By Cherrie Anne E. Villahermosa
Variety News Staff

THE businessman indicted for taking endangered species was found not guilty by a federal jury yesterday.
Soleman’s jury trial started on Monday with the government, represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Moran and Craig Moore, presenting five witnesses — Shahazan Miah, John Salas, George Phocus, Laura Williams and Anne Marshall.
The government rested its case on Tuesday afternoon. The defense did not present any witness.
The closing arguments were made on Wednesday morning and the jurors started deliberating at 12:35 noon.
Soleman’s lawyer, Robert T. Torres, said justice was done for his client.
“We said that all along it was a matter of proof beyond a reasonable doubt and Mr. Soleman stands innocent of the charges filed against him as he was at the start of this case. It’s been a long and trying process but justice was done,” Torres said.
“We appreciate the fairness of everyone, the court, the jury and the government. Mr. Soleman is looking forward to moving on and being with his family,” Torres added.
He said Soleman is the first defendant to undergo a jury trial for taking endangered species.
“There are interesting issues in this case regarding endangered species but this case was not the forum for that — there will be a time for those issues to be dealt with appropriately.” Torres said.
Soleman said he is “very happy and thankful to my lawyer — he worked hard on this case.”
The first jury trial for Soleman was held in October last year, but the federal jury failed to return a unanimous verdict.
Soleman was indicted on one count of the taking of endangered species when he cutt tangan-tangan trees while clearing land for his charcoal business.