Prosecutors charge man with raping young teen
Jun 21, 2017, 6:56 PM
SALT LAKE CITY – The Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office has charged a man they say raped a 13-year-old girl and used her to sell drugs.
According to charging documents, Christopher Jackson met the girl at a homeless shelter in Salt Lake City. Chief Deputy DA, Blake Nakamura, says he had sex with her at least twice. The first happened on the sidewalk near the shelter. The second happened in a Salt Lake County motel. Nakamura says, “[He] sexually assaulted her while she was a child. The relationship was maintained and during that period of time, she went from 13 to 14 years old. The sexual assaults continued.”
The girl’s age is a key factor in determining the charges against Jackson. Nakamura adds, “Under the law, if you are under the age of 14, you are a child, by definition. Fourteen and older, you’re a minor.” He says that’s why Jackson is facing one count of child rape, and one count of unlawful sexual activity with a minor.
Charging documents also say the girl also smoked meth with Jackson, plus, she rolled spice cigarettes, held the drugs and even collected the money from drug sales. “What we’re alleging is that she was used by him in the preparation of and distribution of the narcotics,” Nakamura says.
Jackson is also facing two counts of child endangerment. The child rape charge has a maximum sentence of life in prison.
