People v. Puga CA4/2

FACTS AND PROCEDURE

On June 26, 2013, sheriff’s deputies pulled over defendant in his vehicle after

seeing him talk on his cellular telephone while driving. The deputies had been

surveilling defendant’s residence. Defendant had $120 in his wallet, $1,000 in his socks,

and a baggie containing 8.2 grams of methamphetamine in his rectum.

On December 2, 2013, the People filed an amended information charging

defendant with possessing methamphetamine for sale (Health & Saf. Code, § 11378) and

transporting methamphetamine (Health & Saf. Code, § 11379). The People alleged

defendant had three prison term priors (Pen. Code, § 667.5, subd. (b)) and four strike

priors (Pen. Code, §§ 667, subds. (c) & (e)(2)(A), 1170.12, subd. (c)(2)(A)).

On March 11, 2014, a jury found defendant guilty of both counts. Also on that

date defendant admitted each of the allegations. On April 22, 2014, the trial court

sentenced defendant to 12 years in prison.

This appeal followed.

DISCUSSION

Before trial, defendant filed a motion to compel disclosure of the identity of a

confidential informant. In response, the People asked for an in camera review of the

evidence. Based on these requests, the…