State v. Fowler

OPINION

HOLDER, Justice.

We granted this appeal to determine whether payment by a fifty-three-year-old male for “straight sex” with what he perceived to be a fifteen-year-old boy could constitute a substantial step toward the commission of statutory rape. Upon review, we hold that the evidence in this case supported the jury’s finding that the defendant’s conduct constituted a substantial step toward the commission of statutory rape. The decision of the Court of Criminal Appeals is reversed, and the defendant’s conviction for attempted statutory rape is reinstated.

FACTS

The defendant, Charles D.…