State v. Jackson

The defendant James Jackson was found guilty by a jury of first degree statutory rape. He appeals the judgment and sentence, arguing that the trial court erred by excluding two defense witnesses who would have testified that Jackson had a reputation for good moral character and truthfulness. Jackson also asserts that the trial court erred by allowing two state witnesses to relate out-of-court statements by the victim. We reverse, holding that the reliability of the hearsay statements was not established.

James Jackson began living with the victim, a 5-year-old girl, and her mother in July…