Phoenix AZ – March 8, 2026 | By STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
WHAT’S HAPPENING
What are the protests at Christ’s Church of the Valley (CCV) in Phoenix about?
Protests are occurring because CCV pastors wrote character letters supporting Joshua Jacobsen, a convicted sex offender, in his bid to end lifetime probation.
Who is Joshua Jacobsen and why is he on probation?
Jacobsen pleaded guilty in 2006 to sexual abuse and luring a minor and has been on lifetime probation since then.
When did the court hearing for Jacobsen’s probation termination take place?
A Maricopa County judge heard testimony regarding Jacobsen’s petition on February 20, 2026, and took the decision under advisement.
What is the victim’s stance on Jacobsen’s probation termination request?
Victim Kayleigh Kozak strongly opposes the termination, citing ongoing trauma and allegations of non-compliance with probation requirements.
Protests are ongoing at Christ’s Church of the Valley (CCV) in Phoenix, AZ, as community members object to local pastors writing character letters for Joshua Jacobsen, a convicted sex offender seeking to end his lifetime probation. The victim, Kayleigh Kozak, is actively opposing the request, citing ongoing trauma and concerns over Jacobsen’s compliance. A judge heard testimony on February 20, 2026, and is deliberating.
Protests Continue Over CCV Pastors’ Support for Convicted Sex Offender
Community Outcry at Christ’s Church of the Valley
Protests are continuing at Christ’s Church of the Valley (CCV) by community members who object to local pastors having written character letters in support of Joshua Jacobsen, a convicted sex offender. These demonstrations were active on Friday, March 7, 2026, and have persisted into March 8, 2026, highlighting significant community concerns over the perceived endorsement of an individual seeking to end his lifetime probation. The public reaction underlines serious questions regarding the judgment of church leadership and their perceived stance on a convicted individual’s future.
Details of the Probation Termination Request
Joshua Jacobsen pleaded guilty in 2006 to sexual abuse and luring a minor, specifically for inappropriately touching a then-12-year-old girl while serving as her teacher and coach. He served nine months in jail and was placed on lifetime probation, which includes a prohibition from contacting the victim and requiring him to register as a sex offender. Jacobsen is currently petitioning the court to terminate this lifetime supervision.
Victim’s Opposition and Allegations
The victim, Kayleigh Kozak, now 32, has actively opposed Jacobsen’s petition in court, detailing the ongoing trauma and arguing that he has not fully complied with probation requirements. Kozak asserted that Jacobsen has refused to undergo risk assessments and has not maintained an approved chaperone. Additionally, she alleged that Jacobsen continues to have sexual conversations with his own children. Kozak described Jacobsen’s repeated requests to terminate probation as “revictimization” and “hell”. She has also relocated approximately 2,000 miles to distance herself from the past trauma.
Judicial Deliberation on the Request
A Maricopa County judge heard testimony from both opponents and supporters of the petition during a hearing on February 20, 2026. The judge did not issue an immediate ruling and took the decision under advisement. Jacobsen’s attorney stated that the Maricopa County probation department had recommended the termination of his probation, a position reportedly taken rarely. Jacobsen, through his attorney, claimed to have admitted guilt, paid his debt, requested forgiveness, and made amends, asserting he is married, employed, a father, and a Christian.
Church Leaders’ Involvement and Past Response
Some local pastors and mission partners of Christ’s Church of the Valley have submitted character letters to the court in support of Jacobsen’s efforts to end his probation. Pastor Harry Demos, who works in the church’s missions and sports ministries, submitted a letter in 2024 describing Jacobsen as “the farthest thing from a threat to society” and stated that Jacobsen had “confessed and repented of those sins”. Earlier, in 2022, Kayleigh Kozak met with CCV leaders to express concerns after learning that Jacobsen was attending and volunteering at the Peoria campus. Kozak felt that the church leaders were dismissive and dishonest during their meeting, and she observed no evidence of change, leading her family to leave the church. In July 2023, a CCV executive pastor reportedly urged church staff not to engage with Kozak or other critics discussing the situation on social media. This current petition marks at least the second attempt by Jacobsen to terminate his probation, with a similar request in 2020 having been denied by a different Maricopa County judge.
Understanding Sex Offender Probation
Arizona is one of a few states that has lifetime probation for sex offenses. Data from the U.S. Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering and Tracking indicates that sexual recidivism rates can range from 5% after three years to 24% after fifteen years.
Key Information Summary
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Protestors | Members of Christ’s Church of the Valley (CCV) and concerned community members. |
| Reason for Protests | CCV pastors wrote character letters supporting convicted sex offender Joshua Jacobsen’s petition to end lifetime probation. |
| Joshua Jacobsen | Convicted in 2006 for sexual abuse and luring a minor; served 9 months jail, received lifetime probation. |
| Victim (Kayleigh Kozak) | Opposes probation termination due to ongoing trauma and concerns over Jacobsen’s compliance. |
| Court Hearing Date | February 20, 2026; judge took decision under advisement, no ruling yet. |
| Pastoral Involvement | Some CCV pastors, including Harry Demos, submitted character letters to the court. |
| Church’s Prior Response | Victim’s concerns in 2022 were reportedly dismissed; staff advised in 2023 not to engage with critics. |
| Protest Status | Active on March 7, 2026, and ongoing as of March 8, 2026. |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
