Child enticer earns probation after helping others

After spending eight months in a prison rider program in which he helped the state build a computer program for inmates, a 32-year-old Spokane radiologist was placed on probation Tuesday.

Chavis W. Jackson told the court that he had helped others and himself while he was behind bars, and his attorney, and presentence investigators agreed.

First District Judge Richard Christiansen noted Jackson’s good marks while behind bars, before placing him on probation for five years.

Jackson was sentenced last summer to seven years for child enticing after he attempted to meet a 14-year-old girl for sex. The girl however was a police officer, and Jackson’s arrest was part of a Coeur d’Alene police sting operation.

Noting the defendant’s lack of criminal history, Christiansen retained jurisdiction in June, sending Jackson to a prison rehab program, which determines an inmate’s suitability for probation.

Defense attorney Jason Johnson said the rider report showed that his client, who worked at Sacred Heart Medical Center before his arrest, did very well in the program and his risk to reoffend was very low.

“It was perfect, perfect, more than perfect,” Johnson said. “What could he have shown you more?”

While he was in prison, Jackson helped other inmates obtain their GEDs, had instructed science classes and helped build a computer program that will be used by the state as an education tool for inmates.

“He has demonstrated his ability to be rehabilitatable,” Johnson said.

Deputy prosecutor Casey Simmons wasn’t so sure. Simmons said the defendant did not take his crime seriously, and did not consider himself a real sex offender.

“He knew how to manipulate the system, how to stay in line,” Simmons said. “In reality he is a sex offender who tried to have sex with a 14-year-old girl.”

Christiansen also noted Jackson’s exceptional prison report.

“I am surprised how favorable the comments were,” the judge said. “... It doesn’t take away from his crime.”