Commonwealth v. Vazquez

KELLY, Judge:

In this opinion we are called upon to determine whether reference to the fact that a defendant’s name appeared on a computer list of known drug dealers is sufficiently prejudicial as to require a new trial, notwithstanding curative instructions intended to countermand such prejudice. We find that the statement was irreparably prejudicial and reverse.

The instant appeal stems from the following facts. On May 25, 1990, appellant was charged with two counts of unlawful delivery. A jury trial was held on February 14, 1991. The Commonwealth called Trooper Gregory Stone who testified…