Case ID: ad2d_132/html/0569-03.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

The People of the State of New York, Respondent, v Benjamin Griffin, Appellant.
   Appeal by the defendant from a judgment of the County Court, Suffolk County (Cacciabaudo, J.), rendered July 13, 1983, convicting him of attempted rape in the first degree, attempted robbery in the first degree, and sexual abuse in the first degree (two counts), upon a jury verdict, and imposing sentence.

Ordered that the judgment is affirmed.

The first count of the indictment, charging the defendant with the sexual abuse of one victim, was joinable with the latter three counts of the indictment which involved the attempted rape, robbery, and sexual abuse of another victim since it was established that proof of the first count would be material and admissible as evidence-in-chief upon a trial of the latter counts (see, CPL 200.20 [2] [b]). Accordingly, the trial court correctly denied the defendant’s application to sever the first count of the indictment from the remaining counts (see, People v Lane, 56 NY2d 1, 7; People v Diaz, 122 AD2d 279, 280, lv denied 68 NY2d 999; People v Andrews, 109 AD2d 939, 942-943).

The claim of improper bolstering has not been preserved for appellate review (People v Love, 57 NY2d 1023, 1025). Under the circumstances of this case, where proof of the defendant’s guilt of all counts charged was overwhelming, consideration of this claim in the interest of justice is unwarranted.

The sentence imposed was not excessive and appellate modification is unwarranted (see, People v Suitte, 90 AD2d 80). Rubin, J. P., Kooper, Spatt and Harwood, JJ., concur.