Commonwealth v. Munoz

The defendant appeals from his conviction of trafficking in over fourteen grams of cocaine, G. L. c. 94C, § 32E. He contends that the Commonwealth violated his right to confront the witnesses against him when it introduced evidence from laboratory drug tests through the testimony of a substitute analyst rather than through the analyst who performed the tests. He contends further that the trial judge erred in admitting certain hearsay statements. Finally, he argues that his trial counsel was constitutionally ineffective. Although much of the challenged testimony was erroneously admitted, this…