PROVIDENCE (RI)
WLNE-TV, ABC-6 [Providence RI]
November 15, 2021
By Kelly Boan
A Providence priest accused of having child pornography is scheduled for a hearing Monday morning.
Father James Jackson faces both state and federal charges in the case. The arraignment hearing scheduled for Monday is for the state charges.
Jackson had been a priest at St. Mary’s on Broadway in Providence. The Diocese of Providence released a statement saying Jackson is no longer allowed in the ministry and the office of pastor.
Colonel James Manni of Rhode Island State Police said the Internet Crimes Against Children unit, or ICAC, had been investigating the transfer of child porn over the internet. Manni said ICAC traced the internet connection to 538 Broadway in Providence, which is the address of St. Mary’s Church on Broadway. ICAC task force members then served a search warrant at the church and rectory. They arrested Jackson in October.
According to a news release from RISP, Father Jackson was identified as “the owner of digital media allegedly involved in the possession and transfer of child pornography and child erotica”. Jackson is charged with Possession of Child Pornography, Transfer of Child Pornography and Child Erotica Prohibited.
Jackson was granted bail and allowed to travel to Kansas to stay with family.
Our previous coverage of Jackson’s arrest is at this link: https://www.abc6.com/providence-priest-arrested-charged-with-possession-of-child-pornography/