United States v. Barnes ( 2023 )

U NITED S TATES A IR F ORCE
C OURT OF C RIMINAL APPEALS
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No. ACM 40252
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UNITED STATES
Appellee
v.
Brandon C. BARNES
Senior Airman (E-4), U.S. Air Force, Appellant
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Appeal from the United States Air Force Trial Judiciary
Decided 15 June 2023
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Military Judge: Christopher D. James (pretrial); Pilar G. Wennrich.
Sentence: Sentence adjudged on 25 October 2021 by GCM convened at
Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. Sentence entered by mili-
tary judge on 2 December 2021: Bad-conduct discharge, confinement for
15 months, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and reduction to E-1.
For Appellant: Captain Thomas R. Govan, Jr., USAF.
For Appellee: Lieutenant Colonel Thomas J. Alford, USAF; Major Deepa
M. Patel, USAF; Mary Ellen Payne, Esquire.
Before RICHARDSON, CADOTTE, and GOODWIN, Appellate Military
Judges.
Judge GOODWIN delivered the opinion of the court, in which Senior
Judge RICHARDSON and Judge CADOTTE joined.
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This is an unpublished opinion and, as such, does not serve as
precedent under AFCCA Rule of Practice and Procedure 30.4.
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United States v. Barnes, No. ACM 40252
GOODWIN, Judge:
A military judge sitting as a general court-martial convicted Appellant, in
accordance with his pleas and pursuant to a plea agreement, of one specifica-
tion of viewing child pornography in violation of Article 134, Uniform Code of
Military Justice (UCMJ), 10 U.S.C. § 934.1 The military judge sentenced Ap-
pellant to a bad-conduct discharge, confinement for 15 months, forfeiture of all
pay and allowances, and reduction to the grade of E-1.
The convening authority took no action on the findings or sentence. The
military judge signed an entry of judgment reflecting the findings and sen-
tence. Appellant raises three issues before this court: (1) whether the military
judge committed plain error by permitting testimony linking Appellant’s reha-
bilitative potential to the severity and nature of his offenses in violation of Rule
for Courts-Martial (R.C.M.) 1001(b)(5)(C); (2) whether the word “possess”
should be excepted from Specification 1 of the Charge and substituted with the
word “view” on the charge sheet; and (3) whether Appellant’s sentence is inap-
propriately severe.2
We have carefully considered issue (2) and find it does not require discus-
sion or warrant relief. See United States v. Matias, 25 M.J. 356, 361 (C.M.A.
1987). Finding no error materially prejudicial to a substantial right of Appel-
lant, we affirm the findings and sentence.
I. BACKGROUND
Appellant was stationed at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, at
the time of the offense for which he was convicted. On 4 May 2019, Appellant
read an Internet web posting containing filenames of child pornography.
Thereafter, Appellant searched for some of these files and found Internet users
willing to share them on a peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing network. Appellant
created a folder entitled “Purge” on his computer into which he intended to
download the files. Appellant then began to download numerous image and
video files into the “Purge” folder. Prior to viewing any of the files and while
some files were still downloading, Appellant browsed the filenames of the
downloaded files and noticed some with names indicative of graphic sexual
1 The specification for which Appellant was convicted is related to misconduct occur-
ring after 1 January 2019. The convening authority agreed to withdraw and dismiss
one specification of possession of child pornography occurring prior to 1 January 2019.
Thus, unless otherwise stated, all references in this opinion to the UCMJ, Military
Rules of Evidence, and Rules for Courts-Martial (R.C.M.) are to the Manual for Courts-
Martial, United States (2019 ed.).
2Issues two and three are raised pursuant to United States v. Grostefon, 12 M.J. 431(C.M.A. 1982).
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content involving minors. Appellant opened some files with sexually explicit
filenames and saw that they, in fact, contained child pornography.
On 4 May 2019, North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigations Special
Agent (SA) JS was looking for evidence of child pornography on the above-ref-
erenced P2P file sharing network. During his search, SA JS discovered child
pornography transmissions associated with an Internet protocol address later
determined to be registered to Appellant. SA JS downloaded 24 files of sus-
pected child pornography from Appellant’s computer, however only ten of these
files would open. Of the ten, six files—four images and two videos—depicted
images of known child pornography.
On 24 May 2019, agents executed a search warrant of Appellant’s residence
and interviewed him. During his interview, Appellant admitted he lived alone,
never had guests over, and never shared his secured Wi-Fi password with oth-
ers. Appellant admitted he used a computer he had built himself and that he
was familiar with the P2P network SA JS had been investigating.
During the guilty-plea inquiry with the military judge, Appellant admitted
that one video he viewed showed a girl between 7 and 9 years old engaging in
acts that constitute “sexually explicit conduct” as defined in the Manual for
Courts-Martial, United States (2019 ed.), pt. IV, ¶ 95.c.(10). After viewing the
downloaded images and videos, Appellant deleted them from his computer and
canceled the ongoing download.
Appellant admitted that viewing these images and videos had a negative
impact on the military because if members of the public knew of his actions
and military affiliation, they would think less of the military. As part of his
plea agreement, Appellant agreed to enter into a stipulation of fact, which was
admitted into evidence as Prosecution Exhibit 12. Prosecution Exhibit 12 in-
cludes an attachment containing the four images and two videos discussed
above. Appellant stipulated these images and videos show a prepubescent girl.
They show sexually explicit conduct including lascivious exhibition of her gen-
itals, oral to genital intercourse, and sexually explicit conduct with two differ-
ent dogs. The filenames include “9yo,” indicating the probable age of the child
depicted therein.
II. DISCUSSION
A. Sentencing Testimony Regarding Rehabilitative Potential
Appellant claims that, despite the lack of a defense objection, the military
judge erred by admitting and considering sentencing testimony regarding his
rehabilitative potential. Appellant argues that Staff Sergeant (SSgt) TT, Ap-
pellant’s former supervisor, based her opinion “primarily on the nature of [Ap-
pellant’s] charged offense, in violation of R.C.M. 1001(b)(5)” and that the
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military judge’s admission and consideration of her testimony constituted
plain error materially prejudicing Appellant’s rights.
1. Additional Background
During sentencing, the Government presented two witnesses, SSgt TT and
SSgt BO. SSgt TT supervised Appellant from approximately October until De-
cember 2018. During this time, SSgt TT observed Appellant approximately five
days per week during their 12-hour shifts. SSgt TT testified that Appellant
“pretty much [kept] to himself,” “just kind of did his own thing,” “wasn’t the
greatest worker in the shop,” and lacked initiative. SSgt TT ultimately de-
scribed Appellant’s rehabilitative potential as “low.”
During cross-examination, trial defense counsel questioned the basis for
SSgt TT’s opinion and asked whether Appellant “could work at a restaurant
. . . and be productive in society in that regard” in the future. SSgt TT re-
sponded, “I personally don’t [think so]. With what he is pleading guilty to, I
don’t think it’s proper.” SSgt TT continued, stating “I feel like it’s hard to once
somebody is attracted to, sexually attracted to it.” When asked whether she
based her opinion on Appellant’s offense rather than on Appellant’s back-
ground, SSgt TT testified that her opinion was based on what she knew of Ap-
pellant and “he never took initiative to actually do anything.” SSgt TT also
agreed with trial defense counsel that she viewed Appellant as “lackadaisical
or at times, lazy.” However, SSgt TT conceded not having personally given Ap-
pellant “paperwork regarding his work products,” and that Appellant was able
to complete his work. SSgt TT noted, however, that Appellant received paper-
work from unit leadership.
During redirect examination, SSgt TT testified that she had discussed Ap-
pellant’s future military plans with him and that Appellant “never really had
a desire to make a career out of” the Air Force and planned on “hitting his high
[year tenure] and then chopping out.” SSgt TT concluded by describing Appel-
lant as “one of the weakest links” on her team.
2. Law
Ordinarily, we review the military judge’s admission of evidence for abuse
of discretion. United States v. Barker, 77 M.J. 377, 383 (C.A.A.F. 2018) (citation
omitted). However, claims of error with respect to the admission of evidence
are preserved only if a party timely objects to the evidence and states the spe-
cific ground for the objection. Mil. R. Evid. 103(a)(1).
“When an appellant does not raise an objection to the admission of evidence
at trial, we first must determine whether the appellant waived or forfeited the
objection.” United States v. Jones, 78 M.J. 37, 44 (C.A.A.F. 2018) (citation omit-
ted). When an appellant affirmatively waives objection to the admission of ev-
idence, the waiver also waives the right to complain about its admission on
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appeal. United States v. Ahern, 76 M.J. 194, 198 (C.A.A.F. 2017) (citing United
States v. Campos, 67 M.J. 330, 332–33 (C.A.A.F. 2009)).
If we find Appellant did not waive an issue but merely forfeited it, we re-
view for plain error. See United States v Sweeney, 70 M.J. 296, 304 (C.A.A.F.
2011). Plain error occurs “where (1) there was error, (2) the error was plain and
obvious, and (3) the error materially prejudiced a substantial right of the ac-
cused.” Id. (citation omitted).
3. Analysis
The record contains no evidence regarding whether trial defense counsel
strategically chose not to object to the rehabilitative potential testimony or
whether Appellant affirmatively waived objection to the testimony. Conse-
quently, we find forfeiture, not waiver and analyze for plain error.
A witness offering testimony on rehabilitative potential may consider both
“performance of duty” and the “nature and severity of the offense” in forming
their opinion. R.C.M. 1001(b)(5)(B). However, “testimony concerning rehabili-
tative potential is to be an ‘assessment of . . . [the accused’s] character and
potential, . . . [not] the [witness’s] view of the severity of the offense.’” United
States v. Claxton, 32 M.J. 159, 161 (C.M.A. 1991) (omissions and first and sec-
ond alterations in original) (quoting United States v. Horner, 22 M.J. 294, 296
(C.M.A. 1986)). Although SSgt TT may have considered Appellant’s convicted
offense in forming her opinion, she also based her opinion on her knowledge of
him as his supervisor. The bulk of SSgt TT’s testimony focused on Appellant’s
level of initiative and job performance, and the “nature and severity of [Appel-
lant’s] offense” did not serve as the principal basis for SSgt TT’s opinion. See
R.C.M. 1001(b)(5)(C). Consequently, we find SSgt TT’s testimony was permis-
sible under R.C.M. 1001(b)(5)(B), and its admission was not error. Further-
more, “[a]s the case was tried by military judge alone . . . , we are confident
that the judge placed the testimony in proper perspective.” Horner, 22 M.J. at
296.
B. Sentence Appropriateness
Finally, Appellant argues his sentence was unduly severe. Without conced-
ing that the other portions of his sentence are appropriate, Appellant specifi-
cally requests we disapprove his punitive discharge. We are not persuaded and
accordingly deny relief.
1. Law
This court reviews sentence appropriateness de novo. United States v.
Lane, 64 M.J. 1, 2 (C.A.A.F. 2006) (footnote omitted). We “may affirm only . . .
the sentence or such part or amount of the sentence, as [we find] correct in law
and fact and determine[ ], on the basis of the entire record, should be
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approved.” Article 66(d)(1), UCMJ, 10 U.S.C. § 866(d)(1). “We assess sentence
appropriateness by considering the particular appellant, the nature and seri-
ousness of the offense[s], the appellant’s record of service, and all matters con-
tained in the record of trial.” United States v. Anderson, 67 M.J. 703, 705 (A.F.
Ct. Crim. App. 2009) (per curiam) (citations omitted). Although we have broad
discretion in determining whether a particular sentence is appropriate, we are
not authorized to engage in exercises of clemency. United States v. Nerad, 69
M.J. 138, 146 (C.A.A.F. 2010) (citation omitted).
As our superior court has observed,
Under Article 66(c), [UCMJ, 10 U.S.C. § 866(c),] Congress has
furthered the goal of uniformity in sentencing in a system that
values individualized punishment by relying on the judges of the
Courts of Criminal Appeals to “utilize the experience distilled
from years of practice in military law to determine whether, in
light of the facts surrounding [the] accused’s delict, his sentence
was appropriate. In short, it was hoped to attain relative uni-
formity rather than an arithmetically averaged sentence.”
United States v. Lacy, 50 M.J. 286, 288 (C.A.A.F. 1999) (second alteration in
original) (quoting United States v. Olinger, 12 M.J. 458, 461 (C.M.A. 1982)
(other citation omitted)).
2. Analysis
During sentencing, Appellant introduced mitigating evidence, including a
letter of appreciation, character letters, and photographs. Appellant also intro-
duced a written affidavit by forensic psychologist Dr. PS. Dr. PS diagnosed
Appellant with “Autism Spectrum Disorder – unknown origin, without intel-
lectual impairment, language impairment, or catatonia.” According to Dr. PS,
this condition leads to “deficits in social-emotional reciprocity, nonverbal com-
municative behaviors used for social interaction, and developing, maintaining,
and understanding relationships.” Dr. PS also opined that this condition leads
to “restricted interests and repetitive behavior.” Appellant also introduced a
personal statement in which he discussed the impact his autism spectrum dis-
order had on him and his family during his formative years and his feelings of
isolation and depression in the time leading up to his offense.
In addition to this mitigating evidence, Appellant points out that his mis-
conduct was an isolated incident involving a small number of images and did
not involve distribution of child pornography. He notes that “[o]n the spectrum
of child pornography offenses, [his] offense was on the lower end.” In support
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of his contention, Appellant cites United States v. Guihama, No. ACM 40039,
2022 CCA LEXIS 672, at *1 (A.F. Ct. Crim. App. 18 Nov. 2022) (unpub. op.).3
Appellant argues that his sentence is unduly harsh. In assessing Appel-
lant’s claim, we “utilize the experience distilled from years of practice in mili-
tary law” as our superior court permits. Lacy, 50 M.J. at 288; see also Ballard,
20 M.J. at 286. Based on Appellant’s convicted offense, he faced a maximum of
ten years in confinement and a dishonorable discharge. His plea agreement
required the military judge to adjudge a sentence which included a minimum
of 12 and a maximum of 24 months’ confinement, but included no other limita-
tions on the adjudged sentence. Appellant’s adjudged sentence included 15
months in confinement and a bad-conduct discharge.
We have given individualized consideration to Appellant, the nature and
seriousness of the offense, Appellant’s record of service, and all other matters
contained in the record of trial. We conclude the sentence is not inappropriately
severe.
III. CONCLUSION
The findings and sentence as entered are correct in law and fact, and no
error materially prejudicial to the substantial rights of Appellant occurred. Ar-
ticles 59(a) and 66(d), UCMJ, 10 U.S.C. §§ 859(a), 866(d). Accordingly, the find-
ings and sentence are AFFIRMED.
FOR THE COURT
CAROL K. JOYCE
Clerk of the Court
3 Guihama possessed over 10,000 images and videos containing child pornography.
Guihama, unpub. op. at *4. In addition to his convictions for possession, viewing, and
distributing child pornography, Guihama was also convicted of aggravated sexual
abuse of a minor on divers occasions and aggravated sexual abuse of a second minor.
Guihama received a dishonorable discharge, confinement for ten years, forfeiture of all
pay and allowances, and reduction to the grade of E-1. Id. at *3–4.
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