03/27/2024
Spread the love

By: Charlotte Smith

DAonJJCaseSitting in court all day can be very boring, but when you are in Bladen County Superior Court watching the trial of a man charged with First Degree Sex Offense with a Child, and three counts of First Degree Rape of a Child, emotions get involved, and you find yourself wanting to go back to find out what happens. I had that opportunity this week while on the mend and I have learned a lot about our court system and the outstanding professionals that make the system work.

As you know from the District Attorney’s press release, John Owen Jacobs was found guilty on one count of First-Degree Sexual Offense with a Child under 13 by a jury of his peers on Tuesday, after a week-long trial. I watched the end of this nightmare court case. I did miss most of the trial, but Investigator Scott Pait helped fill me in on what I had missed. He told me that many agencies worked together in this case. He said, “The teachers with Bladen County Schools were the ones who brought this to light back in 2011. The teachers with Bladen County Schools, Bladen County Sheriff’s Department, Investigator Sue Lutz and Major Larry Guyton, should be commended for taking immediate action. The victim in this case is a true survivor that has grit. She has refused to give up.”

DAonJJCase1I watched this 44 year old man, shackled, turn around and smirk at the victim, and my blood boiled. This victim now two years older than she was when the crime happened; held her head up high and stared him down. This girl is a shining example that you can overcome anything, learn from it, and stand up for yourself.

This case was not a slam dunk for the District Attorney team of Irene Riel, ADA, and Daniel Thurston, ADA. Jacobs’ Defense Attorneys, H. Goldston Womble Jr., and Michael J. Levine, fought for their client with evidence, witnesses and knowledge. After the jury deliberated for around eight hours they ended in a mistrial on the three counts of First Degree Rape of a Child, but Jacobs was found guilty on the charge of First Degree Sex Offense with a Child.

I don’t think Jacobs, who already had a long criminal record, could have better representation. Womble said he probably has 200 hours working on Jacobs’ case. Levine was right beside Womble helping all the way. Without attorneys like Womble and Levine, willing to represent people like Jacobs, our justice system wouldn’t be what it is today.

The Judge, Reuben Young, ran his court room with poise, professionalism, and fairness. After the jury came back with their verdict, Judge Young made his ruling. Jacobs was sentenced to 420 to 564 months in prison with credit for time served. Jacobs will be in prison for 35 to 47 years; maybe for the rest of his life, to me, that is justice served. Womble, doing his job well, did give notice of appeal after the Judge’s ruling.

When I asked Womble how he felt about the verdict he said, “It is a difficult job. I will always respect their verdict.” He said he has appealed the sex offense charge for Jacobs.

John David, DA said, “Facts win cases. I’m proud of our efforts and gratified by the result. We had a wonderful investigation here conducted by the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office, strong evidence, among it, DNA, but perhaps the strongest piece of evidence, is the courage of a little girl that took the stand and testified against her father. I know that wasn’t easy, but she trusted in the processes and today the jury rewarded that trust by sending her attacker to prison. As District Attorney, I think we are all a little safer today in Bladen County. If someone would prey upon his own biological daughter, and as significant as his criminal record is, he is a dangerous individual.”

Irene Riel, ADA said, “I think that the teachers being alert lead to the thorough investigation of the Sheriff’s Department and we want them to know we appreciate it.”

Daniel Thurston, ADA gave credit to the jury for their hard work and perseverance. He said, “The community decides when the jury speaks. I tip my hat to the jury.”

David continued by saying, “The last thing I will say, there are a lot of people here that deserve credit for this result, but the biggest hero here is a 13 year old girl, who had the courage to come into the court room, and face down her fears, and tell the truth. That is the reason we were successful. She is an inspiration to all of us.”

Before I end my column about our court system, I want to mention one more interesting case I watched while waiting on the jury to make their decision. Badr Rashada Colvin stood before Judge Young with his defense attorney, Allen Johnson, and pled guilty to robbery with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm by a felon, and breaking and entering a motor vehicle. Colvin admitted he had been in and out of prison and that he had a drug addiction problem. Colvin’s demeanor was humble and regretful.

Colvin’s plea to the judge to be able to work while serving his time was convincing. Irene Riel, ADA on the case, wanted Colvin to receive the help he needed. Judge Young sentenced Colvin to 77 to 105 months in prison with the opportunity to receive help for his addictions and provide working services if available.

After this week, I have gained a lot more respect for our attorneys, Judge Reuben Young, our jury system, our investigators, Sheriff’s Department, our school teachers, and a 13-year old girl in Bladen County who can move on and do great things with her life.

After this experience I have also wondered, what can our state do better to keep repeat offenders from committing more crimes? In my opinion, we need more behavioral health and mental health services, and last but most importantly, a whole lot more spreading the love and fear of God.

Share this article on social media using the shortlink: https://bladencounty.org/?p=21160

About Author