Opinion ID: 711739
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: BAD ACTS EVIDENCE (Fuentes)

Text: 16 Rule 404(b) is a rule of inclusion and evidence of past wrongful acts is admissible if it is relevant to an issue other than the defendant's character or criminal propensity. United States v. Alfonso, 759 F.2d 728, 739 (9th Cir.1985) (citation omitted). The prior bad acts evidence was admitted as background to the erroneously admitted hearsay statements. 1 Thus, the balancing between the actual need for the other crimes evidence and the prejudice to Fuentes seems to weigh in on the side of prejudice. Any error in admitting this evidence, however, is harmless. Gutierrez provided ample testimony implicating Fuentes in the cocaine conspiracy during the relevant time period. Compare United States v. Garcia-Orozco, 997 F.2d 1302, 1304-05 (9th Cir.1993) (defense rested largely on defendant's testimony, and the government's extensive use of his prior arrest and conviction more than likely affected the jury's measure of his credibility); Alfonso, 759 F.2d at 740 (evidence against defendant was tenuous and it was error to admit prior wrongful conduct evidence). 17 The district court may have abused its discretion in admitting the evidence of other crimes against Fuentes under 404(b). Any error in its admission, however, was harmless. 18