Bennett v. State

NORTHCUTT, Judge.

Wayne Bennett argues that his conviction for trafficking in cocaine must be reversed for two reasons: (1) that the trial court erred in admitting the testimony of a police officer, and (2) that it erred by restricting Bennett’s cross-examination of a witness. We agree with both contentions, reverse Bennett’s conviction, and remand for a new trial.

The events leading to the charges against Bennett began when a confidential informant told Hillsborough County Sheriffs Detective Leon Paige that a eoworker, George Shuler, was selling drugs. Detective Paige began buying drugs from…