“Just for Jesus” Preacher Arrested— Again
The annual rally known as "Just for Jesus" has had a very troubled past. There have been outbreaks of violence and even a few arrest have been made during what should be a very good event.
Now, the man at the center of "Just for Jesus" has gotten into hot water again. This time, the charge is car theft. He didn't sneak in and hot wire a car or anything like that. It's more of a technical charge, but still, it's his second arrest in four months.
James P. Bertrand Jr., the pastor known for the "Just For Jesus" rallies in Lake Charles, was arrested in Houston, accused of buying a car with a suspended driver's license.
By law, that voids the purchase.
According to the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office, a local dealership claims that Bertrand refused to give the car back.
The Houston Police Department located the car and Bertrand at a motel and arrested him, authorities said.
Bertrand will be extradited back to Calcasieu Parish and charged with vehicle theft.
According to a news release from Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office spokesperson Kim Myers, on Nov. 30, deputies were dispatched to a local car dealership in reference to a theft.
Upon arrival, Myers said deputies spoke with a representative of the dealership who advised that on Nov. 1, Bertrand, of Lake Charles, purchased a vehicle valued at over $67,000, however, it was later learned Bertrand had a suspended license.
Myers said that the dealership attempted to retrieve the car on two separate occasions but Bertrand refused to give the car back.
"CPSO deputies entered all information on the car, including the VIN number, into NCIC database and on Dec. 5, the Houston Police Department located the car and Bertrand at a motel in Houston," Myers said.
Bertrand was arrested by Houston Police Department for possession of stolen property and also an outstanding warrant in Houston for driving while intoxicated.
Myers said that Bertrand is currently awaiting extradition to Calcasieu Parish where he will be booked into Calcasieu Correctional Center and charged with theft of a motor vehicle.
Judge Ron Ware has set his bond at $3,000.
this is not Bertrand's first brush with the law. Earlier this year, in September, Bertrand was arrested and charged with drug and DWI charges.
l