Tennessee appellate panel hears arguments in Tyler Johnson appeal over sufficiency of evidence, kidnapping and consecutive sentences

During oral argument in an appeal of Tyler Johnson’s convictions and sentence, attorneys for Johnson and for the State debated whether the evidence supported convictions for sexual offenses and kidnapping and whether the trial court erred by imposing consecutive sentences under Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-35-115(b)(4).

Robert W. White Sr., representing the appellant, told the panel that the trial record contains conflicting evidence and argued the proof was insufficient to support the sexual‑offense convictions. White said the jury’s verdict rested largely on the defendant’s own statements and that the victim’s conduct captured on body camera and described by witnesses did not show physical helplessness or lack of consent. He noted the victim was seen laughing and answering her name and age…