Downs v. State

William Downs appeals his conviction of sexual battery on a child under twelve for which he received a life sentence. Because the trial court erred in allowing the State to introduce evidence of uncharged crimes, we reverse for a new trial.

The State charged Downs with one count of capital sexual battery by digital penetration. The victim, L.B., who was twenty-three years of age at the time of trial, testified that one night when she was seven years old, a nude Downs entered her bedroom, rolled down her underwear and digitally penetrated her. Over a defense objection, the trial court allowed…