A former Daly City police officer is headed toward trial after prosecutors say his 4-year-old daughter showed up at preschool with visible injuries, and deputies later confiscated an illegally modified assault-style rifle from his home. The case, which combines child abuse and weapons charges, has drawn extra scrutiny because the officer had only just joined the department. Jacob Fine has pleaded not guilty and remains free on a $50,000 bond, with his next court date set for Feb. 25.
According to prosecutors, deputies were called to the child’s preschool on Jan. 29, 2024, after staff reported suspected abuse. Deputies obtained an emergency protective order, then searched Fine’s Half Moon Bay home, where they say they found a rifle that had been illegally modified into an assault weapon and outfitted with a laser attachment, as reported by KRON4.
Fine has entered not guilty pleas to child-cruelty and weapons counts and posted a $50,000 bail bond, which allowed him to remain out of custody while the case moves forward. He is scheduled to return to court on Feb. 25. The Daly City Police Department told reporters that Fine is not currently employed by the agency and has never had contact with the public in a Daly City police officer capacity, according to The Mercury News.
What prosecutors say
The San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office says the preschool-age victim reported that her father slapped her in the face, leaving a visible injury, and that she said the same thing happened in May 2023. Prosecutors told the court that Fine had been on the Daly City force for only four days when the preschool report triggered the deputies’ response. At a preliminary hearing, they presented testimony that included law-enforcement witnesses and resulted in the matter being set for trial, per KRON4.
Preliminary hearing details
During the preliminary hearing, prosecutors called two San Mateo County sheriff's sergeants who described parts of the investigation, according to The Mercury News. Court records and that testimony are expected to be central to whether the charges advance to a full trial on the Feb. 25 date.
Legal outlook
The case involves child-abuse counts and at least one weapons charge tied to the alleged illegal modification of the rifle. With pleas entered and key pretrial testimony already on the record, the case is moving through San Mateo County Superior Court. Prosecutors say the witnesses and items seized in the home search will be part of what determines whether the case proceeds to a full-blown trial.
What to watch
The Feb. 25 hearing is expected to be closely watched for any new motions, protective orders, or scheduling decisions that could map out the rest of the case in Superior Court. Officials say the developing investigative record and future court filings will shape whether the matter ultimately goes before a jury.
