State v. Merchant

[¶ 1] Eugene Merchant appeals from judgments entered after a jury verdict by the Superior Court (Hancock County, Hjelm, J.), convicting him of gross sexual assault (Class A), in violation of 17-A M.R.S.A. § 25S(1)(A) (Supp.2002); unlawful sexual contact (Class B), in violation of 17-A M.R.S.A. § 255(1)(H) (Supp.2002); 1 and two counts of kidnapping (Class A), in violation of 17-A M.R.S.A. §§ 301(1)(A)(3), (4) (1983). 2 Merchant contends that there is insufficient evidence to support the convictions and that the Superior Court erred in: (1) conducting lengthy questioning of jurors after an…