Lexington, SC (Paul Kirby) – A bond hearing was held for Sam Jackson, Jr, a former businessman from the Pelion area Thursday afternoon. The courtroom was filled as Jackson stood behind a locked grate during the appearance in court. Jackson was being held in the Lexington County Detention Center on charges of financial transaction card fraud in excess of $500 within a six-month period. Other charges may be pending.
During the bond hearing, the investigator in the case said that Jackson fled the state with his companion to avoid apprehension. He has been implicated in a multi-million dollar embezzlement scheme that affected his former long-term employer and some investors. The investigator told the court that Jackson abandoned his family and the employer after stealing from the ATM business. The detective also emphasized that the employer had treated him like a part of his own family for decades before being betrayed by Jackson. He and his companion ran to North Carolina, and for several days Jackson kept his cell phone off to try to avoid detection. The investigator said Jackson and the companion had a plan to live, “off the grid” in North Carolina for a short period. Then, they planned to make their way to Alaska where they hoped to do the same there, disappearing into the frontier together. Jackson was arrested in NC before the plan came together and he was later returned to Lexington County to face the charges.
After hearing the investigator’s remarks and asking Jackson a few questions, the judge granted him a $15,000 surety bond. He also ordered that Jackson be monitored by a GPS ankle monitor and surrender his passport. His next court appearance is set for April 4th.
