Opinion ID: 2998771
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Testimony Concerning Mohammed’s Safety

Text: Valve Reduction Johnson also claims that the government improperly suggested that the court had already found Mohammed’s testimony truthful as a matter of law based on proceedings outside the jury’s presence. In introducing evidence of an agreement, prosecutors may not imply that they possess information not heard by the jury on the issue of the immunized witness’s testimony. Mealy, 851 F.2d at 900. As stated above, defense counsel alluded to Mohammed’s lack of credibility during both voir dire questioning and opening statement. In his opening, defense counsel stated that Mohammed received a “benefit that was indirect . . . as a result of his plea.” In cross-examining Mohammed, defense counsel further intimated that the safety valve reduction Mohammed received at sentencing depended on his pleasing the government. On redirect, then, the government sought to elicit those facts that defense counsel failed to mention on cross-examination, including the four other safety valve criteria and the court’s role in ultimately determining Mohammed’s safety valve eligibility under federal law. See U.S.S.G. § 5C1.2. The government at no time argued that the jury should believe the witness because the court found him truthful. Government questioning regarding the witness’s understanding of his agreement with the government is proper. See Mealy, 851 F.2d at 900. Where defense counsel raises the issue of sentencing and makes statements regarding the witness’s agreement, the government may provide appropriate 10 No. 04-2406 clarification of any mischaracterization. United States v. Sanchez, 251 F.3d 598, 603 (7th Cir. 2001). Here, because the prosecutor merely placed the circumstances of Mohammed’s safety valve sentencing into proper context, the government’s conduct was proper.