Kenneth Jackson booking photo, June 26, 2013
MADERA — After serving less than seven years of a 20-year sentence, convicted arsonist Kenneth Jackson is once again being considered for early parole — and the Madera County District Attorney is going on the record with her opposition to Jackson’s release and asking Madera County residents to voice their opinions, as well.
Jackson was arrested along with his wife Alice Waterman on June 25, 2013, following a month-long investigation into a rash of suspicious fires in the Yosemite Lakes Park (YLP) area over the five weeks leading up to their arrest.
He is currently serving time at Solano State Prison in Vacaville.
“In 2013, Kenneth Jackson, along with an accomplice, set several fires in Yosemite Lakes Park. The Madera County District Attorney’s Office filed felony arson charges against him and successfully prosecuted him at jury trial,” District Attorney Sally Moreno posted online this week.
“Kenneth Jackson was convicted of several counts of arson and eventually sentenced to 20 years in the state prison. He is currently in state prison.”
“However,” Moreno added, “under California state law, Mr. Jackson is eligible for review under the Nonviolent Offender Parole Review Process, which means he is eligible to be released from prison after serving much less than 20 years.”
Moreno said the Board of Parole Hearings is going to review Jackson’s parole eligibility and decide whether he should be released early.
“The Madera County District Attorney’s Office will be opposing Mr. Jackson’s early release,” Moreno stated.
Jackson has been eligible for early parole twice already, and the Madera County District Attorney’s Office has successfully opposed his release each time.
“The review process allows the District Attorney to present the Board of Parole Hearings with feedback from Madera County residents,” Moreno said.
“Therefore, the District Attorney is asking any Madera County residents with input on Mr. Jackson’s potential early release to submit letters and emails to our office. This will be critical in aiding the District Attorney successfully oppose Mr. Jackson’s early parole.”
Letters and emails can be sent to the Madera County District Attorney’s Office. Emails should be addressed to Yolanda.Cardenas@maderacounty.com. Email responses should have “KENNETH JACKSON LETTER” in the subject line.
“Facebook comments and messages cannot be submitted to the Board of Parole Hearings, so please send an email or letter,” the District Attorney notes.
Letters can be mailed to the Madera County District Attorney’s Office, 209 West Yosemite Avenue, Madera, CA 93637.
Moreno said letters and emails need to be received by her office by July 26.
