Perquimans County, N.C. - Six brothers accused of sexually abusing their younger sister over a ten year period entered pleas in court on Thursday.
Court records show oldest brother Eric Jackson confessed to deputies that he and his five brothers, Jon, Matthew, Nathaniel, Benjamin and Aaron, sexually abused their younger sister from the time she was four until she was about 14. Their parents are also facing multiple charges in the case.
The charges for each of the brothers were different.
Eric Jackson, Matthew Jackson, and Benjamin Jackson all pleaded guilty. Eric and Matthew were both sentenced to serve between 144 and 182 months in jail. Benjamin was sentenced to serve 24 months in jail.
Nathaniel Jackson pleaded no contest as part of a plea deal. He was sentenced to serve 24 months in jail.
Jon Jackson is expected to take a plea deal but could not enter a plea due to a conflict with the judge. His case has been continued for the time being.
Aaron Jackson did not take a plea deal. He has asked for a trial.
As their sentences were handed down, Eric and Matthew Jackson cried and apologized to their sister. The victim was also very emotional and told her brothers that they now have to get forgiveness from God. She also thanked her brother Eric for stepping forward and reporting the abuse.
An investigation into the abuse began in early 2014 when Eric Jackson, told a church elder that he and his brothers had molested a girl, according to deputies.
Their parents were also charged because the Perquimans County Sheriff says John and Nita Jackson were aware of the abuse and failed to take action.
When word got around in the small town about the investigation, the family moved to Colorado. The victim has been living there with relatives since her brothers and parents were arrested.
Parents John and Nita Jackson were initially out on bond but they were arrested again when the District Attorney spoke with their daughter. They have been in jail since early February after being charged with several counts of child abuse and for being an accessory after the fact to sexual abuse.
John and Nita Jackson also appeared in court on Thursday to ask for a bond reduction.
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