State v. Cox

STREIT, Justice.

Matthew Cox was convicted pursuant to Iowa Code sections 709.1, 709.3(2), and 709.4(2)(6) (2005) of one count of sex abuse in the second degree and one count of sex abuse in the third degree for sexually abusing his younger cousin. The State presented evidence of Cox’s prior sexual abuse of two other cousins. Cox appealed, asserting the district court erred by admitting the instances of sexual abuse against other victims pursuant to Iowa Code section 701.11 (2007). Admission of prior bad acts solely to show a general propensity instead of a legitimate issue violates the due…