In 2 teens’ assaults, ex-pastor convicted

HOT SPRINGS — A former youth pastor accused of raping two teenage girls in 2014 was convicted Thursday in Garland County Circuit Court.

Andrew Lee Jackson, 31, who lists a White Hall address, was found guilty of two felony counts of rape, with the eightman, four-woman jury recommending a sentence of 40 years on each count. The jury deliberated for about 90 minutes before finding Jackson guilty.

Jackson, who was taken into custody after the verdict and is being held without bond, is scheduled to be sentenced April 11. Judge Marcia Hearnsberger will decide at the sentencing hearing whether to run the sentences concurrently or consecutively.

Jackson was charged originally with 13 counts of rape, with 10 counts involving one victim, who was 16 at the time, and three counts involving the younger victim, who was 13 at the time. Garland County Prosecuting Attorney Michelle Lawrence said they amended it to two counts, one for each victim, before the trial because each count is punishable by up to life in prison.

The jury heard three days of testimony, including testimony from both victims, Garland County sheriff’s investigators, the girls’ therapist, Jackson, his wife and his childhood pastor.

Text messages sent between Jackson and the two victims that corroborated the victims’ allegations also were presented, Lawrence said.

Prosecutors also presented witnesses who corroborated the victims’ story, including one who “walked in” on Jackson and the 16-year-old “under the covers” and another who testified about being involved in a three-way phone call with Jackson and one victim.