Opinion ID: 1490004
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 15

Heading: Janikuak

Text: Although Dr. Tanguay was not acting in his professional capacity as a pastor during his consultation with Brown, the same cannot be said about Janikuak. Emily was involved with church activities and Brown was a member of the congregation. When Janikuak first learned of Emily's allegations, she called Brown into her office in the church to discuss a very serious matter. She then followed up with Emily and relayed to her that Brown had denied her allegations. Given the nature of the relationship between Janikuak and Brown, one that was vastly different from Brown's incipient relationship with Dr. Tanguay, it is clear that Janikuak did act in her capacity as a pastor and spiritual counselor when she spoke with Brown about Emily's allegations of sexual abuse. Therefore, without Brown's consent, Janikuak should not have been allowed to disclose any confidential communication during her testimony that was properly entrusted to her. The transcript is not entirely clear, but it seems to indicate that at least the initial conversations between Brown and Janikuak were confidential. However, even if we assume that they were confidential and thus John Brown was deficient for failing to object to her testimony about these discussions, that alone is not sufficient for Brown to meet the heavy burden that he bears. As we repeatedly have said an applicant bears the burden of proving, by a preponderance of the evidence, that he is entitled to postconviction relief. Chalk, 949 A.2d at 398 (quoting Burke, 925 A.2d at 893). For Brown to prevail, he must establish that, not only was John Brown's performance deficient, but that his errors prejudiced the defense to such a degree that Brown was deprived of his right to a fair trial. In our opinion, Brown has not sustained his burden of proof because he has not presented any evidence that his defense was prejudiced. [20] Even if Janikuak's testimony about her confidential communications with Brown was excluded, there was other compelling evidence of his guilt that was more than sufficient for the jury to convict Brown beyond a reasonable doubt. Brown admitted during the trial to sexual contact with Emily. [21] The young girl also testified about the abuse visited upon her. Furthermore, even if Dr. Tanguay's testimony that Brown contends constituted expert opinion was disallowed, Dr. Tanguay still testified that Brown's reaction to the question of whether any sexual abuse occurred, was one of admission, yes, something of a sexual nature did occur, between Emily and him. Lastly, Julie testified at the trial that during their counseling session, Brown told Dr. Tanguay in her presence that he had abused the girl [t]wo to three times in a month. For these reasons, we hold that, irrespective of whether John Brown was deficient for failing to object to Janikuak's testimony under § 9-17-23, Brown has failed to demonstrate that there is a reasonable probability that, but for John Brown's errors, the result of the trial would have produced a different result.