Case index

To Catch a Predator · Petaluma investigation

Fernando Bernal

Fernando Bernal was arrested during the Petaluma, California investigation. He was convicted and received six months in jail and 36 months of probation.

Photo: To Catch a Predator Wiki

Outcome
Sentenced
Evidence
Attributed reporting
Jurisdiction
Sonoma County, California
Encounter
Not established
Decoy posed as
Girl1
Case number
Not established

Personal details

Occupation
Computer support specialist

Charges & sentence

  1. Attempted lewd or lascivious acts with a minor under14

    Convicted3

Sentence

6 months in jail and 36 months of probation; lifetime registration.

Attributed to the sources below. Consult the original record for full terms.

Case records

Hansen investigationSentenced
  1. Attempted lewd or lascivious acts with a minor under14

    Convicted3

Sentence

6 months in jail and 36 months of probation; lifetime registration.3

  • Prison: 6 months3
  • Probation: 3 years3

Reviewed sting-related legal outcome.

Sources 3

Sources

An on-camera appearance does not establish guilt. Charges, court outcomes, and reported information are kept distinct. Research standards

Record updated Oct 23, 2026 · Version 5 · Suggest a correction