Yero v. State

Efren Yero, who was tried as an adult and convicted by jury of sexual battery, appeals his adjudication of guilt and sentence to 155 years imprisonm'ent.

Yero, aged 16, was charged with sexual battery upon J. G. who was then under 11 years of age. Upon defense request, the court ordered the witnesses sequestered.

Despite the invoking of the rule, the prosecutor met with several of the witnesses (who had not yet been sworn) on the morning of the first day of trial. The witnesses present at this meeting were the victim, another child who ultimately testified to similar acts by the defendant, and…