authorities confirmed there was no evidence linking the daycare’s children to the alleged abuse. Parents were provided with contact information for any questions or concerns.

The case made headlines for the disturbing nature of the charges and the fact that Bergeron was living in close proximity to a daycare facility. Despite the seriousness of the allegations, investigators stressed that no children at the daycare were believed to have been victimized.

A week ago, Bergeron, who had been scheduled to go on trial on February 11, signed a petition in which he pleaded guilty to four charges. These included three first-degree felony counts and one second-degree felony count, related to incidents that occurred in March and May of 2024. The plea was reached following a settlement conference, and Bergeron admitted to the charges.

At his upcoming sentencing hearing, scheduled for March 10, prosecutors are expected to recommend a seven-year prison sentence. Bergeron is currently being held in jail on $500,000 bail.

The case has brought attention to the potential dangers posed by individuals living near vulnerable populations, even as authorities continue to emphasize that the daycare’s children were not involved in the allegations. The community remains on alert as the case moves toward its final resolution.