From Columbia County D.A.'s office:
District Attorney Paul Czajka announced that on August 9, 2019, John Acklin was convicted by verdict of sixteen (16) Counts of sexually assaulting two children: one (1) Count of Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child in the First Degree, a Class B Felony; ten (10) Counts of Criminal Sexual Act in the First Degree, a Class B Felony; one (1) Count of Aggravated Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, a Class B Felony; and four (4) Counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree, a Class C Felony. (Several of the Counts
were dismissed prior to trial because of the Statue of Limitations.)
The crimes were committed in the Town of Livingston between December 2004 and March 2006.
“As long as I’ve been dealing with these cases, the courage of child survivors never ceases to amaze me. With their compelling testimony, New York State Police Investigator Robin Reed’s tenacity, the assistance of two highly experienced Texas Rangers, and Chief Assistant District Attorney Carlucci’s skillful presentation, the jury returned a verdict of guilty on all sixteen (16) of sixteen (16) sex counts within 90 minutes.”
The Court will sentence Acklin on October 4, 2019.
The District Attorney stated that he is certain that Acklin will serve the remainder of his life in prison.
John Hillman represents Acklin. Chief Assistant District Attorney James Carlucci prosecuted.
Original press release, at the time of his arrest
Suspect extradited from Texas to face criminal sex act charges
NEW YORK STATE POLICE
Major Richard L. Mazzone Troop K Commander
PRESS RELEASE Livingston, New York –
On November 8, 2018, the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation at Livingston arrested John Acklin, age 55, now of Bandera, TX, for Criminal Sex Act in the 1st degree, a class B felony.
In 2017 State Police commenced an investigation into reports of sexual assaults that occurred over 10 years ago, in the Town of Livingston. Working with our partners in the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Rangers in Bandera County, TX,
Acklin was located, and arrested as a fugitive from justice on October 25, 2018. In cooperation with the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office, on November 8, 2018 Acklin was extradited back to New York. Acklin was arraigned before the town of Livingston Court, and was remanded to the Columbia County Jail without bail.
He is set to return to court on November 15, 2018, at 6:00 p.m.