Jurors in a sexual abuse trial for an Athens man have found him innocent of the crime.

The trial for Marcus Duane Evans, 26, of 22899 Pine Road, which began Tuesday in Limestone County Circuit Court, ended Friday afternoon when jurors returned with their verdict.

He had been charged with one count of second-degree sexual abuse after being accused in March 2013 of fondling a 13-year-old female acquaintance over the period of a year.

Jurors heard closing arguments in the case Friday morning and began their deliberations after receiving instructions from Circuit Judge Chadwick Wise.

Attorney R. Garry Clem of Athens defended Evans.  

Evans had been free on $10,000 bail since his initial arrest.