State v. Wallace

Karl Wallace was convicted of second-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC) with a minor. He argues the trial court erred by admitting the testimony of the victim’s sister regarding an alleged prior act of criminal sexual conduct with a minor under the common scheme or plan exception to State v. Lyle, 125 S.C. 406, 118 S.E. 803 (1923), and Rule 404(b), SCRE. We reverse and remand for a new trial.

FACTS

Wallace was accused of criminal sexual conduct with his stepdaughter. At the time of trial, Wallace had been married to the victim’s mother for approximately ten years. At trial, the victim…