Opinion ID: 3030011
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Coerced Testimony of Kenneth Allen

Text: [3] We reject Allen’s argument that the prosecutor “coerced” Kenneth’s testimony, and that such “coercion” entitles him to relief. Allen argues that the terms of the State’s bargain with Kenneth Allen, and its withdrawal of that bargain, led Kenneth to adhere to the testimony he gave at the preliminary hearing, rather than tell the truth. This claim fails because the plea agreement was proper, the jury was fully informed, and the agreement had been withdrawn before Kenneth testified. An agreement that requires a witness to testify truthfully in exchange for a plea is proper so long as “the jury is informed ALLEN v. WOODFORD 967 of the exact nature of the agreement, defense counsel is permitted to cross-examine the accomplice about the agreement, and the jury is instructed to weigh the accomplice’s testimony with care.” United States v. Yarbrough, 852 F.2d 1522, 1537 (9th Cir. 1988). Here, the jury was thoroughly informed, through direct and cross-examination, of the plea agreement, Kenneth’s subsequent letter, the prosecutor’s withdrawal of the plea offer, and Kenneth’s belief that it remained valid. The jury was also instructed to view accomplice testimony with “distrust” and to credit it only if corroborated. Moreover, Allen has presented no evidence supporting a finding of coercion by the State.