People of Michigan v. Philip John Ferrier ( 2015 )

STATE OF MICHIGAN
COURT OF APPEALS
PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN, UNPUBLISHED
May 12, 2015
Plaintiff-Appellee,
v No. 320292
Muskegon Circuit Court
PHILIP JOHN FERRIER, LC No. 12-061743-FC
Defendant-Appellant.
Before: BECKERING, P.J., and MARKEY and SHAPIRO, JJ.
PER CURIAM.
Defendant appeals by right his conviction of one count of indecent exposure by a
sexually delinquent person, MCL 750.335a and MCL 750.10a and was sentenced as a second-
offense habitual offender, MCL 769.10, to one day to life incarceration with credit for four days
served. We affirm.
This case arises from defendant’s masturbating in front of the victim, Cathy Molds, when
Molds was cleaning defendant’s house on January 10, 2012. Defendant’s actions upset Molds.
As Molds was leaving, defendant mentioned topless cleaning. Defendant later called Molds after
she left his house and sent her several text messages, but she did not initially respond. When
defendant sent Molds a message stating that he expected her to return to his house the following
week, Molds responded that she was very uncomfortable with defendant’s actions; she was
scared of him, and she did not want to work for him. Defendant responded with several
additional text messages apologizing for his actions, and Molds again responded that she was
very scared of defendant and that his actions were wrong. At trial, the prosecution admitted
defendant’s text messages, Molds’ testimony, the investigating officer’s testimony, and
testimony of four other women, all of whom defendant had previously masturbated in front of in
an employment setting.
The trial was bifurcated; the jury first considered the charge of indecent exposure. After
defendant was found guilty of indecent exposure, the same jury considered the charge of sexual
delinquency. See People v Murphy, 203 Mich. App. 738, 748; 513 NW2d 451 (1994) (holding
that the principal charge of indecent exposure should be separately resolved before the charge of
sexually delinquency can be determined). In the second phase of the trial, a fifth woman testified
that defendant masturbated in front of her at a gas station in 1998. In addition, the prosecution
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and defendant both called expert witnesses to opine on whether defendant was a sexually
delinquent person. Defendant was found guilty of being a sexually delinquent person.
On appeal, defendant first argues that there was insufficient evidence to convict him of
being a sexually delinquent person. Pursuant to MCL 750.10a, a person is sexually delinquent if
his “sexual behavior is characterized by repetitive or compulsive acts which indicate a disregard
of consequences or the recognized rights of others . . . .” Due process requires the prosecution to
introduce evidence sufficient for a trier of fact to conclude that a defendant is guilty beyond a
reasonable doubt. People v Harverson, 291 Mich. App. 171, 175; 804 NW2d 757 (2010). When
reviewing the sufficiency of the evidence to support a conviction, this Court reviews the
evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution and determines whether a rational trier of
fact could find that the evidence proved the essential elements of the crime beyond a reasonable
doubt. Id. A reviewing court will not interfere with the trier of fact’s role in determining the
weight of the evidence or the credibility of witnesses. People v Hill, 257 Mich. App. 126, 141;
667 NW2d 78 (2003).
The evidence established that defendant approached six women (five of whom were in an
employment setting) and masturbated in their presence. This is sufficient to support a finding
that defendant’s actions were repetitive or compulsive. People v Helzer, 404 Mich. 410, 417-
418; 273 NW2d 44 (1978), overruled in part by People v Breidenbach, 489 Mich. 1, 4; 798
NW2d 738 (2011). In addition, all of the women denied asking defendant to engage in this
behavior, and all of the women testified that defendant’s behavior made them frightened or
extremely uncomfortable. This is sufficient to support a finding that defendant’s actions were
against the recognized rights of the women. Id. Although defendant denied most of the
behavior, issues of credibility are properly left to the jury. Hill, 257 Mich. App. at 141. In
addition, defendant’s expert witness testified that defendant engaged in repetitive incidents of
sexual misconduct that were “clearly against” the rights of the women involved. When viewed
in a light most favorable to the prosecution, the evidence supports a finding that defendant’s
behavior met the statutory threshold of sexual delinquency. And, because there was sufficient
evidence to support this conviction, defendant’s due process rights were not violated by the
conviction. Harverson, 291 Mich. App. at 175.
Next, defendant argues that the trial court erred when it denied defendant’s motion to
disqualify the entire prosecutor’s office because defendant’s estranged father is employed by the
prosecutor’s office as an investigator, which created a conflict of interest. “The disqualification
of a prosecutor because of a conflict of interest can occur in situations where the prosecutor has a
personal, financial, or emotional interest in the litigation or a personal relationship with the
accused.” People v Mayhew, 236 Mich. App. 112, 126-127; 600 NW2d 370 (1999).
Disqualification of an individual prosecutor does not automatically disqualify that prosecutor’s
entire office from the case. If a particular prosecutor has a conflict of interest and that attorney
has “supervisory authority over other attorneys in the office, or has policy-making authority, then
recusal of the entire office is likely to be necessary.” People v Doyle, 159 Mich. App. 632, 645;
406 NW2d 893 (1987), modified on other grounds (On Rehearing) 161 Mich. App. 743, 411
NW2d 730 (1987).
In the present case, defendant did not have a previous professional relationship with any
specific prosecuting attorney. Instead, he argues that his estranged father could have biased all
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of the attorneys in the prosecutor’s office against him. But defendant’s father was not involved
in any way in the investigation of this case. And, defendant has not offered any facts to support
his inference that his father’s employment created a conflict of interest: “inferences must have
support in the record and cannot be arrived at by mere speculation.” People v Plummer, 229
Mich. App. 293, 301; 581 NW2d 753 (1998). “There is no appearance of impropriety unless there
are facts demonstrating an emotional or personal stake in the litigation which warrants recusal.”
Doyle, 159 Mich. App. at 646. Because there are no facts in the record to support a finding that
any of the prosecutors, much less the entire prosecutor’s office, had a conflict of interest, the trial
court properly denied defendant’s motion.1
Next, defendant alleges that the prosecution committed misconduct when it improperly
vouched for the credibility of its witnesses and denigrated defendant in its closing argument
related to the indecent exposure charge. Claims of prosecutorial misconduct are reviewed on a
case-by-case basis, and this Court examines the entire record to evaluate the prosecutor’s
comments in context. People v Dobek, 274 Mich. App. 58, 64; 732 NW2d 546 (2007).
“Prosecutors are typically afforded great latitude regarding their arguments and conduct at trial.”
People v Unger, 278 Mich. App. 210, 236; 749 NW2d 272 (2008). The prosecution can make
remarks in its closing argument that are “properly responsive to defendant’s theory of the case.”
People v Thomas, 260 Mich. App. 450, 454; 678 NW2d 631 (2004). In addition, “a prosecutor
may comment on his own witnesses’ credibility during closing argument, especially when there
is conflicting evidence and the question of the defendant’s guilt depends on which witnesses the
jury believes.” Id. at 455. But, “a prosecutor may not vouch for the credibility of his witnesses
by implying that he has some special knowledge of their truthfulness.” Id.
After review of the challenged sections of the closing argument, we find that the
prosecution did not improperly vouch for the credibility of its witnesses. The prosecution never
implied that it had special knowledge concerning Molds’ truthfulness or the truthfulness of any
of the other prosecution witnesses. When the first challenged portion is examined in context, it
is clear that the prosecution properly commented on Molds’ credibility in light of the fact that
there was conflicting evidence at trial, and the question of defendant’s guilt depended on whether
the jury believed Molds or defendant. The prosecution’s comments also responded to
defendant’s argument that Molds’ allegations were fabricated. Further, the prosecution’s
comments did not improperly denigrate defendant. The prosecution permissibly argued that
based on admitted evidence, defendant was not worthy of belief. Unger, 278 Mich. App. at 240.
In the second challenged portion of the closing argument, the prosecution commented on
the testimony of the four women (aside from Molds) who testified in the first phase of trial that
defendant masturbated in front of them. The prosecution was not limited to referencing Molds’
testimony to support the credibility of Molds; it was permitted to argue all of the evidence, and
reasonable inferences arising from the evidence, to support Molds’ credibility. Id. at 236. Also,
1
We decline to consider the prosecution’s alternative argument that pursuant to MCL 49.160, the
trial court did not have the authority to address disqualification because this argument is
abandoned. See People v Kevorkian, 248 Mich. App. 373, 389; 639 NW2d 291 (2001).
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the prosecution did not improperly denigrate defendant; instead, the prosecution properly argued
that the evidence demonstrated defendant was not believable. Id. at 240.
In the third challenged portion of the closing argument, the prosecution did not mention
any of its witnesses or vouch for their credibility. And, although the prosecution questioned
defendant’s trial strategy with regard to one witness, the record does not support defendant’s
unpreserved argument that this portion of the closing argument denigrated defendant. Although
the prosecution was arguably dramatic in certain portions of the challenged argument, the
prosecution was not required to confine its argument to the blandest of all possible terms. Id. at
239. Moreover, the jury was repeatedly instructed that the attorneys’ arguments were not
evidence and that it must decide the case only on the evidence. The jury is presumed to follow
its instructions, and any error would have been cured by the trial court’s instructions to the jury.
Id. at 237; Thomas, 260 Mich. App. at 455.
Defendant next argues that his constitutional right to a speedy trial was violated.
“Whether an accused’s right to a speedy trial is violated depends on consideration of four
factors: ‘(1) the length of delay, (2) the reason for delay, (3) the defendant’s assertion of the
right, and (4) the prejudice to the defendant.’ ” People v Rivera, 301 Mich. App. 188, 193; 835
NW2d 464 (2013) (citation omitted). Because defendant has failed to support his argument with
sufficient citations to the record to enable this Court to review this issue, we decline to consider
it. See, e.g., People v Petri, 279 Mich. App. 407, 413; 760 NW2d 882 (2008) (“Because
defendant has not supported his argument with citations to the record, as required by MCR
7.212(C)(7), we need not consider this argument.”) This Court will not search the record for a
factual basis to sustain or reject an appellant’s position. Id. 2
Next, defendant argues that the trial court erred when it excluded two photographs of
Molds straddling a garden tool and testimony regarding Molds’ actions at a golf outing, both of
which occurred in 2007. We disagree.
We review a trial court’s decision to admit or exclude evidence for an abuse of discretion.
People v Burns, 494 Mich. 104, 110; 832 NW2d 738 (2013). A trial court abuses its discretion
when its decision is outside the range of principled outcomes. People v Feezel, 486 Mich. 184,
192; 783 NW2d 67 (2010). A preserved evidentiary error will not merit reversal in a criminal
case unless, after an examination of the entire cause, it affirmatively appears that it is more
probable than not that the error was outcome determinative. Burns, 494 Mich. at 110.
Defendant argues that the photographs and testimony were relevant to a determination of
the sexual delinquency charge in that they would establish that Molds would not have been
2
We note that our own review of the record reveals that defendant’s argument is without merit.
Most of the delays were attributable to defendant, and defendant did not object to any delays,
agreed to the trial date, and did not assert his right to a speedy trial in the trial court. Although
prejudice is presumed (the single factor that weighs in defendant’s favor), the record does not
support a finding that the delay actually prejudiced the defense of the case. See People v
Williams, 475 Mich. 245, 265; 716 NW2d 208 (2006).
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offended by defendant’s conduct; therefore, his conduct was not done in disregard of Molds’
recognized rights. Pursuant to MRE 402, all relevant evidence is generally admissible, and
pursuant to MRE 401, relevant evidence is any evidence that has the tendency to make the
existence of a fact of consequence more or less probable. Nevertheless, pursuant to MRE 403,
even relevant evidence may be excluded if it is unfairly prejudicial.
Molds’ actions outside of defendant’s presence several years before the incident in
question are not relevant to Molds’ reaction in January 2012 as defendant’s employee to
defendant’s masturbating in front of her. Further, the inquiry regarding whether a defendant’s
actions meet the statutory threshold for a finding of sexual delinquency focuses on defendant’s
behavior. A victim’s actions or thoughts are not relevant to this determination. Helzer, 404 Mich.
at 417-418. Therefore, this evidence was not remotely relevant with regard to a determination of
whether defendant was a sexually delinquent person. The trial court did not abuse its discretion
excluding the evidence. Feezel, 486 Mich. at 192. Finally, even were we to find the evidence
minimally relevant and that the trial court erred by excluding it, we would also find no error
warranting reversal. Because after an examination of the entire cause, it does not affirmatively
appear more probable than not that the error was outcome determinative. Burns, 494 Mich. at
110.
Defendant also claims that during the adjudication of the indecent exposure charge the
trial court improperly admitted the testimony from the four women who testified that defendant
also masturbated in front of them. Michigan Rule of Evidence 404(b)(1) governs the admission
of evidence of other acts and provides that evidence of other acts is not admissible to prove
action in conformity therewith. It may, however, be admissible for other purposes, such as to
show a common scheme, plan, or system. Evidence is admissible under MRE 404(b) when it is
relevant to something other than to show propensity, i.e., character to conduct, and the probative
value of the evidence is not be substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice under
MRE 403. People v Sabin (After Remand), 463 Mich. 43, 55-56; 614 NW2d 888 (2000).
This evidence was introduced to show defendant’s use of a common scheme or plan in
the present case; this use does not involve propensity or character and is a proper under MRE
404(b)(1). Id. at 62-63. In addition, the evidence that on four previous occasions, when
defendant was isolated with and in a position of power or authority over a female victim who
needed or wanted employment with defendant, defendant removed his penis from his pants and
masturbated in front of the woman, was relevant to the material issue that a crime was actually
committed in the present case. Id. at 67. Finally, although all relevant evidence is prejudicial,
only evidence that is unfairly prejudicial should be excluded under MRE 403. People v McGhee,
268 Mich. App. 600, 613-614; 709 NW2d 595 (2005). Here, defendant’s theory of defense was
that the indecent exposure did not occur. The evidence of the four other incidents of indecent
exposure (which was relevant to establish a common scheme or plan between the two crimes)
was highly probative to rebut the defense at trial and not substantially outweighed by the danger
of unfair prejudice. Sabin, 463 Mich. at 71. Moreover, the trial court instructed the jury on the
proper use of this testimony, alleviating any danger of unfair prejudice. People v Roscoe, 303
Mich. App. 633, 646; 846 NW2d 402 (2014).
Finally, defendant argues that testimony from the prosecution’s expert during the
determination of the sexual delinquency charge was improperly admitted because the trial court
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did not qualify the witness as an expert in sexual delinquency, and there was no showing that the
testimony was reliable or based on reliable principles or methods. The trial court may admit the
testimony of a qualified expert “if (1) the testimony is based on sufficient facts or data, (2) the
testimony is the product of reliable principles and methods, and (3) the witness has applied the
principles and methods reliably to the facts of the case.” MRE 702. “Testimony in the form of
an opinion or inference otherwise admissible is not objectionable because it embraces an
ultimate issue to be decided by the trier of fact.” MRE 704. Furthermore, MCL 767.61a permits
expert testimony by both the prosecution and the defendant during the trial on the charge that the
defendant is a sexually delinquent person.
In this case, the prosecution’s expert had master’s degree in social work, practiced as a
psychotherapist at an outpatient mental health clinic for over 30 years, specialized in the
treatment of sex offenders, ran a sex offender group, and had testified as an expert witness in the
area of sexual crimes in courts throughout Michigan. We agree that the record supports a finding
that the prosecution’s witness was qualified as an expert in the area of sexual delinquency by
knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education. MRE 702; Dobek, 274 Mich. App. at 95.
Moreover, because the witness’ qualifications were not challenged in the trial court, the trial
court was not required to specifically make a finding on the record that the witness was qualified
to provide expert testimony. In addition, the fact that the expert did not identify any scientific
literature to support her conclusions “does not necessarily imply that [the] opinions were
unreliable, inadmissible, or based on ‘junk science.’ Indeed, it is obvious that not every
particular factual circumstance can be the subject of peer-reviewed writing.” Unger, 278 Mich
App at 220. Instead, in the present case, the witness’ extensive, varied experience with sexual
offenders constituted sufficient “knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education” to qualify
her as an expert, there were sufficient facts and data on which to base her expert testimony, and
her testimony was sufficiently reliable to satisfy MRE 702. See People v Beckley, 434 Mich.
691, 720-721; 456 NW2d 391 (1990) (expert testimony regarding certain behavior properly
admitted where based on collective clinical observations of a class of people). This is
particularly true because there was no suggestion at trial that the witness’ opinions were based on
unreliable principles or methods. In re Noecker, 472 Mich. 1, 12; 691 NW2d 440 (2005).
In sum, the prosecution’s expert was qualified to provide expert testimony. And, she
properly provided expert testimony regarding whether defendant’s sexual behavior was
characterized by repetitive or compulsive acts that indicated a disregard of consequences or the
recognized rights of others. MRE 702; MRE 704; MCL 767.61a.
We affirm.
/s/ Jane M. Beckering
/s/ Jane E. Markey
/s/ Douglas B. Shapiro
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