EXCLUSIVE: Accused murderer Dhante Jackson speaks after charges are dropped

MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) -- Dhante Jackson is a free man.

The once accused murderer walked out of jail Monday afternoon after the Merced County district attorney dropped child abuse and murder charges related to the death of 8-year-old Sophia Mason.

EXCLUSIVE: Charges dropped for man accused of 8-year-old Sophia Mason's murder

He pleaded guilty to a lesser charge.

"Dhante Jackson entered a guilty plea in accessory to murder, and we had a sentencing hearing with the family," said Merced County District Attorney Nicole Silveria.

Jackson was sentenced to three years but was released due to time served.

He told Action News exclusively he's grateful to clear his name of murder and abuse charges.

"I can't even describe it, it's all hitting me at once," said Jackson.

Sophia's decomposed body was found in the Merced home that Jackson and Sophia's mother, Samantha Johnson, were living in during March 2022.

"Being an alleged child abuser, and a monster, a rapist, and all that other stuff, that's not who I am at all. And it just feels good to finally get my side of the story out," said Jackson.

At his sentencing, Sophia's family had a hard time with Jackson walking free.

"Mr. Jackson, you had every ample opportunity to intervene. To reach out. You were interviewed by social workers, your interviewed by police, you were interviewed and talked to various family members and in no point did you ever take any action," said one family member.

Once outside, Jackson again offered an apology to Sophia's family.

"My condolences. Like I said, I'm a father. And that, to me, was the number one job I pride myself in. So, I feel for the family," he said.

Action News reached out to Sophia's family for comment, but have not yet heard back. Sophia's mother is expected back in court next month and is still charged with murder.

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