Trooper Accused of Detaining Pair Going to Abortion Clinic
- Share via
SEATTLE — A state trooper accused of giving a couple a lecture against abortion after pulling them over for speeding on their way to a clinic was charged Thursday with unlawful imprisonment and official misconduct.
Lane W. Jackstadt, 34, stopped Deanna Thomas, 18, and Justin Cooper, 20, for speeding on July 27. The couple said Jackstadt then held them against their will for about 45 minutes and led them to a church-run counseling session after learning they were on their way to an abortion appointment.
Jackstadt told the couple he was a devout Christian and sternly lectured Thomas against having an abortion, prosecutors said.
The trooper also allegedly told the couple he could hold them there on the shoulder of Interstate 90 east of Seattle to make sure they missed their appointment at the Planned Parenthood clinic in suburban Kirkland.
Jackstadt said “he would see what he could do about taking care of the speeding ticket if they would agree to come with him to meet with the people from his church,” prosecutors said in court papers.
After Jackstadt led them to the counseling session, the couple left. The woman later had an abortion.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
More From the Los Angeles Times
Podcasts
John Orr was a renowned fire investigator who was also a prolific arsonist, and whose thinly veiled novel helped to convict him. In this episode we hear from the fire captain who first suspected him—and from Orr himself.
Madison McGhee is joined by legendary Dateline host Josh Mankiewicz and esteemed L.A. Times Reporter Richard Winton as the three of them dive into all-things Menendez Brothers, the good, the bad, and the still unknown.
NPR climate editor Sadie Babits talks about why the media has long overlooked the climate crisis, and how that’s starting to change.
