State v. Barrett

Chandler, Justice:

Appellant Richard Barrett (Barrett) was convicted of criminal sexual conduct upon his eleven-year-old stepdaughter (Victim). We reverse and remand.

Prior to Victim’s testifying at trial, the State presented Blanche Thomas, a DSS social worker, as a witness. Over Barrett’s objection, Thomas was allowed to testify to the details of what Victim had told her concerning the incident. Barrett contends this constituted impermissible “bolstering” of Victim’s testimony. We agree.

Ordinarily, when a witness has not been impeached, evidence of prior consistent statements is inadmissible.…