CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The former Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officer who sexually assaulted women he pulled over now owes two of the victims $800,000.
In federal court in Uptown Charlotte on Monday, a judge made the decision to grant the large awards to two of Marcus Jackson's victims of $100,000 each for compensation and $300,000 each in punitive damages.
That's the maximum punitive penalty the judge could have given.
"Police officers are in unique position of power and to use that as a means to assault women is despicable," said attorney Matt Arnold, who represented both victims.
In 2010, Jackson pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting women while on duty as a CMPD officer.
Arnold said his clients still have anxiety toward men and police officers.
"I think what this was about for them was standing up for what's right, and not being a victim who is afraid to speak out," Arnold said.
Jackson is out of prison after serving two years but Arnold said he didn't show up in court Monday.
Arnold doubts Jackson has the means to pay his clients, but Arnold said the civil penalty will hang over Jackson's head for the rest of his life, much like his victims will also deal with the emotional trauma for the rest of their lives.
Former CMPD officer to pay sexual assault victims
This browser does not support the video element.