Opinion ID: 339842
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Prior Similar Crimes Evidence

Text: 8 Government witness Verzino was permitted to testify to narcotics dealings he had with appellants Pallatta, Magnano, De Lutro, Bollella and Lucas several years before the conspiracy charged in the indictment commenced. Appellants claim admission of this testimony was error. We disagree. 9 The prior similar crimes testimony was admitted to explain how Verzino, who had been incarcerated from 1966 through August, 1973, was able to become an accepted member of the conspiracy upon his release. Evidence of prior criminal acts is admissible unless offered solely to prove criminal character or disposition or the proffered evidence is of such a highly prejudicial nature as to overwhelm its probative value. United States v. Santiago, 528 F.2d 1130, 1134 (2d Cir.), cert. denied, 425 U.S. 972, 96 S.Ct. 2169, 48 L.Ed.2d 795 (1976). Here, as in United States v. Natale, 526 F.2d 1160, 1173-74 (2d Cir.), cert. denied, 425 U.S. 950, 96 S.Ct. 1724, 48 L.Ed.2d 193 (1976), the Government offered the prior crime evidence for the legitimate purpose of showing the background and development of the conspiracy, and the district judge, properly exercising his discretion, committed no error in allowing its admission.