By John Chambless

Staff Writer

A former West Grove resident has been sentenced to what amounts to life in prison for molesting two boys in his care.

A press release issued on Nov. 17 by Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan announced that Robert Jackson, 54, was sentenced to 83 to 166 years in state prison. This is Jackson's second conviction for child sex abuse. He was sentenced by Judge William Mahon. Jackson's last address was on Summit Avenue in West Grove.

"This defendant is a stone-cold child predator," Hogan said in the press release. "He has a history of victimizing children, culminating in the most recent attacks. Chester County law enforcement appreciates the appropriately strict sentence handed down by Judge Mahon. No child will ever be damaged by this defendant again."

The lead prosecutor on this case was Assistant District Attorney Priya DeSouza. The case was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police, with assistance from the Chester County Detectives.

At trial, Jackson was found guilty of sexually assaulting two boys, ages 6 and 9, who were in his care. The abuse was discovered and reported when a family member checked Pennsylvania’s Megan’s Law website and found out that Jackson was a registered sex offender.

He was convicted of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, aggravated indecent assault, and related charges. He was found to be a sexually violent predator after a Megan’s Law evaluation.

Jackson has a long list of prior criminal convictions, beginning when he was 14 years old. He has been convicted of assaults, burglary, theft, escape, receiving stolen property, and other offenses. He was also convicted in 1988 for molesting two other children.

One of the child victims told Jackson at trial, "I hope that you never hurt anyone again. I forgive you for everything you did. The end."

DeSouza said, "The defendant spent the first half of his life preying on children. He deserves to spend the remainder of his life in prison. The defendant’s predatory past came to light and further abuse was prevented when a vigilant family member learned he was a prior Megan’s Law offender. This case is yet another reminder to parents to utilize the Megan’s Law website (pameganslaw.state.pa.us) as a resource to protect our children."

To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, e-mail [email protected].