John Wesley Ewing v. State of Indiana (mem. dec.) ( 2020 )

MEMORANDUM DECISION
Pursuant to Ind. Appellate Rule 65(D),
this Memorandum Decision shall not be FILED
regarded as precedent or cited before any Nov 06 2020, 8:29 am
court except for the purpose of establishing
CLERK
the defense of res judicata, collateral Indiana Supreme Court
Court of Appeals
estoppel, or the law of the case. and Tax Court
ATTORNEY FOR APPELLANT ATTORNEYS FOR APPELLEE
Nathan D. Meeks Curtis T. Hill, Jr.
Marion, Indiana Attorney General of Indiana
Josiah Swinney
Deputy Attorney General
Indianapolis, Indiana
IN THE
COURT OF APPEALS OF INDIANA
John Wesley Ewing, November 6, 2020
Appellant-Defendant, Court of Appeals Case No.
19A-CR-3023
v. Appeal from the Grant Superior
Court
State of Indiana, The Honorable Dana J.
Appellee-Plaintiff, Kenworthy, Judge
Trial Court Cause No.
27D02-1604-F2-3
Robb, Judge.
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Case Summary and Issues
[1] Following a jury trial, John Ewing was convicted of dealing in a narcotic drug,
a Level 2 felony, and admitted to being an habitual offender. The trial court
sentenced Ewing to serve an aggregate sentence of forty years. Ewing now
appeals and raises two issues for our review: (1) whether the trial court abused
its discretion in admitting evidence discovered pursuant to a search warrant;
and (2) whether the evidence is sufficient to support his conviction for dealing
in a narcotic drug. Concluding the trial court did not abuse its discretion in
admitting the evidence and the evidence is sufficient to support Ewing’s
conviction, we affirm.
Facts and Procedural History
[2] After receiving a tip that Ewing was dealing narcotics out of his home in
Upland, Indiana, detectives with the Joint Effort Against Narcotics (“JEAN”)
Team Drug Task Force began investigating and conducted surveillance on
Ewing. On March 24, 2016, JEAN task force Detective Wesley McCorkle
prepared a probable cause affidavit to obtain a search warrant for Ewing’s
residence. The reasons and grounds provided, in part:
1. On 7/21/15 the JEAN Team Drug Task Force received a
tip about . . . Ewing, also known as “Black,” dealing illegal
narcotics at [a residence on] E. 400 S. [in] Upland, Indiana[.]
2. On 11/22/15 an interview was conducted with [B.K. who
said he] was getting illegal narcotics from . . . Ewing who lives in
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the country by Upland. [B.K.] said Mr. Ewing is from Muncie
and drives a white Jeep Liberty. [B.K.] was asked if he has seen
“kilos” of illegal narcotics at Mr. Ewing’s residence and [he] said
that he has[.]
3. On 11/23/15 Detective Josh Zigler spoke with Detective
Mike Nickens of the Muncie Drug Task Force in reference to . . .
Ewing. Det. Nickens advised Det. Zigler that he was familiar
with Mr. Ewing [and] Ewing is originally from Muncie, . . . and
he now lives somewhere near Upland[,] goes by the street name
“Black” and there were several individuals in Muncie . . .
obtaining illegal narcotics from him[, and] Ewing comes to
Muncie on a daily or every other day basis. Det. Nickens was
familiar with Mr. Ewing driving a white Jeep.
4. On December 23rd 2016 a GPS tracker was affixed to . . .
Ewing’s white Jeep Liberty[.]
[Appellant’s] Appendix (“Appellant’s App.”), Volume 2 at 134-35.
[3] In the affidavit, Detective McCorkle also attested that on January 8, 2016, he
and other task force detectives were conducting surveillance in the area of
Ewing’s house and observed Ewing drive a white Jeep Liberty. Detectives
followed Ewing as he drove to Hartford City and then to Muncie. They
decided to return to Grant County but continued to monitor Ewing’s location
via GPS, which revealed that Ewing drove to Atlanta, Georgia, where he
stayed for eleven minutes. The detectives coordinated with the task force and
the Indiana State Police to initiate a traffic stop on Ewing when he drove back
into Indiana. Detectives McCorkle and Zigler located the vehicle in
Connersville and began to follow it. Two state troopers pulled the vehicle over
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for speeding. Ewing’s brother was seated in the driver’s seat and Ewing was
seated in the front passenger seat. Ewing was asked to retrieve the vehicle
registration and a clear plastic bag containing a “green leafy plantlike material”
fell out of the glove box. Id. at 135. Ewing stated that he “smokes weed and
that the marijuana that was in the glove box was his personal use.” Id. at 136.
The troopers and Detective McCorkle searched the vehicle but did not locate
any other evidence of a crime. Ewing’s brother was given a warning for
speeding and Ewing was advised he would receive an order to appear due to the
marijuana found in the vehicle.
[4] Detective McCorkle also provided the following information in his affidavit:
6. Throughout the month of February and March of 2016
both the Muncie Drug Task Force and the JEAN Team Drug
Task Force has received phone calls from an anonymous female
that has advised us that John “Black” Ewing has been selling a
large quantity of heroin both in Muncie and from his residence.
7. Through surveillance Mr. Ewing has been seen walking to
and from the residence and the woods just south of [his]
residence. Information has been received by the JEAN Team
D.T.F. that Mr. Ewing raises pitbulls in the wooded area behind
his house and I believe that area could be used to hide
contraband and/or U.S. Currency related to the sale of drugs.
Id. And finally, Detective McCorkle provided the details of a controlled buy on
March 22. A confidential informant (“CI”) contacted Detective McCorkle “in
reference to purchasing heroin from an individual [the CI] knew as ‘Black.’” Id.
Detective McCorkle was familiar with the CI from prior investigations
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regarding Ewing; he contacted the task force to set up the buy and obtained
audio and video recording devices. The CI spoke with Ewing via cell phone
and agreed to purchase three grams of heroin for $300.
[5] Detectives McCorkle and Zigler photocopied the buy money, met with the CI,
provided the buy money, and conducted a “debrief.” Id. The CI advised
detectives that he/she would call Ewing, let him know he/she had the money,
and find out where to meet him. The CI told the detectives he/she believed the
buy would take place at Ewing’s house because that is where he/she normally
purchases from Ewing. The CI also stated he/she has purchased heroin from
Ewing in his detached garage in the past. The CI called Ewing, who said to
meet him at a local gas station.
[6] Detective Zigler advised Detective McCorkle that he observed, via a hidden
camera, a red vehicle leave Ewing’s residence. Detectives followed the CI to
the gas station and conducted surveillance. The CI parked, waited a few
minutes, and then called Ewing several times without answer. Several minutes
later, a red Pontiac Grand Prix pulled into the parking lot of the gas station and
parked north of the CI. The CI exited the vehicle, walked to the passenger side
of the red car, stayed there for about one minute, and then returned to his/her
vehicle. The red car then drove away. The detectives followed the CI back to
their original meeting location and the CI provided the substance he/she had
purchased. A post-buy debrief was conducted during which the CI informed
the detectives that he/she observed a red Pontiac pull up to his/her vehicle at
the gas station; the CI recognized the subject in the Pontiac as Ewing’s uncle
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and described him as a black male in his fifties with several missing teeth; the
CI walked over to the Pontiac, handed Ewing’s uncle the $300 buy money, and
“was handed a clear twisted and knotted plastic baggy that contained a tan rock
like substance” he/she believed to be heroin. Id. at 137.
[7] The substance weighed 3.2 grams and field tested positive for heroin. Detective
Zigler subsequently informed Detective McCorkle that he drove to County
Road 400 S and observed a red Pontiac Grand Prix parked in the driveway of
Ewing’s residence and observed two black males get out of the vehicle. The
passenger was wearing tan clothing and the vehicle had a temporary plate.
Detective McCorkle attested that all video and audio, including pre- and post-
buy interviews and footage of the red Pontiac leaving and returning to Ewing’s
residence, were burned to a disc. Based on the information provided in the
affidavit, a search warrant was issued on March 24.
[8] Later that night, a SWAT team and detectives from the task force executed the
search warrant. During the search, officers located a total of approximately 369
grams of heroin, baggies, a Direct TV bill addressed to Ewing, a “dried green
plant like material” inside a Mason jar in the kitchen cabinet, a digital scale
with “a smear of white powder on it[,]” measuring cups with powder residue, a
razor blade, and multiple firearms, including an AR-15-style long rifle.
Transcript of Evidence, Volume 3 at 23-24. Ewing and his son, who was also
living at the house, were taken into custody.
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[9] Later, police interviewed Ewing. When asked how much heroin was in the
house, Ewing responded, “about three hundred and some grams.” Exhibits,
Volume 4 at 99. And officers also asked how much money he “[gave] out when
you re-upped?” to which Ewing responded, “about fifteen grand.” Id. During
the interview, Ewing said he usually sells marijuana or cocaine but began
selling heroin “because it was faster money[,]” he purchases heroin already cut,
and his son was not involved. Id. at 110.
[10] Based on evidence seized as a result of the March 24 warrant, two other search
warrants were later issued. On March 25, officers obtained a warrant to search
the residence, detached garage, shed, fenced area used for kenneling dogs, and
two vehicles for proceeds from the illegal sales of heroin or other narcotics. See
Appellant’s App., Vol. 2 at 144-45.1 Another warrant was issued on March 31
to search the contents of Ewing’s cell phones.
[11] On April 1, the State charged Ewing with Count I, dealing in a narcotic drug, a
Level 2 felony; Count II, conspiracy to commit dealing in a narcotic drug, a
Level 5 felony; Count III, maintaining a common nuisance, a Level 6 felony;
1
The same day, the warrant was amended to allow officers to search for contraband related to illegal dog
fighting. See id. at 148.
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Count IV, possession of marijuana, a Class A misdemeanor; and alleged Ewing
was an habitual offender.2
[12] In April 2017, Ewing challenged the validity of the three search warrants by
filing a motion to suppress all evidence obtained as a result of the search
warrants, any statements made by Ewing, and jails calls from Ewing’s arrest.
Ewing argued that the March 24 warrant was based on unreliable and
uncorroborated hearsay and the officers were “reckless and grossly negligent in
preparing the [March 24] affidavit” and “could not have harbored an
objectively reasonable belief in the existence of probable cause to search the
residence and grounds for evidence of drug contraband, drug money and drug
paraphernalia.” Id. at 158-59. He also argued the warrants were stale.
Following a hearing, the trial court issued an order denying Ewing’s motion to
suppress and finding that probable cause existed for the issuance of the search
warrants. See id. at 198.
[13] The State moved to dismiss Counts II-IV, which the trial court granted, leaving
only Count I, dealing in a narcotic drug, a Level 2 felony. A jury trial was held
on May 14, 2019. Ewing made a continuing objection to the evidence obtained
as a result of the search warrant, which the trial court overruled. Notably, at
trial, the CI testified that he/she lied to police and never purchased drugs from
2
Later, the State also charged Ewing with an additional seventy-two counts of various animal cruelty crimes
related to over thirty dogs found in kennels on his property. These charges were later dismissed, some of
which were dismissed without prejudice.
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Ewing. See Tr., Vol. 3 at 103, 107. The CI acknowledged telling Detective
McCorkle he/she spoke to Ewing and Ewing was going to sell heroin to
him/her at the gas station. But when asked if the CI was lying to the detective,
the CI stated, “Yeah, I did. . . . I wanted to stay out [of jail and] they wanted
[Ewing].” Id. at 106.
[14] Following the presentation of evidence, the jury found Ewing guilty as charged.
In the second phase of trial, Ewing admitted to being an habitual offender. The
trial court sentenced Ewing to forty years, thirty-eight years to be executed in
the Indiana Department of Correction and two years suspended to probation.
Ewing now appeals. Additional facts will be supplied as necessary.
Discussion and Decision
I. Admission of Evidence
[15] Ewing argues that the trial court erred in admitting evidence obtained as a
result of the search warrant that “was supported by uncorroborated hearsay
[and] an inadequate controlled buy” and therefore lacked probable cause. Brief
of Appellant at 8. We disagree.
A. Standard of Review
[16] Our standard of review in this area is well-settled. The admission and exclusion
of evidence falls within the sound discretion of the trial court, and we review
the trial court’s decision for an abuse of that discretion. Morrison v. State, 824
N.E.2d 734, 739 (Ind. Ct. App. 2005), trans. denied. An abuse of discretion
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occurs when the trial court’s decision is clearly against the logic and effect of
the facts and circumstances before it. Baker v. State, 997 N.E.2d 67, 70 (Ind. Ct.
App. 2013). We do not reweigh the evidence and consider the evidence most
favorable to the trial court’s ruling. Scott v. State, 883 N.E.2d 147, 152 (Ind. Ct.
App. 2008).
B. Probable Cause to Search Residence
[17] The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article 1,
section 11 of the Indiana Constitution both require probable cause for the
issuance of a search warrant. Rader v. State, 932 N.E.2d 755, 758 (Ind. Ct. App.
2010), trans. denied. “Probable cause is a fluid concept incapable of precise
definition and must be decided based on the facts of each case.” Id.
“Ultimately, the task of a magistrate in deciding whether to issue a search
warrant is simply to make a practical, commonsense decision whether, given all
the circumstances set forth in the affidavit . . . there is a fair probability that
contraband or evidence of a crime will be found in a particular place.” McGrath
v. State, 95 N.E.3d 522, 528 (Ind. 2018) (internal quotation omitted). When
reviewing a magistrate’s decision to issue a warrant, we apply a deferential
standard. Newby v. State, 701 N.E.2d 593, 598 (Ind. Ct. App. 1998). We
evaluate whether the reasonable inferences drawn from the totality of the
evidence support the probable cause finding. McGrath, 95 N.E.3d at 528.
“Rather than consider post hoc justifications for the search, we evaluate only the
evidence presented to the issuing magistrate.” Id.
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[18] “Probable cause to issue a search warrant cannot be supported by
uncorroborated hearsay from an informant whose credibility is unknown.”
Scott, 883 N.E.2d at 154 (quotation omitted). Indiana Code section 35-33-5-
2(b) provides that when an affidavit is based on hearsay, it must either:
(1) contain reliable information establishing the credibility of the
source and of each of the declarants of the hearsay and
establishing that there is a factual basis for the information
furnished; or
(2) contain information that establishes that the totality of the
circumstances corroborates the hearsay.
[19] The reliability of hearsay may be established if: (1) the informant has given
correct information in the past; (2) independent police investigation
corroborates the informant’s statements; (3) some basis for the informant’s
knowledge is demonstrated; or (4) the informant predicts conduct or activities
by the suspect that are not ordinarily predictable. Cheever-Ortiz v. State, 825
N.E.2d 867, 872 (Ind. Ct. App. 2005). Other considerations may come into
play in establishing the reliability of the informant or the hearsay. Id. And an
anonymous tip alone cannot provide the basis for probable cause; however, an
anonymous tip, along with a showing of a basis for the informant’s knowledge
and corroboration by independent police work, will support probable cause. Id.
at 873.
[20] Here, the affiant attested to the following information in the probable cause
affidavit:
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• Police received a tip that Ewing, known as “Black,” was dealing
narcotics at his residence located on E. 400 S. in Upland.
• B.K. told police he purchased narcotics from Ewing at Ewing’s residence
in Upland; he has seen “kilos” of illegal narcotics at Ewing’s house; and
Ewing is from Muncie and drives a white Jeep. Appellant’s App., Vol. 2
at 135.
• Detective Nickens of the Muncie Drug Task Force informed detectives
he was familiar with Ewing; Ewing is from Muncie but lives near
Upland; Ewing’s street name is “Black”; several individuals in Muncie
have purchased narcotics from Ewing; Ewing drives a white Jeep; and
drives to Muncie every day or every other day.
• Police obtained a warrant, placed a GPS tracker on Ewing’s white Jeep
Liberty, and monitored his movement.
• In January 2016, detectives observed a white Jeep Liberty leave the
residence, followed it, and later identified Ewing as the driver.
Detectives followed the vehicle to Muncie, where Ewing made several
stops, but then returned to Grant County and continued to monitor
Ewing’s location. Ewing then traveled to Atlanta, stayed there for eleven
minutes, and returned home.
• Detectives coordinated a traffic stop upon Ewing’s return to Indiana.
Ewing’s brother was the driver; Ewing was the passenger. During the
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stop, marijuana fell from the glove box and officers conducted a search,
which did not reveal any valuable evidence. Ewing admitted the
marijuana was for his personal use.
• In February and March 2016, the Muncie Drug Task Force and JEAN
Drug Task Force received phone calls from an anonymous female
advising police that “John ‘Black’ Ewing has been selling a large quantity
of heroin both in Muncie and from his residence.” Id. at 136.
• Surveillance has shown Ewing walk to and from his residence and the
woods near his residence.
• On March 22, 2016, a CI informed police that he/she spoke with an
individual he/she knew as “Black,” who agreed to sell the CI three
grams of heroin for $300. Police organized a controlled buy, utilizing
adequate controls. The CI believed the meeting location would be
Ewing’s residence as it was where the CI would normally purchase from
Ewing. The CI called Ewing, who asked to meet at a gas station. After
the call, another detective observed a red passenger vehicle leave Ewing’s
residence. Police followed the CI to the gas station. A red Pontiac
Grand Prix pulled up next to the CI, the CI walked over to the car,
purchased heroin from a man the CI recognized as Ewing’s uncle, and
then returned to his/her vehicle. The Pontiac left the parking lot.
Shortly after the buy, Detective Zigler drove to Ewing’s residence and
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observed two black males get out of a red Pontiac Grand Prix in the
driveway.
[21] The totality of the circumstances provided in this affidavit corroborates the tips
and information provided by the informants. Over the course of months,
detectives received several anonymous tips, information from two named
individuals, B.K. and the CI, and Muncie narcotics detective Nickens that
Ewing was selling illegal narcotics out of his residence. See Beverly v. State, 801
N.E.2d 1254, 1262 (Ind. Ct. App. 2004) (citing United States v. Schaefer, 87 F.3d
562, 566 (1st Cir. 1996) (“Courts often have held that consistency between the
reports of two independent informants helps to validate both accounts.”)), trans.
denied. B.K. told detectives he had been to Ewing’s residence where he
purchased drugs from Ewing and personally observed large quantities of narcotics
inside the house. And the anonymous tips also identified Ewing’s nickname
and one tip provided Ewing’s exact address.
[22] Ewing claims that the independent police investigation did not corroborate the
information the CI provided to police, who later admitted that he/she lied to
police and never purchased drugs from Ewing. However, we conclude that the
independent police investigation, including the controlled buy, supports the
reliability of the tips and information provided by the informants. Although the
controlled buy did not take place at Ewing’s residence, the CI contacted Ewing
to purchase three grams of heroin. Shortly after the call, detectives observed the
seller travel from Ewing’s residence to the gas station, conduct the transaction,
and return to the residence after the sale. And the fact that the CI later said
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he/she was lying is irrelevant to the instant analysis because that was unknown
to police at the time the affidavit was submitted and we evaluate only the
evidence presented to the issuing judicial officer. See McGrath, 95 N.E.3d at
528.
[23] We conclude the affiant provided a substantial basis to establish probable cause
to believe Ewing was dealing heroin from his residence and therefore, the
warrant to search his residence for evidence of this crime was valid. Because
the warrant was valid, the evidence discovered during the execution thereof and
pursuant to the subsequent warrants was properly admitted and the trial court
did not abuse its discretion in this regard.
C. Good Faith Exception to the Exclusionary Rule
[24] Ewing also contends that “the good faith exception could not apply because it
was patently obvious that probable cause did not exist” and therefore, the
evidence should have been suppressed. Br. of Appellant at 8. Having already
determined the warrant was valid, an analysis of this exception is unnecessary.
However, for the sake of thoroughness, we briefly address Ewing’s argument.
[25] In United States v. Leon, 468 U.S. 897 (1984), the United States Supreme Court
held that the exclusionary rule does not require the suppression of evidence
obtained in reliance on an invalid or defective search warrant if the police relied
on the warrant in objective good faith. Jaggers v. State, 687 N.E.2d 180, 184
(Ind. 1997). The good faith exception does not apply if (1) the judicial officer
issuing the warrant was misled by information in the affidavit that the affiant
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knew was false; (2) the judicial officer issuing the warrant wholly abandoned
the detached and neutral judicial role; (3) the affidavit supporting the warrant
was so lacking in indicia of probable cause as to render official belief in its
existence entirely unreasonable; or (4) the warrant is so facially deficient that
the executing officers could not reasonably presume it to be valid. Rice v. State,
916 N.E.2d 296, 301-02 (Ind. Ct. App. 2009), trans. denied.
[26] Indiana has codified the “good faith exception” to the exclusionary rule in
Indiana Code section 35-37-4-5, which provides, in part, that evidence is
obtained in good faith if it is obtained pursuant to “a search warrant that was
properly issued upon a determination of probable cause by a neutral and
detached magistrate, that is free from obvious defects other than nondeliberate
errors made in its preparation, and that was reasonably believed by the law
enforcement officer to be valid[.]” Ind. Code § 35-37-4-5(b)(1)(A) (emphasis
added).
[27] Here, there is no claim that the warrant was facially deficient, that the issuing
magistrate was not detached and neutral, or that the officers misled the issuing
magistrate by knowingly providing false information. Instead, Ewing claims
that the police clearly lacked any probable cause, which they should have
known. The detectives conducted independent investigation to corroborate the
information they received. They executed a controlled buy and had no
information at the time of applying for the warrant that would cast doubt on the
accuracy of the CI’s information, which was consistent with the other tips and
information they previously obtained. We cannot conclude the search warrant
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was so lacking in indicia of probable cause as to render official belief in its
existence entirely unreasonable. Therefore, assuming arguendo that the
warrant was not valid, the “good faith exception” to the exclusionary rule
would apply and the evidence was properly admitted.
II. Sufficiency of the Evidence
[28] Ewing argues there is insufficient evidence to support his conviction because
only half of the suspected heroin was tested; police investigation and
surveillance did not reveal a drug deal, any unusual traffic patterns, or any
evidence he was dealing; the controlled buy did not involve Ewing; and the CI
testified that he/she lied and had never purchased drugs from Ewing. We
conclude there is sufficient evidence to support Ewing’s conviction.
A. Standard of Review
[29] When reviewing the sufficiency of the evidence required to support a criminal
conviction, we do not reweigh the evidence or judge the credibility of the
witnesses. Bailey v. State, 907 N.E.2d 1003, 1005 (Ind. 2009). Instead, we
consider only the evidence supporting the verdict and any reasonable inferences
that can be drawn therefrom. Morris v. State, 114 N.E.3d 531, 535 (Ind. Ct.
App. 2018), trans. denied. And we consider conflicting evidence most favorably
to the verdict. Silvers v. State, 114 N.E.3d 931, 936 (Ind. Ct. App. 2018). “We
will affirm if there is substantial evidence of probative value such that a
reasonable trier of fact could have concluded the defendant was guilty beyond a
reasonable doubt.” Bailey, 907 N.E.2d at 1005. It is not necessary for the
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evidence to overcome every reasonable hypothesis of innocence; it is sufficient
if an inference may reasonably be drawn from the evidence to support the
verdict. Silvers, 114 N.E.3d at 936.
B. Dealing in a Narcotic Drug
[30] To convict Ewing, the State was required to prove each element of dealing in a
narcotic drug beyond a reasonable doubt. Ind. Code § 35-41-4-1(a). A person
who possesses, with intent to deliver, a narcotic drug in an amount of at least
ten grams commits dealing in a narcotic drug, a Level 2 felony. Ind. Code §§
35-48-4-1(a)(2), (e)(1) (2014).3 Because intent is a mental state, a trier of fact
must generally resort to the reasonable inferences arising from the surrounding
circumstances to determine whether the requisite intent exists. McGuire v. State,
613 N.E.2d 861, 864 (Ind. Ct. App. 1993), trans. denied. This court has held that
“[c]ircumstantial evidence showing possession with intent to deliver may
support a conviction.” Love v. State, 741 N.E.2d 789, 792 (Ind. Ct. App. 2001)
(quotation omitted).
3
Although not raised by either party, we pause to note a few discrepancies in the record with respect to this
charge. The caption of the charging information and the abstract of judgment both cite to section (a)(1) of
Indiana Code section 35-48-4-1, which provides that a person who knowingly or intentionally manufactures,
finances the manufacture of, delivers, or finances the delivery of a narcotic drug commits dealing in a
narcotic drug. See Appellant’s App., Vol. 2 at 22; id., Vol. 3 at 60. However, the substance of the
information specifically alleged that Ewing knowingly possessed with intent to deliver a narcotic drug, which is
consistent with the language in section (a)(2) of the statute, and with the preliminary and final instructions
provided to the jury. See Appellant’s App., Vol. 2 at 22; Exhibits, Vol. 4 at 126-27, 133-34. Therefore, we
analyze the sufficiency of the evidence under section (a)(2).
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[31] A person has actual possession of contraband when he has direct physical
control over it. Gray v. State, 957 N.E.2d 171, 174 (Ind. 2011). However, “[a]
person constructively possesses contraband when the person has (1) the
capability to maintain dominion and control over the item; and (2) the intent to
maintain dominion and control over it.” Id. To prove capability, the State
must show that the defendant is able to reduce the contraband to his personal
possession. K.F. v. State, 961 N.E.2d 501, 510 (Ind. Ct. App. 2012), trans.
denied. And to prove intent, the State must demonstrate the defendant’s
knowledge of the presence of the contraband. Id. This knowledge may be
inferred from either exclusive dominion and control over the premises
containing the contraband or, if the control is non-exclusive, evidence of
additional circumstances that point to the defendant’s knowledge of the
presence of the contraband, including incriminating statements made by the
defendant; attempted flight or furtive gestures; proximity of contraband to the
defendant; location of the contraband within the defendant’s plain view; or
mingling of the contraband with other items owned by the defendant. Id.
[32] Here, officers located an extremely large amount of heroin – approximately 369
grams4 – inside Ewing’s house. The large amount in itself is sufficient to
demonstrate possession with intent to deliver. See Davis v. State, 791 N.E.2d
266, 270 (Ind. Ct. App. 2003) (“Evidence of the illegal possession of a relatively
4
This is the total weight of the substance located in Ewing’s house; however, the Indiana State Police
laboratory only tested a portion, 170.03 grams, of the substance, which tested positive for heroin. See Tr.,
Vol. 2 at 246; id., Vol. 3 at 15.
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large quantity of drugs is sufficient to sustain a conviction for possession with
intent to deliver.”), trans. denied. However, in the kitchen, police also
discovered baggies, a digital scale and measuring cups with white powder
residue, and a razor blade. Even though Ewing’s son was living in the house at
the time, police also discovered a Direct TV bill addressed to Ewing on the
kitchen counter and Ewing made incriminating statements. In an interview,
Ewing later admitted there was about three hundred grams of heroin in the
house for which he paid $15,000. See Exhibits, Vol. 4 at 99. Ewing also told
detectives he did not use heroin and he usually sells weed or cocaine but began
selling heroin “because it was faster money[,]” and his son was not involved.
Id. at 110. Based on this evidence, the jury could reasonably infer Ewing
possessed several hundred grams of heroin with the intent to deal. See Wilson v.
State, 754 N.E.2d 950, 957 (Ind. Ct. App. 2001) (noting possession of a large
quantity of drugs, money, plastic bags, and other paraphernalia is
circumstantial evidence of intent to deliver); see also Love, 741 N.E.2d at 792
(“The more narcotics a person possesses, the stronger the inference that he
intended to deliver it and not consume it personally.”).
[33] With respect to Ewing’s argument that the CI testified that he/she lied and
never purchased drugs from Ewing, this is merely a request for this court to
reweigh the evidence, which we cannot do. See Bailey, 907 N.E.2d at 1005. We
conclude that the jury could have reasonably inferred Ewing’s intent to deal
heroin from his possession of several hundred grams of heroin and
paraphernalia and his admissions to police.
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-CR-3023 | November 6, 2020 Page 20 of 21
Conclusion
[34] The trial court did not abuse its discretion in admitting evidence obtained when
police executed the search warrant and the evidence is sufficient to support
Ewing’s conviction for dealing in a narcotic drug. Accordingly, we affirm.
[35] Affirmed.
Crone, J., and Brown, J., concur.
Court of Appeals of Indiana | Memorandum Decision 19A-CR-3023 | November 6, 2020 Page 21 of 21