Meland v. Commonwealth

SIMS, Judge.

Appellant, Harold W. Meland, was convicted of forcibly raping Ardotha Melton, a girl slightly over 12 years of age, and was given a life sentence in the penitentiary. In seeking to reverse the judgment he insists the court erred: 1. In not directing a verdict in his behalf; 2. in permitting improper argument by the Commonwealth Attorney; 3. in not properly instructing the jury; 4. in ruling on evidence.

Appellant, a minister, was the Director of Bethel Children’s Home in Breathitt Counr ty and Ardotha had been in the Home since she was 10 years of age. She testified that shortly…