United States v. Keys
United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
2018 WL 4002028 (2018)
Martavious "Cheese" Keys (defendant) was charged with sex-trafficking minors. Two interrogating officers testified at trial, based on their investigations, that they believed each victim had been forced or compelled into commercial sex acts and that Keys had opportunity to observe both victims; they also named Keys when asked who had forced or compelled the victims. One officer also testified he didn't believe some of Keys's interview answers. The defense raised no objection at trial. Keys appealed, arguing the trial court improperly admitted lay-witness opinion on the ultimate issue of guilt and on his truthfulness.
Whether lay-witness testimony may opine on factual issues and the credibility of the accused's prior statements, but not on ultimate legal conclusions.