People v. Roquemore CA2/1

BACKGROUND

An amended information charged Roquemore in count 1 with sale, transport, or offer to sell a controlled substance (hydrocodone), in violation of Health and Safety Code, section 11352, subdivision (a), and in count 2 with possession for sale of a controlled substance (clonazepam), in violation of Health and Safety Code section 11375, subdivision (b)(1). The information alleged that Roquemore had two prior serious or violent felony convictions and two prior strike convictions, and that he had served three prior prison terms. Roquemore pleaded not guilty and denied the allegations. A jury found him guilty as charged, and he admitted the prior conviction allegations. The trial court struck one prior strike and two of the three prison terms. The trial court sentenced Roquemore to seven years, ordered him to pay restitution and fees, and awarded him presentence custody credit. He filed a timely appeal. At trial, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Detective Michael Ling testified that he supervised narcotics enforcement details for the central Los Angeles area. He had participated in over 100 undercover buy-bust operations. On February 14, 2012, he selected Fifth and…