Oakland Co. Man Convicted Of Sexually Abusing Autistic Teen: Prosecutor

PONTIAC, MI — An Oakland County man was convicted earlier this week of sexually abusing a 15-year-old with autism, according to the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office.

Ronald Leon Jackson, 59, of Pontiac, was found guilty of third-degree criminal sexual conduct and fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. He will be sentenced on Aug. 6. He faces up to 15 years in prison for third-degree criminal sexual conduct and up to two years in prison for fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Prosecutors said the incident happened in September 2022 when the teen's mother learned Jackson had molested the 15-year-old and contacted police. DNA evidence concluded that there was sexual contact between Jackson and the teen, who is autistic, prosecutors said.

"Ronald Jackson chose to prey upon a victim who was not only a child, but who struggles to speak for herself," said Prosecutor Karen McDonald. "I’m grateful that her mother acted decisively. She protected her child, and she enabled investigators to get the evidence needed to hold this predator accountable."