Ex-CEO Cleared Of Sexually Assaulting Son At Hillsborough Home

REDWOOD CITY, CA -- A former tech company CEO was cleared today of sexual assault against his toddler son, San Mateo County prosecutors said. Zain Jaffer, who was 29 years old and CEO of Vungle at the time of his arrest, is a free man because prosecutors found his actions were caused by an interaction of medicines he had taken, San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said.

Jaffer was not conscious of what he was doing because of the interaction, Wagstaffe said.

"It's a defense that applies in this case," Wagstaffe said.

Jaffer said in a statement that he is thankful that justice was served. Jaffer was accused of attacking and trying to sexually assault his son at their home in Hillsborough last Oct. 15. Prosecutors said in November
that they thought Jaffer might have been on LSD.

Wagstaffe said prosecutors including Chief Deputy District Attorney Karen Guidotti, reviewed the evidence in the case, including that presented by police, and decided to dismiss all charges.

Wagstaffe said he's very proud that the system worked today.

Jaffer said he was fortunate to defend himself and he wants to help others who are not so lucky.

"Moving forward, I plan on examining ways that I can help others who are innocent and are seeking to obtain justice," he said.

"Being wrongfully accused of these crimes has been a terrible experience, which has had a deep and lasting impact on my family and the employees of my business, Jaffer said. "Those closest to me knew I was
innocent and were confident that all of the charges against me would eventually be dismissed."

Jaffer was fired as CEO when company officials learned of the allegations.

No announcement has been made on whether Jaffer will return to work at Vungle, a mobile advertising company he founded and which has an office in San Francisco.

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