People v. Rodriguez

Judgment unanimously reversed, and new trial granted. Memorandum: Defendant appeals from his conviction after a jury trial of arson, second degree, stemming from a fire on August 16, Í978 which substantially destroyed a building known as the Villani building located in Lyons, New York. At trial, Harold Mann testified that defendant offered to pay him $100 for burning the Villani building, that he did burn the building, and that defendant later gave him some money. Mann subsequently contacted the FBI and agreed to help obtain evidence in exchange for immunity. Thereafter, FBI agents wired him…