| While we say no call is too small in Sumner, we also have cases that have a much larger impact on our community than others do. One of those big cases resolved last week when 12 Pierce County jurors convicted former SHS basketball coach Jacob Jackson. (Link to the story online.) This conviction upheld justice for our community, especially the many students whom Jackson victimized for years. It also protected the untold number of students who could have become victims of his predatory acts. This is a victory for justice, yet no victory comes without a cost. This case struck at the very heart of a small community that created a divide between those who supported the “then” popular coach and those who supported the many victims who courageously came forward. No victory comes fast or easy. It was not easy for victims to come forward and admit their vulnerability and to confront a person with power and influence over them – they are truly heroes who hopefully inspire other victims of crime, especially sexual crimes, to find their voice. It was not easy for a small department with limited means to undertake an investigation of this size and scale, spending countless hours investigating and collecting evidence in a fair, impartial and constitutional manner. Our investigation did just that, and Jackson was convicted on all counts by proof beyond a reasonable doubt, our nation’s highest standard. Justice is also not the same thing as healing. While this conviction can help with healing, it does not eliminate the mental and emotional trauma experienced by the victims, their family and friends and this community. This was not an easy case, on an emotional level, for our staff either. I hope anyone struggling with mental or emotional challenges seeks assistance to work through the deeper levels of grief caused by such a breach of trust. Here’s how one of the victims shared his perspective in his own words: “I knew everything was going to be okay. I’ve got a whole community of people that support me, believe in me, and that’s just what the City of Sumner does to people like us. It just makes you keep going in life, no matter what happens, no matter what adversity God throws at you, you’re still going to be able to overcome it.” I want to thank the many dedicated Sumner PD professionals in their steadfast pursuit of justice, including a retired detective that returned to testify at trial. I thank the victims that had the courage to come forward and persevere through a trial that asked them to relive and share their trauma. I thank the Pierce County Prosecutor’s Office for their steadfast diligence, skill, and advocacy prosecuting this case. Lastly, I want to thank the city staff and community that had the patience and trust in our department throughout this very long process. It is an honor to serve such a great department and community. Brad Moericke, Chief |
Categories: Around TownPolice
