Navasie v. Hopi Tribe

OPINION AND ORDER

OPENING STATEMENT

Appellant seeks reversal of his conviction for abduction and child molesting. The issue addressed on this appeal is whether appellant was denied a fair trial due to ineffective counsel.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

Appellant Nathan Navasie, a Hopi Indi-an, was a volunteer wrestling coach at Hopi Junior/Senior High School. Appellant drove alleged victim R. H., aged 14 years, and four other children home after *329school in his private vehicle on February 6, 1998. Criminal Complaint (C.C.) at 1. Appellant drove past the alleged victim’s home after dropping off…