Jackson remains free pending appeal

The Imperial County Court granted former El Centro Mayor Jason Jackson Thursday morning to remain free while his appeal continues to be reviewed by the appeals court. He was scheduled to start his 10-day jail sentence today on animal cruelty charges. Jackson also regained his right to keep pets – he can regain custody of his beloved cat, but not the horse named as the alleged victim in this case. His defense attorney calls it a victory for them. They want to reverse the guilty plea and go to trial.
Jackson said he pled guilty animal cruelty charges thinking it would be a misdemeanor. He said his attorney at that time didn’t explain to him the possible consequences of the plea completely. Now he wants to fight his case in a trial.
Jackson’s defense attorney Raj Singh said, “If the court appeal found in our favor, that he should have been permitted to withdraw his plea, it would reinstate the complaint and criminal proceedings would be restored from where they were at. At this point in time he is allowed to own, possess or reside with domestic animals.”
Jackson is due back in court on May 1 st .