[CW: This story includes details of a suspected rape of a minor]
Pro boxer John Jackson, 31, has been jailed at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Guaynabo Puerto Rico since February 23, 2019 (per Virgin Island Daily News). Jackson is awaiting trial on 11 charges stemming from accusations that he drugged and raped a 15-year-old.
Among the charges levied against Jackson are first-degree rape, five counts of aggravated second-degree rape, two counts of production of child pornography and three counts of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in sexual activity.
The charges were filed against Jackson after the father of a 15-year-old girl told Virgin Islands Police that Jackson had plied his daughter with alcohol and marijuana laced brownies before raping her.
Initially Jackson was arrested and then released on a $75,000 bond. However, he was rearrested and jailed without bond after investigators announced that they had found video evidence that they say shows Jackson committing the crimes. Since then two more underage girls have come forward and made accusations against Jackson, leading to further charges.
Jackson’s jury trial date has been delayed a number of times due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. On Friday U.S. District Court Judge Robert Molloy ordered that a final pretrial conference will be held on February 2 ahead of a trial that is now expected to take place on February 8.
If convicted of the most serious charges, Jackson faces the possibility of at least 15 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
Jackson is the son of iconic Virgin Islands boxer Julian Jackson, who amassed a 55-6 record between 1981 and 1998 and held the WBC middleweight title on multiple occasions. 49 of Jackson’s wins came way of knockout, earning him the reputation as one of the hardest punchers in boxing history.
John Jackson represented the Virgin Islands at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. He turned pro a year later. In 2016 he lost to Jermell Charlo in a bout for the vacant WBC Super Welterweight title. His most recent fight was a TKO win over Lucio Galindo in July 2017.
Survivors of sexual assault can find support via the following organizations:
US – Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)’s National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). RAINN also has an online chat service.
Love is Respect, 1-866-331-9474. They can also be reached via online chat or by texting LOVEIS to 22522.
End Rape on Campus (EROC), 1-424-777-EROC (3762).
Canada – Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime, 1-877-232-2610.
UK – UK Says No More.
Rest of the World – International Rape Crisis Hotlines.
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