Opinion ID: 2762561
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Challenged Statements at Trial

Text: We next turn our attention to Mr. Bong’s challenge to two sets of statements introduced by the Government at trial. First, Mr. Bong takes issue with portions of Officer Thatcher’s testimony in which the officer referenced Mr. Bong’s body language on the night in question. Specifically, Mr. Bong argues this testimony constituted expert testimony that should not have been allowed because Officer Thatcher had not been properly qualified as an expert. Second, Mr. Bong objects to statements made by the prosecutor that allegedly bolstered the credibility of the prosecution’s witnesses. But, as Mr. Bong concedes, no objection was raised at trial to either set of statements. As such, we review the admission of these statements for plain error. “We find plain error only when there is (1) error, (2) that is plain, (3) which affects substantial rights, and (4) which seriously affects the fairness, integrity, or public reputation of judicial proceedings.” United States v. Smalls, 752 F.3d 1227, 1236 (10th 5 In his briefing on appeal, Mr. Bong alleges Officer Springob intentionally kneed him in the groin. Relying on Johnson v. District of Columbia, 528 F.3d 969 (D.C. Cir. 2008), Mr. Bong argues this constituted a violation of the Fourth Amendment. Although Mr. Bong testified during trial that Officer Springob kneed him in the groin, this evidence was not introduced during the pretrial suppression hearing. Because Mr. Bong did not renew his motion to suppress at trial, our review is limited to the facts known to the district court when it ruled on the motion to suppress. See supra note 1. -13- Cir. 2014). “The plain error standard presents a heavy burden for an appellant” and is to be used sparingly. United States v. Romero, 491 F.3d 1173, 1178–79 (10th Cir. 2007). Moreover, the “defendant has the burden of establishing all four elements of plain error.” United States v. Ventura-Perez, 666 F.3d 670, 674 (10th Cir. 2012). In this case, Mr. Bong has failed to argue, let alone establish, the third and fourth prongs of plain error. In order to demonstrate an error affected substantial rights, a defendant must show the error was prejudicial. That is, the defendant must demonstrate that, but for the error, there was a reasonable probability that the outcome of the trial would have been different. United States v. Bader, 678 F.3d 858, 868 (10th Cir. 2012). As to the fourth prong, “an error that does not affect the jury’s verdict . . . does not significantly impugn the fairness, integrity, or public reputation of the judicial process.” Id. (internal quotation marks omitted). Aside from a conclusory allegation that the statements were “prejudicial,” Mr. Bong has made no attempt to demonstrate that the outcome of his trial would have been different if the statements had not been admitted. See Aplt. Br. at 22, 34. He has further failed to show how the admission of the statements undermined the public reputation or integrity of the judicial process. We have long refused to consider arguments not adequately briefed. Adler v. WalMart Stores, Inc., 144 F.3d 664, 679 (10th Cir. 1998); see also Fed. R. App. P. 28(a)(8) (requiring appellant to establish his contentions on appeal with citations to relevant authority); Somerlott v. Cherokee Nation Distribs., Inc., 686 F.3d 1144, 1151–52 (10th Cir. 2012) (refusing to consider appellant’s inadequately briefed plain error argument). -14- Because Mr. Bong failed to argue two of the four elements of plain error, we decline to consider his challenge further.6