State v. Alvarado

IN THE NEBRASKA COURT OF APPEALS
MEMORANDUM OPINION AND JUDGMENT ON APPEAL
STATE V. ALVARADO
NOTICE: THIS OPINION IS NOT DESIGNATED FOR PERMANENT PUBLICATION
AND MAY NOT BE CITED EXCEPT AS PROVIDED BY NEB. CT. R. APP. P. § 2-102(E).
STATE OF NEBRASKA, APPELLEE,
V.
TELESFORO ALVARADO, APPELLANT.
Filed April 15, 2014. No. A-13-417.
Appeal from the District Court for Scotts Bluff County: LEO DOBROVOLNY, Judge.
Affirmed.
William E. Madelung, of Madelung Law Office, for appellant.
Jon Bruning, Attorney General, and Melissa R. Vincent for appellee.
IRWIN, RIEDMANN, and BISHOP, Judges.
BISHOP, Judge.
I. INTRODUCTION
Telesforo Alvarado appeals his conviction of one count of distributing a controlled
substance (methamphetamine) within 1,000 feet of a playground in violation of Neb. Rev. Stat.
§ 28-416(4)(A)(ii) (Cum. Supp. 2012). Alvarado asserts that the district court for Scotts Bluff
County erred in refusing to give the “entrapment” jury instruction, denying his motion for new
trial, and imposing an excessive sentence. He also asserts that his trial counsel was ineffective.
We affirm.
II. BACKGROUND
Alvarado was one of a number of individuals identified by Brian Ross as persons who
sell methamphetamine in Scotts Bluff County. Ross himself was arrested for selling
methamphetamine and decided to cooperate with authorities in exchange for the dismissal and/or
reduction of his pending drug charges. Ross informed law enforcement that he had purchased
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methamphetamine from Alvarado in the past. Ross agreed to conduct controlled buys of
methamphetamine from Alvarado on June 5 and 6, 2012.
On June 5, 2012, Ross met with Nebraska State Patrol Investigators Brian Buxbaum and
Brian Eads. Ross’ person and vehicle were searched to ensure that there was no money or
contraband belonging to Ross. He was equipped with audio and video recording devices and
given $100 in copied bills to purchase methamphetamine from Alvarado. Buxbaum and Eads
followed Ross to Alvarado’s residence and conducted audio and visual surveillance. Ross
entered Alvarado’s home. Several minutes later, Ross exited Alvarado’s home. He gave
Alvarado a ride to a restaurant, and then he met with Buxbaum and Eads at a designated meeting
point. Buxbaum and Eads followed Ross’ vehicle the entire time. At the meeting point, Ross’
person and vehicle were again searched. The only money found in the vehicle was a small
amount of money ($10 or less) that Ross said Alvarado had given him for gas money. Ross
turned over the suspected methamphetamine (in two yellow baggies) and recording equipment to
law enforcement. The substance Ross acquired from Alvarado field-tested positive for
methamphetamine, and the results were confirmed by the Nebraska State Patrol Criminalistics
Laboratory (Crime Lab). The total net weight of methamphetamine was 0.76 of a gram.
On June 6, 2012, Ross participated in another controlled buy of methamphetamine from
Alvarado. Prior to the buy, Ross’ person and vehicle were searched by Buxbaum and Eads to
ensure that there was no money or contraband belonging to Ross. He was again equipped with
audio and video recording devices and given $100 in copied bills to purchase methamphetamine
from Alvarado. Buxbaum and Eads followed Ross to Alvarado’s residence and conducted audio
and visual surveillance. This time, Ross followed Alvarado into Alvarado’s backyard. A few
minutes later, Ross returned to his vehicle and drove to the designated meeting point. Buxbaum
and Eads followed Ross’ vehicle the entire time. At the meeting point, Ross’ person and vehicle
were again searched. Ross turned over the suspected methamphetamine (in one yellow baggie)
and recording equipment to law enforcement. The substance Ross acquired from Alvarado
field-tested positive for methamphetamine, and the results were confirmed by the Crime Lab.
The total net weight of methamphetamine was 0.84 of a gram.
Alvarado’s residence was across the street from a park that had a playground. According
to Buxbaum, the distance across the street to where the actual gravel area of the playground
began was 161 feet 8 inches.
The State charged Alvarado with two counts of distribution of a controlled substance
(methamphetamine) on or near a playground, both Class ID felonies.
Trial was held on February 6 and 8, 2013. Buxbaum, Eads, Ross, and two forensic
scientists from the Crime Lab testified. DVD recordings of both controlled buys were among the
exhibits received into evidence.
At the conclusion of all the evidence, a jury instruction conference was held. Although
Alvarado requested an instruction on the defense of entrapment, the court declined to give it. The
court found that the record failed to show entrapment.
The jury found Alvarado guilty of one count of distribution of a controlled substance
(methamphetamine) within 1,000 feet of a playground. Specifically, the jury found Alvarado
guilty of count I, which had a charging date of June 5, 2012. The jury found Alvarado not guilty
on the second count. The trial court accepted the jury’s verdict. The district court denied
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Alvarado’s motion for new trial. Alvarado was sentenced to 8 to 20 years’ imprisonment
(including a 3-year mandatory minimum), with 175 days’ credit for time served. Alvarado has
timely appealed his conviction and sentence to this court.
III. ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR
Alvarado assigns (1) the trial court erred by refusing to give the “entrapment” jury
instruction requested by Alvarado, (2) the trial court abused its discretion by denying his motion
for new trial, (3) his trial counsel was ineffective, and (4) the sentence imposed by the district
court was excessive.
IV. STANDARD OF REVIEW
To establish reversible error from a court’s refusal to give a requested instruction, an
appellant has the burden to show that (1) the tendered instruction is a correct statement of the
law, (2) the tendered instruction is warranted by the evidence, and (3) the appellant was
prejudiced by the court’s refusal to give the tendered instruction. State v. Kass, 281 Neb. 892,
799 N.W.2d 680 (2011).
In a criminal case, a motion for new trial is addressed to the discretion of the trial court,
and unless an abuse of discretion is shown, the trial court’s determination will not be disturbed.
Id.An appellate court will not disturb a sentence imposed within the statutory limits absent
an abuse of discretion by the trial court. State v. Pereira, 284 Neb. 982, 824 N.W.2d 706 (2013).
V. ANALYSIS
1. ENTRAPMENT INSTRUCTION
Alvarado argues that the district court erred in denying his request for a jury instruction
on the defense of entrapment. Because Alvarado was convicted on only count I, we address only
the controlled buy of June 5, 2012. We find that on the record before us, the evidence does not
warrant an entrapment instruction.
When a defendant raises the defense of entrapment, the trial court must determine, as a
matter of law, whether the defendant has presented sufficient evidence to warrant a jury
instruction on entrapment. State v. Kass, 281 Neb. 892, 799 N.W.2d 680 (2011). In Nebraska,
entrapment is an affirmative defense consisting of two elements: (1) the government induced the
defendant to commit the offense charged and (2) the defendant’s predisposition to commit the
criminal act was such that the defendant was not otherwise ready and willing to commit the
offense. Id. The burden of going forward with evidence of government inducement is on the
defendant. Id. In assessing whether the defendant has satisfied this burden, the initial duty of the
court is to determine whether there is sufficient evidence that the government has induced the
defendant to commit a crime. Id. The court makes this determination as a matter of law, and the
defendant’s evidence of inducement need be only more than a scintilla to satisfy his or her initial
burden. Id. To be more than a scintilla, evidence cannot be vague, conjectural, or the mere
suspicion about the existence of a fact, but must be real and of such quality as to induce
conviction. State v. Swenson, 217 Neb. 820, 352 N.W.2d 149 (1984).
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In determining whether the court in this case erred in refusing to give the entrapment
instruction, we must review whether Alvarado satisfied his initial burden of demonstrating that
there was more than a scintilla of evidence of inducement. Inducement can be any government
conduct creating a substantial risk that an otherwise law-abiding citizen would commit an
offense, including persuasion, fraudulent representation, threats, coercive tactics, promise of
reward, or pleas based on need, sympathy, or friendship. State v. Kass, supra. Inducement
requires something more than a government agent or informant suggested the crime and
provided the occasion for it. Id. Inducement consists of an opportunity plus something else, such
as excessive pressure by the government upon the defendant or the government’s taking
advantage of an alternative, noncriminal type of motive. Id.
Alvarado claims he was induced to commit the offense because Ross had entered into a
plea agreement and therefore had incentive to cooperate with law enforcement. Alvarado does
not explain how Ross’ private motivation for purchasing methamphetamine induced Alvarado to
commit the offense. Furthermore, “‘[t]he lone fact that an undercover police officer, personally
or through an informant, offers to purchase or obtain [a controlled substance] is not an
inducement to commit a crime resulting in the availability of entrapment as a defense for the
seller of the [controlled substance].’” State v. Graham, 259 Neb. 966, 975, 614 N.W.2d 266, 272
(2000) (quoting State v. Swenson, supra). “An undercover police officer’s merely affording the
defendant a favorable opportunity for commission of a crime already conceptualized in the
accused is not entrapment.” State v. Swenson, 217 Neb. at 825, 352 N.W.2d at 153.
Here, the record contains no evidence to suggest that Ross did anything more than
provide Alvarado with the opportunity to sell methamphetamine. The DVD of the transaction
shows that Ross did not even mention the word “methamphetamine” to Alvarado. Ross simply
produced the money, and Alvarado produced the yellow baggies, later confirmed to contain
methamphetamine. The entire conversation between Ross and Alvarado could be characterized
as small talk. Ross did not engage in persuasion, fraudulent representation, threats, coercive
tactics, promise of reward, or pleas based on need, sympathy, or friendship. See State v. Kass,
281 Neb. 892, 799 N.W.2d 680 (2011). The evidence establishes that Alvarado was ready and
willing to sell methamphetamine to Ross. The fact that the government, through the cooperating
individual, provided Alvarado with a favorable opportunity to do that which Alvarado was
otherwise ready and willing to accomplish does not constitute entrapment. State v. Connely, 243
Neb. 319, 499 N.W.2d 65 (1993). We conclude that Alvarado’s evidence of the element of
inducement was not more than a scintilla of evidence, and that thus, he did not satisfy his burden
of going forward. Accordingly, we need not and do not analyze the sufficiency of the evidence of
the second element of entrapment, predisposition. State v. Jimenez, 283 Neb. 95, 808 N.W.2d
352 (2012) (appellate court not obligated to engage in analysis not needed to adjudicate case and
controversy before it).
Alvarado’s theory that he was merely returning drugs that Ross had previously left with
him for safekeeping is not supported by the evidence adduced at trial. As noted above, the DVD
of the transaction, as well as testimony by Ross, reveals that money was given in exchange for
the drugs.
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2. MOTION FOR NEW TRIAL
In a criminal case, a motion for new trial is addressed to the discretion of the trial court,
and unless an abuse of discretion is shown, the trial court’s determination will not be disturbed.
State v. Kass, supra.
Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-2103 (Reissue 2008) states that a motion for new trial must be in
writing and must state the grounds upon which the motion is based. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-2101(Reissue 2008) sets forth seven grounds for a motion for new trial. Pursuant to § 29-2103(3), the
motion for new trial must be filed within 10 days after the verdict is rendered for the grounds set
forth in § 29-2101(1), (2), (3), (4), or (7). Section 29-2101(5) deals with newly discovered
evidence which the defendant “could not with reasonable diligence have discovered and
produced at the trial,” and § 29-2103(4) allows for a motion for new trial based on newly
discovered evidence to be filed no more than 3 years after the date of the verdict. Section
29-2101(6) deals with newly discovered exculpatory DNA evidence and is not relevant here.
The jury verdict was filed on February 8, 2013, and Alvarado filed a “Motion for New
Jury Trial” that same day. A hearing on the motion was held on April 11, at which time
Alvarado’s counsel offered his own affidavit. In Alvarado’s written motion for new trial, he set
forth only the following grounds as the basis for a new trial:
(A) There was an irregularity in the proceeding of the court, or the prosecuting
attorney, or any order of the court, or abuse of discretion, by which the defendant was
prevented from having a fair trial. [§ 29-2101(1)]
(B) That the verdict is not sustained by sufficient evidence and is contrary to law.
[§ 29-2101(4)]
(C) Errors of law occurring at the trial. [§ 29-2101(7)]
Alvarado did not specify in his “Motion for New Jury Trial” that “newly discovered evidence”
was a basis for his motion for new trial. Rather, this ground was raised orally at the April 11
hearing, and the supporting reasons were set forth in writing via Alvarado’s counsel’s “Affidavit
in Support of Motion for New Trial,” which was received over objection at the new trial hearing.
The State suggests that the newly discovered evidence motion was not properly before the
district court, since “Alvarado failed to file a written motion specifically identifying newly
discovered evidence as the basis for his request for a new trial.” Brief for appellee at 11.
Accordingly, before getting to the merits of Alvarado’s “newly discovered evidence,” we address
first whether the motion on that ground was properly before the trial court. There is no question
that the other three grounds alleged in the motion filed February 8 were timely filed and properly
before the court.
As to newly discovered evidence being a basis for a new trial, we first note that
§ 29-2103(4) allows for a motion for new trial to be filed within a reasonable time after
discovery of the new evidence but no more than 3 years after the date of the verdict. In other
words, a new trial requested on the grounds of newly discovered evidence is not limited to being
raised within the 10 days immediately following the date of the verdict. The newly discovered
evidence in this case was timely raised; so the remaining question is whether a “written
application” was made. Section 29-2103(1) states that “[a] motion for new trial shall be made by
written application and may be filed either during or after the term of the court at which the
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verdict was rendered.” In this case, Alvarado’s counsel offered his affidavit setting forth the
newly discovered evidence that was not available until after trial. The trial court elected to
receive the affidavit over the State’s objection and proceeded to consider the facts set forth in the
affidavit before ruling on the motion for new trial. However, counsel’s affidavit did not
constitute a “written application” pursuant to § 29-2103(1). Thus, Alvarado’s motion for new
trial, based on newly discovered evidence, was not properly before the district court.
However, as stated previously, a motion for new trial based on newly discovered
evidence may be filed up to 3 years after the date of the verdict. § 29-2103(4). Thus, we address
the merits of this appeal out of concern for judicial economy because Alvarado could bring this
motion again. See, generally, State v. Thompson, 246 Neb. 752, 523 N.W.2d 246 (1994).
We now consider the newly discovered evidence Alvarado claims creates a basis for a
new trial. The affidavit submitted by Alvarado’s counsel states in relevant part that (1) on April
3, 2013, the State filed a motion to revoke Ross’ probation alleging that on March 27 Ross was
charged with flight to avoid arrest, possession of methamphetamine, attempted assault,
obstructing a peace officer, and willful, reckless driving, and alleging that Ross had contact with
a person having a criminal record in order to obtain methamphetamine; (2) the events clearly
show Ross suffers from a severe addiction to methamphetamine and is of a desperate and
untrustworthy character, and knew where to find and how to acquire methamphetamine without
Alvarado’s being involved; (3) the State knew or should have known that Ross was not a reliable
source of information or witness; (4) due to the above, Ross’ testimony regarding Alvarado was
not credible and should not have been presented to the jury; and (5) the above evidence was not
discoverable by Alvarado prior to trial.
Alvarado’s counsel argued that the “linchpin” of the State’s case rested upon Ross, a
“gentleman with a very severe drug addiction, a very desperate man, especially proven by later
events”; a person who “has proven to be very unreliable and the State should have been aware of
that from the get go, suffering from severe drug addiction”; and a person who is so unbelievable
“to the point of the State dismissing another drug case right in the middle of a trial because of . . .
Ross’s activities.” The trial judge noted that Ross was subject to cross-examination by counsel
and that there had been testimony elicited from Ross disclosing he had been arrested for dealing
methamphetamine. The trial judge stated, “So the fact that he was involved with
methamphetamine was not a mystery to anybody at that point in time,” and “counsel assumes
that the State wouldn’t use him because he is a meth addict, but I think we all knew that and the
jury had the opportunity to evaluate his credibility when he testified.” No further argument was
offered, and the motion for new trial was denied.
One moving for new trial on the basis of newly discovered evidence must show that the
evidence was uncovered since the trial, that the evidence was not equally available before the
trial, and that the evidence was not simply discovered by the exercise of belated diligence. State
v. Jackson, 264 Neb. 420, 648 N.W.2d 282 (2002). Generally, newly discovered evidence is
evidence material to the defense that could not with reasonable diligence have been discovered
and produced in the prior proceedings. Id. A criminal defendant who seeks a new trial because of
newly discovered evidence must show that if the evidence had been admitted at the former trial,
it would probably have produced a substantially different result. State v. Kofoed, 283 Neb. 767,
817 N.W.2d 225 (2012). The evidence must be material to the moving party, and “[m]ateriality
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has been explained as referring to newly discovered evidence which is ‘so potent that by
strengthening the evidence already offered, a new trial would probably result in a different
verdict; the newly discovered evidence must be relevant and credible and not merely
cumulative.’” State v. McCormick, 246 Neb. 271, 278, 518 N.W.2d 133, 139 (1994) (quoting
State v. Boppre, 243 Neb. 908, 503 N.W.2d 526 (1993)), overruled on other grounds, State v.
Thomas, 262 Neb. 985, 637 N.W.2d 632 (2002).
In State v. Egger, 8 Neb. App. 740, 601 N.W.2d 785 (1999), the defendant was convicted
of first degree sexual assault on a minor and incest for acts committed against his minor
stepdaughter. The jury found the defendant guilty on August 12, 1998, and he filed his motion
for new trial on September 28. The trial judge ignored all grounds contained in that motion, since
they were not filed within 10 days of the verdict; however, the trial court did consider that part of
the motion claiming newly discovered evidence. The defendant claimed he had new evidence
consisting of a statement from the victim’s sister that the “[victim] had told her she never had sex
with [the defendant] and that she had made up the whole story,” and that this sister “did not
come forward with this until after the trial because [the victim] had threatened her to keep quiet.”
Id. at 750, 601 N.W.2d at 794. The trial court concluded the alleged new evidence was
cumulative to the evidence already presented at trial and was “evidence only going to [the
victim’s] credibility.” Id. This court found no abuse of discretion, and cited to State v. Hortman,
207 Neb. 393, 299 N.W.2d 187 (1980), for the proposition that “newly discovered evidence
must, inter alia, be relevant and credible, not merely cumulative, and involve something other
than credibility of witness.” State v. Egger, 8 Neb. App. at 750, 601 N.W.2d at 794. See, also,
State v. Pierce and Wells, 215 Neb. 512, 520, 340 N.W.2d 122, 128 (1983) (“[i]n order to justify
a new trial, newly discovered evidence must involve something other than the credibility of a
witness who testified at trial”).
As the trial judge noted, during trial Ross admitted to buying, using, and selling
methamphetamine and was subject to cross-examination. Additionally, aside from Ross’
testimony at trial, offered and received for consideration by the jury was a DVD of the June 5,
2012, transaction wherein Alvarado gave Ross methamphetamine in exchange for money. The
“new” evidence claimed by Alvarado goes only to Ross’ credibility, and further, given the DVD
evidence, a new trial would not likely result in a different verdict. We cannot say the trial court
abused its discretion in denying the motion for new trial.
3. EXCESSIVE SENTENCE
Alvarado asserts that the district court imposed an excessive sentence. Factors a judge
should consider in imposing a sentence include the defendant’s age, mentality, education,
experience, and social and cultural background, as well as his or her past criminal record or
law-abiding conduct, motivation for the offense, nature of the offense, and the amount of
violence involved in the commission of the crime. State v. Williams, 282 Neb. 182, 802 N.W.2d
421 (2011).
Alvarado was 47 years old at the time of the crime and at the time of sentencing. He had
a diploma through the GED program and reported completing some college courses. Alvarado
has serious medical problems requiring frequent medical care. He lost most of his tongue due to
cancer. He also has a medication port in his abdomen.
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Alvarado has an extensive criminal history dating back to the 1980’s. His convictions
include multiple driving under the influence (five times), driving under suspension (four times),
assaulting an officer (three times), attempted breaking and entering, resisting arrest (three times),
theft, theft by unlawful taking, possession of 1 ounce or less of marijuana (two times), felon in
possession of a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon, assault, attempted possession of marijuana
with intent to deliver, burglary, disturbing the peace (seven times), disorderly conduct, criminal
trespass, and false reporting. With regard to the current offense, Alvarado sold
methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a playground. As part of the presentence investigation for
his current convictions, the probation office conducted a “Level of Service/Case Management
Inventory” with Alvarado. He was assessed in the “high” risk range to reoffend.
A sentence imposed within statutory limits will not be disturbed on appeal absent an
abuse of discretion by the trial court. State v. Williams, supra. And it is the minimum portion of
an indeterminate sentence which measures its severity. State v. Nevels, 235 Neb. 39, 453 N.W.2d
579 (1990). Alvarado was convicted of one count of distributing a controlled substance
(methamphetamine) within 1,000 feet of a playground under § 28-416(4)(A)(ii), a Class ID
felony. The statutory sentencing range for a Class ID felony is up to 50 years’ imprisonment,
with a mandatory minimum of 3 years’ imprisonment. Alvarado was sentenced to 8 to 20 years’
imprisonment and was given 175 days’ credit for time served. His sentence is in the low- to
mid-range of the permissible sentencing range. Having considered the relevant factors in this
case, including his medical issues, we find that the sentence is not excessive or an abuse of
discretion and that such sentence is therefore affirmed.
4. INEFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL
Alvarado claims he received ineffective assistance of counsel because his trial attorney
(1) failed to pursue a defense theory advanced in his opening statement, (2) failed to adequately
investigate and/or secure evidence necessary to impeach Ross’ credibility, and (3) failed to
adequately communicate with him prior to trial.
A claim of ineffective assistance of counsel need not be dismissed merely because it is
made on direct appeal. State v. Pullens, 281 Neb. 828, 800 N.W.2d 202 (2011). The determining
factor is whether the record is sufficient to adequately review the question. Id.To prevail on a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel under Strickland v. Washington,
466 U.S. 668, 104 S. Ct. 2052, 80 L. Ed. 2d 674 (1984), the defendant must show that his or her
counsel’s performance was deficient and that this deficient performance actually prejudiced the
defendant’s defense. State v. Edwards, 284 Neb. 382, 821 N.W.2d 680 (2012). To show
prejudice, the petitioner must demonstrate a reasonable probability that but for his or her
counsel’s deficient performance, the result of the proceeding would have been different. Id. An
appellate court may address the two prongs of this test, deficient performance and prejudice, in
either order. Id.(a) Failure to Pursue Defense Theory
The “defense theory” Alvarado alleges that his trial counsel failed to pursue comes from
the following portion of his opening statement:
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There is no exchange in money. You are not going to hear any talk about that.
They didn’t find any money. See, what happens is law enforcement gives him the money,
here is $200, we copied it, take the money and he buys the drugs. That money is gone,
nobody saw it. Where did it go?
. . . Ross is a baseball player, played semi-pro ball, maybe he played professional
ball. I think he played for St. Louis. I know he played in Japan. He is a good ball player. I
think he is a pitcher. And, his son plays baseball and he enjoys going to his son’s games.
He doesn’t want to go away for 150 years and not be able to play baseball anymore.
Regarding the above, Alvarado argues:
The implication [was] that the buy money was not found by police upon searching . . .
Ross after the “buy” because he had thrown it far away to get rid of evidence after he did
not complete the buy, which would support [Alvarado’s] theory that . . . Ross was
retrieving his own drugs as opposed to the State’s theory that [Alvarado] had sold drugs
to . . . Ross.
Brief for appellant at 14. Alvarado argues his counsel did not pursue this theory during trial.
Alvarado misinterprets his counsel’s opening statement. Counsel was not implying that
Ross “utilized his pitching skills to dispose of the buy money.” Brief for appellee at 14. Rather,
counsel made two separate assertions: (1) Ross did not give Alvarado the money, and (2) Ross
was motivated to cooperate with law enforcement because he wanted to continue to play baseball
and watch his son play baseball.
As noted by the State in its brief, “the notion that Ross hurled the buy money into parts
unknown during the course of the controlled buy is not supported by any evidence in the record.
Ross was under constant surveillance by law enforcement, and his movements were captured on
video.” Id. Accordingly, trial counsel was not ineffective for failing to pursue a “theory” that was
not supported by the evidence.
(b) Inadequate Impeachment
Alvarado claims that his trial counsel failed to adequately investigate Ross’ alleged theft
from Florentino Sandoval, a mentally handicapped person. However, the record shows that trial
counsel obtained Ross’ deposition testimony in connection with the Sandoval case and used it to
question Ross’ credibility in Alvarado’s. Ross testified that Sandoval was adopted by his
maternal grandparents and that he used to work at a restaurant with Ross. During questioning by
Alvarado’s counsel, Ross denied that Sandoval was mentally handicapped. Ross also explained
that he helped Sandoval pay his bills (Ross took Sandoval’s paycheck to the bank, had the bank
issue money orders for Sandoval’s bills, and gave the remaining amount to Sandoval in cash).
While Alvarado seems to suggest that his trial counsel should have done more, he does
not explain what more trial counsel could have done. Counsel’s ability to impeach Ross
regarding the alleged theft from Sandoval was limited by statute. See Neb. Rev. Stat. § 27-608(2)
(Reissue 2008) (“[s]pecific instances of the conduct of a witness, for the purpose of attacking or
supporting his credibility, other than conviction of crime as provided in section 27-609, may not
be proved by extrinsic evidence,” and they “may, however, in the discretion of the court, if
probative of truthfulness or untruthfulness be inquired into on cross-examination of the
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witness”). Counsel did question Ross regarding the alleged theft from Sandoval--Ross simply
refused to admit any wrongdoing. Alvarado has failed to show that his counsel was deficient in
this regard and that any deficiency prejudiced him.
Alvarado also claims that his trial counsel failed to adequately investigate and present
evidence regarding Ross’ history of drug dealing, drug use, and other criminal behavior.
However, during trial, Ross admitted to buying, using, and selling methamphetamine. He
testified that he sold methamphetamine to only one individual on three different occasions.
Buxbaum corroborated Ross’ testimony by stating that the individual Ross admitted selling to is
the only person that had identified Ross as a source of methamphetamine. Alvarado failed to
identify any evidence beyond that which was introduced at trial regarding Ross’ drug or other
criminal history. Accordingly, Alvarado has not shown that his trial counsel’s performance was
deficient in this regard. Furthermore, Alvarado cannot show that he was prejudiced by any
alleged deficiency (remembering that there is a DVD of the June 5, 2012, transaction wherein
Alvarado gave Ross methamphetamine in exchange for money).
(c) Communication Prior to Trial
Alvarado claims that his trial counsel failed to adequately communicate with him prior to
trial. The record is insufficient to review on direct appeal Alvarado’s claim of ineffective
assistance of counsel in this regard, and accordingly, we decline to address it.
VI. CONCLUSION
For the reasons stated above, we affirm Alvarado’s conviction and sentence.
AFFIRMED.
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