Sixth Circuit Vacates Conviction For Rule 404(b) Violation

Dentist writes two hefty morphine scripts after an eight-hour dental procedure; the patient tragically ODs and her blood test comes back triple the fatal amount. The jury finds that the dentist knowingly issued an illegal prescription; he's convicted and gets a 20-year sentence. Dentist appeals, arguing that the jury wrongfully heard testimony—over the defense’s objection—about an earlier forged-prescription and a profanity-laced firing. Sixth Circuit: Yep, that's classic Rule 404(b) "patently character evidence," not "intrinsic" evidence from the same criminal event. Here's an order for a new trial.

The case is United States v. Sadrinia, No. 24-5464 (6th Cir. Apr. 16, 2025).