People v. Testa

A jury convicted defendant, Harry Testa, of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1989, ch. 56½, par. 1401(a)(2) (now 720 ILCS 570/401(a)(2) (West 1992))). The court sentenced him to eight years in prison and imposed a $1,400 street value fine. On appeal, defendant asserts the trial court erred in (1) admitting hearsay testimony, (2) allowing a jury instruction on accountability, and (3) denying his motion for a mistrial based upon improper closing argument by the prosecutor.

Police officer Wendy Marrello was assigned to the organized crime division, narcotics section,…