RI Pastor Facing Child Pornography Charges

PROVIDENCE, RI — A Roman Catholic priest out of Providence was arrested Saturday after Rhode Island State Police said they caught him with child pornography.

State Police said they searched the home of Rev. James Jackson, 66, of St. Mary's Church, and found digital media containing child pornography, according to an Associated Press report. Jackson was held on $5,000 bail and will appear in court on a date yet to be determined. Jackson was also a priest in the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP).

Providence Diocese Bishop Thomas Tobin told the Catholic News Agency the diocese prohibited Jackson from all ministry duties.

"The use of child pornography is a serious crime and a grave sin," Tobin told the Catholic News Agency, also saying the charges are disturbing and need to be taken seriously. "At the same time, I renew my pastoral concern and offer my fervent prayers for the good people of St. Mary Parish during this difficult time."

In a statement issued Sunday, the FSSP said it was "shocked and saddened" by Jackson's arrest.

"Before starting his current assignment at the beginning of August, Father underwent a criminal background check and had a sterling record of priestly service," a spokesperson for the FSSP said. "We had no reason to believe Father was engaging in any inappropriate behavior, let alone criminal conduct. Like all those accused of crimes, Father has a natural human right under both civil and canon law to the presumption of innocence, and we will fully cooperate with the law enforcement authorities as they investigate this matter. We are praying for all involved. Our hearts go out to all those who have been hurt by sexual misconduct of any kind."