Twin who sexually abused children sentenced to prison

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Jack Cassidy, 77, was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Friday for charges of sexually abusing young children while he served as a Boy Scout leader.

Jack and Jerry Cassidy, twins, were charged with multiple counts of abusing young children while they served as leaders in the Boy Scouts.

In August, Jack pled guilty to nine counts of sexual abuse related charges with six different victims. According to court documents, those victims were abused sometime between 1970 and 1976.

Jack didn’t say much in court in Friday, most of the talking was done by his attorney. But Jack did briefly speak right before he was sentenced. He apologized to the victims and their families and said the two twins were “out of their minds” when they were abusing the children.

Fayette County prosecutors recommended a 34-year prison sentence, but because of a statutory sentencing cap in Kentucky, Jack was only sentenced to the maximum sentence of 20 years. Jack will also have to remain on the sex offender register for the rest of his life.

Although Jerry was scheduled to be in court on Friday, he was not there. The court says he was in hospital undergoing medical treatment. His next court appearance is scheduled for November.