Opinion ID: 74026
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Motion for New Trial on Newly Discovered Evidence

Text: 37 Diaz requested a new trial claiming newly discovered evidence and a Jenck's Act violation, based on a sworn statement by co-conspirator Elliott Brand that contradicted his testimony at trial. The district court acknowledged the statement constituted newly discovered evidence, but ruled there was no Jenck's violation because the government did not turn the evidence over to Diaz because it did not have actual possession of it. On appeal, Diaz contends the district court's denial based on the Jenck's violation argument does not properly dispose of the newly discovered evidence argument. 38 Brand's statement is relevant solely for the purpose of impeaching his credibility. For newly discovered evidence to justify a new trial, the evidence must be material and not merely cumulative or impeaching, and must be such that it will probably produce an acquittal. See United States v. Pope, 132 F.3d 684, 688 (11th Cir. 1998). Nothing in the record suggests that this statement would probably produce an acquittal. The trial court did not abuse its discretion in denying Diaz's motion for a new trial.