Woods
People v. Woods
Opinion
Opinion
Boland, J.
INTRODUCTION
Appellant Steven Woods challenges his narcotics convictions on various grounds, including prosecutorial misconduct and a violation of his right to compulsory process. We conclude the prosecutor engaged in multiple acts of prejudicial misconduct.
BACKGROUND AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY
On the afternoon of September 6, 2003, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Officer Bruce Campbell saw appellant and three or four other men standing around outside. Campbell and his partner stopped and talked to the men. Campbell then hid in a nearby alley and watched appellant as he sat in a plastic chair. Ernest Nunley parked about 10 yards from appellant’s location, walked up to appellant, spoke to him, and handed him money. Appellant walked to a nearby car, retrieved something from the trunk, returned to Nunley, and handed him something. Campbell and his partner arrested Nunley, and then arrested appellant. They found rocks of cocaine base in the possession of both Nunley and appellant.
On April 30, 2004, while appellant’s trial on charges relating to the September 6, 2003 incident was in progress, undercover LAPD Officer Guadalupe Ruiz made a “controlled purchase” of cocaine…