People v. Torres González
People v. Torres González
Opinion of the Court
delivered the opinion of the Court.
Two informations were filed against appellant for violation of § 4 of the Bolita Act, No. 220 of 1948 — 33 L.P.R.A. § 1250. She was charged with selling to Ramón Pabón Ché-vere on two different occasions a number of the illegal game to be wagered in combination with the Santo Domingo lottery. The first occasion was on June 22, 1960, about 11:00 a.m., in Santa Rosa Street of Guánica. The second, on June 30 in Yager Street of that same municipality.
The only witness for The People was the said Ramón Pabón Chévere who was an undercover agent of the detective. This same agent testified in another case for the same offense against Antonia Santiago, Criminal Case No. 60-838, that the facts charged against the latter occurred about 11:00 a.m. of the said day of June 22. Appellant in this case points out this circumstance and maintains that the trial court erred in giving credit to the testimony of this witness, it being obvious that a person can not be in two different places at the same time. The trial judge upon meeting this situation asked the witness to explain it. The explanation was simple.
“Hon. Judge:
This morning you testified in the case of Antonia Santiago?
Yes, sir.
Is it true or not that you testified this morning in that case that about 11:00 a.m. of June 22 you were making a transaction with Antonia Santiago?
Yes, sir.
And at the same time you were also making a transaction with this lady?
If I recall correctly, it was 11:15.
According to the notes of the court, it was eleven.
Defense :
And ours also.
Hon. Judge:
Regarding that of June 22, mine is eleven. However, it was another transaction and he testifies that both were at the same time, or how was it?
No, sir, first it was with the young lady Carmen Maria Torres.
In the same transaction of the other?
No, sir, in front; after that I went around.
Defense :
. That is all.
Hon. Judge:
You may withdraw.
District Attorney:
Another question. The transaction with Antonia Santiago was on Santa Rosa Street?
Yes, sir.
And the transaction with this defendant was on the street . . . ? On the same street?
Yes, sir.”
Appellant further contends that there being a witness who witnessed the transaction, the district attorney
We are satisfied that the evidence which the trial judge had under consideration was sufficient at law to support the informations filed against appellant herein.
The judgments appealed from will be affirmed.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.