Man who fostered at-risk children, charged for sexual abuse

(WJBK) - He's supposed to be an advocate for vulnerable kids, serving on the Macomb County Adoption Board and fostering children in his home for years.

But now the 61-year old man is  charged with sexually abusing one of his adopted children.

With his family unable to hold in tears, 61-year-old Jackie Lee Pittman stands before a judge in Shelby Township Friday, accused of having sex with one of his foster children.

Judge: "Do you understand the charges against you sir?"

"Yes I do," Pittman said in court.

Pittman, of Macomb Township, and previous Macomb County Adoption Board member, is charged with two counts of criminal sexual conduct in the third degree --  both 15-year felonies.

He's accused of having sexual intercourse with his 16-year-old adopted daughter last month.

Judge: "You have any criminal history at all?"

"No sir," Pittman said. "This is the first thing ever supposedly that I've ever done."

A family member tells FOX 2 that Pittman has fostered five children with his wife over the last 10 years and could be violent and controlling at times. But they never imagined this. Child Protective Services has investigated him twice, but nothing ever came of it.

Judge: "Are you married or single?"

"My wife just passed away in April," he said.

Her death is the reason some family members say is why Pittman may be unstable. His wife died of cancer April 26. His family says before that, Pittman was a hard worker, volunteer and father.

"They've taken foster care children in their home to care for them," said sister Carolyn Mullins. "And I think he's temporarily lost his mind."

Pittman's family says his two adopted children -- including that alleged victim -- are no longer living with him, but are not commenting any further.

As Pittman, is taken back to jail.

Right now  Pittman is being held on a $25,000 cash bond. He's due back in court September 6th. He's been ordered to have no contact with his foster child.