Opinion ID: 682059
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Expert/Opinion Testimony

Text: 29 Karl Wingo, Robert Wingo, and Brett Lang each challenge the admission of testimony from DEA Agent Steven Mitchell concerning the meaning of certain code words in intercepted telephone conversations. Appellants object to testimony they characterize as the agent's interpretations and conclusions regarding these conversations. They argue that Agent Mitchell did more than testify as to the meaning of code words, and that his testimony intruded upon matters to be decided by the jury. 30 The admission of Agent Mitchell's expert testimony is reviewed for abuse of discretion, and is to be sustained unless manifestly erroneous. United States v. Pearce, 912 F.2d 159, 163 (6th Cir.1990), cert. denied, 498 U.S. 1093 (1991). This Court has allowed the use of expert testimony to aid the jury in understanding the operations of drug dealers. Id. Other circuits have allowed expert testimony specifically concerning the meaning of words or phrases used by drug dealers. United States v. Hughes, 970 F.2d 227, 235-36 (7th Cir.1992); United States v. Ladd, 885 F.2d 954, 959-60 (1st Cir.1989); United States v. Kusek, 844 F.2d 942, 949 (2d Cir.1988). In a bribery case, this Court held an agent's similar interpretation of the meaning of a defendant's statements to be proper. United States v. Graham, 856 F.2d 756 (6th Cir.1988), cert. denied, 489 U.S. 1022 (1989). Agent Mitchell was cross examined extensively by eleven defense attorneys as to his opinion; the court admonished the jury that it could accept or reject any expert opinion as it saw fit; and finally, the court told the jury that they had the ultimate decision as to the meaning of defendants' words and phrases. We find that the admission of Agent Mitchell's testimony was not an abuse of discretion.