Rodriguez v. State

NORTHCUTT, Judge.

Carlos Rodriguez contends that his convictions for trafficking in cocaine and possession of cocaine must be reversed because the prosecutor’s questions and arguments at Rodriguez’s trial improperly shifted the burden of proof to him. We agree.

This case involved a credibility contest between David Seheffler and Juan Rodriguez (who is not related to Carlos). These men were the subject of an ongoing investigation by the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office, and both pleaded guilty to the charges arising out of this case. Seheffler testified as a State witness and placed Carlos at…