Man acquitted of robbery, spousal abuse

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A Kern County jury on Thursday found a man not guilty of charges of robbery, spousal abuse and false imprisonment stemming from an incident late last year.

The jury deliberated about a day before acquitting Michael Gloria Jr. of all charges, according to a release from the Public Defender’s Office. If convicted, he had faced up to six years in prison.

Deputy Public Defender Clinton Pierce argued Gloria lacked the mental intent “required to meet the burden of proof for the charges brought against him,” according to the release. Pierce said the case should have been handled in family court.

On the morning of Dec. 23, Gloria and the alleged victim argued at their home on Rockhampton Drive. Gloria was accused of stopping the alleged victim from leaving, then taking her purse and phone before fleeing.

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