Former Hertford councillor sentenced to decades in prison for sex offences

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. (WAVY) — A former Hertford city councilman has been sentenced to decades in prison for multiple sex crimes, including statutory rape.

Previous article: Former Hertford councillor pleads guilty to child sex crimes

In July, Quentin Sherard Jackson, 39, pleaded guilty to one count of statutory rape, two counts of statutory sexual offense, two counts of first-degree sexual exploitation and two counts of taking indecent liberties with a minor child.

“Anyone who has worked in the justice system will tell you that sex crimes cases are the most difficult to prosecute. Fortunately, the victim and her mother showed courage and remained faithful to the end,” said District Attorney Jeff Cruden.

According to Cruden, in the weeks leading up to his sentencing, Jackson attempted to discredit the victim's account and the evidence against him. However, the victim's statement, DNA recovered from her underwear and shorts, and photos and videos recovered from Jackson's phone led the court to sentence him to 23 to 32 years in prison, the maximum sentence allowed by law.

At the time of the crimes, Jackson was 36 years old and the victim was 15 years old.

Hertford councillor accused of punching colleague

In 2018, Jackson was accused of punching a fellow councilor in the face.

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