Opinion ID: 173269
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Testimony Concerning Confidential Informant

Text: Officer Johnson testified on direct examination about the search of the green pickup truck. On cross-examination, defense counsel asked: How did you come to know that that pickup truck was a suspected truck? (R. Supp. Vol. I, Doc. 185 at 84.) The government requested a sidebar conference and expressed concern about this line of questioning. Defense counsel stated: I think, Your Honor, he's worried that I am going to bring in the confidential informant information. That's my full intention. I don't care what door we open. If I open up a door, please feel free to drive into it. But I am going to explore the entire case. ( Id. at 85-86.) The government objected on hearsay grounds but stated if the court allowed Johnson to testify about what the informant told him, it should be allowed to question him concerning other statements made by the informant. Defense counsel assured the court he did not intend to ask what the informant told Johnson. The court ruled: He can ask [Officer Johnson] if he received information from the informant. He can ask that without asking him what it is. ( Id. at 87.) Defense counsel then asked Officer Johnson: Would you please tell the jury how you became aware that that pickup truck was there and it might have contained contraband? ( Id. at 88.) Johnson responded he received this information from a confidential informant. Johnson also confirmed the confidential informant told him Lopez-Medina's address in Layton. Defense counsel later asked: Now, the informant that you mentioned, that's that person who is not here who will not testify in this case that we're talking about; right? (R. Supp. Vol. I, Doc. 184 at 6.) Counsel also asked: Now, that informant already had told you that the methamphetamine drugs would be found in the fuel tank, correct? ( Id. at 7.) On redirect, the government elicited testimony from Officer Johnson about when and where he first met with the confidential informant and what the confidential informant told him. The government asked: And the information that he provided to you appeared to be accurate? ( Id. at 35.) Johnson responded: Absolutely. ( Id. ) On re-cross, defense counsel asked additional questions about Officer Johnson's knowledge of the informant's past criminal history and whether the officer had worked with the informant in the past. Counsel asked: And he is the one according to your testimony that told you that this drug belonged to my client? ( Id. at 65.) Johnson responded: Yes. ( Id. )