Colbert v. State

Otis H. Turner, Justice.

This is an appeal from a conviction for delivery of a controlled substance — rock cocaine — and a sentence of life imprisonment together with a fine of $25,000.

The appellant, an elderly black man, was charged by information with selling a small quantity of rock cocaine to undercover police officer Nick Sturghill through a third party go-between. A jury trial before an all-white jury resulted in the appellant’s conviction and sentence.

The appellant raises five issues in seeking a reversal of his conviction. First, the trial court erred in failing to grant a mistrial due…