State v. Clarkson

HEARN, Judge:

Edward M. Clarkson contends his oral waiver of indictment failed to comply with statutory requirements thus rendering the circuit court without jurisdiction to hear his guilty plea to assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature (ABHAN). We agree. 1

FACTS

Clarkson furnished alcoholic beverages to five minor, male victims and bought the victims numerous gifts. Clarkson performed oral sex on two victims. He also grabbed one victim’s genitals which served as the basis for the ABHAN charge.

The grand jury indicted Clarkson for two counts of second degree criminal sexual conduct…