Opinion ID: 1983871
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: testimony regarding use of sexual paraphernalia

Text: During the presentation of its case in chief, the State introduced testimony by one of the victims, over DeMotte's objection, regarding DeMotte's use of certain sexual paraphernalia in the presence of the victim. The court determined that this testimony was relevant to a motive, scheme or plan or pattern of conduct between this victim and the defendant. [10] DeMotte contends that the victim saw DeMotte using the paraphernalia only one time and that he did not intend for the victim to see such activity. We review the trial court's decision to admit the evidence (1) pursuant to Rule 404 for clear error, and (2) over a Rule 403 objection for an abuse of discretion. State v. Giovanini, 567 A.2d 1345, 1346 (Me.1989); Robinson, 628 A.2d at 666. Contrary to DeMotte's contentions and testimony at trial, the victim's testimony supports the inference that DeMotte used the paraphernalia in the presence of the victim on a regular basis. The evidence was highly probative of the nature of his relationship with that victim and its admission into evidence was neither clearly erroneous nor an abuse of discretion. See generally State v. Whiting, 538 A.2d 300, 302 (Me.1988) (evidence of similar acts between the parties relevant to show nature of relationship).