Updated - 10:10 p.m.
Updated - 10:30 p.m.
After nearly two weeks of testimony, Herbert Priester, a former Gainesville policeman charged with abuse and neglect of his infant daughter, has been found not guilty of both charges.
According to Chief Assistant State Attorney Jeanne Singer, Priester became frustrated with his then 2-month-old daughter and squeezed her, breaking six of her ribs and injuring several internal organs in January 2007.
Priester said the family's 75-pound Dutch shepherd, Bandit, caused the injuries.
According to testimonies last week, Bandit had a history of "erratic" behavior, including once consuming several square feet of leather couch upholstery and tearing up a doll.
Bandit's unpredictable demeanor should have been enough to help create a sense of reasonable doubt of guilt among the jury, defense attorney Don Holmes said.
"It doesn't matter what you might speculate about around your fireplace watching 'Nancy Grace,'" Holmes said. "The state has the burden of proof."
But prosecuting attorney Sean Brewer was not convinced.
"[The dog attack] may be possible, but it sure as heck isn't reasonable," he said in his closing statement. State attorneys said after Priester assaulted the baby, he forced Bandit's jaws open and dragged his teeth across the infant's torso to create the impression of a dog attack.
Upon hearing the verdict from Circuit Judge Ysleta W. McDonald, Priester dropped his face to the table and began to weep.
"It's been a long three years," Priester said, moments after the decision. "When you have the truth on your side, it makes things easier."
Priester's daughter, now 3, is healthy, and Bandit remains in Gainesville with different owners.
