People v. Pena

(for reversal and remand). Ramon Pena was convicted of selling narcotic drugs without a license 1 and sentenced to a prison term of 20 to 25 years.

Within ten days after the arraignment, defendant’s counsel gave notice of intent to claim an alibi and listed as witnesses Manuala Garza, Irene Bustinza and Nickhol Pena. On April 9, 1964, six days before the case was set for trial, an assistant prosecuting attorney for Saginaw county wrote to each of the witnesses on official stationery the following letter:

“Dear Madam:

In the interests of justice I am quoting Michigan Statutes Annotated 28.644,…