Opinion ID: 2333029
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Jail Letters

Text: Neal argues that the trial judge committed reversible error by permitting the Commonwealth to introduce prejudicial letters in violation of his discovery orders and the Kentucky Rules of Evidence. Although unsigned, the first letter was apparently written by Neal to Strong to coach him in his testimony at the suppression hearing. The second letter was the response of Strong. The third letter was also unsigned and was allegedly written by Neal to Strong after the latter negotiated a deal, attempting to convince him the prosecutor would double-cross him. Fax cover sheets indicate that the Commonwealth received the first two letters on April 25, 1997, and the third letter on July 29, 1999. Despite a September 1, 1999 order confirming the Commonwealth would file the letters as supplemental discovery within two weeks, it did not do so until October 11, 1999. On appeal, the Commonwealth concedes that it was late in turning the letters over, but maintains that Neal had access to the letters three weeks prior to trial and had ample opportunity to develop his trial strategy. In matters dealing with discovery, it is within the discretion of the trial judge to permit the discovery or inspection of materials not previously disclosed, grant a continuance, or prohibit the party from introducing into evidence the material not disclosed, or he may enter such other orders as may be just under the circumstances. RCr 7.24(9); Berry v. Commonwealth, Ky., 782 S.W.2d 625 (1990). Here, Neal declined the offer of the trial judge for a continuance and he cannot now complain about the decision he made. See Berry, supra . Reliance by Neal on James v. Commonwealth, Ky., 482 S.W.2d 92 (1972), is misplaced. Unlike the situation presented in this case, in James, supra , the evidence in question was never turned over to the defendant. Furthermore, James did not suggest that exclusion was the proper remedy. Under all the circumstances, Neal has not demonstrated any prejudice which would require reversal. Neal also argues that the letters were inadmissible pursuant to KRE 404(b) and that the Commonwealth failed to comply with the notice requirement under KRE 404(c). After careful review of the record, it is clear that this argument was not presented to the trial judge and is not preserved for appellate review. Neal will not be permitted to feed one can of worms to the trial judge and another to the appellate court. See Kennedy v. Commonwealth, Ky., 544 S.W.2d 219 (1976). The trial judge did not err in allowing the Commonwealth to introduce the letters.