George v. Hawkins a/k/a George Verlon Hawkins a/k/a George Verlon Hawkins, Jr. v. State of Mississippi

Summary

The court affirmed Hawkins's sexual-battery conviction, holding that sufficient evidence supported the finding that he occupied a position of trust or authority over the sixteen-year-old victim. The court concluded that this determination depends on the totality of the circumstances rather than on a legally formal relationship or actual legal authority. The evidence showed that Hawkins acted as a de facto stepfather within the family household and was trusted, respected, and treated as a parent.