PROVO — A former Brigham Young University instructor, under threat of federal indictment in a voyeurism case, has pleaded guilty to second-degree felony sexual exploitation of a minor.
Robert Jackson, 63, who resigned as an assistant professor of information systems after his arrest, entered the plea Tuesday afternoon in 4th District Court. Sentencing was set for May 23. Second-degree felonies carry a maximum sentence of one to 15 years in prison.
He was arrested in February on allegations of filming a 14-year-old girl dressing. The girl did not know she was being filmed. Jackson's adult daughter found a video file on Jackson's BYU laptop, according to the probable cause statement.
Jackson's attorney, John Allan, said his client could have faced a minimum 10-year sentence if convicted on federal charges.
Jackson had the choice to take the offer from the Utah County attorney or take his chances with a federal indictment, he said.
Deputy County Attorney David Sturgill said he will recommend Jackson serve two years in jail.
He said Jackson had no criminal history and the victim's family was "very understanding and compassionate" and requested leniency.
Johnson taught at BYU for more than 10 years.