People v. Thomasula

OPINION OF THE COURT

Balio, J.

The issue before us is whether the reversal of defendant’s conviction is required where the prosecution acquires the cooperation of a witness by entering into an unauthorized plea bargain and where the court refuses to inform the jury of the illegality of the bargain and that it may consider such illegality as affecting the witness’ credibility. We hold that, in the circumstances of this case, defendant’s conviction must be reversed and the matter remitted for a new trial.

I

The defendant and Richard Pantano were indicted on two *128counts of criminal sale of a…