Opinion ID: 203518
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Alleged Error in the Prosecutors Closing Argument

Text: Defendant argues that the prosecutors argument in his closing that the defendant was impersonating Mr. Oshunkey lacked an evidentiary foundation and contradicted the court's ruling that the purported impersonation was irrelevant. He claims that the argument resulted in prejudicial error and entitles him to a new trial. Because defense counsel made no objection at the time of the closing argument, we review for plain error. United States v. Anh, 523 F.3d 43, 55 (1st Cir. 2008). In order to prevail, the defendant must show: 1) that there was an error, 2) that the error was clear or obvious, 3) that it affected the defendants substantial rights, and 4) that it seriously impaired the fairness, integrity, and public reputation of the judicial proceedings. United States v. Duarte, 246 F.3d 56, 60 (1st Cir.2001). Defendant bases his contention on the district court's evidentiary ruling excluding some of the blank certificates and forms found in the defendants storage locker. Rejecting the government's argument that the certificates were probative of its theory that the defendant was impersonating someone else, the court reasoned that the probative value of the certificates was substantially outweighed by their prejudicial effect. The defendant contends that the prosecutors subsequent statement about impersonation was contrary to the courts ruling and amounted to error. The district court's evidentiary ruling did not bar the prosecution from introducing evidence and arguing that the defendant was impersonating someone else. Indeed, at the time of the ruling, Count I of the indictment, which charged fraud in the connection with identification documents, had not yet been dismissed. See supra note 2. The government had to introduce evidence of fraud, such as impersonation, to meet its burden of proof on that count. Further, the prosecutors statements were not without evidentiary support. The defendant was unable to recall the Social Security number under which he was applying for a duplicate card, could not provide contact information for his parents, and stated that he did not know the authors of several letters found in his possession. Additionally, there were inconsistencies with regard to his date and place of birth contained in several records recovered from the defendants car and locker. Based on the evidence admitted at trial, the jury could have properly inferred that the defendant was attempting to impersonate someone else. We find no error.