State v. Rolack

The State of Florida seeks certiorari review of an order excluding two witnesses from testifying at trial. We conclude that the trial court departed from the essential requirements of the law in excluding these witnesses and, accordingly, grant the petition.

Respondent, Gene Marcellous Rolack, was charged with committing a sexual battery upon A.B., an adult female. The alleged incident occurred at A.B.’s residence on November 16, 2011. Shortly thereafter, A.B. advised her long-time friend, Simone Fernandez, of the event and, at Fernandez’s prodding, notified law enforcement.

*1287The State filed its…