Opinion ID: 369077
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 19

Heading: steven monsanto

Text: 202 Monsanto was convicted of conspiracy (Count 1) and of a substantive offense for possession and distribution of heroin (Count 3). He was sentenced to 15 years on each count plus a $10,000 fine on Count 1 and three years' special parole on Counts 1 and 3. 203 Monsanto's main point relates to the trial court's admission of evidence of Monsanto's participation in a plan to import 300 pounds of heroin and to assemble some 50 guns, including sawed-off shotguns, machine guns and hand guns, the proof of which, he claims, was highly inflammatory and prejudicial, the prejudice far exceeding its probative value. Monsanto argues that the prosecution wilfully failed to reveal its intention to offer this proof, thus taking Monsanto by surprise. The Government replies that, consistent with the trial court's pre-trial ruling on non-disclosure of Government witness identity, for the safety of the informant, disclosure was withheld. 204 Monsanto would fit the evidence of the heroin importation scheme into the category of inadmissible similar crime evidence. However, in view of Monsanto's trafficking in the sale of heroin, this proof would seem to be more closely related to a furtherance of the conspiracy. Its probative value was unquestionable. Certainly, the evidence of the importation scheme was relevant to the issue. The weapons could certainly have been indicative of tools of the trade. Judge Werker's decision to admit the evidence was proper. 205 Other points relating to sentencing, the Voir dire of the jury and the evaluation of a witness' testimony have been discussed elsewhere, and are without merit.