Jacquot sentenced to time served

SANDPOINT — A Vay attorney accused of molesting a teenage girl is a free man.

David Charles Jacquot was sentenced Thursday in San Diego to time served and placed on probation for 25 years, according to U.S. District Court records.

Jacquot, 49, pleaded guilty to one count of traveling across state lines in order to engage in illicit sexual activity with a minor. Jacquot was accused of flying with the 15-year-old from the Inland Northwest to San Diego in 2006.

Jacquot was indicted on three counts of interstate transportation of a minor but jurors in two separate trials in Southern California were unable to reach unanimous verdicts. Jacquot entered the plea in March, shortly before his third trial.

The plea agreement and attendant documents remain filed under seal even though Jacquot has been sentenced in the case.

Gordon Hodge, a cousin of Jacquot’s wife who testified as a government witness at the trials, said he was advised by federal authorities that Jacquot will be a registered sex offender for life.

The felony conviction is also expected to upend Jacquot’s legal career. A felony conviction can be grounds for suspension or disbarment of a practicing attorney, according to Idaho Bar Commission rules.

Jacquot has been incarcerated since his indictment by a grand jury in 2010.

Jacquot was indicted shortly after his Bonner County home was destroyed by a mysterious fire. Jacquot’s wife and son escaped the fire and he was found crawling in a field, apparently unable to speak.

The fire occurred after the victim disclosed the abuse to her counselor and authorities, court records indicate.

Jacquot is not being prosecuted for the fire, possessing a stolen semiautomatic pistol with an obliterated serial number or his sexual misconduct with the teen in Idaho, Hodge said.

Hodge expects Jacquot to return to Idaho because his wife recently purchased a home in Dalton Gardens, a mere eight-minute drive from his home.

“I was kind of worried because he’s had a couple of years to lay around and figure out how to get even with me and (the victim),” Hodge said.

Hodge said the victim is doing well and is working toward post-secondary school degree.

“We’re just going to have to hope for the best,” he said.