Driver in fatal crash granted early release from prison

MOUNT GILEAD – Cory Jackson has changed his physical appearance.

The question is if he has changed himself.

Jackson, 44, of Bellville, was granted early release from prison Friday in Morrow County Common Pleas Court. In April 2014, he was sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide and misdemeanor driving under the influence.

Jackson was involved in a crash that killed Paul Nauman, 73. The crash happened on Ohio 314, north of Ohio 95, in Morrow County on Nov. 17, 2011. Jackson had a blood-alcohol content of 0.18, more than twice the legal limit for driving in Ohio.

Judge Howard Hall ordered Jackson to go to a community-based corrections facility on Tuesday for a treatment program that will last four to six months.

Looking noticeably lighter since going to prison, which he said was intentional, an emotional Jackson apologized to the Nauman family and said he had changed.

Jackson said an inmate has two choices.

"You can soak in your sorrows, or you can pick it up and do something about it," he said.

Jackson said he has attended Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous classes, adding that is something he will have to do for the rest of his life.

Several members of Nauman's family addressed Hall, saying they do not think Jackson has served enough time.

"You're accepting guilt but not accepting the responsibilities," said Ashley Nauman, a granddaughter. "I have a 9-year-old son that was in kindergarten at the time. He still remembers moments from that day.

"For me, it's what we're teaching our children. You can do something and get a slap on the hand."

Kelly Dickerson, the family's youngest granddaughter, was emotional as she spoke.

"I miss my grandpa. I miss him so much," she said. "To have the option to be released so early, that is hurtful."

Dickerson then addressed Jackson directly.

"I'm not here to bad-mouth you. I feel for you," she said. "(But) it's going to take me a long time to forgive you, Mr. Jackson. ... I'm just asking you to do what's right."

Defense attorney Michael Lear, who was the first person to address the court, said Jackson has made the most of his time in prison.

"He has really worked very hard to rehabilitate himself and be a better person," Lear said.

Lear said he was touched by some of the writings Jackson did while incarcerated.

"There's evidence of insight," the attorney said.

Lear said Jackson has a supportive family behind him and good job at his company, Jackson Wells Services.

"Cory could do more good on the outside than he could on the inside," Lear said. "Other than this incident, Cory has been an asset to the community. ... He is going to be serving a life sentence in terms of guilt."

Hall said Jackson has shown he is on the road to rehabilitation. After Jackson is released from the halfway house, he will enter Morrow County's drug court program, which normally lasts from 12 to 18 months.

Jackson also will be on five years probation and will have to perform 500 hours of community service. He will have to observe a curfew from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

In addition, Jackson cannot consume alcohol or have any contact with the victim's family.

Hall said if Jackson commits a violation while out, he could serve the rest of his sentence.

"There's no guarantee that Mr. Jackson will not mess up," the judge said. "You only get one shot at judicial release."

While Hall was going over terms of Jackson's release, Roger Nauman, one of Paul's sons, asked to address the court.

He pointed out that Jackson had a previous OVI violation in 2007. The fatal crash happened several months after he finished his probation.

"I want to make sure that he hurts no other family. It's on my conscience," Roger Nauman said. "If another family has to go through what we did, I'd never live that down."

When the hearing ended, Pat Nauman, who was injured in the crash and married to Paul for 53 years, and Kim Mast, her daughter, addressed the media.

Mast said the family is not vindictive, but the early release has "opened all our wounds again."

Pat Nauman said she doesn't doubt Jackson is sorry but wants to see actions.

"Sorry is just a word," she said. "He has to show he's sorry when he does get out.

"We all have to pay the piper sometime."

mcaudill@gannett.com

419-521-7219

Twitter: @MNJCaudill