30 Survivors Accuse Probation Officer of Sexual Abuse, Yet No Charges Will Be Filed

Los Angeles County officials have reached a $4 billion settlement in a record-breaking case involving allegations of child sexual abuse in county-run lock-ups and foster homes, a move that brings some closure to nearly 7,000 plaintiffs. On the same day, the L.A. County District Attorney’s Office decided not to pursue charges against Thomas Jackson, a former probation officer accused by more than two dozen women of sexually abusing them when they were minors. Prosecutors cited the statute of limitations as the reason for dropping the case.

According to an April 7 memo by Deputy District Attorney Melanie Buccat, Jackson faced possible charges of statutory rape, forced penetration, and oral sex with a minor. However, the alleged incidents occurred too long ago to prosecute. “The children he is alleged to have raped and molested in unthinkable ways never stood a chance — silenced then, and now,” said Courtney Thom, an attorney for 17 of Jackson’s accusers. “To be met with a lack of accountability from those entrusted to uphold justice is not only heartbreaking — it is terrifying.” Jackson’s lawyer, Tom Yu, said his client is innocent and was relieved the case was dropped. Jackson had resigned in 2023 after 30 years in county service.

The D.A.’s office also declined to prosecute Altovise Abner, a probation supervisor investigated for having sex with a minor at a juvenile camp in 2006. Abner’s potential charges, which included statutory rape, also fell outside the statute of limitations and could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Abner, placed on leave last year, now works for the homeless nonprofit HOPICS.

A spokesperson for the D.A.’s office described the allegations as “deeply disturbing” and reaffirmed the office’s commitment to justice, urging anyone with knowledge of a crime to come forward. County officials explained that decades-old claims and missing records have made criminal investigations challenging, mirroring the challenges faced in defending the civil lawsuits. Jackson’s name was identified in at least 30 lawsuits, with an additional 26 plaintiffs referring to someone with the last name Jackson. Despite the civil victory, for many victims, the decision not to prosecute represents another blow to their long fight for accountability.

Link: LATimes