Opinion ID: 712234
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Comments by Prosecutor and Trial Court

Text: 24 Mr. Hutching argues that certain comments by the prosecutor and by the trial court were highly prejudicial and denied him a fair trial. Mr. Hutching concedes that the two statements he complains of, standing alone, would not warrant reversal of his convictions, but contends that the cumulative effect of the statements, coupled with the other errors he alleges, constitutes reversible error. United States v. Rivera, 900 F.2d 1462, 1469 (10th Cir.1990). We disagree. 25 In his opening statement, the prosecutor, in introducing his trial team to the jury, introduced Assistant United States Attorney Paul Hess as chief of our organized crime and drug enforcement task force. Mr. Hutching does not dispute that this was a true statement of Mr. Hess' position within the United States Attorney's Office, but objected to the description as unnecessary and prejudicial because of the sinister connotations of organized crime. The prosecutor's statement, accurate albeit unnecessary, was not prejudicial. 26 Mr. Hutching also takes issue with a statement made by the trial judge after both sides had rested and the jury was about to begin its deliberations. The judge stated to the jury: 27 It's about 10:30 [A.M], and I don't know how long it will take you to make a decision in this case. It may take just an hour or so. I mean it's conceivable you could make a decision before noon. 28 We have ordered lunch for you, I guess. 29 .... [I]f for some reason you make a decision before noon, well, we'll stay for it and you can go on, or you stay here and eat it, if you want to, if that's what you want to do afterwards. 30 It may take you on into the afternoon. It's always possible it could take you on longer than that. If you should deliberate past another meal hour, you let us know. 31 56 R. 3838-39. The judge was seeking to make proper meal arrangements for the jury, rather than commenting on the evidence or the case. We find no error in the judge's remarks.