Opinion
September 8, 1994
Appeal from the Supreme Court, New York County (Edward Sheridan, J.).
A potential juror had been questioned in defendant's absence regarding his knowledge of a police witness (People v. Sloan, 79 N.Y.2d 386). Since the prospective juror was excused from service on the panel, no prejudice resulted from defendant's absence during this inquiry (People v. Perez, 196 A.D.2d 781).
Contrary to defendant's additional argument, the court did not abuse its discretion in admitting defendant's volunteered post-arrest statement offering a police officer drug-related information if the officer "got rid of the burglar's tools," as this statement is probative of defendant's consciousness of guilt. Redaction of the reference to drugs would have rendered the remaining portion of defendant's statement incredible. Finally, defendant's argument that the court improperly marshalled the evidence in its identification charge is unpreserved (CPL 470.05) and, in any event, meritless.
Defendant's recent allegations to the effect that his conviction rests upon possible perjured testimony of police officers of the 30th precinct would be more appropriately presented in a motion pursuant to CPL 440.10.
Concur — Murphy, P.J., Sullivan, Carro, Wallach and Tom, JJ.