This summary was computer-generated without any editorial revision. It is not official, has not been checked for accuracy, and is NOT citable.
Facts
The Defendant was convicted of first-degree criminal sexual penetration of a minor and intimidation of a witness. The victim, a twelve-year-old, testified that the Defendant touched her inappropriately and threatened her to prevent her from reporting the incident to law enforcement (paras 2 and 5).
Procedural History
- District Court, San Juan County: The Defendant was convicted of first-degree criminal sexual penetration of a minor and intimidation of a witness (para 2).
Parties' Submissions
- Appellant: The Defendant argued that the evidence was insufficient to support his convictions and that the district court erred in denying a directed verdict (para 2).
- Appellee: [Not applicable or not found]
Legal Issues
- Was the evidence sufficient to support the Defendant's convictions for first-degree criminal sexual penetration of a minor and intimidation of a witness?
Disposition
- The New Mexico Court of Appeals affirmed the Defendant's convictions (para 8).
Reasons
Per Duffy J. (Hanisee and Henderson JJ. concurring): The Court found that the evidence was sufficient to support the convictions. The victim's testimony, despite some inconsistencies and credibility challenges, was deemed adequate for the jury to find the Defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The Court emphasized that appellate courts review evidence from a highly deferential standpoint, resolving all conflicts in favor of the jury's verdict. The jury instructions provided the necessary legal framework, and the evidence met the required standard for conviction (paras 3-8).