Mardis v. State

Brock D. Mardis appeals his conviction for sexual battery on grounds the trial court erred in precluding him from introducing evidence that the victim had financial reasons for falsely testifying against him. We agree with one aspect of Mar-dis’s contention and reverse.

Factual and Procedural Background

The victim (“T.M.”) met Mardis while she was in high school in Kentucky. They became boyfriend and girlfriend. After graduating, she moved to Florida. A few months later, Mardis followed, and they lived together in an apartment rented by T.M. At some point, Mardis was hired by an employer (“the…