The 57-year-old New Cumberland man accused of 26 counts of indecent assault involving seven boys at Bible Baptist Church and School in Shiremanstown remains in Cumberland County Prison Thursday. But the attorney for William Jackson says his client will be found innocent.
The investigation into the allegations began two weeks ago. The District Attorney formed a task force of local and county law enforcement.
Despite the previous public release of court documents, there was surprise when it was revealed there were seven victims.
William Jackson was a music teacher at Bible Baptist School and minister of music at Bible Baptist Church. He was fired September 10 when parents brought the allegations to school officials.
Following Wednesday's arrest, it was revealed there were allegedly seven victims, all boys between the ages of 10 and 19 years old. The incidents happened between 2009 and 2012.
Jackson is accused of exchanging inappropriate electronic messages, viewing and touching the victim’s private areas and massaging them both on top and under their clothing.
But attorney Karl Rominger says his client's acts were not intended to be sexual.
"I would say that we are going to present a defense that I believe will show that all of the contact was not done with sexual intent," explained Rominger.
"It is a necessary element for the government to prove that the actor is attempting to gain sexual gratification,” Rominger continued. “We believe that element is going to be lacking in this case."
Jackson is in Cumberland County Prison. His bail set at $150,000. If and when he is released, he is prohibited from having contact with anyone younger than 18.
The District Attorney would not comment on whether additional charges could be filed. He did say the investigation is not over and that officials from the school have been extremely cooperative.
The investigation into the allegations began two weeks ago. The District Attorney formed a task force of local and county law enforcement.
Despite the previous public release of court documents, there was surprise when it was revealed there were seven victims.
William Jackson was a music teacher at Bible Baptist School and minister of music at Bible Baptist Church. He was fired September 10 when parents brought the allegations to school officials.
Following Wednesday's arrest, it was revealed there were allegedly seven victims, all boys between the ages of 10 and 19 years old. The incidents happened between 2009 and 2012.
Jackson is accused of exchanging inappropriate electronic messages, viewing and touching the victim’s private areas and massaging them both on top and under their clothing.
But attorney Karl Rominger says his client's acts were not intended to be sexual.
"I would say that we are going to present a defense that I believe will show that all of the contact was not done with sexual intent," explained Rominger.
"It is a necessary element for the government to prove that the actor is attempting to gain sexual gratification,” Rominger continued. “We believe that element is going to be lacking in this case."
Jackson is in Cumberland County Prison. His bail set at $150,000. If and when he is released, he is prohibited from having contact with anyone younger than 18.
The District Attorney would not comment on whether additional charges could be filed. He did say the investigation is not over and that officials from the school have been extremely cooperative.