Teacher Relieved, Blames Philibosian for Her Ordeal

Former McMartin teacher Mary Ann Jackson declared her relief today that the two-year “injustice” that began when she was indicted for child molestation has ended with the charges against her being dropped.

“My family and I have suffered,” she said, at a news conference in the Torrance office of her attorneys. “There have been moments of terror.”

The white-haired woman said she is “just thankful to be able to have been brought through this terrible ordeal. I plan to become reacquainted with my children, my mother-she’s 86, this has been very difficult for her- and my husband. My family has survived it and I am thankful.”

Wearing a gray shawl and silver necklace, Jackson was smiling as she entered her attorney’s conference room and remained composed throughout the half-hour conference. “I cannot bring myself to become angry, not today,” she said.

Jackson, who worked at the McMartin school between January, 1979, and June, 1980, said she and her husband had spent two years of their lives and their life savings defending the case.

She blamed hysteria and the political ambitions of former Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. Robert H. Philibosian for bringing what she called a weak case.

Jackson’s attorney, William Powell Jr., who was at her side during the news conference praised Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. Ira Reiner for making “a courageous decision” to drop charges against his client.

“My only criticism is that it was not made sooner, back when the case began,” he said.