Opinion ID: 611873
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Prosecutorial misconduct during cross-examination of Metz

Text: 34 Metz argues that the government committed highly prejudicial misconduct in cross-examining him concerning possible death threats made by Metz on the lives of Detective White and the confidential informant. On cross-examination of Metz, government counsel asked a series of questions attempting to elicit whether Metz had told a woman that someone was going to put a hit on Detective White and the confidential informant. This questioning prompted denials by Metz, who eventually objected and moved for a mistrial. The district court found the questioning to be relevant, but nonetheless ordered that because Metz had denied making the threat, the line of questioning should be discontinued. The court also instructed the jury to disregard the last question asked before the objection. 35 Spoilation evidence, including evidence that the defendant attempted to bribe or threaten a witness, is admissible to show consciousness of guilt. United States v. Mendez-Ortiz, 810 F.2d 76, 79 (6th Cir.1986), cert. denied, 480 U.S. 922 (1987). Metz argues that the wrong committed by the prosecutor in this case was in attempting to create an impermissible suggestion of murder threats, where no basis existed for asking the improper questions. Although counsel may explore certain areas of inquiry in a criminal trial without full knowledge of the answer to anticipated questions, he must, when confronted with a demand for an offer of proof, provide some good faith basis for questioning that alleges adverse facts. United States v. Katsougrakis, 715 F.2d 769, 779 (2d Cir.1983), cert. denied, 464 U.S. 1040 (1984). The government did identify a good faith basis for asking the allegedly improper questions: the confidential informant had told a government agent that a hit had been put on his life and on the life of Detective White. The government identified, by name, a source for this information. 3 While the information was multiple hearsay, it did provide a basis for the government's inquiry. Moreover, upon objection, the district court promptly put an end to the line of questioning. Under the circumstances, we conclude that any misconduct which may have been committed was harmless error.