Opinion ID: 2978633
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Facts Underlying Brown’s Conviction

Text: Brown was indicted in 2004 for six counts of gross sexual imposition and one count of rape, based on allegations made by his twelve-year-old niece K.H. Later, he was indicted in a separate case for eighteen counts based on allegations by his seventeen-year-old sister-in-law L.H. That indictment included the following counts: six counts of gross sexual imposition with a victim under No. 07-4410 Brown v. Sheets age thirteen (Count 13-18); three counts of gross sexual imposition by force (Counts 1, 5, and 9); three counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor (Counts 2, 6, and 10); three counts of sexual battery (Counts 3, 7, and 11); and three counts of rape (Counts 4, 8, and 12). The trial court consolidated the indictments for trial.
Sixteen witnesses, including K.H. and L.H., testified at trial. L.H. testified that Brown touched her breasts on several different occasions when he was living in her father’s house. K.H. testified that Brown molested her on three or four occasions. During each instance, Brown touched her in the “bra area,” beneath her bra, and touched her “in between the legs” twice. In addition to this testimony, the State called several family members and investigators to testify. Dr. Jeff Smalldon, a board-certified forensic pathologist, testified on Brown’s behalf. He provided expert testimony that the interview procedures used on L.H. were tainted. Although he could not conclude that her testimony was fabricated, he explained to the jury that the techniques were suggestive. Defense counsel also called additional witnesses, including Clyde Haller, L.H.’s father and K.H.’s grandfather.