Recently, a Kankakee County Judge sentenced Richard Jacklin, 70, to 18 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections following his conviction for sexually assaulting a resident of Shapiro Developmental Center (“SDC”) in Kankakee. Under Illinois law, that sentence is to be served at 85 percent.
Richard Jacklin was a local priest who was contracted to provide religious services to residents of SDC, a residential facility for adults with Intellectual Disabilities. On October 31, 2017, Jacklin was on duty at SDC and went into a room with a 39-year old adult male who suffered from a physical handicap, had an IQ of 47, and functioned at the age equivalent of a six-year-old. A staff member at SDC walked into the room and interrupted Jacklin as he was performing oral sex on the SDC resident.
The Illinois State Police Division of Internal Investigations conducted the investigation in this case, as they have jurisdiction over crimes committed on state property. Through the course of their investigation, they obtained DNA evidence and statements from witnesses and the defendant; their thorough investigation helped secure a conviction at Jacklin’s trial in late September, 2022. The defendant has been in custody since that time.
“The verdict and sentence in this case is a victory for survivors of clergy abuse and all survivors of sexual assault. Richard Jacklyn used his position as a priest to prey upon one of the most vulnerable members of our community in a facility where the survivor should have felt most protected and safe. Thankfully, he was caught and convicted, and will now likely spend the rest of his life in prison, where he belongs,” said State’s Attorney Jim Rowe.
The State’s Attorney’s Office is proud of the work the Illinois State Police do every day, but helping to bring justice to those who were abused is especially gratifying. Special Agent Konow and Crime Scene Investigator Grosvenor did an amazing job in their investigation; the victim, in this case, may not have had the loudest voice in the courtroom, but his courageous testimony alongside the mountain of evidence spoke volumes. State’s Attorney Rowe and First Assistant State’s Attorney Carol Costello prosecuted this case with the support of clerks and paralegals, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes; the victim was supported throughout the court proceedings by our Victim and Witness Advocate, Shondrea Terrell. Without the team effort of all involved, this outcome would not have been possible.