Prosecutors have dropped sexual battery charges against a North Miami man who was accused of sexually abusing a 4-year-old girl.
Clenol Jean, 23, was arrested last week on five counts of sexual battery on a minor and spent eight days behind bars before he was released Friday following a court hearing.
"It feels good to be vindicated," Jean told reporters after the hearing. "My faith was never shaken, I'm a strong believer in God and I believe in true justice."
The state dropped the charges after discovering there was not enough proof to establish guilt.
Jean's attorney and family members had vehemently denied the charges after his arrest. Attorney Larry Handfield said he was glad Jean was vindicated but said the damage has already been done.
"This is a perfect example to what happens when you rush to judgment," Handfield said. "You can't un-ring the bell, he spent eight days in jail without bond, he lost his job. He has his freedom now but his nightmare continues."
Handfield thanked the state attorney's office for investigating the case but criticized the North Miami Police detective who investigated and made the arrest.
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"He should have never been arrested in the first place," Handfield said.
Jean's mother said that as a favor, her family would take care of some kids from their church, including the alleged victim, a 4-year-old girl. The girl told her mother she was touched on her privates by Jean while attending an unlicensed daycare run by Jean's grandmother in the 1500 block of Northeast 142nd Street, according to a police report.
The child said the incident happened five times, the report said. Jean denied touching the child in a sexual manner, the report said.
Jean had been working at Renaissance Charter School at Plantation before his arrest but lost his job. He said he wants his job back.
Handfield said they will be taking legal action in the case.
