Romero Leslie v. State of Indiana

OPINION

NAJAM, Judge.

STATEMENT OF THE CASE

Romero Leslie appeals his conviction for dealing in cocaine, as a Class B felony, following a jury trial. Leslie presents two issues for our review:

1. Whether the trial court committed fundamental error when it denied Leslie’s request that the court dismiss a juror who, during a recess, had been standing near Leslie and defense counsel while they were discussing trial strategy.

2. Whether the trial court abused its discretion when it replaced a juror with an alternate juror after deliberations had begun.

We affirm.

FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

On June 19,…