Jacksonville man acquitted of sexually abusing 2-year-old daughter

Trial last 1 day after many delays since 2006 arrest

Jacksonville Sheriff's Office booking photo of Jerry Tippins

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville man arrested in 2006, accused of sexually abusing his 2-year-old daughter, was tried and acquitted Thursday.

Jerry Tippins was charged with sexual battery and lewd and lascivious molestation.

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The one-day trial commenced Thursday after many delays.

The prosecution presented DNA evidence and put a jail inmate on the stand who told the jury Tippins admitted to him he had sex with his girlfriend and his daughter on the night in question.

But the defense discredited the jail inmate and called expert witnesses who testified the DNA was an accidental transfer.