Testifying For The State: Criminals

Prosecutors Say They're A Necessary Evil

The Defense Says They're Bought And Paid For

According to Dinkins' motion, drug dealer Frank Batts, in exchange for pleading to a lesser drug offense, will likely testify how he helped facilitate a killing Dinkins is charged with. The motion also assumed that another witness, Van Sneed, who testified last week, was going to say Dinkins has killed 20 people - ironic, considering that Sneed called people who cooperate with law enforcement "cowards" in a Stop Snitchin' cameo. Sneed, a Bloods gang member, pleaded guilty to racketeering and is expected to receive a sentence of 15 years, the motion contends.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Dwyer told the jury on the first day of trial to expect brothers Tamall Parker and Tracy Love to testify; they pleaded guilty in October to drug conspiracy and using a gun in a drug crime resulting in death.

On the stand last week, Randy McClean said he hoped to walk out of prison right about the time he was officially sentenced. He has already served nearly two years, and his deal with the U.S. attorney's office - pleading guilty to one count of the same drug conspiracy the defendants are charged with - carries a suggested sentence of 37 to 46 months, with time off for good behavior. Other charges haven't been pursued, and the time he's facing has been markedly reduced.

"That's why you pled guilty, right?" Gilbert's attorney, Arcangelo Tuminelli, asked McClean, who responded simply: "Right."

On the stand earlier this month, witness Doris Dickerson acknowledged that she has told lies before and "probably would tell one now if was a matter of somebody doing something" to her. Early in her testimony that day, she implicated someone who goes by the name of "Bones" as a drug dealer. Later, after Bones entered the courtroom, she denied having said his name.

"My life is in danger," she said repeatedly.

Dickerson, who says she's a recovering drug addict, has been in a witness protection program since December 2005, with thousands of dollars in bills footed by federal agencies, including rent, food, utilities, cell phone and bus pass charges.

"I couldn't tell you how much my bills are, I don't get them," she told the court. While in witness protection, she was arrested for dealing drugs in 2007, making up to $500 per day. She remains in the protection program.

Such witnesses are necessary, acknowledged defense attorney Hall.

"The government needs them," he said. "Sometimes the defense needs them too, but we have nothing to offer. If we were to offer what the government gave, we'd be prosecuted for bribery."