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.
shane@durangoherald.com
