Melvin C. Hamilton v. State of Indiana

BARNES, Judge.

Case Summary

[1] Melvin Hamilton appeals his convictions for three counts of Class A felony child molesting. We reverse and remand.

Issue

[2] The sole restated issue before us is whether the trial court properly allowed witnesses for the State to vouch for the credibility of the alleged victims.

Facts

[3] A.S. and D.P. are the foster children of Heather and Charles Reese. Hamilton is Charles’s stepfather. Hamilton frequently babysat the children at his home in Posey County. In 2014, A.S. was ten, and D.P. was five. A.S. and D.P. called Hamilton “Pappy.” Tr. p. 29.

[4] On February 24,…