MORGAN HILL
– A substitute teacher in the Morgan Hill School District
pleaded
”
no contest
”
Thursday in Santa Clara County Superior Court to a misdemeanor
charge of annoying or molesting a child.
MORGAN HILL – A substitute teacher in the Morgan Hill School District pleaded “no contest” Thursday in Santa Clara County Superior Court to a misdemeanor charge of annoying or molesting a child.
Tras Berg, 27, of Hollister, was arrested at his home Dec. 24 after the parents of a 13-year-old Britton Middle School girl told police she had received e-mails, letters and phone calls from Berg.
Deputy District Attorney Robert Mestman said a “no contest” plea is considered the same as a guilty plea by the criminal courts.
“This girl was very courageous to come forward and work with the Morgan Hill police,” Mestman said. “Because of her, because of her cooperation, the case against him is very strong.”
He said the MHPD have a “very lengthy” taped telephone conversation between the defendant and victim that was “sexual in nature.”
Berg also allegedly gave the girl a “peck kiss on the lips” and sent her letters and e-mails, Mestman said.
The sentencing date has been set for April 14. The maximum penalty is one year in county jail and a $1,000 fine. Berg could also be required to register as a sex offender for life.
Berg substituted in most of the schools in the district, but at the time of the arrest was a long-term substitute for an injured Britton science teacher.
Mestman said other teachers in the district commented positively on Berg as a teacher.
