Opinion ID: 1808114
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 12

Heading: Deposition of Cindy Ash, September 16, 1987

Text: The record shows that Rhodes and Roth deposed Cindy Ash in the case of State v. Coleman. Roth represented the defendant, Pete Coleman, also known as Rufus Two Two. During the deposition, Roth observed a 12-inch bayonet on the table with Rhodes' materials. The bayonet was covered with a sheath. Roth did not recall whether Rhodes handled the bayonet during the deposition, but testified that the bayonet was not marked as an exhibit or used in the deposition. Roth testified on cross-examination that he was not threatened or intimidated when he saw the bayonet. David Francis, the court reporter who recorded the Ash deposition, testified that he noticed a large knife on the counsel table in the courtroom. Francis testified that when Roth entered the courtroom and asked Rhodes what the knife was for, Rhodes replied, That's for you in case you make me mad. Francis characterized Rhodes' statement as an attempted joke. Francis further testified that Rhodes handled the knife during the deposition, holding it with the blade pointed up, and that he (Francis) became apprehensive when he realized the knife had nothing to do with the deposition. Rhodes testified that he had a collection of antique Swedish military equipment, that he had brought the bayonet from home to put in his office, and that the bayonet was in the courtroom because he went from home directly to the courtroom. He recalled looking at the knife before the deposition, but did not recall looking at it during the deposition. Rhodes remembered Francis' commenting on the bayonet when Rhodes was looking at it while waiting for Roth. Francis asked what the bayonet was for. As a joke, Rhodes said, Well, it's for Brad. Rhodes eventually gave the bayonet to Carl Speer as a gift. Rhodes admitted the bayonet had nothing to do with the deposition. He thought that since he and Roth had been going around on Roth's claims with the county, it was a joke that Rhodes would give Roth a gift, considering the fees Roth was charging.