Opinion ID: 2356627
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Prior bad acts evidence was admissible.

Text: In his next assignment of error, Appellant claims the trial court erred in admitting evidence regarding the fact that Appellant had previously been found in possession with chemicals and equipment necessary to manufacture methamphetamine. [2] Even if the evidence was relevant, Appellant claims it was excessive and that any probative value was outweighed by undue prejudice. KRE 404(b) permits evidence of other bad acts for the purpose of showing motive, opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, identity, or absence of mistake or accident. In this case, the prior possession of equipment and chemicals necessary to manufacture methamphetamine was relevant to prove intent and knowledge regarding methamphetamine manufacture. Appellant concedes this evidence was relevant to prove these purposes, but argues that its probative value was outweighed by its prejudicial effect. See KRE 403. We disagree. In this case, an officer testified that he stopped Appellant in Pendleton County with the following items in his possession: Sudafed, plastic spoons, plastic containers, lithium batteries, drain cleaner, salt, propane torch, tubing, and a tank of anhydrous ammonia. The officer stated that these items were necessary for manufacturing methamphetamine. Appellant claims this detail was excessive and unnecessary to prove intent since Mrs. Pate already testified that Appellant intended to manufacture methamphetamine. Appellant's arguments are undermined by his claim at trial that the equipment found in the apartment was nothing more than common household items. He further disclaimed any knowledge or ownership of the items. Accordingly, it was necessary for the Commonwealth to establish Appellant's intent to use the items for illicit purposes and his corresponding knowledge of methamphetamine manufacture. When the circumstances are viewed in their totality, we do not believe the evidence was excessive; nor do we find any abuse of discretion in the trial court's finding that the probative value of the evidence was outweighed by its prejudicial effect. Cook v. Commonwealth, 129 S.W.3d 351, 361-362 (Ky.2004) (The outcome of a KRE 403 balancing test is within the sound discretion of the trial judge, and that decision will only be overturned if there has been an abuse of discretion, i.e., if the trial judge's ruling was arbitrary, unreasonable, unfair, or unsupported by sound legal principles.).