United States v. Faron Wade Jones

Faron Wade Jones appeals his convictions for abusive sexual contact and attempted sexual abuse. Among other arguments on appeal, Jones contends that the district court erred in refusing to provide the jury with written instructions. We affirm the district court’s decision not to provide written instructions. Jones’ remaining issues on appeal are addressed in a companion unpublished disposition issued on December 30, 2003.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

Jones was arrested on June 3, 2000, in connection with the sexual molestation of an unconscious woman. Jones was charged with one count of abusive sexual contact in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1153 and 2244(a)(2) and one count of attempted sexual abuse, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2242 (2). The case against Jones was relatively straightforward. Several witnesses, including an eyewitness to the sexual contact, testified for the prosecution, and Jones himself made admissions to a case investigator regarding his conduct.

When the case was submitted to the jury, the defense requested that the court provide the jury with a written packet of instructions delineating the charges. The court responded:

The jury, however, later asked the…