A jury on Friday cleared Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. of allegations that he threatened and violated the civil rights of a conservative minister at a business meeting four years ago.
Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson, who was seeking unspecified damages, alleged that Jackson threatened him and that Jackson’s son, Jonathan, assaulted him at a meeting in Los Angeles with Toyota officials.
The jury split 6-6, however, on an assault count facing Jonathan Jackson. His attorney said she would ask the judge to decide. Peterson’s attorney said he would oppose such a move.
Outside the courthouse, Jonathan Jackson said the verdict proved not only that no assault had occurred, but that a conservative attack on his father’s organization had failed. Judicial Watch, the Washington, D.C.-based conservative organization that provided attorneys for Peterson, is out to destroy “our organization, our funding and our mission,” he alleged.
