A Rhode Island Catholic priest reportedly pleaded for a sentence of five years after admitting to child pornography charges, apologizing for his “vile sin.”
The Traditional Latin Mass priest identified as Father James Jackson, 68, admitted in June to a charge of receipt of child pornography after being charged in November 2021, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office District of Rhode Island. Authorities stated that in September 2021 the state’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force had identified an IP address that was assigned to the priest. (RELATED: Suspect Identified After Allegedly Stabbing Catholic Priest To Death In Nebraska Church)
The DA’s office alleged that a computer and “digital device” was found within Father Jackson’s church rectory bedroom that contained over 12,000 images and 1,300 videos of child pornography, according to the press release. Authorities claim that “images and videos of child sexual abuse, including multiple images involving prepubescent females, some of which involved acts of bestiality and sadomasochism” were found.
Fr. James Jackson, FSSP, asked a court Monday to sentence him to five years for possessing child sex abuse material.
The priest also told the court he had been sexually abused as a child:https://t.co/JU6T1K60vq
— The Pillar (@PillarCatholic) December 11, 2023
Father Jackson was later released to the custody of his sister while awaiting his trial this year in June. The priest sent the court a letter in August which was attached to a sentencing memorandum and filed on Monday, according to The Pillar.
In his apology letter, Father Jackson addressed members of his religious community, apologizing for his “vile sin” that he “fell” into, The Pillar reported. (RELATED: ‘Into Some Very F*cked Up, Sick Taboos’: Ex Coach, Wife Charged After Allegedly Stalking Young Child Online For Sex)
“The vile sin into which I fell, and for which I am guilty, has caused immeasurable harm. I have sinned against God, children, you, friends and family, former students and former parishioners and many others besides,” Jackson stated. “I cannot repair this damage, but I must try.”
“I hope you will accept this apology. I’m sorry at a level I’ve never experienced before. I’m ashamed beyond any shame I’ve known. I will be offering reparations, penances, and what good works I can for you, long after I am dismissed from the Fraternity, and praying for you, in a reformed life, until my dying day.”
Prior to his confession, some fellow Catholic priests had defended Father Jackson highlighting his excellent character and behavior, according to The Pillar. Fr. Justin Nolan, FSSP, wrote a letter that was attached to the Monday filing, however, he told the outlet that he had written in on June 15 “a few days after” Jackson’s plea.
While Nolan had previously stated that Jackson had “no discernible vices,” he told The Pillar that he had written the letter after Father Jackson’s attorney requested it for the “purposes of giving character testimonial to be entered before his sentencing” to give the judge a “better idea of his character and conduct.”
Nolan noted to the outlet that his letter was “not written in defense of his innocence,” emphasizing that since Jackson’s most recent guilty plea the priest had made it “quiet clear that he is guilty.”
“I know of no one who continues to maintain his innocence,” Nolan told The Pillar.
Father Jackson noted within his plea to the court he was sexually abused as a child, with his sister confirming that the priest had engaged in a life of drugs, alcohol, and “sexual wildness” while young, according to the Catholic News Agency.
While Father Jackson could be facing the maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison, since his plea it’s predicted that he will be only sentenced to the five years he asked for, according to The Pillar. The Catholic priest is scheduled to be sentenced on Wednesday.