Opinion ID: 286171
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: The Failure to Sequester Agent Cobb

Text: 67 At the beginning of trial, counsel for appellant moved that all witnesses be excluded from the courtroom until called to testify. The Government opposed the motion with respect to Agent Cobb on the ground that it was customary practice for the agent in charge of the investigation to remain at the counsel table to assist the prosecuting attorneys in presenting their case. The District Court granted the appellant's motion as to every witness except Agent Cobb. 68 The Government then began putting on its case. Ferrara testified first, followed by Agent Faulkner, not by Cobb who was already in the courtroom. Appellant contends that the District Court abused its discretion in permitting Faulkner to testify in Cobb's presence before the latter testified. He suggests that the procedure followed deprived him of a fair trial because it eliminated the possibility of serious discrepancies in the cornerstone testimony of the two agents. 69 This court has repeatedly rejected the contention now urged by appellant. United States v. Adams, 376 F.2d 824 (4 Cir. 1967); Schoppel v. United States, 270 F.2d 413 (4 Cir. 1959); Laird v. United States, 252 F.2d 121 (4 Cir. 1958.) Only if prejudice were shown would the District Court's action be set aside. Here the appellant suggests only the possibility of impropriety on Agent Cobb's part. Under the circumstances, we see no reason to depart from our earlier holdings.