Opinion ID: 1666976
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Clanton Testimony

Text: Appellant contends that the district court erred when it permitted Eugene Clanton, one of the informants, to testify about the Rolling 60s Crips. Specifically, Clanton testified that he was a member of the Rolling 60s Crips, and that the gang engaged in violent acts to get respect and prevent new gangs from establishing themselves. He also stated that if a member of the gang was attacked, the rest of the gang would join the fight using fists or weapons. Clanton's lay witness testimony about general gang culture and about his experience with a different gang did not inform the jury about the activities of the MOD. Thus, the evidence was not relevant under Minn. R. Evid. 402. But we also conclude that the admission of this evidence was harmless. Other witnesses testified about the gang culture and activity of the MOD. Thus, the evidence did not substantially influence the jury's decision.