People v. Moten

*636Contrary to the defendant’s contention, the trial court properly seated three white panelists who were peremptorily challenged by the defense upon the court’s determination that the explanations for the challenges volunteered by the defendant’s counsel constituted mere pretexts for racial discrimination (see, Batson v Kentucky, 476 US 79; People v Kern, 75 NY2d 638, cert denied 498 US 824; see generally, People v Richie, 217 AD2d 84). Since the trial court’s resolution of this issue is entitled to great deference, and the record supports its findings in this case, we decline to disturb the…