Opinion ID: 2631199
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 13

Heading: Counsel's Failure to Present Testimony Regarding the Profitability of Dakota Farms

Text: The prosecution tried to establish through the testimony of Duane Wolfe, certified public accountant (CPA), that Stenson's bird farm business was not profitable. PRP at 27. Petitioner prepared a profit and loss estimate based upon the ostriches and rheas at the farm and industry projections for the income that would result from the sale of chicks and eggs. Id. James Morelli was available to testify that Stenson's income report was an overall accurate statement of the market for that year and that substantial profits would have been generated. Id. at 27-28. Petitioner concludes Leatherman's failure to call Morelli is deficient performance. The State responds that the testimony of a witness who based his opinion on a report prepared by Stenson after he had been charged with murder would not effectively rebut the testimony of an independent CPA. State's Resp. at 52. Morelli is married to Stacey Storm, a friend of Stenson's who testified on his behalf during the penalty phase of the trial. Id. at 53. Finally, Morelli would have testified to the projected income for Dakota Farms, not its current financial status. Id. at 54. Petitioner also does not address the prejudice prong of the ineffective assistance of counsel inquiry. A greater showing would be required because, unlike claims under the two previous issues, a claim under the ninth issue relates to the guilt phase, not the penalty phase. In order to demonstrate prejudice, Petitioner would have to show how Morelli's testimony could have overcome the circumstantial evidence against Stenson. We reject this claim.