Crime
Illinois State Police release new details in Rock Island officer-involved shooting that killed 21-year-old Jakarta Jackson
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — The Illinois State Police have released additional information regarding the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Jakarta Jackson by a Rock Island police officer. The incident, which occurred on Monday, January 6, remains under investigation.
According to the Illinois State Police media release, the situation began at approximately 3:20 p.m. when a Rock Island police officer attempted multiple times to stop a vehicle driven by Jackson, who had an active arrest warrant.
Jackson eventually stopped the vehicle but fled on foot. During the pursuit, he circled back to his car and attempted to flee again.
The officer opened the driver’s door in an effort to arrest Jackson but was reportedly dragged by the moving vehicle.
In response, the officer discharged their firearm, striking Jackson. Emergency medical services were called immediately.
Sources told us that Jackson was shot by Officer Brett Taylor.
Jackson was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The officer involved also sustained injuries and was treated at a hospital.
The officer has been placed on administrative leave, a standard procedure in such cases. Their identity has not yet been released.
The Rock Island County Integrity Task Force (RICITF) is leading the investigation, which includes reviewing footage from in-car and body-worn cameras.
In a statement, the Illinois State Police emphasized the importance of a thorough investigation, noting that premature release of video or other evidence without authorization from the Rock Island County State’s Attorney’s Office could compromise the case.
Upon conclusion of the investigation, the findings will be turned over to the State’s Attorney’s Office for review and a final determination.
Rock Island County Coroner Brian Gustafson stated that a preliminary autopsy revealed Jackson died from multiple gunshot wounds.
Friends and family of Jakarta Jackson gathered on Monday at the Rock Island County Justice Center and the Rock Island Police Department to protest and demand answers regarding the incident.
Leading the protest was Jackson’s niece, Shayia Jackson, who called for accountability and transparency.
In an earlier statement, Rock Island Police Chief Tim McCloud confirmed he had “immediately” requested the Rock Island County Integrity Task Force to investigate the use of deadly force, underscoring the department’s commitment to an independent and impartial review of the incident.
Authorities are encouraging anyone with information about the incident to contact the Rock Island County Integrity Task Force at 309-752-4915, extension 4935.
The investigation remains active, and further updates will be provided as they become available.
Crime
Former Texas Worship Minister and Christian Musician Jon Sheptock Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas — A married Christian musician and former worship minister who once performed at a rally for former President Donald Trump has been arrested on multiple child sexual abuse material (CSAM) charges, authorities confirmed.
According to officials, Jon Sheptock, a former minister at First Montgomery Baptist Church, was taken into custody on September 26 by detectives from the Montgomery County Constable’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Unit.
He faces charges of possession and production of child pornography following a detailed investigation into allegations of long-term misconduct.
The arrest was based on testimony from a woman who alleged that Sheptock stole a photograph of her approximately nine years ago, when she was 17 years old.
The victim told investigators that after sending her the image, Sheptock demanded explicit photographs and later sent her a video depicting a violent assault, warning that he “did not want that to happen to her.”
Court records further indicate that Sheptock showed the victim nude images of both adults and minors on his computer.
Investigators allege that the misconduct continued as recently as October 2023, when Sheptock reportedly sent a text message to the victim containing a nude image of young girls.
Before his arrest, Sheptock was widely known as a Christian recording artist and motivational speaker.
His now-deleted website biography stated that he was born without arms and with one leg shorter than the other, yet went on to describe himself as a “thriving Christian recording artist and speaker.” He has been married for 26 years and is the father of three daughters.
In a public statement, First Montgomery Baptist Church confirmed that Sheptock was immediately removed from all ministry responsibilities following his arrest.
The church emphasized that Sheptock did not hold any position involving direct contact with children, and there is no indication that minors associated with the church were involved or affected.
Sheptock gained wider public attention in January 2022, when he performed the national anthem at a rally for then-President Donald Trump, according to The Independent.
If convicted, Sheptock faces a potential prison sentence ranging from two to twenty years.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information to contact the Montgomery County Constable’s Office Human Traffic.