Opinion ID: 369136
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Evidence Relating to the Impeachment of Kenneth Barnes

Text: 15 The Government called Barnes, former owner of a truck sales and service business, as a witness. During direct examination the prosecutor questioned Barnes about a conversation between him and FBI Special Agent Terry Keiser and asked, Did you tell (the agent) that you purchased the cab and the chassis from G & G Leasing? The witness answered, No, I did not. The remainder of Barnes' testimony was evasive and incomplete. Next the Government called Special Agent Keiser who testified about his visit to the Barnes' garage and about a wrecked tractor cab found on the premises. During direct examination the prosecutor asked Keiser, When you spoke with (Barnes) on (August 22) did he tell you where he got the cab from? The witness answered, Yes. He told me he purchased it from G & G Leasing. The defendant asserts that the admission of this testimony is clearly a reversible error. We disagree. Rule 607 of the Federal Rules of Evidence provides that (t)he credibility of a witness may be attacked by any party, including the party calling him. Furthermore, Rule 613 of the Federal Rules of Evidence permits impeachment by the use of prior inconsistent statements. Barnes was evasive; the district court judge issued a cautionary instruction to the jury; and the testimony to which the defendant objects did not specifically mention Inendino. 16