Court Opinion

ID: 9463948
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-04 23:21:13.877135+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T17:38:22.917352
License: Public Domain

HEANEY, Circuit Judge,
dissenting.
I respectfully dissent. In my view, it was appropriate to admit the testimony of Per-elli-Minetti on both the initial demand for cash and the payments pursuant to that *407demand from 1965 through 1971. This testimony was admissible to show the course of conduct leading to the events which formed the basis of the crime charged. It was error, however, to receive the testimony of Pedrick and Sibbert. The probative value of this testimony was substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice. In my judgment, their testimony was not clear and convincing; rather, it was indefinite and vague. Moreover, I am unable to determine how this evidence was relevant to the issue of Adcock’s intent. Neither witness testified that Adcock demanded the payments; they stated only that they paid money to him.
Also, it was clearly inappropriate to admit Karkule’s testimony. It was received, as the majority points out, on the theory that it tended to show Perelli-Minetti’s state of mind, namely, that he was coerced into making the payments. I believe it showed no such thing. At most, it established that Perelli-Minetti made payments to Adcock. Karkule was not asked whether the payment was a bribe or whether it was extorted. Yet, the nature of the payment was the crucial issue in this case.
I agree that the trial court properly denied discovery on the grounds that it was not timely. Were it not for this factor, I would hold that there was a particularized need to discover the testimony of the government witness. In effect, Adcock was forced to defend against charges different than those raised in the indictment and to do so without adequate opportunity to investigate and prepare his defense.