Judge denies plea for former El Centro mayor

Former El Centro Mayor Jason Jackson walked out a free man for at least more two weeks after appearing in court Tuesday afternoon.

A judge denied withdrawing his guilty plea after being charged with animal cruelty which would have sent Jackson in county jail today.

Jackson’s attorney is filing to overturn the judge’s decision. Jackson has two weeks to get an appellate court to force the judge to change his decision.

Jackson is set to return to court on February 28th.

ORIGINAL STORY

Former El Centro Mayor Jason Jackson was back in court Tuesday afternoon.

A judge reviewed his plea but it has been denied as of Tuesday afternoon. Jackson said he wants to withdraw his guilty plea after being charged with animal cruelty. Jackson said he was wrongly advised by his former attorney on the consequences which include jail time and loss of carrying a permit.

Jackson said these charges could affect his business to the point of possibly losing it.

Jackson is facing a ten-day county jail sentence. The sentence includes probation for three years, a fine of $1,000, cannot own animals for five years, attend counseling, and his home and himself are subject to be searched without a warrant.

Jackson was found guilty after being charged with animal cruelty that happened on February 28th, 2016. Jackson is currently an El Centro council member.

Jackson is currently not in custody.