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 bo

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