In a case that has shocked the community, a Florida teenager’s statements about being sexually abused by his stepmother will be presented as evidence in her upcoming trial.
The ruling, made by Judge Timothy T. McCoourt of the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court, permits the recorded statements of Alexis Yates’ stepson to be used in her sexual battery trial.
The court found these statements to be reliable, despite the teen admitting to actions that could be seen negatively, such as using marijuana.
Teen’s Statements and Their Impact on the Trial
The teen, who made the accusations against his stepmother, Alexis Yates, spoke candidly about the events surrounding the incident. In his statements, he revealed that he used marijuana before the assault occurred and had been smoking it regularly.
Despite the potentially damaging nature of this information, Judge McCoourt ruled that the teen’s honesty about these details actually strengthened the credibility of his testimony.
The judge pointed out that the teenager had no reason to speak openly about such actions, which bolstered the trustworthiness of his statements.
The Sexual Battery Allegations
The case involves allegations that Alexis Yates, 35, a registered nurse, sexually assaulted her husband’s teenage son. The incident is said to have occurred in July 2024, during the boy’s visit to his father in Florida.
According to the victim’s testimony, both he and Yates were spending time together while his father worked late. The two of them were reportedly using THC and playing video games when things took a disturbing turn.
After watching a movie, Yates allegedly made sexual advances, which led to intercourse.
What Led to the Investigation?
The investigation into Yates’ actions began after an anonymous tip was received, prompting law enforcement to look into the matter. The victim told police that Yates had been making sexual jokes and advances for about a week before the incident occurred.
Yates was arrested after the investigation revealed the allegations to be credible, leading to charges of sexual battery. The victim, who primarily lives with his mother in Washington, D.C., had been spending his summer with his father when the alleged assault took place.
Court’s Decision on the Teen’s Reliability
Judge McCoourt’s ruling centered around whether the teenager’s statements to forensic interviewer Allie Munshi were reliable enough to be used in trial. The judge considered the teen’s maturity and his ability to understand the complex situation he was in.
Despite not showing typical emotional responses, the victim expressed a mix of emotions that suggested he was aware of the seriousness of the situation.
The judge noted that the boy’s level of intelligence and familiarity with adult topics, such as THC use, indicated that he was likely not influenced by external factors or biases.
The Consequences for Yates
Yates has pleaded not guilty to the charges, but her arrest has already had significant consequences. She was placed on emergency suspension by the Florida Department of Health after the arrest, according to online records.
Yates had been working as a registered nurse in Florida since 2016 and was operating under a single-state license. As the trial progresses, the victim’s statements will play a critical role in determining whether Alexis Yates is guilty of the alleged sexual assault.
