State v. Hilliard

OPINION

CONTRERAS, Judge.

At issue is whether the trial judge’s intrusions into the jury room and conversations with the jurors require reversal of appellant’s convictions. We hold that they do and remand the case for a new trial.

Appellant Michael Felton Hilliard, III, was convicted of Count I, burglary; Count II, sexual assault; Count III, kidnapping, a dangerous felony; Count IV, sexual assault, a dangerous felony; and Count V, robbery. Appellant was sentenced to 10 years for Count 1,14 years for Count II, 21 years for Count III, 21 years for Count IV, and 14 years for Count V. The court…