Illinois priest accused of sexually assaulting paralyzed man

An Illinois priest is charged with sexually assaulting a paralyzed, intellectually disabled man, WLS reported.

According to Kankakee County State Attorney Jim Rowe, a nurse walked in on Richard Jacklin while the priest was allegedly performing a sex act on the 39-year-old man at a developmental center on Tuesday.

Kankakee County prosecutors charged Jacklin, 65, who has been an ordained priest for 33 years, with aggravated sexual assault, criminal sexual assault and criminal sexual misconduct in connection to the alleged incident.

Jacklin is currently being held on $1 million bond, WLS reported.

The alleged victim has been a patient at the facility since 2010, He gave a statement to police acknowledging the Oct.31 incident and prior inappropriate contact with Jacklin, WLS reported.

Jacklin is the pastor at Sacred Heart Parish in Kankakee County. He has worked as a paid employee and volunteer at the facility for 19 years, WLS reported.

In a statement, the Diocese of Joliet said it will cooperate with law enforcement authorities.

Cox Media Group