Opinion ID: 2410966
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: insufficient evidence regarding t.l. and l.m.

Text: Laughlin next asserts that the evidence was insufficient to support the verdict for rape involving T.L. and sexual solicitation involving L.M. We have recently described our analysis for determining whether the evidence is sufficient: The test for determining the sufficiency of the evidence is whether the verdict is supported by substantial evidence, direct or circumstantial. Thomas v. State, 312 Ark. 158, 847 S.W.2d 695 (1993). Substantial evidence is evidence forceful enough to compel a conclusion one way or the other beyond suspicion or conjecture. Lukach v. State, 310 Ark. 119, 835 S.W.2d 852 (1992). In determining the sufficiency of the evidence, we review the proof in the light most favorable to the appellee, considering only that evidence which tends to support the verdict. Brown v. State, 309 Ark. 503, 832 S.W.2d 477 (1992). Moore v. State, 315 Ark. 131, 134, 864 S.W.2d 863, 865-66 (1993). T.L., an eleven year old boy at the time of trial, gave precise testimony regarding the sexual conduct of Laughlin. He stated that he knew him and identified him in the courtroom. He described the exterior and interior of Laughlin's house and the area surrounding the house. He further testified that he went to Laughlin's house on a Wednesday. There, he had a shower, and Laughlin took a towel and dried his private off. In later testimony, T.L. stated that Laughlin touched his penis inside his underwear and hugged him. T.L. also performed oral sex on the appellant at his request. He then described in graphic detail how Laughlin performed oral sex on him on at least two separate occasions. This testimony clearly qualifies as rape by deviate sexual behavior. Ark.Code Ann. §§ 5-14-101(1)(A), 5-14-103 (1987). The fact that L.M. remembers the toweling episode differently from T.L. is immaterial, since there is no requirement that T.L.'s testimony as a victim be corroborated. Curtis v. State, 301 Ark. 208, 783 S.W.2d 47 (1990). The testimony of a rape victim alone is sufficient to support a conviction. Bishop v. State, 310 Ark. 479, 839 S.W.2d 6 (1992); White v. State, 303 Ark. 30, 792 S.W.2d 867 (1990). And T.L.'s credibility, to the extent it was called into question, falls within the realm of the jury to assess. Prater v. State, 307 Ark. 180, 820 S.W.2d 429 (1991). Likewise, any inconsistencies between the testimony of the victims were for the jury to resolve. White v. State, supra . In sum, the evidence of rape which pertained to T.L. was sufficient. With respect to the sufficiency of the evidence for the sexual solicitation of L.M., we hold that this issue was not preserved for appeal. Laughlin did request that the sexual abuse charge be reduced to sexual solicitation of a child. The trial court refused, but the jury then found him guilty of this lesser offense. However, Laughlin never moved for a directed verdict regarding the offense of sexual solicitation. We have held that the motion must be made in connection with the offense for which the defendant was convicted in order for the matter to be subject to our review. Hickson v. State, 312 Ark. 171, 847 S.W.2d 691 (1993). In the instant case, the directed verdict motion was made on the charge of sexual abuse but the jury in effect acquitted Laughlin of that charge by finding him guilty of the misdemeanor, sexual solicitation of a child. No motion for a directed verdict was made relating to sexual solicitation involving L.M. We decline to address the issue.