Crime & Public Safety
Appeals court orders reinstatement of s3xual-assault conviction in Robinson case
An intermediate appellate court in Waco has reinstated a s3xual-assault-of-a-chld conviction involving a former Robinson woman. The 10th Court of Appeals ruled a McLennan County judge abused her discretion by granting a new trial and directed the trial court to reinstate the conviction and probated sentence.
A 54th State District Court jury convicted the defendant in August 2024 for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old boy after a party at her former home. The jury previously sentenced her to 10 years probation and imposed a $2,500 fine.
The defense argued the state failed to timely produce counseling records that might have been mitigating or impeaching. Prosecutors told the court they had not reviewed the records despite having subpoenaed them; the records reached defense counsel mid-trial.
The appellate panel found the late disclosure did not have a "substantial and injurious effect" on the verdict and reversed the trial court’s order granting a new trial; the defense attorneys plan to seek further review.
All individuals accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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All individuals mentioned in criminal allegations are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.