State v. Caldwell

A jury found defendants Eric and Cindy Caldwell guilty of unarmed robbery. Defendant Ernest Sardella was the admitted robber; Caldwells were convicted as participants who helped plan the robbery. Only Eric Caldwell appeals. He claims there was insufficient corroboration of the testimony of the accomplices, Sar della and his wife, to sustain a conviction as required by ORS 136.550. The trial court refused to direct an acquittal on this ground. The court’s refusal is the basis of this appeal. The question is a close one and requires a review of the evidence. It will be helpful to first relate…