STATE v. DENNIS (2018)

Writ granted in part. The court of appeal's ruling directing the district court to conduct an in camera review of the recordings of defendant engaged in what are alleged to be illegal drug transactions for exculpatory or impeachment evidence is reversed. The state is ordered to provide defendant with a copy of those recordings. See La.C.Cr.P. art. 718. The state is also ordered to reveal the identities of the confidential informants to defendant because defendant has shown that they are essential for his defense. See generally State v. Broadway, 96-2659, pp. 19-20 (La. 10/19/99), 753 So.2d 801, 815 (“When an accused shows that disclosure of the informant's identity is essential for his or her defense, the identity must be revealed.”) (citing State v. Davis, 411 So.2d 434, 436 (La. 1982) ). Defendant may reurge his motion to sever the charges for trial after reviewing the recordings. The matter is remanded to the district court for further proceedings consistent with this order.

REVERSED AND REMANDED

PER CURIAM:

GUIDRY, J., would deny.