Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District / Nov 25, 2019
STATE OF MISSOURI, Plaintiff-Respondent vs. ANDREW WAYNE LESTER, Defendant-Appellant
Andrew Wayne Lester appealed his conviction for five counts of statutory sodomy, claiming the trial court erred by making statements to two jurors that identified him and his counsel as the parties who accused them of misconduct. He argued these statements prejudiced the jury. The appellate court affirmed the judgment, finding no error in the trial court's statements, which were intended to ensure a fair trial and did not express hostility or prejudice toward the defense.