State v. Gamble , 2018 Ohio 895 ( 2018 )

[Cite as State v. Gamble, 2018-Ohio-895.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
THIRD APPELLATE DISTRICT
WYANDOT COUNTY
STATE OF OHIO,
PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, CASE NO. 16-17-02
v.
BENJAMIN GAMBLE, OPINION
DEFENDANT-APPELLANT.
Appeal from Wyandot County Common Pleas Court
Trial Court No. 16-CR-0056
Judgment Affirmed in Part, Reversed in Part and Cause Remanded
Date of Decision: March 12, 2018
APPEARANCES:
Howard A. Elliott for Appellant
Eric J. Figlewicz for Appellee
Case No. 16-17-02
ZIMMERMAN, J.
{¶1} Defendant-Appellant, Benjamin Gamble (“Gamble”) appeals the
judgment of the Wyandot County Common Pleas Court convicting him of one count
of Illegal Assembly/Possession of Chemicals for Manufacture of Drugs and one
count of Complicity for the Illegal Manufacture of Drugs, after a trial by jury. On
appeal, Gamble asserts that the trial court erred: 1) by imposing a sentence on each
of two charges despite the fact that the two charges had been merged after
conviction; 2) by imposing a mandatory fine without considering his present and
future ability to pay the mandatory fine; 3) by not dismissing the indictment where
speedy trial time limits had been improperly exceeded; and 4) by failing to grant his
motion to suppress due to his improper detention by law enforcement. For the
reasons that follow, we affirm in part and reverse in part the judgment of the trial
court, and remand this matter to the trial court for further proceedings consistent
with this opinion.
Factual & Procedural Background
{¶2} On May 6, 2016, Gamble was arrested after law enforcement officers
discovered methamphetamine (“meth”) and materials to manufacture meth at his
residence. On May 11, 2016, a two count indictment was filed in the Wyandot
County Common Pleas Court against Gamble. (Doc. No. 1). Count I of the
indictment alleged that Gamble knowingly assembled or possessed one or more
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chemicals that may be used in the manufacture of a methamphetamine, with the
intent to manufacture methamphetamine, a controlled substance, in violation of R.C.
2925.041(A), a felony of the third degree. (Id.). Count II of the indictment alleged
that Gamble did knowingly aid or abet Andrew Robert Inman in committing the
offense of Illegal Manufacture of Drugs, by manufacturing methamphetamine with
said offense being committed in the vicinity of a juvenile, in violation of R.C.
2923.03(A)(2), a felony of the first degree. (Id.).
{¶3} Gamble was arraigned on the charges in the trial court and executed an
affidavit of indigency during his arraignment. (Doc. Nos. 3; 14).
{¶4} On May 31, 2016, Gamble’s court appointed attorney filed a waiver of
speedy trial in the trial court. (Doc. No. 16). The waiver contained the signatures
of Gamble and his attorney. (Id.).
{¶5} Approximately two weeks later, Gamble filed a motion to suppress in
the trial court, alleging that he was improperly detained based upon an unreliable
“tip.” (Id.). The trial court held a suppression hearing and permitted each side to
submit written closing statements to the court prior to issuing its decision. (Doc.
Nos. 34, 35, 36). Thereafter, the trial court issued its judgment entry overruling the
motion to suppress. (Doc. No. 36). Specifically, the trial court found that the “tip”
given to law enforcement was reliable. (Id. at a-17).
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{¶6} On November 14, 2016, Gamble’s court appointed counsel filed a
motion to withdraw as counsel, advising the trial court that Gamble had retained his
own counsel. (Doc. No. 38). On that same date, Gamble’s new counsel filed a
notice of appearance in the trial court. (Doc. No. 38).
{¶7} Thereafter, Gamble filed an “allegation and affidavit of indigency” in
the trial court. (Doc. No. 48). Specifically, Gamble asserted that he was indigent
and not able to pay any mandatory fine in the case. (Id.).
{¶8} A jury trial was scheduled for March 14, 2017. (Doc. No. 54).
However, on February 21, 2017, Gamble’s counsel filed a new motion to
suppress/motion in limine in the trial court. (Doc. No. 65). Further, and prior to the
scheduled jury trial, Gamble also filed a motion to dismiss the indictment for
violating his speedy trial right. (Doc. No. 75). Gamble alleged that he did not waive
his right to a speedy trial and did not authorize his court appointed counsel to waive
his speedy trial rights on his behalf. (Id.). In response, the State argued that a speedy
trial waiver was filed by Gamble in the trial court on May 31, 2016 and Gamble
failed to mention said waiver in his motion to dismiss. (Doc. No. 76). On March
2, 2017 the trial court issued its judgment entry on the motion to dismiss, finding it
not well taken. (Doc. No. 77).
{¶9} Nevertheless, the day before his jury trial, Gamble filed a response to
the trial court’s judgment entry denying his speedy trial motion. (Doc. No. 85).
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Gamble asserted that while a speedy trial waiver was on file, such waiver contained
a “forged” signature. (Id.). The State responded and asserted that even if Gamble’s
signature was a “clever forgery,” the waiver of speedy trial was valid because
Gamble’s court appointed counsel had waived Gamble’s right to a speedy trial for
purposes of trial preparation. (Doc. No. 88). The trial court scheduled a hearing on
the speedy trial waiver issue. (Doc. No. 93).
{¶10} Gamble’s jury trial commenced on March 14, 2017 as scheduled.
However, during a recess in the proceedings the trial court conducted its hearing on
Gamble’s speedy trial issue. At the hearing, Gamble’s court appointed counsel,
Emily Beckley (“Beckley”), testified that she had Gamble sign a speedy trial waiver
after explaining it to him at a pretrial. (3/16/2017 Tr., Vol. V, at 644-45). Beckley
further testified that she signed the waiver after Gamble signed it. (Id. at 652). She
also testified that the speedy trial waiver factored into her decision to file a motion
to suppress on Gamble’s behalf. (Id. at 652-53). The trial court found no issues
with Gamble’s waiver of speedy trial. (Doc. No. 96).
{¶11} Gamble’s jury trial concluded with a finding of guilty on each count
in the indictment. (Doc. No. 95). Further, and in regards to Count II, Complicity
to Illegal Manufacture of Drugs, the jury found that Gamble committed the offense
in the vicinity of a juvenile. (Id.). The trial court set Gamble’s sentencing hearing
for March 30, 2017.
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{¶12} At Gamble’s sentencing hearing, Gamble represented to the trial court
that he wanted to fire his retained counsel. (Sentence, 3/30/2017 Tr. at 5). Gamble
also requested additional time to retain another attorney prior to sentencing. (Id.).
After a discussion with the trial court about his efforts to retain new counsel for
sentencing and appeal, Gamble represented to the trial court that he would be able
to retain counsel by April 13, 2017. (Id. at 10-11). Based on these representations,
the trial court scheduled Gamble’s sentencing hearing for April 13, 2017. (Id.).
{¶13} On April 13, 2017, Gamble appeared in the trial court for sentencing
without counsel. (Sentence, 4/13/2017 Tr. at 3). Gamble informed the trial court
that he was indigent and unable to hire an attorney. (Id.). As a result of this
representation, the trial court had Gamble execute another affidavit of indigency.
(Id.; Doc. No. 105). The trial court had standby counsel present (in the event that
Gamble had not secured an attorney prior to sentencing) and after Gamble
completed the affidavit of indigency in open court, the trial court appointed him a
new attorney. (Id. at 4).
{¶14} Ultimately, the trial court sentenced Gamble to a prison term of thirty
(30) months on Count I; and a mandatory prison term of eight (8) years on Count II.
The trial court then merged Count I into Count II.1 (Id. at 13-14). In addition to the
prison term, the trial court also imposed a mandatory fine in the amount of $10,000.
1
Both the State and defense counsel agreed that the sentence for Count I would “merge” into the sentence
for Count II, as both offenses were allied offenses of similar import. (Sentence, 04/13/2017 Tr. at 11).
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(Doc. No. 106). The trial court journalized its sentence on April 14, 2017, reflecting
the same. (Id.at 4-5). From this judgment entry Gamble appeals, and presents the
following assignments of error for our review:
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NO. I
THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY IMPOSING A SENTENCE
ON EACH OF TWO CHARGES DESPITE THE FACT THAT
THE TWO CHARGES HAD BEEN MERGED AFTER
CONVICTION.
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NO. II
THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY IMPOSING A
MANDATORY FINE WITHOUT CONSIDERING THE
PRESENT AND FUTURE ABILITY OF THE APPELLANT TO
PAY SAME AFTER A MOTION AND AFFIDAVIT OF
INDIGENCY HAD BEEN FILED PRIOR TO THE
SENTENCING HEARING.
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NO. III
THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN NOT GRANTING A
DISMISSAL OF THE INDICTMENT WHERE SPEEDY TRIAL
TIME LIMITS HAD BEEN EXCEEDED AND THE
CONSEQUENCES OF ANY TIME WAIVER FILED HAD NOT
BEEN ADEQUATELY EXPLAINED TO THE APPELLANT.
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NO. IV
THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN FAILING TO GRANT A
MOTION TO SUPPRESS EVIDENCE WHERE THE
APPELLANT HAD BEEN DETAINED AND NOT
PERMITTED TO LEAVE THE SCENE WHERE SUCH
ATTENTION WAS BASED ON CORROBORATED
STATEMENTS OF A TIP GIVEN TO LAW ENFORCEMENT.
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Appellant’s First Assignment of Error
{¶15} In his first assignment of error, Gamble argues that the trial court erred
by imposing a sentence on each of two charges despite the fact that the two charges
had been merged after conviction. For the reasons that follow, we agree.
Standard of Review
{¶16} “The Ohio Supreme Court has recognized that the ‘imposition of
multiple sentences for allied offenses of similar import is plain error.’” State v.
Jones, 3rd Dist. Allen No. 1-11-60, 2012-Ohio-2694, ¶ 8 quoting State v.
Underwood, 124 Ohio St. 3d 365, 2010-Ohio-1, 922 N.E.2d 923, ¶ 31. “‘When a
defendant has been found guilty of offenses that are allied offense, R.C. 2941.25
prohibits the imposition of multiple sentences.” Id. quoting State v. Damron, 129
Ohio St. 3d 86, 2011-Ohio-2268, 950 N.E.2d 512, ¶ 17. When a defendant has been
found guilty of two or more allied offenses, the state must elect which offense it will
pursue. Id. citing State v. Harris, 122 Ohio St. 3d 373, 2009-Ohio-3323, 911 N.E.2d
882, ¶ 21. Thereafter, the trial court must merge the allied offenses into a single
conviction and impose a sentence that is appropriate for the offense selected by the
state for sentencing. Id.
Analysis
{¶17} In the instant matter, the record reveals that when the trial court
inquired as to the issue of allied offenses and merger, the State and defense counsel
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agreed with the trial court that any sentence imposed in Count I would merge into
the sentence for Count II. (Sentence, 04/13/2017 Tr. at 11). Thereafter, the trial
court sentenced Gamble to the following:
[S]erve the basic prison [sic] of, to count one, of thirty months, and to count
two, mandatory prison term of eight years, with count one merging into count
two * * *.
(Id. at 13-14). The trial court reflected this sentence in its judgment entry of
sentence. (Doc. No. 106 at 4).
{¶18} Nevertheless, we find that the trial court’s sentence of Gamble does
not comply with the statutory requirements of R.C. 2941.25,2 which provides as
follows:
(A) Where the same conduct by defendant can be construed to
constitute two or more allied offenses of similar import, the
indictment or information may contain counts for all such offenses,
but the defendant may be convicted of only one.
(B) Where the defendant's conduct constitutes two or more offenses
of dissimilar import, or where his conduct results in two or more
offenses of the same or similar kind committed separately or with a
separate animus as to each, the indictment or information may contain
counts for all such offenses, and the defendant may be convicted of
all of them.
R.C. 2941.25. As it is undisputed that Gamble’s conduct constitutes two allied
offenses of similar import, he may be convicted and sentenced to only one offense.3
2
We note that the State concedes the same in their Appellate brief.
3
See generally, State v. Whitefield, 124 Ohio St. 3d 319, 2010-Ohio-2, 922 N.E.2d 182, ¶ 12 (Ohio Supreme
Court held that for purposes of R.C. 2941.25, a “conviction” consists of a guilty verdict and the imposition
of a sentence or penalty).
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{¶19} Thus, the proper procedure that should have been employed would
have been for the trial court to permit the State to elect which allied offense to pursue
on sentencing. See generally, State v. Love, 3rd Dist. Marion No. 9-13-09, 2014-
Ohio-437, ¶ 46 (holding that the trial court erred by failing to direct the prosecutor
to elect which charge they wanted to proceed with for purposes of sentencing).
Because the trial court did not follow the requirements of R.C. 2941.25, we find
reversible error.
{¶20} We further determine that at the sentencing hearing, the State must
elect which allied offense it will pursue against Gamble. See, State v. Whitefield,
124 Ohio St. 3d 319, 2010-Ohio-2, 922 N.E.2d 182, paragraph two of the syllabus
(holding that “upon finding reversible error in the imposition of multiple
punishments for allied offenses, a court of appeals must reverse the judgment of
conviction and remand for a new sentencing hearing, at which time the state must
elect which allied offense it will pursue against the defendant).
{¶21} Accordingly, having found merit in Gamble’s first assignment of
error, we sustain this assignment and remand this matter to the trial court for further
proceedings consistent with this opinion.
Appellant’s Second Assignment of Error
{¶22} In his second assignment of error, Gamble argues that the trial court
imposed a mandatory fine without first considering his present and future ability to
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pay the fine. Specifically, Gamble argues that he adequately addressed his lack of
ability to pay a mandatory fine by filing an affidavit of indigency prior to his
sentencing hearing. For the reasons that follow, we agree.
Standard of Review
{¶23} “Ohio law does not prohibit a court from imposing a fine on an
indigent defendant.” State v. Jacobs, 189 Ohio App. 3d 283, 2010-Ohio-4010, 938
N.E.2d 79, ¶ 11; R.C. 2929.18(B)(1). However, before imposing a financial
sanction on a defendant, the trial court must consider the defendant’s present and
future ability to pay the amount of the sanction or fine. Id. While there are no
specific findings that must be made by the trial court on the record, there must be
some evidence in the record that the trial court considered the defendant’s ability to
pay. Id.
Analysis
{¶24} The record demonstrates that Gamble filed an affidavit of indigency
on December 2, 2016. (Doc. No. 48). In his affidavit, Gamble specifically stated
that he was indigent and unable to pay any mandatory fine in the case. (Id.). In
support of his affidavit, Gamble attached a notarized financial disclosure/affidavit
of indigency. (Id.).
{¶25} At sentencing, the trial court discussed Gamble’s indigency for the
purposes of retaining counsel to assist him with his sentence and appeal, but did not
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discuss Gamble’s present or future ability to pay a mandatory fine. (Sentence,
04/13/2017 Tr. at 4). The only other discussion on the record regarding Gamble’s
financial situation after his conviction also occurred at sentencing, wherein the trial
court noted that:
[Gamble] owes restitution and costs on his past crimes, [and]
show[s] no effort to make things right with his victim.
(Id. at 13). While Gamble is not automatically entitled to a waiver of the mandatory
fine just because he filed an affidavit of indigency, the record does not reflect
whether the trial court considered Gamble’s present or future ability to pay the
mandatory fine prior to it being imposed. See State v. Cain, 3rd Dist. Union No.
14-05-40, 2006-Ohio-1779, ¶ 6 (finding that while a defendant is not automatically
entitled to a waiver of a fine merely because he filed an affidavit of indigency, the
trial court was required to consider the defendant’s present and future ability to pay
a mandatory fine).
{¶26} Thus, we find that the trial court did not consider whether Gamble was
an indigent person unable to pay the mandatory fine.4 Therefore, we sustain this
assignment of error and reverse and remand this matter to the trial court for a
determination as to Gamble’s present and future ability to pay a mandatory fine.
4
We note that the State concedes the same in their appellate brief.
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Appellant’s Third Assignment of Error
{¶27} In his third assignment of error, Gamble argues that the trial court
erred by failing to bring Gamble to trial within the applicable statutory time limits.
Specifically, Gamble argues that his court appointed counsel did not adequately
explain the consequences of his speedy trial waiver, making the waiver inapplicable.
For the reasons that follow, we disagree.
Standard of Review
{¶28} “Our standard of review upon an appeal raising a speedy trial issue is
to count the expired days as directed by R.C. 2945.71, et seq.” State v. King, 3rd
Dist. Marion No. 9-06-18, 2007-Ohio-335, ¶ 30. See also, State v. DePue, 96 Ohio
App.3d 513, 516, 645 N.E.2d 745 (4th Dist.1994). “If any ambiguity exists, we
construe the record in favor of the accused.” Id.
{¶29} The applicable statutory speedy trial provision, R.C. 2945.71(C)(2),
provides that a person charged with a felony shall be brought to trial within two
hundred and seventy (270) days after the person’s arrest. R.C. 2945.71(C)(2). In
computing time under division (C)(2), “each day during which the accused is held
in jail in lieu of bail on the pending charges shall be counted as three days.” R.C.
2945.71(E).
{¶30} Further, R.C. 2945.73(B) provides:
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Upon motion made at or prior to the commencement of trial, a person
charged with an offense shall be discharged if he is not brought to trial
within the time required by sections 2945.71 and 2945.72 of the
Revised Code.
R.C. 2945.73(B). “R.C. 2945.71 and R.C. 2945.73 are ‘mandatory and must be
strictly complied with by the State.’” King at ¶ 32, quoting State v. Pudlock, 44
Ohio St. 2d 104, 105, 338 N.E.2d 524 (1975). “However, R.C. 2945.72 allows for
an extension of the time that the accused must be brought to trial under certain
circumstances.” Id.
Analysis
{¶31} In the instant matter, Gamble’s ninety-day5 time period for speedy trial
purposes commenced running on May 6, 2016, the date he was arrested by law
enforcement. Gamble’s trial did not commence until March 14, 2017, well outside
the ninety (90) day time limit as set forth in the speedy trial statute. Thus, unless an
exception applies to Gamble’s situation, his right to a speedy trial may have been
violated.
{¶32} The record reflects that on May 31, 2016, a “Waiver of Speedy Trial”
(“waiver”) was filed in the trial court in Gamble’s case. This waiver states as
follows:
Now comes Defendant, Benjamin M. Gamble, who hereby waives all
time requirements in which this matter must be held for trial as set
forth in Section 2945.71 of the Revised Code of Ohio.
5
As Gamble was in jail for the entire pendency of his case, R.C. 2945.71(E) applies to Gamble.
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(Emphasis added.) (Doc. No. 16). The waiver contains the signatures of Gamble
and his court appointed attorney, Emily Beckley.
{¶33} At the time Gamble’s waiver was filed, twenty-six (26) days had run
for speedy trial purposes. Such twenty-six (26) day period was within Gamble’s
ninety-day speedy trial time limit under R.C. 2945.73(B).
{¶34} Approximately ten months later, and two weeks prior to his scheduled
jury trial, Gamble filed a motion to dismiss for violation of speedy trial. (Doc. No.
76). In that motion, Gamble asserted that he had not previously waived his right to
a speedy trial, nor had he authorized his attorney to waive his speedy trial rights.
(Id.). After receiving the State’s response to Gamble’s motion, the trial court
overruled Gamble’s motion, finding that Gamble had executed a speedy trial waiver
and that he had “effectively waived his constitutional right to a speedy trial when
he signed and filed a written time waiver.” (Doc. No. 77).
{¶35} In response to the trial court’s entry, Gamble filed a response to the
judgment entry regarding speedy trial, asserting that the signature contained on the
waiver was not his own but a “clever forgery” that resembled his signature, but was
not, in fact, his. (Id.). The State again responded to Gamble’s argument, and a
hearing was set for March 16, 2017 on the issue of Gamble’s speedy trial waiver.
At the waiver hearing, Gamble and Beckley testified regarding the waiver.
(03/16/2017 Tr., Vol. V, at 639). Gamble testified that he and Beckley discussed
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the waiver issue, and he was under the assumption that he had 270 days to be
convicted while incarcerated. (Id. 641). Gamble further testified that Beckley did
not ask him to waive his speedy trial rights, and he did not sign any document
waiving speedy trial. (Id. at 641-42). On cross examination, Gamble conceded that
he and Beckley did have a discussion about a speedy trial time waiver, but he was
not shown the time waiver form. (Id. at 643). Further, Gamble was unable to
identify whose signature appeared on the waiver form. (Id.).
{¶36} Beckley testified that she represented Gamble from May, 2016 to
November, 2016. (Id. at 645). Beckley testified that she discussed speedy trial
issues with Gamble at his pretrial on May 31, 2016, and had him sign a speedy trial
waiver after their discussion. (Id.). Beckley further testified that she personally
witnessed Gamble sign the waiver, which she also signed. (Id. at 652). Finally,
Beckley stated that the waiver played a part in Gamble’s motion to suppress. (Id.
at 653). Thereafter, the trial court overruled Gamble’s speedy trial motion. (Doc.
No. 96).
{¶37} From our review of the record, Gamble’s third assignment of error
fails on several levels. First, we note that even if Gamble’s signature was not the
signature contained on the waiver, “the Ohio Supreme Court has held that ‘a
defendant’s right to be brought to trial within the time limits expressed in R.C.
2945.71 may be waived by his counsel for reasons of trial preparation and the
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defendant is bound by the waiver even though the waiver is executed without his
consent.’” King, 3rd Dist. Marion No. 9-06-18, 2007-Ohio-335, ¶ 35 quoting State
v. McBreen, 54 Ohio St. 2d 315, 320, 376 N.E.2d 593 (1978). In the case sub judice,
Beckley testified that she signed the time waiver with Gamble’s motion to suppress
in mind. As such, Gamble is bound by such waiver in this matter.
{¶38} Next, the record supports that there was an expressed written time
waiver by Gamble filed prior to trial and Gamble never undertook the proper
procedure to revoke it. Specifically, and to this requirement, we have previously
determined that:
Following an express written waiver of unlimited duration by an
accused of his speedy trial rights the accused is not entitled to a
discharge for delay in bringing him to trial unless the accused files a
formal written objection to any further continuances and makes a
demand for trial, following which the state must bring him to trial
within a reasonable time.
State v. Clark, 3rd Dist. No. 5-13-34, 2014-Ohio-4873, 23 N.E.3d 218, ¶ 48 quoting
State v. O’Brien, 34 Ohio St. 3d 7, 516 N.E.2d 218 (1987), paragraph two of the
syllabus. The record before us reveals that Gamble never filed a formal written
objection to any further continuance at any point during the pendency of his trial.
As such, since Gamble failed to revoke his express written waiver of unlimited
duration, he is not entitled to a discharge for the delay in bringing him to trial.
{¶39} Finally, even though Gamble testified that he never signed the waiver
and was under the (incorrect) assumption that he had to be brought to trial within
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270 days, the trial court was not obligated to accept such testimony as true as it was
within the trial court’s province to determine witness credibility as to what
transpired during the time waiver process. See generally, State v. Bostock, 4th Dist.
Athens No. 11CA23, 2012-Ohio-3324, ¶ 13. In our review, the trial court found
that the signature appearing on the waiver looked the same or similar to Gamble’s
other signatures in the file. (Doc. No. 96). Moreover, the trial court was cognizant
of Gamble’s potential gain should his testimony result in the dismissal of the
charges. (Id.). Thus, it was within the purview of the trial court to determine that
Beckley’s testimony was more credible than Gamble’s when it denied the speedy
trial motion to dismiss.
{¶40} For these reasons, we overrule Gamble’s third assignment of error.
Appellant’s Fourth Assignment of Error
{¶41} In his fourth assignment of error, Gamble argues that the trial court
erred by failing to grant his motion to suppress evidence. Specifically, Gamble
argues that his statements to law enforcement and his consent to search his property
were improperly obtained because his detention was based upon an uncorroborated
tip.6 For the reasons that follow, we disagree.
6
While Gamble specifically states his fourth assignment of error as: “[t]he trial court erred in failing to grant
a motion to suppress evidence where the Appellant had been detained and not permitted to leave the scene
where such attention [sic] was based on corroborated statements of a tip given to law enforcement,” the gist
of Appellant’s argument is that law enforcement did not corroborate the tip, making it insufficient to establish
reasonable suspicion. (See, Br. Of Appellant at 16).
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Standard of Review
{¶42} “An appellate court’s review of a trial court’s ruling on a motion to
suppress presents a mixed question of law and fact.” State v. Sandor, 9th Dist.
Summit No. 23353, 2007-Ohio-1482, ¶ 5. “The trial court acts as the trier of fact
during a suppression hearing and is therefore best equipped to evaluate the
credibility of witnesses and resolve questions of fact.” Id. citing State v. Hopfer,
112 Ohio App. 3d 521, 548, 679 N.E.2d 321 (2nd Dist.1996). “Accordingly, we
accept the trial court’s findings of fact so long as they are supported by competent,
credible evidence.” “‘The trial court’s legal conclusions, however, are afforded no
deference, but are reviewed de novo.’” Id. quoting State v. Russel, 127 Ohio App. 3d
414, 416, 713 N.E.2d 56 (9th Dist.1998).
Analysis
{¶43} While somewhat confusing, Gamble argues that even though an
identified informant tipped law enforcement to the meth production at his residence,
police corroboration (of that tip) was required to detain Gamble when he exited his
trailer. Appellant further argues that because the tip was not corroborated by police,
his detention resulted in his incriminating statements and consent to search being
the “fruit of the poisonous tree,” and therefore subject to suppression. We find such
argument misplaced.
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{¶44} At the outset, we note that at a suppression hearing, the State generally
bears the burden of proving that a warrantless search or seizure meets Fourth
Amendment standards of reasonableness. Maumee v. Weisner, 87 Ohio St. 3d 295,
297, 1999-Ohio-68, 720 N.E.2d 507. “The proscriptions of the Fourth Amendment
impose a standard of reasonableness upon the exercise of discretion by government
officials.” Id. at 299. “‘Thus, the permissibility of a particular law enforcement
practice is judged by balancing its intrusion on the individual’s Fourth Amendment
interests against its promotion of legitimate government interests.’” Id. quoting
Delaware v. Prouse, 440 U.S. 648, 653-54, 99 S. Ct. 1391 (1979). “To justify a
particular intrusion, the officer must demonstrate ‘specific and articulable facts,
which, taken together with rational inferences from those facts, reasonably warrant
that intrusion.’” Id. quoting Terry v. Ohio, 392 U.S. 1, 21, 88 S. Ct. 1868 (1968).
{¶45} To satisfy their burden at the suppression hearing held in the trial
court, the State produced testimony from the following individuals: Deputy Edwin
Gottfried (“Dep. Gottfried”) of the Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office; Detective
Jared Lucas (“Det. Lucas”) of the Upper Sandusky Police Department; Officer
Jordan Breece (“Officer Breece”) of the Upper Sandusky Police Department; and
Detective Sergeant Kerwin Wisely (“Sgt. Wisely”) of the Wyandot County Sheriff’s
Office.
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Dep. Gottfried’s Testimony
{¶46} Dep. Gottfried testified that the Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office was
investigating Gamble prior to May 6, 2016 for purchasing large amounts of
pseudoephedrine, the main ingredient in meth. (Mot. to Suppress Hr’g, 08/23/2016
Tr. at 11; 21). Dep. Gottfried testified that law enforcement officials have access to
an on-line program that permits law enforcement to monitor purchases of
pseudoephedrine within the community. (Id. at 7). And, because of Gamble’s large
purchases of pseudoephedrine at the end of April, 2016, Gamble was placed on a
“watch” list by law enforcement. (Id.). Furthermore, Dep. Gottfried testified that
Gamble was “blocked” from purchasing pseudoephedrine from two separate
locations on April 22, 2016.7 (Id. at 13). However, on May 4, 2016 (two days prior
to the tip leading to Gamble’s arrest), Gamble was able to successfully purchase
additional amounts of pseudoephedrine. (Id. at 12). Dep. Gottfried testified that
Gamble was the top purchaser of pseudoephedrine in the city of Upper Sandusky,
which indicated (to law enforcement) that Gamble could be involved in
manufacturing meth. (Id. at 15). Dep. Gottfried also testified that Gamble’s
pseudoephedrine purchasing activity led law enforcement from both the Upper
Sandusky Police Department and the Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office into
7
Had Gamble successfully purchased the pseudoephedrine, he would have exceeded the allotted grams any
one individual can purchase in a month. (Mot. to Suppress Hr’g, 08/23/2016 Tr. at 13).
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discussions of conducting surveillance of Gamble’s residence and consideration of
trash pulls. (Id. at 16).
Det. Lucas’ Testimony
{¶47} Det. Lucas testified that on May 6, 2016, the Upper Sandusky Police
Department received a phone call reporting possible meth production at a trailer
park located at 1049 N. Warpole St., in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. (Id. at 23). The
caller reported that she was a friend of Kendra Billock (“Billock”), and that Billock
told her of possible meth production activity at the aforementioned address. (Id.).
During that phone call to police, Billock was with the caller and could be heard in
the background. (Id.). However, to gain more information, Det. Lucas agreed to
meet Billock and her friend in the parking lot of 1049 N. Warpole St. (Id.).
{¶48} After arriving at the parking lot, Det. Lucas spoke with Billock about
the drug activity she witnessed. (Id. at 24). Billock reported that she lived at 1049
N. Warpole St., Lot #50 prior to May 6, 2016, but moved out because of excessive
heroin use and discussions of producing meth within the residence. (Id.). Billock
told Det. Lucas that she returned to the residence earlier that day (May 6, 2016) to
pick up her remaining belongings and saw Gamble exit the rear of the trailer (located
at lot #50), wearing a green rubber glove. (Id.). Billock told Det. Lucas that Gamble
advised her to come back after 6 p.m. (to pick up her belongings) because “they
[were] doing it,” referring to making meth. (Id. at 25). Billock informed Det. Lucas
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that she smelled an “odd odor” coupled with the strong odor of incense at the trailer.
(Id. at 26). Billock told Det. Lucas that she believed Gamble was burning incense
to hide the smell of meth. (Id.). Billock gave Det. Lucas a written witness
statement, indicating that Gamble was making meth to “pay rent.” (Id. at 29; State’s
Ex. B). Billock’s statement also revealed that “the trailer was full of smoke, and
they told me they had a bunch of incense burning to cover up the smell.” (Id. at 31).
Billock did not sign her statement, nor did a witness or police officer sign the
statement. (Id. at 77).
{¶49} Det. Lucas further testified that as a result of Gamble’s
pseudoephedrine purchase history and Billock’s statements, the Upper Sandusky
Police Department sought a search warrant of Gamble’s residence. (Id. at 29). Det.
Lucas also testified that the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (“BCI”) was contacted
regarding the possible clandestine lab. (Id.). BCI reported that their clandestine
laboratory unit was going to respond to the location, and advised law enforcement
not permit anyone to enter the residence. (Id.).
{¶50} Det. Lucas further testified that while he worked to secure a search
warrant for the residence, two police officers went to Gamble’s residence and
knocked on the door, but no one responded. (Id. at 33). Det. Lucas also testified
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that shortly thereafter, Gamble called the Upper Sandusky Police Department and
informed law enforcement that he was not home.8 (Id. at 36).
Officer Breece’s Testimony
{¶51} Officer Breece testified that he was on duty on May 6, 2016. (Id. at
44). On that date he was dispatched to 1049 N. Warpole Rd., Lot # 50 for possible
narcotics activity or fire. (Id.). Prior to arriving at Gamble’s residence, Officer
Breece was informed by Det. Lucas that the person living at the residence had
“maxed out” their pseudoephedrine purchase limit. (Id.). After arriving at
Gamble’s trailer, Officer Breece knocked on the door, but no one answered. (Id. at
44). However, neighbors in the area confirmed to Officer Breece that people were
inside the trailer. (Id. at 45). Officer Breece testified that while he waited for
someone to respond to his knocking prompts, Det. Lucas advised him of Billock’s
information. (Id.). Ultimately, and after approximately 45 minutes of knocking on
the door, Gamble answered and was detained by Officer Breece. (Id. at 46). Officer
Breece testified that Gamble was cooperative and consented to a search of his person
for officer safety. (Id. at 48). Gamble was then placed in Breece’s patrol vehicle
awaiting the arrival of Sgt. Wisely. (Id. at 49). Officer Breece stated that after Sgt.
Wisely arrived, he (Wisely) removed Gamble from the back of the cruiser and read
8
Det. Lucas also testified that law enforcement found meth and chemicals involved in the making of meth
after they searched Gamble’s trailer. (Mot. to Suppress Hr’g, 08/23/2016 Tr. at 37). Further, Det. Lucas
testified that BCI Agent Andrew Webb located a pair of rubber gloves in the trash can at Gamble’s residence.
(Id. at 42). We find these discoveries important as to the reliability of Billock’s tip.
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him his Miranda rights. (Id. at 50). Officer Breece testified that prior to Sgt.
Wisely’s arrival, no one spoke with Gamble about meth or possible meth production
inside the residence. (Id. at 50).
Sgt. Wisely’s Testimony
{¶52} After Mirandizing Gamble, Sgt. Wisely interviewed Gamble about the
reported “meth lab” inside the residence. (Mot. to Suppress Hr’g, 09/08/2016 Tr.
at 85-86). Gamble denied the presence of a “meth lab” and told Sgt. Wisely that
two other people were in the trailer. (Id. at 86). Nonetheless, Gamble consented to
law enforcement officials to enter the residence, and signed a “Consent to Search”
form.9 (Id. at 88; State’s Ex. D). Sgt. Wisely testified that law enforcement officers
found meth in Gamble’s residence. (Id. at 89). After the meth was located, Sgt.
Wisely revisited the “Consent to Search” form with Gamble, who again signed the
form granting continuing permission to law enforcement officials to search the
residence. (Id.).
Identified Tipster/Corroborated Statements
{¶53} Gamble acknowledges that Billock’s tip was not anonymous, but
asserts that the police were still required to corroborate her tip. And because law
enforcement officers never observed smoke coming from the trailer, they failed to
corroborate Billock’s statements making Gamble’s statements and his consent to
9
Because Gamble signed a “Consent to Search” form, no search warrant was obtained for the residence.
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search subject to suppression. In support, Gamble directs us to State v. Vaughn, for
the proposition of law that police must corroborate an identified tipster’s statements
to survive a motion to suppress. (Br. Of Appellant at 16); State v. Vaughn, 8th Dist.
Cuyahoga No. 90551, 2008-Ohio-4585. However, we find Gamble’s reliance on
Vaughn to be misplaced because in Vaughn, “an unknown male approached Officer
Lundy’s zone care and informed him that some males were getting ready to fight
across the street from the gas station and that someone had a gun.” (Emphasis
added.). Id. at ¶ 4. After receiving the tip from the unknown male, Officer Lundy
drove to the location and corroborated the unknown male’s statements. Id. at ¶ 5.
{¶54} In the instant matter, the law enforcement officials arriving at
Gamble’s residence were acting, in part, upon a tip from Billock, an identified
tipster. In such regard, the Ohio Supreme Court has held that:
an identified citizen informant may be highly reliable and, therefore,
a strong showing as to the other indicia of reliability may be
unnecessary: ‘If an unquestionably honest citizen comes forward with
a report of criminal activity – which if fabricated would subject him
to criminal liability – we have found rigorous scrutiny of the basis of
his knowledge unnecessary.’
Weisner, 87 Ohio St. 3d 295, 300, 1999-Ohio-68, 720 N.E.2d 507. Even though
Billock had some prior criminal history, her report of criminal activity at Gamble’s
residence corroborated the suspicions of law enforcement (i.e. excessive purchases
of pseudoephedrine) that Gamble was involved in the manufacture of meth. Thus,
the facts herein are distinguishable from those presented in Vaughn.
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{¶55} Moreover, under the totality of the circumstances herein, the State met
their burden to prove that Gamble’s detention met Fourth Amendment standards of
reasonableness to justify their particular intrusion. We are not persuaded by
Gamble’s argument that Billock’s tip to law enforcement was uncorroborated. The
State’s evidence of Gamble’s pseudoephedrine purchase activity in the days prior
to his arrest, coupled with Billock’s first hand report of meth production by Gamble,
leads us to the reasonable inference that meth was being manufactured in the
residence, warranting Gamble’s detention when he exited his residence. Moreover,
Gamble’s conduct upon officers’ arrival at his residence prior to his detention (lying
to law enforcement about not being home, and then exiting the residence
approximately 45 minutes after officer’s initial arrival) represents a reasonable and
articulable suspicion for law enforcement to detain Gamble. As such, we find
Gamble’s detention was reasonable, and his statements made to law enforcement
officers after being Mirandized together with his consent to search his property were
not subject to suppression.
{¶56} For the aforementioned reasons, we overrule Gamble’s fourth
assignment of error.
Conclusion
{¶57} Having found error prejudicial to Gamble herein in the particulars
assigned and argued, we sustain Gamble’s first and second assignments of error and
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overrule Gamble’s third and fourth assignments of error. This matter is remanded
to the Wyandot County Common Pleas Court for proceedings consistent with this
opinion.
Judgment Affirmed in Part,
Reversed in Part and
Cause Remanded
SHAW and PRESTON, J.J., concur.
/jlr
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