State v. Feole

OPINION

The propriety of limiting a defense attorney’s attempted cross-examination of two prosecution witnesses and the admission of hearsay evidence are the focus of this appeal. The defendant, John Feole (Feole), appeals from a judgment of conviction for extortion in violation of G.L. 1956 § 11-42-2 and usury in violation of G.L.1956 §§ 6-26-8 and 6-26-6. Following a prebriefing conference, we ordered the parties to show cause why the appeal should not be resolved summarily. Because no cause has been shown, we proceed to do so.

During Feole’s jury trial, he testified that he lent money to the…