In December 2014, then-36-year-old Edwin Alicea was charged with what Dunkirk Police called “a vicious, violent crime.”

Alicea was accused of luring a male acquaintance from his apartment, then forcing him back inside, where he was bound, gagged, assaulted and robbed. He was allegedly threatened with a firearm, and his cell phone and gaming system were reportedly stolen. His flat-screen television was said to be smashed. The victim eventually freed himself and sought help at a nearby relative’s, after which he was taken to Brooks Memorial Hospital for treatment of injuries to his head, face, arms and legs.

But Friday, a jury of Alicea’s peers acquitted him of all charges: first-degree burglary, first-degree robbery, first-degree criminal use of a firearm, first-degree unlawful imprisonment, second-degree assault, criminal possession of a weapon and fourth-degree criminal mischief. Jurors said there wasn’t enough evidence.

“The case went to trial, and was handled by one of my assistants,” said Acting District Attorney Patrick Swanson. “It lasted a week.”

This was not a case of mistaken identity; the victim is the one who told police that Alicea committed the crime. But, Swanson said, jurors are put in a very difficult position, and they must abide by high ethical standards.

“The jury heard all of the evidence,” he said, “and after deliberating, they decided it was not sufficient to convict (Alicea).”

Alicea’s attorney could not be reached for comment.