Opinion ID: 368344
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Evidence of Ricky Dunn's Participation.

Text: 30 Prior to trial, the district court Sua sponte ordered that Smith be tried separately from codefendant Ricky Dunn. However, during Smith's trial, Smith objected when the Government attempted to introduce evidence of Dunn's participation in the robbery. Although the district court offered to sustain Smith's objection if defense counsel promised to refrain from mak(ing) Dunn a non-participant, counsel advised the court of his intention to prove that neither Smith nor Dunn participated in the robbery. 31 Under these circumstances, the district court did not err in admitting into evidence testimony relating to Dunn's participation in the crime. The Government charged Smith both as a principal and as an accomplice in the robbery of the Sunny Slope Postal Station. Evidence of the guilt of a principal, under certain circumstances, is admissible at an accomplice's trial, indeed, proof of the entire criminal transaction is relevant(.) United States v. Chrisco, 493 F.2d 232 (8th Cir.), Cert. denied, 419 U.S. 847, 95 S.Ct. 84, 42 L.Ed.2d 77 (1974). In light of defense counsel's efforts to vindicate both Smith and Dunn, evidence relating to the entire criminal transaction, its aftermath, and the identity of both participants constituted relevant and material evidence in the case. 32