Opinion ID: 222008
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Dorothy Jensen

Text: Berk's arrest received coverage from local television news outlets. Among the viewers was Portland resident Dorothy Jensen, who recognized Berk from a photo that he had sent her during a series of communications regarding an apartment wanted ad that she had posted on Craigslist for her and her 12-year old daughter in early August 2008. In responding to Jensen's ad, Berk not only said that he knew people with available housing, but also that he could supplement [Jensen's] income in a way that would give [her] more freedom. He eventually asked for a photo of Jensen and her daughter and sent Jensen one of himself. On August 24, Berk and Jensen had a lengthy colloquy over the internet, using instant messaging. Acknowledging Jensen's earlier comment that she was running out of time, Berk said that he was talking about something a little more under the table. When asked for further details, Berk said it depended on what Jensen was open to sexually and inquired about her age and marital status. He added that he had asked for the pictures to see what she looks like, does she have a boyfriend or anything like that? After Jensen informed Berk that her daughter had recently broken up with her boyfriend, Berk asked whether Jensen would be interested in renting her out, getting her trained, anything along those lines.... When asked to be more specific about training, Berk replied that it depends on her experience/interests and any limits you'd place on her I suppose. Anything in particular you think she needs to learn better? In response to Jensen's question, are we talking behavior or sexually, Berk replied both! Berk explained that he was really expecting to be able to do this more than once, anywhere from a couple of hours to overnight. He said also that what he would want would depend on what [Jensen] can offer and what makes sense. He told Jensen that she would be able to inform Berk what is OK or not OK. Berk glossed over the daughter's inexperience, asking Jensen if she mind[ed] if she gets some training and that the kind of training depends on what you're open to. I want to make sure you get out of this what you need, and that what you give me works for both of us. Berk then suggested a meeting with Jensen as soon as the next day. Due to other obligations Jensen couldn't provide a specific meeting time, but agreed to communicate with him the next day. Before any meeting occurred, Jensen saw Berk on television after his arrest and contacted the police.