Case Explained: United States of America v. Victor Dominquez

Court: United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit Filed: 2026-07-30 The eighth-circuit reversed the district court’s grant of judgment of acquittal on the charge of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor under 18 U.S.C. §§ 1152, 2241(c), and 2246(2)(C). The court held that the evidence was sufficient to support the jury’s verdict finding that the defendant penetrated the victim’s genital opening. Applying de novo review and the standard that evidence is sufficient if any rational trier of fact could find the essential elements beyond a reasonable doubt, the court concluded that the victim’s testimony that the defendant used his fingers to “clean” her “vagina” was not too ambiguous to prove penetration. The court reasoned that a rational jury could infer the witness used the ordinary anatomical meaning of the term and that the defense had the opportunity to clarify any ambiguity during cross-examination but did so. The case is remanded for further proceedings consistent with this opinion, effectively reinstating the conviction. Do It For The Case Law is a news reporting service. Nothing in this episode constitutes legal advice.