25 Years For Rape And Sexual Abuse Of 12-Year-Old Child

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — A New Rochelle man was sentenced to spend decades behind bars for raping and sexually abusing a 12-year-old.

New Rochelle resident Jamaal Jackson was sentenced to 25 years in prison for rape and sexual abuse of a minor, Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah announced on Wednesday.

Jackson was sentenced on May 31, to 25 years in prison, with 20 years of post-release supervision. After his release from prison, the now 43-year-old will be required to register as a sex offender.

Jackson was convicted by a jury after trial for felony sexual abuse in the first degree and rape in the first degree. He was also convicted of misdemeanor endangering the welfare of a child.

The jury found that he abused and raped a 12-year-old in 2018.

The case was prosecuted by Child Abuse Deputy Bureau Chief Owein Levin and Assistant District Attorney Mollie O’Rourke of the Special Prosecutions Division.

"This trial demonstrates how the prosecutors and victim specialists of this office, working with our law enforcement partners, will do everything within our power to fight for the most vulnerable victims, especially children," Rocah said. "We commend and recognize the bravery of the victim and hope this conviction and sentence provides some justice for the victim and the victim’s family."

The New Rochelle Police Department arrested Jackson on September 11, 2020, following an investigation into the horrific allegations. The NYPD assisted in the investigation.