United States v. Bruce Barnes

Defendant-Appellant, Bruce Barnes, was convicted by a jury of violating federal laws relating to the illicit manufacture of “moonshine” whiskey. Because the trial judge did not, by cautionary instruction, and as requested by appellant, limit to impeachment purposes the jury’s consideration of an out-of-court statement made by a witness, we reverse and remand the case for a new trial.

The government proofs showed that appellant Barnes, with two others, Isaac and Robert Rollins, was discovered at a still site where illicit whiskey was being made. All three were indicted. Both Isaac and Robert…