People of Michigan v. Fontae Edrese-Duane Sargent ( 2018 )

STATE OF MICHIGAN
COURT OF APPEALS
PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN, UNPUBLISHED
September 18, 2018
Plaintiff-Appellee,
v No. 339506
Muskegon Circuit Court
FONTAE EDRESE-DUANE SARGENT, LC No. 16-004943-FH
Defendant-Appellant.
Before: MURRAY, C.J., and CAMERON and LETICA, JJ.
PER CURIAM.
Defendant, Fontae Edrese-Duane Sargent, appeals by right his jury convictions of being a
felon in possession of a firearm (felon-in-possession), MCL 750.224f, possession of a firearm
during the commission of a felony (felony-firearm), MCL 750.227b, and failure to comply with
the Sex Offenders Registration Act (SORA), MCL 28.721 et seq., MCL 28.729(1)(a). Finding
no error requiring reversal, we affirm.
I. BACKGROUND
Sargent’s exgirlfriend spoke with police officers to report a physical and sexual assault
that she alleged he committed against her, as well as alleged threats of violence that he made
against her and her son. Officers went to the exgirlfriend’s house on Prince Lane, where Sargent
answered the door. Sargent agreed to accompany the officers to the police department for an
interview. Officers determined that Sargent was a convicted sex offender and required to
comply with SORA, including by registering any change of address within three days. Sargent’s
registered address was a location on Howden Street, not Prince Lane. Sargent was arrested and
charged with failure to register his address under SORA. Later, officers returned to Prince Lane
to retrieve a handgun Sargent’s exgirlfriend had disclosed and identified as belonging to Sargent,
resulting in the additional charges for felon-in-possession and felony-firearm.
II. OTHER-ACTS EVIDENCE
Sargent first argues on appeal that he was denied due process and a fair trial because his
exgirlfriend was allowed to testify to alleged repeated sexual assaults and threats of physical
violence, which were irrelevant to the charges, and without notice that other-acts evidence would
be offered. We disagree.
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Sargent did not object to the testimony at trial. Therefore, the issue is unpreserved for
appeal. See People v Aldrich, 246 Mich. App. 101, 113; 631 NW2d 67 (2001). Generally, a trial
court’s evidentiary rulings are reviewed for an abuse of discretion. Id. However, unpreserved
claims are reviewed for plain error. People v Carines, 460 Mich. 750, 763-764; 597 NW2d 130
(1999). The defendant must show that (1) error occurred, (2) the error was clear or obvious, and
(3) the error affected the defendant’s substantial rights. Id. at 763. The third requirement
generally involves a showing that the error affected the outcome of the lower court proceedings.
Id. Reversal is warranted only when the plain error “resulted in the conviction of an actually
innocent defendant or when an error seriously affect[ed] the fairness, integrity, or public
reputation of the judicial proceedings independent of the defendant’s innocence.” Id. (quotation
marks and citation omitted; alteration in original).
The admissibility of evidence concerning other crimes, wrongs, or acts involves the
interplay of Michigan Rules of Evidence 401, 402, 403, and 404(b). See People v VanderVliet,
444 Mich. 52, 74-75; 508 NW2d 114 (1993), amended 445 Mich. 1205 (1994). Specifically,
MRE 404(b) states as follows:
(b) Other crimes, wrongs, or acts.
(1) Evidence of other crimes, wrongs, or acts is not admissible to prove
the character of a person in order to show action in conformity therewith. It may,
however, be admissible for other purposes, such as proof of motive, opportunity,
intent, preparation, scheme, plan, or system in doing an act, knowledge, identity,
or absence of mistake or accident when the same is material, whether such other
crimes, wrongs, or acts are contemporaneous with, or prior or subsequent to the
conduct at issue in the case.
(2) The prosecution in a criminal case shall provide reasonable notice in
advance of trial, or during trial if the court excuses pretrial notice on good cause
shown, of the general nature of any such evidence it intends to introduce at trial
and the rationale, whether or not mentioned in subparagraph (b)(1), for admitting
the evidence. If necessary to a determination of the admissibility of the evidence
under this rule, the defendant shall be required to state the theory or theories of
defense, limited only by the defendant’s privilege against self-incrimination.[1]
In VanderVliet, 444 Mich. at 74-75, the Michigan Supreme Court outlined a four-step
process for evaluating the admissibility of evidence under MRE 404(b). First, “[t]he evidence
must be relevant to an issue other than propensity under MRE 404(b) . . . .” Id. at 74. “Stated
otherwise, the prosecutor must offer the other acts evidence under something other than a
1
MRE 404(b)(2) has been substantively amended, effective January 1, 2018. All citations in this
opinion refer to the former version of the rule in effect at the time of these proceedings. See
MRE 404(b)(2), as amended November 10, 1994, 447 Mich. clxvi.
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character to conduct theory.” Id. “Second, . . . the evidence must be relevant under MRE 402, as
enforced through MRE 104(b),[2] to an issue or fact of consequence at trial.” Id. Third, the trial
court must determine, under MRE 403, whether the danger of undue prejudice substantially
outweighs the probative value of the evidence considering the availability of other means of
proof and other facts appropriate for making the decision. Id. at 74-75. Finally, the trial court
may provide a limiting instruction under MRE 1053 upon request. Id. at 75. Notably, “MRE
404(b) does not prohibit all other-acts evidence ‘that may . . . give rise to an inference about the
defendant’s character,’ but only that which is ‘relevant solely to the defendant’s character or
criminal propensity.’ ” People v Jackson, 498 Mich. 246, 276; 869 NW2d 253 (2015) (citation
omitted).
MRE 404(b) applies to evidence of crimes, wrongs, or acts other than the conduct at issue
in the case. Id. at 262. The conduct at issue in Sargent’s trial was his possession of a firearm
and his failure to comply with SORA requirements. Therefore, testimony concerning Sargent’s
assaults and threats against his exgirlfriend clearly fell within the scope of other-acts evidence as
contemplated by MRE 404(b), and the trial court erred in failing to apply the rule of evidence.
However, because Sargent has not demonstrated plain error affecting his substantial rights by the
failure to apply MRE 404(b), we conclude that Sargent is not entitled to relief. In this case, the
prosecution asked Sargent’s exgirlfriend why she originally went to the police station. She
responded with a lengthy answer that detailed the alleged sexual assaults and threats of violence.
We conclude that this testimony was relevant to demonstrating why police were searching for
Sargent to begin with and why they looked for him at Prince Lane. See, e.g., id. at 276 (finding
testimony concerning the defendant’s past conduct with a witness was admissible for the purpose
of explaining the circumstances leading to the complainant’s disclosure to the witness). Because
the testimony was relevant to something other than propensity, Sargent has not demonstrated that
an error occurred that was clear or obvious under the plain-error standard. Moreover, we
conclude that the danger of undue prejudice was slight and, therefore, did not substantially
outweigh the probative value of the testimony.
Sargent additionally argues that he was denied due process and a fair trial because the
prosecution did not provide notice under MRE 404(b)(2) of its intent to introduce the testimony
regarding other acts. We disagree. Although it was error for the prosecution not to provide
notice, Sargent has not demonstrated how this failure affected his substantial rights. As
discussed above, the lack of notice did not result in the introduction of substantively improper
other-acts evidence. Thus, although Sargent “was not afforded his due opportunity to marshal
arguments” against the testimony before it was introduced at trial, he has not demonstrated that
any arguments “would have been availing, or would have affected the scope of testimony
2
MRE 104(b) states, “When the relevancy of evidence depends upon the fulfillment of a
condition of fact, the court shall admit it upon, or subject to, the introduction of evidence
sufficient to support a finding of the fulfillment of the condition.”
3
MRE 105 states, “When evidence which is admissible as to one party or for one purpose but
not admissible as to another party or for another purpose is admitted, the court, upon request,
shall restrict the evidence to its proper scope and instruct the jury accordingly.”
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ultimately presented to the jury.” Id. at 278 (quotation marks and citation omitted). Moreover,
while Sargent may have been surprised that this testimony was presented in the absence of the
required notice, he was fully aware of the underlying facts because his exgirlfriend had already
testified at the preliminary examination that she went to the police to report Sargent’s assaults
and threats. In any event, Sargent “has not demonstrated how he would have approached trial or
presented his defense differently had he known in advance” that his exgirlfriend would testify as
she did. Id. at 278-279. Thus, we conclude that Sargent was not denied due process or a fair
trial by the prosecution’s failure to follow MRE 404(b)(2).
Even if we were to conclude that this evidence was improperly admitted, Sargent cannot
establish that its admission affected the outcome of the lower court proceedings. See Carines,
460 Mich. at 763. Setting aside the other evidence of his guilt, Sargent was able to use the
challenged testimony to support his defense theory. The circumstances surrounding the couple’s
relationship raised a concern regarding the exgirlfriend’s credibility from the start,4 which was
further emphasized when Sargent testified and accused her of manipulating him and lying
throughout her testimony. When the exgirlfriend described Sargent’s assaults and threats at trial,
it opened up an additional opportunity for Sargent to undermine her testimony by impeaching her
with prior inconsistent statements regarding the details of the assaults and threats. While we
recognize the inherent risk of prejudice arising from other-acts evidence of this nature, we find it
improbable that admission of the challenged testimony affected the outcome of the trial in light
of Sargent’s ultimate use of the evidence in support of his defense.
III. JURY INSTRUCTIONS
Sargent next argues that he is entitled to a new trial because the jury was not properly
instructed regarding other-acts evidence. We disagree.
As an initial matter, we note that the trial court explicitly asked if the parties had
additions or exceptions to the instructions as provided, and defense counsel answered no. This
expression of satisfaction effectively waived any instructional error. People v Matuszak, 263
Mich. App. 42, 48; 687 NW2d 342 (2004). But even if this issue had not been waived, it lacks
merit. “[A] party may assign as error the failure to give an instruction only if the party objects
on the record before the jury retires to consider the verdict.” People v Young, 472 Mich. 130,
132; 693 NW2d 801 (2005). Sargent did not request that the trial court instruct the jury
concerning the limited relevance of other-acts evidence. Therefore, the issue is unpreserved.
Generally, the decision of whether to give a jury instruction is reviewed for an abuse of
discretion. Id. at 135. However, an unpreserved claim that the trial court failed to give a jury
instruction is reviewed for plain error affecting substantial rights. Id. Reversal for plain error is
appropriate only when the error “seriously affect[ed] the fairness, integrity or public reputation
of judicial proceedings . . . .” Carines, 460 Mich. at 763 (quotation marks and citation omitted;
4
Sargent’s exgirlfriend served as his counselor in a criminal sexual conduct therapy group upon
Sargent’s release from prison on parole. At some point during or after his required group
therapy, they developed a sexual and romantic relationship that continued until Sargent was
arrested in connection with this matter.
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alteration in original). Pursuant to MCL 768.29, “The failure of the court to instruct on any point
of law shall not be ground for setting aside the verdict of the jury unless such instruction is
requested by the accused.”
In this case, Sargent argues that the jury should have been given an instruction regarding
its use of the other-acts evidence only for certain allowable purposes. However, Sargent did not
request that the trial court give any such instruction. Because Sargent did not request the
instruction, the trial court was not required to give it, and its failure to do so was not plain error
affecting Sargent’s substantial rights, nor was it grounds for reversal.
IV. SUFFICIENCY OF THE EVIDENCE
Sargent next argues that there was insufficient evidence to convict him of the charged
offenses. We disagree.
A challenge to the sufficiency of the evidence is reviewed de novo. People v Lueth, 253
Mich. App. 670, 680; 660 NW2d 322 (2002). To sustain a conviction, due process requires that
there be “sufficient evidence to justify a rational trier of fact in finding guilt beyond a reasonable
doubt.” People v Wolfe, 440 Mich. 508, 513-514; 489 NW2d 748 (1992), amended 441 Mich.
1201 (1992) (quotation marks and citation omitted). In applying this standard, we view the
evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution, People v Bennett, 290 Mich. App. 465,
471-472; 802 NW2d 627 (2010), and “draw all reasonable inferences and make credibility
choices in support of the jury verdict,” People v Cameron, 291 Mich. App. 599, 613; 806 NW2d
371 (2011) (quotation marks and citation omitted).
To establish the elements of felon-in-possession, the prosecution must prove that “(1) the
defendant is a felon who possessed a firearm (2) before his right to do so was formally restored
under MCL 28.424.” People v Bass, 317 Mich. App. 241, 267-268; 893 NW2d 140 (2016). With
respect to a felony-firearm charge, the prosecution must prove that (1) the defendant possessed a
firearm, (2) during the commission or attempted commission of any felony. People v Avant, 235
Mich. App. 499, 505; 597 NW2d 864 (1999).
As it relates to these convictions, Sargent only takes issue with the possession elements.
Possession may be actual or constructive; it may also be joint or exclusive. People v Johnson,
293 Mich. App. 79, 83; 808 NW2d 815 (2011). “[A] person has constructive possession if he
knowingly has the power and the intention at a given time to exercise dominion or control over a
thing, either directly or through another person or persons . . . .” People v Minch, 493 Mich. 87,
92; 825 NW2d 560 (2012) (quotation marks and citation omitted). Possession is a question of
fact, and it can be proven by circumstantial evidence and reasonable inferences arising from the
evidence. People v Strickland, 293 Mich. App. 393, 400; 810 NW2d 660 (2011).
The evidence regarding possession in this case came primarily from the testimony of
Sargent’s exgirlfriend. She stated that the gun belonged to Sargent, that Sargent’s stepfather
bought it for him, and that Sargent knew the gun was under the mattress. Police found the gun
under the side of the mattress that she said Sargent slept on. She also testified that Sargent had a
habit of removing the gun and walking around the house with it. Sargent admitted knowing that
there was a gun in the house, but he claimed that it belonged to his exgirlfriend and that he did
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not know where it was. Such matters of witness credibility and the weight given to witness
testimony are matters for the jury to decide. People v Unger, 278 Mich. App. 210, 228-229; 749
NW2d 272 (2008). In this case, it appears that the jury chose to believe the exgirlfriend’s
testimony over Sargent’s alternative explanation. Additionally, Sargent had a key to the gun’s
safety mechanism on his key ring. Viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the
prosecution, a reasonable jury could conclude that Sargent knowingly had the power and the
intention at a given time to exercise dominion or control over the gun. Thus, we conclude that
there was sufficient evidence that Sargent possessed the gun in this case.
Sargent next argues that there was insufficient evidence that he willfully violated the
SORA reporting requirement mandating that he report the Prince Lane address within three days
of changing his residence. Sargent essentially argues that there was insufficient evidence that he
changed his residence to Prince Lane. We disagree.
Under SORA, a Tier III offender, such as Sargent, is required to register his address four
times a year. MCL 28.725a(3)(c). SORA also requires an offender to report a change in
residence or domicile within three days. MCL 28.725(1)(a); MCL 28.722(g). Additionally, a
sex offender who violates SORA is only guilty of a felony if the violation is committed
“willfully.” See MCL 28.729(1). Willfully “requires something less than specific intent, but
requires a knowing exercise of choice.” People v Lockett (On Rehearing), 253 Mich. App. 651,
655; 659 NW2d 681 (2002).
Sargent’s exgirlfriend testified that Sargent lived with her at Prince Lane on a permanent
basis starting in January 2016. She claimed that by February or March 2016, Sargent was at the
house all day and night and that there were not many nights that he was away from Prince Lane.
Sargent had belongings at Prince Lane, including his television, clothes, shoes, toiletries, and
grooming products. Sargent and his exgirlfriend shared closet and dresser space, and they shared
a bed and bedroom. Sargent had a key to Prince Lane, his bank statements were mailed there,
and a utility bill was in his name. Police found Sargent at Prince Lane before he was arrested.
His exgirlfriend testified that she spoke with Sargent about registering Prince Lane as his
address, but Sargent declined to do so. We conclude that, viewing this evidence in the light most
favorable to the prosecution, a reasonable jury could conclude that Sargent established a
residence at Prince Lane and knowingly exercised a choice not to register that address within
three days. Therefore, we hold that there was sufficient evidence that Sargent willfully violated
SORA’s address registration requirements.
V. INEFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL
Sargent next argues that he was denied the effective assistance of counsel by defense
counsel’s failure to object to the testimony regarding the sexual assaults and threats of violence,
as well as counsel’s failure to request a jury instruction regarding other-acts evidence. We
disagree.
Generally, a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel is a mixed question of fact and
constitutional law. People v Trakhtenberg, 493 Mich. 38, 47; 826 NW2d 136 (2012). We review
the trial court’s findings of fact for clear error, and we review questions of constitutional law
under a de novo standard. Id. However, although Sargent preserved the issue by raising it in a
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motion to remand, our review remains limited to mistakes apparent on the record because a
Ginther5 hearing was never held. People v Payne, 285 Mich. App. 181, 188; 774 NW2d 714
(2009).
In order to find merit in a defendant’s claim of ineffective assistance of counsel, the
defendant must prove: (1) that the attorney made an error, and (2) that the error was prejudicial
to the defendant. See Strickland v Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 687; 104 S. Ct. 2052; 80 L. Ed. 2d
674 (1984); People v LeBlanc, 465 Mich. 575, 578; 640 NW2d 246 (2002). That is, first, the
defendant must show that defense counsel’s performance fell below an objective standard of
reasonableness. People v Russell, 297 Mich. App. 707, 715-716; 825 NW2d 623 (2012). We
must analyze the issue with “a strong presumption that counsel’s conduct falls within the wide
range of reasonable professional assistance,” and the test requires that the defendant “overcome
the presumption that, under the circumstances, the challenged action [or inaction] might be
considered sound trial strategy.” LeBlanc, 465 Mich. at 578 (quotation marks and citation
omitted). “Second, the defendant must show that, but for counsel’s deficient performance, a
different result would have been reasonably probable.” Russell, 297 Mich. App. at 716.
First, Sargent has not demonstrated that counsel made an error by failing to object to the
testimony regarding the sexual assaults and threats of violence. As discussed above, had counsel
objected, the trial court could have determined that the statements were admissible because they
were relevant and were offered for something other than propensity. Because the trial court
could have admitted the statements, counsel did not err by failing to raise a futile objection. See
People v Ericksen, 288 Mich. App. 192, 201; 793 NW2d 120 (2010) (“Failing to advance a
meritless argument or raise a futile objection does not constitute ineffective assistance of
counsel.”). Even if it was error for counsel to fail to object to the statements, Sargent has not
demonstrated that the error was prejudicial. There was sufficient evidence to find Sargent guilty
of all three offenses without the contested testimony. Therefore, Sargent has not demonstrated
that, but for counsel’s failure to object, a different result was reasonably probable.
However, with respect to counsel’s failure to request a jury instruction regarding the
proper scope of other-acts evidence, we agree that counsel’s performance fell below the standard
of objective reasonableness. The jury heard evidence that Sargent may have committed a crime
or crimes for which he was not on trial, and the jury should have been instructed to only consider
that evidence for allowable, nonpropensity purposes. Nonetheless, we conclude that counsel’s
error was not prejudicial to Sargent. As already explained, there was a substantial amount of
evidence supporting the jury’s verdict in this case. Even if the jury had been properly instructed
regarding its use of other-acts evidence, it is not reasonably probable that it would have acquitted
Sargent. Therefore, we conclude that, absent counsel’s error, a different result was not
reasonably probable.
5
People v Ginther, 390 Mich. 436; 212 NW2d 922 (1973).
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VI. PROSECUTORIAL MISCONDUCT
Sargent lastly argues that he was denied due process and a fair trial because of
prosecutorial misconduct. Sargent claims that the prosecution committed misconduct when it
elicited the testimony from Sargent’s exgirlfriend regarding the sexual assaults and threats of
violence and when it referenced that testimony during closing arguments. Sargent also argues
that the prosecution committed misconduct by commenting on Sargent exercising his right to
remain silent. We disagree.
Generally, an issue is properly preserved for appeal if it is raised before, addressed by,
and decided by the lower court. Cameron, 291 Mich. App. at 617. However, “to preserve an
issue of prosecutorial misconduct, a defendant must contemporaneously object and request a
curative instruction.” Bennett, 290 Mich. App. at 475. Here, Sargent did not object to any of the
alleged instances of prosecutorial misconduct, nor did he request a curative instruction.
Therefore, the issue is unpreserved, and we review for plain error that affected the defendant’s
substantial rights. People v Brown, 279 Mich. App. 116, 134; 755 NW2d 664 (2008).
“[T]he test for prosecutorial misconduct is whether a defendant was denied a fair and
impartial trial.” People v Dobek, 274 Mich. App. 58, 63; 732 NW2d 546 (2007). Prosecutorial
misconduct issues are decided on a case-by-case basis, and the reviewing court must examine the
record and evaluate the prosecution’s remarks in context. People v Mann, 288 Mich. App. 114,
119; 792 NW2d 53 (2010). “The propriety of a prosecutor’s remarks depends on all the facts of
the case.” People v Rodriguez, 251 Mich. App. 10, 30; 650 NW2d 96 (2002). “A prosecutor’s
good-faith effort to admit evidence does not constitute misconduct.” Dobek, 274 Mich. App. at
70. A reviewing court cannot find error requiring reversal when a curative instruction could
have alleviated the prejudicial effect of the alleged misconduct. Unger, 278 Mich. App. at 235.
Regarding the contested testimony, the testimony was relevant to demonstrating why
Sargent’s exgirlfriend first spoke to police in this case and, thus, why police were searching for
Sargent at Prince Lane. Therefore, it was admissible under the VanderVliet test and under
Jackson. Because the evidence was admissible, it is axiomatic that the prosecution did not
commit misconduct by eliciting it. Likewise, the prosecution’s reference to the exgirlfriend’s
testimony in closing argument was not improper because it was free to make arguments
regarding the admitted evidence and inferences arising therefrom. People v Watson, 245 Mich
App 572, 588; 629 NW2d 411 (2001). Additionally, a curative instruction could have alleviated
any prejudicial effect, and thus, there was no plain error affecting Sargent’s substantial rights.
“[I]n general, prosecutorial references to a defendant’s post-arrest, post-Miranda[6]
silence violate a defendant’s due process rights under the Fourteenth Amendment of the United
States Constitution.” People v Shafier, 483 Mich. 205, 212-213; 768 NW2d 305 (2009).
Therefore, “a defendant’s post-arrest, post-Miranda silence cannot be used to impeach a
defendant’s exculpatory testimony, or as direct evidence of defendant’s guilt in the prosecutor’s
case-in-chief.” Id. at 213-214. However, a single reference to a defendant’s silence does not
constitute a violation of the defendant’s due process rights when the “reference is so minimal
6
Miranda v Arizona, 384 U.S. 436; 86 S. Ct. 1602; 16 L. Ed. 2d 694 (1966).
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that ‘silence was not submitted to the jury as evidence from which it was allowed to draw any
permissible inference . . . .’ ” Id. at 215, quoting Greer v Miller, 483 U.S. 756, 764-765; 107 S. Ct.
3102; 97 L Ed2d 618 (1987). For instance, the United States Supreme Court found no
constitutional error in Greer, where the trial court sustained an objection to the prosecution’s
only question concerning the defendant’s post-arrest, post-Miranda silence and instructed the
jury that the question should be disregarded. Greer, 483 U.S. at 764. In contrast, our Supreme
Court held that the prosecution in Shafier “clearly crossed the line” when it referenced the
defendant’s silence in its opening statement, during direct examination of a police officer, while
cross-examining the defendant, and in closing arguments. Shafier, 483 Mich. at 215-218.
Here, Sargent points to one comment in the prosecution’s closing argument in which the
prosecution said, “[Sargent] said I’m not talking and that’s his right and that’s fine but he didn’t
offer an explanation when he could have.” We agree that the prosecution plainly erred by
referring to Sargent’s silence in this context. Id. at 213-214. However, a curative instruction
directing the jury to disregard the reference to Sargent’s silence could have alleviated any
prejudicial effect, and we will not reverse on the basis of prosecutorial error under these
circumstances. See Unger, 278 Mich. App. at 235. Furthermore, we conclude that the
prosecution’s improper remark did not violate Sargent’s right to due process, deprive him of a
fair trial, or otherwise affect his substantial rights because the brief remark was so minimal that it
was not submitted to the jury as evidence from which it was allowed to draw an inference of
guilt. See Shafier, 483 Mich. at 217-218.
Affirmed.
/s/ Christopher M. Murray
/s/ Thomas C. Cameron
/s/ Anica Letica
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