Gadsden man sentenced in child abuse case

Steven Jamar Jackson

A 27 year old Gadsden man has been sentenced to two 20-year split sentences and one 10-year split sentence in two child abuse cases  one that left his stepdaughter with physical issues she will face for the rest of her life.

The split sentence means Steven Jamar Jackson, will be credited with three years and one month served awaiting trial, serve 12 months in the county jail and spend the rest of a five-year term in Community Corrections.

Defense attorney John Floyd asked Judge David Kimberley to consider Jackson’s diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder after serving in Iraq as a mitigating factor, and sentence Jackson to time served. In sentencing the judge sought to address the mental health question, including requirements that Jackson continue to undergo therapy for PTSD.

Jackson was arrested after then 5-year-old Iyana Spencer sustained serious injuries while in Jackson’s care on Nov. 19, 2010. The girl suffered a fractured skull, bleeding on the brain that required surgery, a lacerated liver and pulmonary bruises, among other injuries. She spent two weeks in pediatric intensive care at Children’s Hospital and remained in the hospital until Dec. 31, 2010. She still receives therapy daily at school and additional therapy to recover from the lasting damage done to her more than four years ago.