An Ignacio man suspected of misdemeanor assault and child abuse has been found not guilty by a jury.
James Phillips, 46, tussled June 25 with Maurice Anderson, who was making headlines at the time for robbing someone at knifepoint at a Durango ATM.
Phillips told police he was arguing with his 15-year-old step-daughter while holding a utility knife. Fearing for the girl’s safety, Anderson jumped Phillips from behind and was cut during the skirmish.
Anderson told police Phillips punched his step-daughter, which is why he attacked Phillips. The girl also said Phillips punched her in the face with a closed fist, according to an arrest affidavit. She had a red mark and swelling under her left eye.
Phillips was arrested and charged with misdemeanor assault and child abuse. He went to trial April 27 and a jury acquitted him.
In an interview Friday, Phillips said he never punched his step-daughter; rather, she was pushing him and he blocked her arm. She may have received a superficial injury in the melee, but he never socked her with a closed fist or intentionally hit her.
“I’m just hoping time will do its job and heal this wound, and I can re-establish a relationship with my children and move on with my life,” he said.
Efforts to reach Phillips’ Durango defense lawyer, Joel Fry, and District Attorney Christian Champagne for comment were unsuccessful.
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