Valentine v. State

Smith, Chief Judge.

Antwaine Valentine was convicted by a jury of aggravated assault, sexual battery, and battery. He appeals, following the denial of his motion for new trial, as amended. Although we conclude that the evidence was sufficient to sustain the verdict, because the trial court improperly “rehabilitated” a juror who disclosed knowledge of a witness and bias against Valentine, we are constrained to reverse the judgment and remand this case for a new trial.

1. Construed in favor of the verdict, evidence was presented that Valentine rang the victim’s doorbell and when the victim opened…