Opinion ID: 2426456
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 11

Heading: TapesHearsay

Text: Judge Bates contends next that the conversations between Nukie Fontenot and Ed Riklin are hearsay as to him and should not have been admitted. He concedes that an exception to the hearsay rule is applicable if the evidence, independent of these hearsay tapes, establishes the existence of a conspiracy. It has long been the rule in Texas in criminal as well as civil cases that in order to establish a conspiracy for evidentiary purposes there must be evidence apart from the hearsay statements which establishes prima facie the existence of a conspiracy. This rule is in line with the rule in a majority of the states. Walter Heller and Co. v. Barnes, 412 S.W.2d 747, 757 (Tex.Civ.App. El Paso, 1967, writ ref'd n. r. e.); Amberson v. Wilkerson, 285 S.W.2d 420 (Tex.Civ.App.Austin, 1956, no writ); Johnson v. Lagow, 14 S.W.2d 818 (Comm.App.1929, jdgmt. adopted); Rowley v. Braly, 286 S.W. 241, 246 (Tex.Civ.App. Amarillo, 1926, writ dismissed); Chapman v. State, 470 S.W.2d 656, 662 (Tex.Cr.App.1971); Clark v. State, 158 Tex.Cr.R. 231, 254 S.W.2d 527; Note, 11 T.L.R. 390 (1933); 31A C.J.S. Evidence § 362 (1964). The evidence apart from the conversations between Riklin and Fontenot is overwhelmingly in support of a theory of conspiracy, and it is within the discretion of the Master to determine the order in which the evidence is to be presented. Walter Heller and Co., supra . In addition to testimony of various witnesses, tapes of three conversations between Judge Bates and Fontenot were introduced. On June 8, 1975, Fontenot called Judge Bates at his court and recorded the conversation. Judge Bates instructed Fontenot to talk with Ed Riklin, that Judge Bates trusted Riklin; Riklin was his friend and the Judge couldn't talk with Fontenot. On July 18, 1975, Fontenot called Ed Riklin's apartment and talked with Judge Bates who identified himself as a friend from out of town. Detectives from the District Attorney's office made pictures of Judge Bates at Riklin's apartment that evening, and Fontenot identified the voice from previous conversations with the Judge in court. James Brown, Judge Bates' accountant, and other court employees testified that the Judge and Riklin were close friends and were often together. On July 16, 1976, Judge Bates followed Riklin to the bank to pick up the money. James Brown, who was requested by the Judge to come along to the Bank, testified that the Judge pointed out to him Fontenot's place of business as they passed it, and the Judge identified the owner of the place as being the person paying Riklin the money. He also told Brown to keep his eye on the truck [Fontenot] which was parked in front of the place. James Brown also testified that after Riklin picked up the money, Brown, Riklin, and Judge Bates returned to Brown's office and there Riklin handed Brown $10,000 out of the brief case at Judge Bates' request. Judge Bates instructed Brown to purchase a cashier's check and then deliver the money as earnest money on a business deal in which Judge Bates was involved. Later on July 16th, Fontenot called Judge Bates at home and recorded the conversation. The Judge told Fontenot in this conversation that He was doing it for Riklin, and later in the conversation the Judge said he would help Fontenot. He also told Fontenot he didn't need an attorney and that Fontenot should talk with Riklin and do as Riklin says. $30,000 of the $100.00 bills were found in Riklin's apartment. We find this evidence is sufficient to establish a prima facie showing of conspiracy.