Opinion ID: 1859555
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Prior Consistent Statement By Cornelius Franklin

Text: Mr. Gaines next argues that the trial court abused its discretion in allowing Essie Franklin to testify about statements made to her by her son, Cornelius Franklin. Specifically, he contends that such testimony was inadmissible hearsay. Arkansas Rule of Evidence 801(d) provides in relevant part that: (d) A statement is not hearsay if: (1) Prior Statement By Witness. The declarant testifies at the trial or hearing and is subject to cross-examination concerning the statement, and the statement is ... (ii) consistent with his testimony and is offered to rebut an express or implied charge against him of recent fabrication or improper influence or motive. When there is an express or implied charge that a witness has fabricated a statement that he is now making under oath, it is then proper, and not hearsay, to show that he made the same statement before the motive for fabrication came into existence. Henderson v. State, 311 Ark. 398, 844 S.W.2d 360 (1993). The defense cross-examined Cornelius Franklin extensively about a possible deal with the prosecution in return for his testimony concerning Mr. Gaines's actions on June 22, 1996. In its effort to establish that Mr. Franklin's testimony was motivated by a deal, or his desire for a deal, with the prosecution, the defense also called Mr. Franklin's attorney, Tom Montgomery, to testify as a witness. Both Mr. Franklin and his attorney denied that he had been promised anything in return for his testimony. Mr. Gaines was clearly challenging Mr. Franklin's testimony as being recently fabricated or improperly influenced or motivated by desires for a deal with the prosecution. On direct examination by the State, Ms. Franklin testified that her son made the following statement to her before he ever spoke to the police officers: He told me that Andra had sent him to get some gas. He went, got the gas, brought it back to him; and he left. Mr. Franklin's statement to his mother was consistent with his testimony at trial and was made before he had contact with the police or the prosecutors. It was admissible under Rule 801(d)(1)(ii) to rebut the implied charges of recent fabrication or improper influence or motive. We cannot say that the trial court abused its discretion in allowing this testimony by Ms. Franklin.