People v. Koniecki

This is an appeal by Edward Koniecki from a contempt order entered after the close of a criminal trial, before a jury in the Criminal Court. He was a key witness for the People and was sentenced to the County Jail for a term of one year.

The defendant, Joseph Panczko, was charged with having burglariously entered the garage of Koniecki, who, with his son, participated in the apprehension of Panczko at the scene of the alleged crime. During the trial of Panczko, Koniecki twice refused to testify. After considerable delay, he completed his testimony, the trial was concluded, and the jury…