Phoenix-area sex offender seeks to end lifetime probation after nearly 20 years

Victim urges judge to keep supervision in place, citing ongoing trauma

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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A former teacher and soccer coach convicted of molesting his 12-year-old student nearly two decades ago has returned to a Maricopa County court seeking to end the lifetime probation he accepted in lieu of prison time. However, his victim, now an adult, delivered emotional testimony urging the judge to keep the supervision in place, saying she will never be convinced the offender is ready to live in society without oversight.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex and often contentious issues surrounding sex offender rehabilitation, community safety, and victims' rights. It raises questions about the effectiveness of lifetime probation as a sentencing option and whether it adequately balances the needs of offenders, victims, and the broader public.

The details

Josh Jacobson, the convicted sex offender, has argued that after 19 years of living under strict court restrictions, he has paid his debt to society and should be allowed to live independently. However, prosecutors noted that Jacobson has refused to submit to state-ordered sex offender risk assessments, a requirement of his probation, which they view as a red flag. Jacobson's victim, Kayleigh Kozak, delivered emotional testimony, stating that she will never be convinced Jacobson is ready to live in society without supervision and that she is "living proof that he is capable of sexually harming children."

  • Jacobson was convicted and accepted a lifetime probation agreement nearly 20 years ago.
  • Jacobson has petitioned to revoke the lifetime probation agreement for a second time.
  • The judge did not rule on Jacobson's request on Friday, instead taking the matter under advisement.

The players

Josh Jacobson

A former teacher and soccer coach convicted of molesting his 12-year-old student nearly two decades ago.

Kayleigh Kozak

Jacobson's victim, who is now an adult and delivered emotional testimony urging the judge to keep the supervision in place.

Dan Lundell

A victim advocate who called Jacobson's refusal to submit to state-ordered sex offender risk assessments a red flag, stating that "when an offender like this does everything in their power to make the protections that society has put in place go away, they are not demonstrating the right mentality to stay safe."

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What they’re saying

“I will never be given a second chance from the things that he chose to do to me. I am living proof that he is capable of sexually harming children.”

— Kayleigh Kozak, Jacobson's victim (azfamily.com)

“When an offender like this does everything in their power to make the protections that society has put in place go away, they are not demonstrating the right mentality to stay safe.”

— Dan Lundell, Victim advocate (azfamily.com)

What’s next

The judge will take the matter under advisement and decide whether to terminate Jacobson's lifetime probation.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing the rights and rehabilitation of sex offenders with the need to protect victims and the broader community. The victim's powerful testimony and the offender's refusal to comply with probation requirements raise serious concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of the justice system's approach to sex crimes.