'Rod of Correction' Used Often in Alleged Abuse of Army Major's Kids, Son Testifies

The oldest child of an Army major and his wife testified before a grand jury Wednesday, painting a detailed picture of horrific child abuse allegedly born out of biblical teachings.

According to nj.com, the 16-year-old biological son of Army Major John Jackson, and his wife Carolyn, took the stand Wednesday and provided damning testimony, claiming his mother spared no opportunity to “correct” the actions of three adopted children between 2005 and 2010.

An adopted son would often be hit with a wooden paddle or ruler if he didn’t climb into his car seat quick enough, the teen testified, the report said. The “swats” to the young boy grew in frequency as he got older. The teen testified that his parents would point to the Book of Proverbs and that the “rod of correction” would drive out a child’s “foolishness,” the report said.

Claims by prosecutors that the adopted children were starved was backed up by the teen, saying the younger adopted son simply stopped growing after time, the report said.

In addition to the abuse of the adopted boy, two adopted girls were force-fed hot sauce and red hot pepper flakes, the report said.

The Jacksons were arrested in April 2013 and have been indicted on 17 charges of child abuse and endangering the welfare of a child. Each parent faces up to 10 years in prison on each of the 17 counts and a maximum of $250,000 fine for each count.

They have been stationed at Picatinny Arsenal in Rockaway Township, Morris County, since 2005.