Army Parents Get Jail, Probation In Picatinny Abuse Case

ROCKAWAY, NJ — Two parents convicted of abusing their adopted children over a five-year period at the Picatinny Arsenal Base were sentenced to jail and probation with credit for time served after having a previous sentence overturned on appeal.

Carolyn Jackson, 38, was sentenced to 40 months in prison, while her husband, John Jackson, 40, was sentenced to three years of probation. Both received credit for time already served. The sentences are similar to those handed down to the couple during a 2016 trial.

“Obviously, we are disappointed that the court did not agree with the sentences we sought,” U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito said. “This is a case where the victims were children, horribly abused by the foster parents to whom they were entrusted. A punishment that was severe – but fair – was warranted.”

The couple was found guilty on nearly two dozen counts of child assault and endangerment charges during a 2016 trial after abusing three of their adopted children. They were found guilty of abusing the three children under the age of 4 by hitting them with sticks and belts which resulted in broken bones, force-feeding them red pepper flakes and other dangerous foods, and withholding water from them while feeding them foods with high sodium levels.

One of the adopted children, who is now 12, spoke during Wednesday's hearing in Newark. She told the court she only remembers some of the abuse from when she was a small child, but remembers being hit constantly, the Associated Press reported.

The girl's adoptive mother said the girl spends seven hours a week in therapy, and struggles with post-traumatic stress, violent episodes, and anxiety, the AP reported.

"The Jacksons destroyed her chance for a normal life and crushed her spirit," the girl's adoptive mother said.

During the sentencing phase of the second trial, the prosecution sought sentences of 19 and 15 years for the Jacksons. Instead, Carolyn Jackson was sentenced 24 months in prison while John Jackson was sentenced to 400 hours of community service after being found guilty

Federal Judge Katherine Hayden presided over the trial and imposed the original sentence. Those sentences were vacated by the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and the case was returned to federal court in Newark to be re-sentenced.

The family is originally from Mount Holly, New Jersey, but the abuse was committed while they were stationed at Picatinny Arsenal in Morris County between 2005 and 2010.

In addition to adopted children the Jacksons have three biological children, of whom they no longer have custody.

With reporting by Jason Koestenblatt, Patch Staff