Kaunas, Lithuania – A Lithuanian man with a history of sexually abusing minors is attempting to secure his release from prison, prompting a strong response from prosecutors who are seeking to extend his sentence until 2031. Remigijus Jakštys, 27, is currently serving a sentence for multiple counts of sexual assault, and his case has drawn renewed attention to failures within Lithuanian institutions to protect vulnerable children. The ongoing legal proceedings highlight a disturbing pattern of Jakštys exploiting his position as a youth mentor to target and abuse young people, both within Lithuania and abroad.
Jakštys’s case is particularly troubling due to the length of time over which his crimes occurred and the apparent ease with which he was able to repeatedly offend. He has been convicted in three separate cases involving sexual offenses against minors, raising serious questions about oversight and preventative measures. The current proceedings center around allegations of abusing three students under the age of 16, with Jakštys having already been found guilty on three counts related to these offenses. His attempts to minimize his culpability, coupled with the prosecution’s push for a significantly longer sentence, underscore the gravity of the situation.
The Kaunas Regional Court heard arguments on Tuesday as Jakštys’s defense team sought to reopen the evidence phase of the trial. This request was denied by the court. Prosecutor Dovilė Augustauskaitė presented her closing arguments, with the next hearing scheduled for May 4th, where Jakštys’s lawyers will deliver their own closing statements. A final decision on his sentence is expected in May or June of this year, according to reports from local media outlets.
A History of Abuse and Institutional Failures
Jakštys was initially sentenced in December 2021 by the Kaunas Regional Court to a suspended sentence of freedom restriction for sexually abusing four minors. However, this sentence was later amended to 90 days of arrest after he violated the terms of his release by continuing to interact with underage individuals. In April 2024, the Kaunas Regional Court handed down a more substantial sentence of three and a half years in prison for sexually abusing three teenagers and violating their sexual self-determination and inviolability. Under this sentence, Jakštys was expected to be released in October 2026.
However, prosecutors are now seeking to significantly increase his punishment. Augustauskaitė is requesting a combined sentence of five to six years imprisonment, taking into account his previous convictions. Jakštys’s defense team, conversely, is arguing for a more lenient sentence, even seeking acquittal on one of the charges, claiming insufficient evidence to prove his guilt in that particular instance. They are also requesting leniency on the remaining two counts, arguing against a custodial sentence. This stark contrast in legal strategies highlights the contentious nature of the case and the differing interpretations of the evidence presented.
The case has exposed significant shortcomings in the ability of Lithuanian institutions to prevent further offenses. Reports indicate that Jakštys was able to continue victimizing children even while under legal restrictions, demonstrating a failure to adequately monitor his activities and protect potential victims. This systemic failure has prompted calls for a thorough review of safeguarding procedures within the country’s educational and youth work sectors.
Exploiting a Position of Trust
Jakštys operated under the guise of a youth mentor, a role that provided him with access to numerous children through excursions, camps, seminars, and educational programs. He leveraged this position of trust to identify and target vulnerable individuals. His crimes reportedly took place in both private residences and hotels, further illustrating the calculated nature of his offenses.
Prior to his criminal activity coming to light, Jakštys was a prominent figure in the Lithuanian education sector. He was a shareholder and executive director of “Solid Education,” a company that developed a platform for independent programming education. He later founded the public institution “Student Career,” presenting it as a career guidance agency for students, organizing educational excursions and fostering a “wonderful community.” This seemingly legitimate front allowed him to establish connections with educational institutions and gain access to students at various events and camps, providing him with opportunities to identify and groom potential victims.
The prosecution alleges that Jakštys’s crimes occurred between November 2018 and February 2020, with some offenses reportedly taking place abroad. During the last trial in September 2025, Jakštys denied guilt in one of the episodes, while partially admitting to others. The court heard testimony from 10 witnesses and all three victims during the proceedings. This testimony, combined with the evidence presented by the prosecution, led to his conviction and subsequent sentencing.
Legal Representation and Appeals
Jakštys is currently represented by a team of lawyers, including Olegas Šibkovas and Aloyzas Kruopys, both of whom previously served as judges. The defense team has filed an appeal against the original sentence, seeking to overturn the conviction or secure a more lenient punishment. They have also requested that the court summon employees of the Pravieniškių Prison as witnesses.
In addition to the defense’s appeal, the Kaunas Regional Prosecutor’s Office has also filed an appeal, seeking to overturn the lenient aspects of the original sentence and increase Jakštys’s punishment. Prosecutor Augustauskaitė is specifically challenging the court’s decision to consider Jakštys’s partial restitution to victims as a mitigating factor, arguing that the severity of his crimes warrants a harsher penalty.
The Road Ahead
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for May 4th, where Jakštys’s lawyers will present their closing arguments. A final decision on his sentence is anticipated in May or June. The outcome of this case will have significant implications for both Jakštys and the victims involved, as well as for the broader discussion surrounding child protection and institutional accountability in Lithuania.
The prosecution’s pursuit of a longer sentence reflects a determination to hold Jakštys accountable for the full extent of his crimes and to send a strong message that such offenses will not be tolerated. The defense’s efforts to secure a more lenient punishment, or even acquittal, underscore the complexities of the case and the challenges of navigating the legal system. The court’s decision will undoubtedly be closely watched by victims’ advocates and legal experts alike.
As the case progresses, It’s crucial to prioritize the needs and well-being of the victims and to ensure that they receive the support and resources they need to heal and rebuild their lives. The ongoing scrutiny of this case also presents an opportunity to identify and address systemic failures that allowed Jakštys to offend repeatedly, ultimately preventing future harm to vulnerable children.
The Kaunas Regional Court will deliver its final verdict in the coming months, marking a critical juncture in this disturbing case. The outcome will not only determine Jakštys’s fate but also serve as a test of Lithuania’s commitment to protecting its children and holding perpetrators of sexual abuse accountable for their actions.
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