Opinion ID: 1463389
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Admission of Co-Conspirator Guilty Pleas Evidence Against Shank

Text: Shank argues the district court's limiting instruction with regard to her co-defendants' testimony of their guilty pleas constituted plain error. She also claims that the prosecutor improperly referenced the guilty pleas in closing argument. Because the court gave an adequate limiting instruction and the prosecutor's remarks were not prejudicial, the district court did not commit plain error.
Shank argues that the limiting instruction given at the end of trial concerning her codefendants' guilty pleas was insufficient, and specific curative instructions should have been given at the time each co-defendant testified at trial. Since Shank failed to raise any objections concerning her co-defendants' guilty pleas, we can reverse only for plain error affecting substantial rights. See United States v. Christian, 786 F.2d 203, 213-14 (6th Cir. 1986) (citing Fed.R.Crim.P. 52(b)). Co-defendant or co-conspirator guilty pleas are not admissible as substantive evidence of the defendant's guilt. United States v. Sanders, 95 F.3d 449, 454 (6th Cir.1996) (citing United States v. Blandford, 33 F.3d 685, 709 (6th Cir.1994)). However, guilty pleas may be introduced into evidence if the co-defendant or co-conspirator testifies at trial, for purposes of assessing the witness's credibility. Id. In these instances, the district court must give a cautionary instruction to the jury informing them of the limited scope in which they may consider the evidence of a guilty plea. Id. Here, the co-defendants' guilty pleas were properly admitted during trial, without objection, for credibility purposes. The district court gave an adequate jury instruction at the end of trial regarding the credibility of the witnesses and the use of the guilty pleas. Shank has pointed to no authority requiring the limiting instruction to be given at the time her codefendants testified. Therefore, the district court did not commit plain error in giving an adequate limiting instruction at the close of trial.
Shank alleges that the prosecutor improperly referenced the guilty pleas during closing arguments. We evaluate prosecutorial misconduct through a two-step test. United States v. Carter, 236 F.3d 777, 783 (6th Cir.2001) (citing United States v. Carroll, 26 F.3d 1380, 1385-87 (6th Cir.1994)). We first review whether the prosecutor's statements were improper. Id. (citations omitted). If the statements were improper, we then determine whether the statements were flagrant, thus warranting reversal, using a four-factor flagrancy weighing test. Id. Since Shank made no objections to the prosecutor's statements at trial, we review for plain error. United States v. Carson, 560 F.3d 566, 574 (6th Cir.2009) (citing United States v. Gardiner, 463 F.3d 445, 459 (6th Cir.2006)). Even if the prosecutor's statements were improper, they did not amount to reversible error and, therefore, did not affect Shank's substantial rights. Here, in closing argument, the prosecutor stated, you heard that a number of the co-conspirators who testified in this case have already pled guilty to this conspiracy, which would certainly further support the fact that the conspiracy existed. The prosecutor also stated in closing, And [Lonnie Zrubek] says, no, those weren't his drugs, those were Alex Humphry's drugs, but since he participated in that activity, he was guilty as an aider and abettor. And if Lonnie Zubrek was guilty of being an aider and abettor in the possession of those drugs, then certainly Ms. Valdez, who owned the house, who participated in all this other activity to help Alex Humphry, at a minimum she was also an aider and abettor in the possession of those drugs. Although guilty pleas may be elicited by the prosecutor on direct examination so that the jury may assess the credibility of the witness, a legitimate introduction of a plea may rise to the level of prejudicial error if the prosecutor suggests in closing argument that the jury use the plea for a prohibited purpose. Carson, 560 F.3d at 575. As stated above, introduction of guilty pleas may only be used for credibility purposes and is not substantive evidence of the defendant's guilt. Sanders, 95 F.3d at 454. When reviewing challenges to a prosecutor's remarks at trial, we examine the prosecutor's comments within the context of the trial to determine whether they amounted to plain error. Carter, 236 F.3d at 783 (citations omitted). Although the statements may have been improper, they did not affect Shank's substantial rights. The following four factors are weighed in making this determination, (1) whether the conduct and remarks of the prosecutor tended to mislead the jury or prejudice the defendant; (2) whether the conduct or remarks were isolated or extensive; (3) whether the remarks were deliberately or accidentally made; and (4) whether the evidence against the defendant was strong. Carson, 560 F.3d at 575-76 (citing Carter, 236 F.3d at 783). The guilty pleas were mentioned by both parties throughout the trial for the purpose of providing the jury with credibility evidence. In fact, Shank's counsel introduced the fact of Zrubek's conviction. The references in the government's closing may be interpreted as referring to credibility and thus could not have misled the jury. See id. at 576. These two comments were certainly isolated. Shank does not contend that any other instance of misconduct occurred. We have held that three instances during the prosecutor's initial closing argument, in fast succession, constituted harmless error. Id. These remarks were not extensive and thus not prejudicial. The prosecutor did not repeat either of his remarks, indicating that they were not intentional. See id. Furthermore, `there was no indication that they stemmed from a deliberate plan to inflame the jury as opposed to unduly-zealous advocacy.' Id. at 577 (quoting United States v. Shalash, 108 Fed.Appx. 269, 281 (6th Cir.2004)). Finally, the totality of the evidence weighs against any prejudice. Shank's own testimony established her participation in the conspiracy; that fact is uncontroverted. Furthermore, the evidence against her duress claim is strong as well. She never reported an abusive relationship to the authorities, even when questioned after knowing that Humphry had died. She lied to police officers about the drug conspiracy even after she knew of Humphry's death. She also accepted approximately $130,000 of drug profits after Humphry's death. Additionally, the district court provided a limiting instruction to the jury which cured or minimized any prejudice. Id. As such, Shank's substantial rights were not affected. Therefore, the prosecutor's remarks, even if improper, were not plain error.