Leaptrot v. State

Evidence that the then 50-year-old defendant showered the 13-year-old first victim with gifts and marijuana for the express intent of inducing her to engage in sexual intercourse with him supported his conviction for attempted child molestation.

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

Harold Edward Leaptrot, Jr. appeals following his conviction by a Chatham County jury of one count of attempted child molestation, one count of enticing a child for indecent purposes, three counts of child molestation, one count of attempted statutory rape and one count of burglary. We affirm. 1. Leaptrot first challenges his convictions on the general grounds. The victims in the case were two teenage girls, C. A. and R. H. Leaptrot asserts that the state failed to carry its burden of proof with regard to the attempted child molestation of C. A. because the evidence did not show that he took a substantial step toward molesting her. He argues that, at most, the evidence showed that C. A. was “being groomed” to be his victim. Leaptrot also asserts that the evidence was insufficient to support the remaining convictions, involving R. H., because at trial, R. H. recanted her prior statements to police with regard to these offenses. On appeal from a criminal conviction, we view the evidence in the light most favorable to the jury’s verdict, and the defendant no longer enjoys the presumption of innocence. We do not weigh the evidence or determine witness credibility, but only determine if the evidence was sufficient for a rational trier of fact to find the defendant guilty of the charged offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Citations omitted. Colbert v. State , 255 Ga. App. 182 564 SE2d 787 2002.

a. Charge Involving C. A.

Leaptrot v. State

Evidence that the then 50-year-old defendant showered the 13-year-old first victim with gifts and marijuana for the express intent of inducing her to engage in sexual intercourse with him supported his conviction for attempted child molestation.

Share with Email

Thank you for sharing!

Trending Stories

More From ALM

Subscribe to Daily Report