John Jackson’s 25-Year Sentence Upheld by Court of Appeals

ST. THOMAS — John Jackson’s convictions for sex crimes against minors have been affirmed by the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals, ensuring his 25-year prison sentence remains intact.

Jackson, a former Olympic boxer, was arrested in 2019 after allegations surfaced that he was having sexual relations with a minor. In April 2022, he was convicted on charges including first- and second-degree rape, child pornography, and transportation of a minor for sexual activity. V.I. Chief District Judge Robert Molloy subsequently sentenced him to 25 years in prison.

Jackson’s legal team challenged the latter charges, contending that prosecutors failed to prove he intended to produce child pornography or engage in sexual activity following the transportation of the minors. They also argued that the evidence used against Jackson was obtained through an invalid warrant and should not have been admitted in court.

The appellate judges, however, dismissed these arguments in a comprehensive 14-page ruling issued on Friday. They acknowledged a procedural error by law enforcement officers who did not present Jackson with a complete copy of the search warrant, including attachments, during its execution. Despite this error, the judges determined it did not warrant the suppression of the evidence collected, as the magistrate had properly reviewed all attachments before signing the warrant.

Regarding the child pornography charges, the court found that the video Jackson recorded of his encounter with the minor was explicitly sexual. The footage’s focus on genitalia and Jackson’s subsequent viewing of it with the minor indicated a clear purpose behind the recording.

The judges also upheld the jury’s conclusion that Jackson transported minors for the purpose of sexual activity. Testimonies from three minors detailed instances where Jackson drove them to locations where sexual activities occurred. Jackson himself admitted to driving at least one minor to his apartment for sex.

While the appellate court’s decision affirms Jackson’s convictions, it does not set a precedent as it was not rendered by the full bench. Jackson now has a two-week period to file a petition for a rehearing should he choose to pursue further legal action.