White v. State

OTT, Judge.

Appellant was convicted of burglary, robbery, and sexual battery. We find merit in his contention that the trial court committed reversible error in permitting the state to present evidence, over appellant’s objection, of another sexual assault.

It has long been the rule in this state that evidence of an independent crime is inadmissible if its only purpose is to blacken the character of the defendant or suggest his propensity for criminal conduct. Williams v. State, 110 So.2d 654 (Fla. 1959). Where, as here, the identity of the defendant is a material issue, evidence of a…