Opinion ID: 1501512
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Prejudice to the Count Involving T.L.

Text: For the final point for reversal, the State argues that, at a minimum, the trial court's ruling must be reversed as to the charge involving the sexual abuse of T.L. The State submits that each of the errors alleged by Dillard pertained only to the credibility of S.S. and did not call into question T.L.'s credibility. Thus, the State asserts, Dillard should only receive a new trial on the count involving S.S. Although we agree with the State that the proffered testimony from both witnesses involved the lack of veracity of only one of the victims, we cannot say that the proffered testimony would not have otherwise impacted the charges involving T.L. Dillard was tried for one count of rape against S.S. and one count of first-degree sexual abuse against T.L. The jury found Dillard guilty of engaging in first-degree sexual abuse with both victims. The only issue pursued on appeal was whether the trial court erred in refusing to grant Dillard's motion to sever the charges. This court concluded that the allegations made by the girls were so similar that each victim's testimony would have been relevant and admissible in separate trials: The thirty-five-year-old Appellant obtained access to both young female victims through his relationships with their respective parents; he stayed with S.S.'s mother off and on, and visited T.L.'s home frequently during the time frame at issue. Additionally, T.L. had lived with S.S.'s mother and Appellant for a brief period after T.L.'s house had burned. As such, we conclude that Appellant formed intimate relationships with both victims. The similarity of the manner in which Appellant committed the acts is remarkable. Both victims testified that Appellant made sexual advances toward them and grabbed their breasts on numerous occasions. S.S. testified that Appellant raped her after she had refused his ongoing demands for sexual intercourse. T.L. testified that Appellant threatened to rape her if she would not consent to sex. Both victims testified that he told them that sex would not hurt and would only take about three minutes. Moreover, the overlapping time frame of June 19, 1996, through August 2, 1996, also weighs in favor of proving Appellant's intent, scheme, or plan. Dillard, 333 Ark. 418, 426, 971 S.W.2d 764, 768. To prevail on a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel, the petitioner must only show that there is a reasonable probability that, but for counsel's errors, the factfinder would have had a reasonable doubt respecting guilt, i.e., the decision reached would have been different absent counsel's errors. Thomas, 330 Ark. 442, 954 S.W.2d 255. Because the testimony of the girls was so similar, we cannot say that the trial court clearly erred in concluding that Dillard's trial was prejudiced by counsel's errors. Accordingly, the judgment of the trial court is affirmed.