Opinion ID: 1789873
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: introduction of evidence regarding a sawed-off shotgun found in appellant's house was harmless error

Text: Appellant next argues that the introduction into evidence of information regarding a sawed-off shotgun found at his residence was irrelevant and constitutes reversible error. The first mention of the sawed-off shotgun was during the direct testimony of Detective Greg Clark. Detective Clark mentioned that a sawed-off shotgun was found during the police search of Appellant's property. The shotgun was again brought up during the Commonwealth's cross-examination of Appellant. The prosecutor asked Appellant if his house was searched by the police. Appellant testified that he knew certain items were seized from his living room, but was uncertain if his entire house was searched. The prosecutor then showed Appellant a picture of the sawed-off shotgun. The prosecutor asked Appellant about the picture causing his counsel to object to the questioning. The trial judge inquired how the prosecutor's question would be relevant. The prosecutor responded that since Appellant testified that he was unsure if his house was searched, the picture would rebut that testimony. The trial judge gave the prosecutor a chance to make the questioning relevant, but instructed the prosecutor to tie it up quickly. The prosecutor then asked Appellant several questions regarding the sawed-off shotgun. Appellant ultimately admitted to owning the weapon. Since Appellant's counsel objected to the line of questioning, we will review this alleged error under our harmless error standard. In this matter, the introduction of the evidence regarding the sawed-off shotgun was error. Appellant's ownership of the sawed-off shotgun is irrelevant to the drug related crimes for which he was charged. See Major v. Commonwealth, 177 S.W.3d 700, 710 (Ky.2005) (weapons which have no relationship to the crime are inadmissible). Further, we reject the Commonwealth's assertion that the introduction of the shotgun evidence was necessary to rebut Appellant's testimony that he was unsure if the police searched his house. Whether Appellant believed or knew his entire house was searched was irrelevant and here was a collateral matter not subject to impeachment. See Commonwealth v. Jackson, 281 S.W.2d 891, 894 (Ky.1955) (holding that generally a witness may not be impeached with a matter which is irrelevant and collateral to the crimes of which he is charged) (overruled on other grounds by Jett v. Commonwealth, 436 S.W.2d 788 (Ky.1969)). Additionally, the introduction of the sawed-off shotgun violated KRE 404(b) since the evidence is irrelevant but prejudicial to Appellant. However, while the introduction of the sawed-off shotgun evidence was error, it was harmless. The testimony regarding the sawed-off shotgun from Detective Clark and Appellant was brief. The testimony only lasted for a few minutes in a trial which lasted for four days. Further, the evidence of Appellant's guilt regarding the drug crimes was sufficient and convincing. We cannot say that this error substantially swayed the judgment. See Winstead v. Commonwealth, 283 S.W.3d 678, 689 (Ky.2009).