PEOPLE v. KHATIB (2011)

The defendant's contention that the evidence was legally insufficient to establish his guilt of four counts of conspiracy in the second degree is unpreserved for appellate review (see CPL 470.05[2]; People v. Hawkins, 11 NY3d 484; People v. Lewis, 72 AD3d 705, lv denied 15 NY3d 752). In any event, viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution (see People v. Contes, 60 N.Y.2d 620, 621), we find that it was legally sufficient to establish the defendant's guilt of the crimes charged beyond a reasonable doubt. Moreover, in fulfilling our responsibility to conduct an independent review of the weight of the evidence (see CPL 470.15[5]; People v. Danielson, 9 NY3d 342), we nevertheless accord great deference to the jury's opportunity to view the witnesses, hear the testimony, and observe demeanor (see People v. Mateo, 2 NY3d 383, 410, cert denied 542 U.S. 946; People v. Bleakley, 69 N.Y.2d 490, 495). Upon reviewing the record here, we are satisfied that the verdict of guilt was not against the weight of the evidence (see People v. Romero, 7 NY3d 633).

Contrary to the defendant's further contention, reversal is not warranted due to the late disclosure of certain Rosario material (see People v. Rosario, 9 N.Y.2d 286, cert denied 368 U.S. 866), since the defendant failed to show that he was substantially prejudiced thereby (see People v. Martinez, 71 N.Y.2d 937, 940; People v. Kline, 49 AD3d 665). Furthermore, the trial court providently exercised its discretion in limiting the sanction imposed upon the People for their late disclosure to an adverse inference charge with respect to the trial testimony of two police detectives, rather than imposing an adverse inference charge in connection with the testimony of a confidential informant, as requested by the defendant (see People v. Jenkins, 98 N.Y.2d 280).

The defendant was not deprived of the effective assistance of counsel (see People v. Caban, 5 NY3d 143, 152; People v. Benevento, 91 N.Y.2d 708, 712; People v. Baldi, 54 N.Y.2d 137).

The defendant's remaining contentions, including those raised in his pro se supplemental brief, are without merit.