By: Richard L. Smith
In a shocking case that has spanned several years, a former U.S. Army major and his wife have been sentenced once again for their involvement in the cruel and abusive treatment of their adopted children, who were all under the age of 4 and developmentally delayed.
Federal officials say the relentless abuse involved neglect, physical assaults, and inhumane acts, including breaking bones, withholding medical attention, denying nourishment, and even force-feeding hot sauce.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced the latest sentences.
Carolyn Jackson, 46, received a 140-month prison sentence, while her husband, John E. Jackson, 48, previously a major in the Army at the Picatinny Arsenal Installation in Morris County, New Jersey, was sentenced to 108 months in prison.
The abuse endured by the three child victims spanned over five years and left them with physical and emotional scars.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger condemned the actions of the defendants, emphasizing, "Carolyn Jackson and John Jackson inflicted cruel and devastating abuse on three child victims over five years. The defendants’ systematic abuse was horrifying and included physical assaults, withholding of food, water, and medical care, and forcing them to ingest hot sauce, among other inhumane treatment."
FBI – Newark Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy expressed his dismay, stating, "This couple abused developmentally challenged toddlers in ways that seem unimaginable and unbelievably inhumane. They are now facing the justice they deserve – and their victims deserve."
This case began in July 2015 when the Jacksons were found guilty of conspiracy to endanger the welfare of a child and multiple counts of endangering the welfare of a child following a four-month trial in Newark federal court.
At their initial sentencing in December 2015, Carolyn Jackson was sentenced to 24 months in prison, and John Jackson received probation and 400 hours of community service. However, the government appealed their sentences twice due to errors in the sentencing process.
At their third sentencing in April 2018, Carolyn Jackson received a 40-month prison sentence, and John Jackson received probation. The government appealed again, leading to the U.S. Court of Appeals vacating and remanding for a third resentencing after finding more errors.
Finally, in April 2023, the case was reassigned to U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton, who imposed the sentences handed down today. The case fell under federal jurisdiction because the crimes were committed on a military base, and John Jackson was discharged from the Army in May 2015.
During the period from August 2005 until April 2010, Carolyn and John Jackson conspired to subject their fostered and later adopted children to continuous neglect and cruelty.
The children were told not to report the abuse, as the Jacksons claimed they were "training" them.
The abuse included physical assaults with objects, fractured bones, lack of medical attention, insufficient nourishment, and forced consumption of painful substances. The victims endured unimaginable suffering at the hands of those who were supposed to care for them.