Opinion ID: 1956189
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The Stolen Checkbook.

Text: After Thornton was arrested, the police found a checkbook in his car. The checkbook had apparently been stolen from an Illinois resident, and Thornton claims its introduction was irrelevant and prejudicial. We agree that the evidence probably was irrelevant, but we do not believe there is a sufficient showing of prejudice to require a new trial. The checkbook was found on the passenger side of the car, and at the time of Thornton's arrest, the passenger seat was occupied by another person. In addition, Thornton testified that person had used his car on the night of July 30, leaving the implication that the passenger had in fact stolen the checkbook. In view of these facts and the other evidence in the case, we do not believe that there is a reasonable likelihood that the checkbook had any effect on the jury's verdict.