Timothy Jaekel, a Lincoln police officer charged with sexually abusing minors, has pleaded not guilty. Following a court increase of his bail, Jaekel has successfully posted a $700,000 bond to secure his release from custody, as reported by ABC10. Earlier, he was released on a $250,000 bond but was ineligible for bail at the outset of the charges review, according to the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office.
The beginning of this case traces back to June 23 when four family members stepped forward with allegations, telling authorities they were abused by Jaekel years before. The primary victim, an adult woman from Arizona, was the initial informant sparking the investigation by the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office. As more details surfaced, the Lincoln Police Department placed Jaekel on administrative leave.
Consistent with information obtained by KCRA, Jaekel, while on the force, served as a school resource officer and engaged in community events with children through a nonprofit. The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office has disclosed that multiple victims have described a pattern of abuse occurring between the ages of eight and sixteen, with one victim alleging that Jaekel had requested nude photos from her when she was a minor.
The gravity of these charges, which now amount to seven felony counts, has led to Jaekel's temporary decertification by California POST. This action is a significant measure by the regulatory body that oversees police training and certification within the state. In light of the allegations, the City of Lincoln emphasized that Jaekel's leave is unpaid, and the police department has openly stated its full cooperation with the sheriff's office and the district attorney throughout the ongoing criminal investigation. Jaekel is expected to appear again in court on November 21 for a trial readiness conference.
