United States v. Frederick Yazzie

BRUNETTI, Circuit Judge:

Defendant-Appellant Frederick Yazzie appeals from a jury verdict finding him guilty on fourteen counts of sexual abuse on and abusive sexual contact with his nine-year-old stepson (the victim). In his appeal, we consider several evidentiary rulings made by the district court, which Yazzie contends were erroneous and violated his rights under the Confrontation Clause and his right to a fair trial.

I

The events of this case were triggered by an accusation made by Patrick Yazzie, Frederick Yazzie’s mentally retarded brother, during a visit to the Indian hospital in Chinle,…