State v. Willis, 08ap-536 (1-27-2009)

OPINION

{¶ 1} Gregory S. Willis is appealing his conviction on two charges of rape and one charge of kidnapping. He assigns a single error for our consideration:

THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY NOT ALLOWING THE DEFENDANT TO REPRESENT HIMSELF DURING THE DEFENSE PHASE OF THE TRIAL AND FURTHER DENIED THE DEFENDANT'S RIGHT TO RECALL A STATE WITNESS; THEREBY VIOLATING HIS UNITED STATES AND OHIO CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS.

{¶ 2} On January 1, 2007, J.E. was raped. The issue at Willis' trial was whether or not he was the rapist.

{¶ 3} J.E. testified at length during the trial and clearly identified Willis as the…