Jury Selection Begins for Army Major Accused of Beating Kids, Force Feeding Them Hot Sauce

The selection of jurors who will decide if a United States Army Major and his wife purposely withheld water from their foster children, broke their bones, and force fed them harmful foods began Tuesday before a judge in Newark.

The trial, United States vs. John and Carolyn Jackson, is based on an indictment of the couple who are accused of allegedly using objects to assault the children, resulting in fractured bones. The indictment also said the children were not allowed to seek medical attention.

Each of the parents is charged with 17 counts, including 14 counts of endangering the welfare of a child, and another three counts of assault. The crimes were allegedly committed while the family was living on Picatinny Arsenal Base in Rockaway Township, where John Jackson has been stationed since 2005. The family is originally from Mt. Holly, New Jersey.

“As another form of punishment, Carolyn and John Jackson forced two of the children to consume food intended to cause them pain and suffering, variously including red pepper flakes, hot sauce and raw onion,” United States Attorney Paul Fishman’s office said after the indictment was returned in 2013. “They also caused one child to ingest excessive sodium or sodium-laden substances while being deprived of water, leading to a life-threatening condition.”

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.

Judge Katharine Hayden is presiding over the proceedings.