State v. Carbaugh , 2023 Ohio 1269 ( 2023 )

[Cite as State v. Carbaugh, 2023-Ohio-1269.]
COURT OF APPEALS
MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO
FIFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
JUDGES:
STATE OF OHIO : Hon. W. Scott Gwin, P.J.
: Hon. John W. Wise, J.
Plaintiff-Appellee : Hon. Patricia A. Delaney, J.
:
-vs- :
: Case No. CT2022-0050
JOSHUA A. CARBAUGH :
:
Defendant-Appellant : OPINION
CHARACTER OF PROCEEDING: Criminal appeal from the Muskingum
County Court of Common Pleas, Case No.
CR2020-0031
JUDGMENT: Affirmed
DATE OF JUDGMENT ENTRY: April 18, 2023
APPEARANCES:
For Plaintiff-Appellee For Defendant-Appellant
RON WELCH CHRIS BRIGDON
Prosecuting Attorney 8138 Somerset Road
BY: JOHN CONNOR DEVER Thornville, OH 43076
Assistant Prosecutor
27 North Fifth St., P.O. Box 189
Zanesville, OH 43702
[Cite as State v. Carbaugh, 2023-Ohio-1269.]
Gwin, P.J.
{¶1} Defendant-appellant Joshua A. Carbaugh [“Carbaugh”] appeals his
convictions and sentences after a jury trial in the Muskingum County Court of Common
Pleas.
Facts and Procedural History
{¶2} The Muskingum County Grand Jury indicted Carbaugh on one count of rape
in violation of R.C. 2907.02(A)(1)(b). The indictment stated that the victim, R.N.T., was
seven years old during the incidents, and the indictment alleged that the rape occurred
between October 11, 2019 and November 20, 2019. The first count of the indictment also
contained a sexually violent predator specification in violation of R.C. 2941.148, alleging
that Carbaugh had been convicted of a third-degree felony sexual assault in December,
2015 in the state of West Virginia. The second count of the indictment charged Carbaugh
with one count of gross sexual imposition in violation of R.C. 2907.05. The indictment
alleged that the sexual contact occurred between October 11, 2019 and October 20, 2019
when the victim R.N.T. was seven years old. Count three of the indictment charged
Carbaugh with failure to register as a sex offender in violation of R.C. 2950.04(A)(2)
between the dates of October 11, 2019 and October 18, 2019. Count four of the
indictment charged Carbaugh with failure to register as a sex offender in violation of R.C.
2950.04(A)(2) between the dates of October 31, 2019 and November 8, 2019. Count five
of the indictment charged Carbaugh with failure to register as a sex offender in violation
of R.C. 2950.04(A)(2) between the dates of November 14, 2019 and November 20, 2019.
Carbaugh pled not guilty and exercised his right to a jury trial.1
1 Count one and Count two of the indictment were tried to a jury. Counts three, four and five were
tried to the trial judge. 4T. at 616.
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2022-0050 3
{¶3} The victim’s great-grandmother M.M. testified that at the time of the
offenses she had custody of R.N.T. 3T. at 4042. M.M. testified that during the
Thanksgiving holiday in 2019, her granddaughter A.E. and her boyfriend, Carbaugh,
came to visit from West Virginia. 3T. at 407. After the couple left to return to West
Virginia, R.N.T. came crying to M.M. complaining of pain between her legs. 3T. at 408.
M.M. laid R.N.T. down on the floor, and examined her. M.M. testified, “she was as red as
a pack of cigarettes.” Id. at 408-409. M.M. testified that R.N.T. disclosed to her that
Carbaugh, “held her vagina apart and took his private and rubbed it up and down inside
of me” and “she was beat red.” Id. at 409. M.M. telephoned her son, G.E., and told him
what R.N.T. had disclosed to her. G.E. called the police. 3T. at 400. Deputy Shawn
Williams responded to the home. 2T. at 289-290. Deputy Williams spoke with M.M. and
her son G.E. and collected evidence from the scene. R.N.T. was taken to Nationwide
Children’s Hospital for the Center of Family Safety and Healing, commonly referred to as
C.A.C. 1T. at 198.
{¶4} Ashely Cooley testified that she is a medical forensic interviewer who, as
part of a multi-disciplinary team, conducts an interview of a child to assess for allegations
of abuse or neglect. 1T. at 199. The interview is recorded with Ms. Cooley alone in the
room with the child. 1T. at 205. Other members of the team can watch as the interview
is projected onto a screen in a separate room. Id.3 Neither law enforcement or social
services was present to view the interview. 1T. at 220.
2 For clarity, the jury trial transcript will be referred to as, “__T.__,” signifying the volume and the
page number.
3 The video of the interview was played for the jury and admitted into evidence. 1T. at 219. State’s
Exhibit V-1.
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2022-0050 4
{¶5} Initially, R.N.T. denied any inappropriate conduct or touching had occurred.
1T. at 224; 245-246. Eventually, R.N.T. told Ms. Cooley that Carbaugh put his thing in
her “monkey.” 1T. at 225. R.N.T. told Ms. Cooley that it “felt fun.” Id. at 227. She also
told Ms. Cooley that she touched it with her hand. 1T. at 230. It was skinny and round
and “gooey stuff was coming out the hole part.” 1T. at 230. R.N.T. told Ms. Cooley that it
was silver and gooey. Id. R.N.T. said that it went inside of her and felt warm. Id. at 231.
R.N.T. reported that Carbaugh told her not to talk about it because he would go to jail. Id.
at 232.
{¶6} Additionally, during the forensic interview, R.N.T. told Ms. Cooley that her
younger brother had witnessed the acts and was told to go back to bed. 1T. at 246.
Further R.N.T. said that her mother saw Carbaugh with "his thing in her monkey" and the
mother laughed and asked if he could do that to her. 1T. at 247. Further, R.N.T. had
stated that her mother was sleeping, and she had been bumped and woken up and did
nothing. 1T. at 247. R.N.T. did not mention that she had been told not to say anything
until Ms. Cooley asked her if she had been told not to say anything.
{¶7} R.N.T. testified that she was now nine years old. 3T. at 422. R.N.T. testified
that she told her great-grandmother that her private parts between her legs hurt. Id. at
427-428. She testified it hurt because Carbaugh put his “monkey” inside mine…” Id. at
426; 437. She further testified that Carbaugh told her to keep it a secret. Id. R.N.T.
testified that Carbaugh’s “monkey” looked like a “hot dog.” Id. at 428. She touched it with
her hands and it felt like “cardboard.” Id. She described white-ish, yellow-ish gooey stuff.
3T. at 429. R.N.T. did not remember going to C.A.C. and meeting with Ms. Cooley. 3T.
at 430.
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2022-0050 5
{¶8} On cross-examination R.N.T. testified that it happened more than once. 3T.
at 439. Each time it occurred was either in the kitchen or the living room. Id. In the
kitchen, R.N.T. described standing in front as Carbaugh was sitting down. 1T. at 440.
Carbaugh told her to sit on his legs and he put his monkey into R.N.T.’s monkey. Id. at
440-441. She further testified that Carbaugh had to clean the oozy stuff out of her monkey
afterward. 3T. at 451.
{¶9} R.N.T. testified that when she told her great-grandmother that her private
parts were hurting, she was told to lay down on a towel while M.M. looked at it, and it was
“all red.” 3T. at 444. R.N.T. denied telling anyone that “Freddy Kruger” had hurt her. 3T.
at 456. She further denied that she ever told anyone that either her cousin T.E., her
cousin’s boyfriend Mark, or her brother had hurt her. 3T. at 457. R.N.T. further denied
that she ever told B.H. that she would tell people he had tried to touch her inappropriately.
3T. at 459.
{¶10} The defense called I.W. the grandmother of R.N.T. I.W. testified that R.N.T.
has a reputation within the family as being a liar. 3T. at 495. I.W. further claimed that
R.N.T. falsely accused her biological father of touching her inappropriately. Id. at 496-
497. I.W. testified that R.N.T. told her that Freddy Kruger kept wanting to touch her
inappropriately. Id. at 497. I.W. further testified that R.N.T. has falsely accused her
cousin and her cousin’s boyfriend of trying to inappropriately touch her. Id. at 498. A
person “R.S.” was also reported by R.N.T. to be touching her inappropriately. Id. at 500.
I.W. did not report any of these incidents to the appropriate authorities. Id. at 509.
{¶11} I.W. testified that she does not believe Carbaugh would do such a thing
because “he’s just not that type of guy.” 3T. at 508-509.
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2022-0050 6
{¶12} The defense next called B. H., R.N.T.'s biological father's roommate. B.H.
testified R.N.T. had threatened him by stating she would tell that he had touched her
inappropriately. 3T. at 524.
{¶13} R.N.T.’s mother, A.E. testified for the defense. She testified that her and
Carbaugh came from West Virginia several times. 3T. at 536. Each time the couple
would stay with A.E.’s grandmother, and each time R.N.T. was present. Id. A.E. testified
that Carbaugh was never left alone for extended periods of time with R.N.T. Id. at 543.
A.E. testified that R.N.T. got along well with Carbaugh. Id. at 547. A.E. testified that
R.N.T. told her that she had made up the allegations because Carbaugh would not give
her a cell phone when she was getting a bath and that she felt he was taking her mother
away from her. 3T. at 551. A.E. testified that R.N.T. had been exposed to pornography
accidently on multiple occasions. Id. at 552. A.E. further testified that R.N.T. had accused
multiple people of the same inappropriate conduct.
{¶14} The jury found Carbaugh guilty of rape with a sexually violent predator
specification, and gross sexual imposition. After hearing the evidence related to each
count, the trial judge found Carbaugh guilty of three counts of failure to register. 4T. at
616-628; 732-733.
{¶15} The trial court sentence Carbaugh on count one to a sentence of life without
parole, on count two to sixty months, and to a period of thirty-six months on each of counts
four, five, and six. All counts were ordered to be served consecutively, for an aggregate
prison sentence of life without parole plus fourteen years.
Assignments of Error
{¶16} Carbaugh raises six Assignments of Error,
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2022-0050 7
{¶17} “I. THE PROPORTIONALITY OF THE SENTENCE WAS INCONSISTENT
WITH THE PRINCIPLES SET FORTH [IN] O.R.C. §2929.11 AND FACTORS TO BE
CONSIDERED IN O.R.C. §2929.12.
{¶18} “II. SHOULD THIS HONORABLE COURT SHOULD [sic.] VACATE THE
TRIAL COURT'S DECISION TO IMPOSE CONSECUTIVE SENTENCES ON COUNTS
2-3 AND 5 BECAUSE THE CONSECUTIVE SENTENCES ARE IN CONTRAVENTION
OF THE SENTENCING STATUTES.
{¶19} “III. THE CONVICTION WAS AGAINST THE WEIGHT OF THE
EVIDENCE.
{¶20} “IV. THE EVIDENCE WAS INSUFFICIENT TO SUSTAIN A CONVICTION.
{¶21} “V. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED WHEN ADMITTING THE STATE'S
EXHIBIT V-1 WHICH WERE NOT STATEMENTS MADE FOR THE PURPOSE OF
MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT.
{¶22} “VI. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED WHEN DENYING THE APPELLANT' S
MOTION FOR MISTRIAL BASED ON PROSECUTORIAL MISCONDUCT.”
I & II
{¶23} In his First Assignment of Error, Carbaugh contends that the trial judge
failed to comply with the purpose and principles of sentencing as set forth in R.C. 2929.11
and R.C. 2929.12 when sentencing him to maximum consecutive sentences. In his
Second Assignment of Error, Carbaugh argues that the imposition of consecutive
sentences is contrary to law.
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2022-0050 8
Standard of Appellate Review – Maximum Sentences
{¶24} In accordance with R.C. 2953.08(A)(1), Carbaugh is entitled to appeal as of
right the maximum sentence imposed on his conviction.
{¶25} A court reviewing a criminal sentence is required by R.C. 2953.08(F) to
review the entire trial-court record, including any oral or written statements and
presentence-investigation reports. R.C. 2953.08(F)(1) through (4). We review felony
sentences using the standard of review set forth in R.C. 2953.08. State v. Marcum, 146
Ohio St.3d 516, 2016-Ohio-1002, 59 N.E.3d 1231, ¶22; State v. Howell, 5th Dist. Stark
No. 2015CA00004, 2015-Ohio-4049, ¶31. R.C. 2953.08(G)(2) provides we may either
increase, reduce, modify, or vacate a sentence and remand for resentencing where we
clearly and convincingly find that either the record does not support the sentencing court’s
findings under R.C. 2929.13(B) or (D), 2929.14(B)(2)(e) or (C)(4), or 2929.20(I), or the
sentence is otherwise contrary to law. See, also, State v. Bonnell, 140 Ohio St.3d 209,
2014-Ohio-3177, 16 N.E.2d 659, ¶28.
Issue for Appellate Review: Whether Carbaugh’s sentence was imposed based
on impermissible considerations—i.e., considerations that fall outside those that are
contained in R.C. 2929.11 and 2929.12.
{¶26} A trial court’s imposition of a maximum prison term for a felony conviction is
not contrary to law if the sentence is within the statutory range for the offense, and the
court considers both the purposes and principles of felony sentencing set forth in R.C.
2929.11 and the seriousness and recidivism factors set forth in R.C. 2929.12. State v.
Keith, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga Nos. 103413 and 103414, 2016-Ohio-5234, ¶ 10, 16; State v.
Taylor, 5th Dist. Richland No. 17CA29, 2017-Ohio-8996, ¶16. “[N]either R.C. 2929.11
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2022-0050 9
nor 2929.12 requires [the] court to make any specific factual findings on the record.” State
v. Jones, 163 Ohio St.3d 242, 2020-Ohio-6729, 169 N.E.3d 649, ¶ 20, citing State v.
Wilson, 129 Ohio St.3d 214, 2011-Ohio-2669, 951 N.E.2d 381, ¶ 31, and State v. Arnett,
88 Ohio St.3d 208, 215, 724 N.E.2d 793 (2000).
{¶27} In State v. Bryant, the Court clarified,
The narrow holding in Jones [163 Ohio St.3d 242, 2020-Ohio-6729,
169 N.E.3d 649] is that R.C. 2953.08(G)(2) does not allow an appellate
court to modify or vacate a sentence based on its view that the sentence is
not supported by the record under R.C. 2929.11 and 2929.12. See Jones
at ¶ 31, 39. Nothing about that holding should be construed as prohibiting
appellate review of a sentence when the claim is that the sentence was
improperly imposed based on impermissible considerations—i.e.,
considerations that fall outside those that are contained in R.C. 2929.11 and
2929.12. Indeed, in Jones, this court made clear that R.C. 2953.08(G)(2)(b)
permits appellate courts to reverse or modify sentencing decisions that are
“‘otherwise contrary to law.’” Jones at ¶ 32, quoting R.C. 2953.08(G)(2)(b).
This court also recognized that “otherwise contrary to law” means “‘in
violation of statute or legal regulations at a given time.’” Id. at ¶ 34 quoting
Black’s Law Dictionary 328 (6th Ed.1990). Accordingly, when a trial court
imposes a sentence based on factors or considerations that are extraneous
to those that are permitted by R.C. 2929.11 and 2929.12, that sentence is
contrary to law. Claims that raise these types of issues are therefore
reviewable.
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2022-0050 10
168 Ohio St.3d 250, 2022-Ohio-1878, 198 N.E.3d 68, ¶22.
{¶28} Carbaugh takes exception with the following statement made by the trial
judge,
[B]ecause there's been a trend in our legislature and the courts to do
away with life without parole sentences after a period of time. They did that
with all juveniles. They may do it with other offenses. So, I'm going to
impose those sentences and run them consecutive to your life without
parole just in the event that they may set it aside. It's the same reason I
went over the registration with you. They may set that aside somewhere in
the future.
Sentencing Transcript, June 29, 2022 at 10. [“ST.”]. However, the trial court considered
the pre-sentence investigation report, and three letters from family members of the victim.
ST. at 3; 9. The trial court further considered the statements from Carbaugh’s attorney
and the state’s attorney. The court considered the young age of the child victim.
{¶29} We conclude that the trial court did not commit error when it sentenced
Carbaugh to the maximum sentences. Upon review, we find that the trial court’s
sentencing on the charges complies with applicable rules and sentencing statutes. While
Carbaugh may disagree with the weight given to these factors by the trial judge, Carbaugh
sentence was within the applicable statutory range and therefore, we have no basis for
concluding that it is contrary to law. Carbaugh has not demonstrated that the trial court
imposed the sentence based on impermissible considerations—i.e., considerations that
fall outside those that are contained in R.C. 2929.11 and 2929.12.
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2022-0050 11
Standard of Appellate Review – Consecutive Sentences
{¶30} Before a trial court imposes consecutive sentences, it must make specific
findings which are delineated in R.C. 2929.14(C)(4). Specifically, the trial court must find
that “the consecutive service is necessary to protect the public from future crime or to
punish the offender.” Id. It must also find that “consecutive sentences are not
disproportionate to the seriousness of the offender’s conduct and to the danger the
offender poses to the public.” Id. Finally, the court must find at least one of the following:
(a) The offender committed one or more of the multiple offenses
while the offender was awaiting trial or sentencing, was under a sanction
imposed pursuant to section 2929.16, 2929.17, or 2929.18 of the Revised
Code, or was under post-release control for a prior offense.
(b) At least two of the multiple offenses were committed as part of
one or more courses of conduct, and the harm caused by two or more of
the multiple offenses so committed was so great or unusual that no single
prison term for any of the offenses committed as part of any of the courses
of conduct adequately reflects the seriousness of the offender’s conduct.
(c) The offender’s history of criminal conduct demonstrates that
consecutive sentences are necessary to protect the public from future crime
by the offender.
{¶31} An appellate court can reverse or modify the trial court’s order of
consecutive sentences if it clearly and convincingly finds that the record does not support
the findings. The evidentiary standard for changing the trial court’s order of consecutive
sentences is not deference to the trial court; the evidentiary standard is that the appellate
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2022-0050 12
court, upon a de novo review of the record and the findings, has a “firm belief” or
“conviction” that the findings are not supported by the evidence in the record. State v.
Gwynne, Slip Op. No. 2022-Ohio-4607, 2022 WL 1780605 (Dec. 23, 2022), ¶23.
(“Gwynne III”).
{¶32} The first step in consecutive-sentence review is to ensure that the
consecutive-sentence findings under R.C. 2929.14(C)(4) have been made—i.e., the first
and second findings regarding necessity and proportionality, as well as the third required
finding under R.C. 2929.14(C)(4)(a), (b), or (c). Gwynne III, ¶ 25.
Issue for Appellate Review: Whether the consecutive-sentence findings under
R.C. 2929.14(C)(4) have been made—i.e., the first and second findings regarding
necessity and proportionality, as well as the third required finding under R.C.
2929.14(C)(4)(a), (b), or (c)
{¶33} At the sentencing hearing, the trial judge noted that Carbaugh was on
supervision at the time he committed the offenses. ST. at 10. Further, the trial judge
noted that Carbaugh’s previous conviction in West Virginia,
[I]s almost identical to this offense: The age of the victim; the mother
willing to testify on your behalf which resulted in a reduced charge. It also
resulted in an entry I couldn’t present because the facts were so close that
the judge put in that entry which had nothing to do with what you pled to
would be too prejudicial at your trial.
ST. at 11. The judge found it significant that Carbaugh attempted to disguise his name
to avoid anyone discovering his previous conviction. Id.; 4T. at 560-561.
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2022-0050 13
{¶34} In State v. Bonnell, the Ohio Supreme Court held that “no statute directs a
sentencing court to give or state reasons supporting imposition of consecutive sentences.
Thus, a trial court is not required by Crim.R. 32(A)(4) to give reasons supporting its
decision to impose consecutive sentence.” 140 Ohio St.3d 209, 2014-Ohio-3177, 16
N.E.3d 659, ¶27. In ordering the sentences be served consecutively, the trial court simply
needs to read the provisions of R.C. 2929.14(C)(4).
{¶35} Although not using the precise language, at the sentencing hearing and in
the sentencing entry the facts given by the trial judge establish that he found that
consecutive sentences were necessary to protect the public from future crime or to punish
this offender; are not disproportionate to the seriousness of Carbaugh’s conduct and to
the danger he poses to the public and at least two of the multiple offenses were committed
as part of one or more courses of conduct and the harm caused by two or more of the
multiple offenses so committed was so great or unusual that no single prison term for any
of the offenses committed as part of any course of conduct adequately reflects the
seriousness of the defendant’s conduct. The trial court further found that the offender’s
history of criminal conduct demonstrates that consecutive sentences are necessary to
protect the public from future crime by the offender. R.C. 2929.14(C)(4)(b).
{¶36} Thus, we find that the consecutive-sentence findings under R.C.
2929.14(C)(4) were made by the trial court in this case.
Issue for Appellate Review: Whether the trial court’s decision to impose
consecutive sentences in Carbaugh’s case is supported by the record
{¶37} If the appellate court determines that the R.C. 2929.14(C)(4) consecutive-
sentence findings have been made, the appellate court may then determine whether the
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2022-0050 14
record clearly and convincingly supports those findings. Gwynne III, ¶ 26. This second
step in consecutive sentence review requires the appellate court to review the record to
ensure that the evidentiary basis reflected in the record be adequate to fully support the
trial court’s consecutive-sentence findings. The appellate court must focus on both the
quantity and quality of the evidence in the record that either supports or contradicts the
consecutive-sentence findings. Gwynne III, ¶ 29. If even one of the consecutive-
sentence findings is found not to be supported by the record under the clear-and-
convincing standard provided by R.C. 2953.08(G)(2), then the trial court’s order of
consecutive sentences must be either modified or vacated by the appellate court. See
R.C. 2953.08(G)(2). Gwynne III, ¶ 26.
{¶38} R.C. 2953.08(F) explains what the “record” entails for purposes of appellate
review of consecutive sentences. Specifically, it includes any of the following that may
be applicable: written presentence, psychiatric, or other investigative reports submitted to
the trial court prior to sentencing; the trial court record in the case in which the sentence
was imposed; any oral or written statements made to or by the court at sentencing; and
any written findings the court was required to make in connection with a grant of judicial
release. R.C. 2953.08(F)(1)-(4).
{¶39} To determine whether the record supports the trial court’s imposition of
consecutive sentences we must be mindful that, “within the context of R.C. 2929.14(C)(4),
whether consecutive sentences are necessary to protect the public is completely
dependent on whether the defendant’s criminal history demonstrates the need for the
defendant to be incapacitated by a lengthy term of incarceration. A trial court cannot
make this necessity finding without considering the overall prison term that it will be
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2022-0050 15
imposing.” Gwynne III, ¶ 15. According to the Ohio Supreme Court, “the record must
contain a basis upon which a reviewing court can determine that the trial court made the
findings required by R.C. 2929.14(C)(4) before it imposed consecutive sentences.”
Bonnell, ¶28. “[A]s long as the reviewing court can discern that the trial court engaged in
the correct analysis and can determine that the record contains evidence to support the
findings, consecutive sentences should be upheld.” Id. at ¶29.
{¶40} Upon review, we find that the trial court’s sentencing on the charges
complies with applicable rules and sentencing statutes. The sentence was within the
statutory sentencing range. Carbaugh has not shown that the trial court imposed the
sentence based on impermissible considerations—i.e., considerations that fall outside
those that are contained in R.C. 2929.11 and R.C. 2929.12. The trial judge’s statements
concerning future legislative action do not negate the findings made by the trial court, nor
the support found for those findings in the record. Because the record contains clear and
convincing evidence supporting the trial court’s findings under R.C. 2929.14(C)(4), we
have no basis for concluding that it is contrary to law.
{¶41} Carbaugh’s First and Second Assignments of Error are overruled.
III & IV
{¶42} In his Third Assignment of Error, Carbaugh maintains that his convictions
for rape and gross sexual imposition are against the manifest weight of the evidence4. In
his Fourth Assignment of Error, Carbaugh argues that there is insufficient evidence to
support his convictions for rape and gross sexual imposition5.
4 Carbaugh does not advance any argument with respect to his convictions for three counts of
Failure to Register. See, App.R. 12(A)(2); App.R. 16(A)(7).
5 See footnote 4, supra.
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2022-0050 16
Standard of Appellate Review– Sufficiency of the Evidence.
{¶43} The Sixth Amendment provides, “In all criminal prosecutions, the accused
shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury....” This right, in
conjunction with the Due Process Clause, requires that each of the material elements of
a crime be proved to a jury beyond a reasonable doubt. Alleyne v. United States, 570
U.S. 99, 133 S.Ct. 2151, 2156, 186 L.Ed.2d 314 (2013); Hurst v. Florida, 577 U.S. 92,
136 S.Ct. 616, 621, 193 L.Ed.2d 504 (2016). The test for the sufficiency of the evidence
involves a question of law for resolution by the appellate court. State v. Walker, 150 Ohio
St.3d 409, 2016-Ohio-8295, 82 N.E.3d 1124, ¶30. “This naturally entails a review of the
elements of the charged offense and a review of the state's evidence.” State v.
Richardson, 150 Ohio St.3d 554, 2016-Ohio-8448, 84 N.E.3d 993, ¶13.
{¶44} When reviewing the sufficiency of the evidence, an appellate court does not
ask whether the evidence should be believed. State v. Jenks, 61 Ohio St.3d 259, 574
N.E.2d 492 (1991), paragraph two of the syllabus, superseded by State constitutional
amendment on other grounds as stated in State v. Smith, 80 Ohio St.3d 89, 102 at n.4,
684 N.E.2d 668 (1997); Walker, 150 Ohio St.3d at ¶30. “The relevant inquiry is whether,
after viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution, any rational trier
of fact could have found the essential elements of the crime proven beyond a reasonable
doubt.” Jenks at paragraph two of the syllabus. State v. Poutney, 153 Ohio St.3d 474,
2018-Ohio-22, 97 N.E.3d 478, ¶19. Thus, “on review for evidentiary sufficiency we do
not second-guess the jury's credibility determinations; rather, we ask whether, ‘if believed,
[the evidence] would convince the average mind of the defendant's guilt beyond a
reasonable doubt.’” State v. Murphy, 91 Ohio St.3d 516, 543, 747 N.E.2d 765 (2001),
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2022-0050 17
quoting Jenks at paragraph two of the syllabus; Walker 150 Ohio St.3d at ¶31. We will
not “disturb a verdict on appeal on sufficiency grounds unless ‘reasonable minds could
not reach the conclusion reached by the trier-of-fact.’” State v. Ketterer, 111 Ohio St.3d
70, 2006-Ohio-5283, 855 N.E.2d 48, ¶ 94, quoting State v. Dennis, 79 Ohio St.3d 421,
430, 683 N.E.2d 1096 (1997); State v. Montgomery, 148 Ohio St.3d 347, 2016-Ohio-
5487, 71 N.E.3d 180, ¶74.
Issue for Appellate Review: Whether, after viewing the evidence in the light most
favorable to the prosecution, the evidence, if believed, would convince the average mind
that Carbaugh was guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of Rape in violation of R.C.
2907.02(A)(1)(b) and Gross Sexual Imposition in violation of R.C. 2907.05.
{¶45} R.C. 2907.02, Rape provides,
(A)(1) No person shall engage in sexual conduct with another who is
not the spouse of the offender or who is the spouse of the offender but is
living separate and apart from the offender, when any of the following
applies:
***
(b) The other person is less than thirteen years of age, whether or
not the offender knows the age of the other person.
{¶46} R.C. 2907.01(A) defines “sexual conduct” as “vaginal intercourse between
a male and female; anal intercourse, fellatio, and cunnilingus between persons regardless
of sex; and, without privilege to do so, the insertion, however slight, of any part of the
body or any instrument, apparatus, or other object into the vaginal or anal opening of
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2022-0050 18
another. Penetration, however slight, is sufficient to complete vaginal or anal
intercourse.”
{¶47} We find that there was overwhelming evidence of Carbaugh’s guilt. In the
case at bar, R.N.T. was seven years old at the time of the offenses. Evidence was
presented that she referred to Carbaugh as “dad.” 3T. at 408; 413-414; 425. A.E.,
R.N.T.’s mother, described Carbaugh as being “like a dad to her.” 4T. at 543. R.N.T.
testified that Carbaugh raped her vaginally. She described Carbaugh’s penis and the
gooey stuff coming out of the hole. R.N.T. described the incidents in court and during her
C.A.C. interview.
{¶48} We are mindful, that “[c]orroboration of victim testimony in rape cases is not
required.” State v. Meeks, 5th Dist. Stark No. 2014CA00017, 2015-Ohio-1527, 34 N.E.3d
382, ¶ 81, appeal not allowed, 143 Ohio St.3d 1543, 2015-Ohio-4633, 40 N.E.3d 1180,
citing State v. Cuthbert, 5th Dist. Delaware No. 11CAA070065, 2012-Ohio-4472, 2012
WL 4474720, ¶ 28 and State v. Johnson, 112 Ohio St.3d 210 –217, 2006-Ohio-6404, 858
N.E.2d 1144, at ¶ 53. Likewise, a victim’s testimony concerning penetration need not be
corroborated by the medical evidence. See State v. Nivens, 10th Dist. Franklin No.
95APA09-1236, 1996 WL 284714 (May 28, 1996) (even without corroborating medical
evidence, a victim’s testimony that the perpetrator placed his penis in her vagina
constitutes penetration).
{¶49} Viewing this evidence in a light most favorable to the prosecution, we
conclude that a reasonable person could have found beyond a reasonable doubt that
Carbaugh engaged in sexual conduct with R.N.T. who was seven years old at the time.
We hold, therefore, that the state met its burden of production regarding each element of
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2022-0050 19
the crime and, accordingly, there was enough evidence to support Carbaugh’s conviction
for rape.
{¶50} R.C. 2907.05, Gross Sexual Imposition provides,
(A) No person shall have sexual contact with another, not the spouse
of the offender; cause another, not the spouse of the offender, to have
sexual contact with the offender; or cause two or more other persons to
have sexual contact when any of the following applies:
***
(4) The other person, or one of the other persons, is less than thirteen
years of age, whether or not the offender knows the age of that person.
***
{¶51} “‘Sexual contact’ means any touching of an erogenous zone of another,
including without limitation the thigh, genitals, buttock, pubic region, or, if the person is a
female, a breast, for the purpose of sexually arousing or gratifying either person.” R.C.
2907.01(B).
{¶52} Carbaugh does not challenge the evidence on any specific element of the
offense; instead, his arguments are premised upon the victims’ credibility. We have held
that the testimony of one witness, if believed by the factfinder, is enough to support a
conviction. See, State v. Dunn, 5th Dist. Stark No. 2008-CA-00137, 2009-Ohio-1688, ¶
133. The weight to be given the evidence introduced at trial and the credibility of the
witnesses are primarily for the trier of fact to determine. State v. Thomas, 70 Ohio St.2d
79, 434 N.E.2d 1356 (1982), syllabus.
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2022-0050 20
{¶53} When assessing witness credibility, “[t]he choice between credible
witnesses and their conflicting testimony rests solely with the finder of fact and an
appellate court may not substitute its own judgment for that of the finder of fact.” State
v. Awan, 22 Ohio St.3d 120, 123, 489 N.E.2d 277 (1986). “Indeed, the factfinder is free
to believe all, part, or none of the testimony of each witness appearing before it.” State v.
Pizzulo, 11th Dist. Trumbull No. 2009-T-0105, 2010-Ohio-2048, ¶ 11. Furthermore, if the
evidence is susceptible to more than one interpretation, a reviewing court must interpret
it in a manner consistent with the verdict. Id. The finder of fact may take note of the
inconsistencies and resolve or discount them accordingly, but such inconsistencies do
not render defendant’s conviction against the manifest weight of the evidence. State v.
Nivens, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 95APA09-1236, 1996 WL 284714, at *3 (May 28, 1996).
{¶54} Evidence was presented that R.N.T. touched Carbaugh’s penis. 1T. at 230;
3T. at 428. Viewing this evidence in a light most favorable to the prosecution, we
conclude that a reasonable person could have found beyond a reasonable doubt that
Carbaugh engaged in sexual contact with R.N.T. who was seven years old at the time.
We hold, therefore, that the state met its burden of production regarding each element of
the crime and, accordingly, there was sufficient evidence to support Carbaugh’s
conviction for gross sexual imposition.
Standard of Appellate Review – Manifest Weight.
{¶55} As to the weight of the evidence, the issue is whether the jury created a
manifest miscarriage of justice in resolving conflicting evidence, even though the
evidence of guilt was legally sufficient. State v. Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d 380, 386–387,
678 N.E.2d 541 (1997), superseded by constitutional amendment on other grounds as
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2022-0050 21
stated by State v. Smith, 80 Ohio St.3d 89, 684 N.E.2d 668, 1997–Ohio–355; State v.
Issa, 93 Ohio St.3d 49, 67, 752 N.E.2d 904 (2001).
{¶56} Weight of the evidence addresses the evidence's effect of inducing belief.
State v. Thompkins, supra, 78 Ohio St.3d at 386-387, 678 N.E.2d 541(1997), State v.
Williams, 99 Ohio St.3d 493, 2003-Ohio-4396, 794 N.E.2d 27, ¶83. When a court of
appeals reverses a judgment of a trial court on the basis that the verdict is against the
weight of the evidence, the appellate court sits as a “thirteenth juror” and disagrees with
the fact finder’s resolution of the conflicting testimony. Thompkins at 387, 678 N.E.2d
541, citing Tibbs v. Florida, 457 U.S. 31, 42, 102 S.Ct. 2211, 72 L.Ed.2d 652(1982)
(quotation marks omitted); State v. Wilson, 113 Ohio St.3d 382, 2007-Ohio-2202, 865
N.E.2d 1244, ¶25, citing Thompkins.
{¶57} Once the reviewing court finishes its examination, an appellate court may
not merely substitute its view for that of the jury, but must find that “‘the jury clearly lost
its way and created such a manifest miscarriage of justice that the conviction must be
reversed and a new trial ordered.’” State v. Thompkins, supra, 78 Ohio St.3d at 387,
quoting State v. Martin, 20 Ohio App.3d 172, 175, 485 N.E.2d 717, 720–721(1st Dist.
1983). Accordingly, reversal on manifest weight grounds is reserved for “the exceptional
case in which the evidence weighs heavily against the conviction.” Id.Issue for Appellate Review: Whether the jury clearly lost their way and created
such a manifest miscarriage of justice that the convictions must be reversed and a new
trial ordered.
{¶58} We find that this is not an “‘exceptional case in which the evidence weighs
heavily against the conviction.’” State v. Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d 380, 386–387, 678
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2022-0050 22
N.E.2d 541 (1997), quoting Martin, 20 Ohio App.3d at 175, 485 N.E.2d 717. Based upon
the entire record in this matter we find Carbaugh’s convictions are not against the
sufficiency or the manifest weight of the evidence. To the contrary, the jury appears to
have fairly and impartially decided the matters before them. The jury heard the witnesses,
evaluated the evidence, and was convinced of Carbaugh’s guilt.
{¶59} Upon review of the entire record, weighing the evidence and all reasonable
inferences as a thirteenth juror, including considering the credibility of witnesses, we
cannot reach the conclusion that the trier of facts lost its way and created a manifest
miscarriage of justice. We do not find the jury erred when it found Carbaugh guilty. Taken
as a whole, the testimony and record contain ample evidence of Carbaugh’s responsibility
for all the alleged crimes. The fact that the jury chose to believe the testimony of the
victim does not, in and of itself, render his convictions against the manifest weight of the
evidence. While Carbaugh is certainly free to argue that R.N.T. is not a reliable witness
and the defense witnesses should be found to be more credible that the state’s witnesses,
on a full review of the record we cannot say that the jury clearly lost its way or created a
manifest injustice by choosing to believe the testimony of R.N.T.
{¶60} The state presented testimony and evidence from which the jury could have
found all the essential elements of the offenses proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The
fact that the state may have relied on circumstantial evidence in proving Carbaugh’s guilt
does not make his convictions any less sound.
{¶61} Finally, upon careful consideration of the record in its entirety, we find that
there is substantial evidence presented which if believed, proves all the elements of the
crimes for which Carbaugh was convicted.
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2022-0050 23
{¶62} Carbaugh’s Third and Fourth Assignments of Error are overruled.
V.
{¶63} In his Fifth Assignment of Error, Carbaugh contends the trial court’s decision
to admit the video of the forensic interview of the child at C.A.C. in its entirety was
prejudicial error because it was coordinated with law enforcement, and evidence for future
prosecution was obtained. [Appellant’s brief at 27]. Specifically, Carbaugh argues that
the interview was not admissible under the hearsay exception pursuant to Evid. R. 803(4)
for statements made for medical diagnosis or treatment.
{¶64} However, we note that Carbaugh does not cite to any portion of the record
where defense counsel at trial objected pursuant to Evid.R. 803(4) to any statement
related during Ms. Cooley’s testimony, or to the admission of the interview as evidence.
Normally, an appellate court need not consider an error that was not called to the attention
of the trial court at a time when the error could have been avoided or corrected by the trial
court. State v. Williams, 51 Ohio St.2d 112, 117, 364 N.E.2d 1364 (1977). Accordingly,
a claim of error in such a situation is usually deemed to be waived absent plain error. See
Crim.R. 52(B).
Standard of Appellate Review – Plain Error
{¶65} Crim.R. 52 distinguishes between errors to which the defendant objected at
trial and errors to which the defendant failed to object at trial. See State v. Perry, 101
Ohio St.3d 118, 2004-Ohio-297, 802 N.E.2d 643, ¶14. If the error is one to which the
defendant objected at trial, an appellate court reviews the error under the Crim.R. 52(A)
harmless-error standard and “the government bears the burden of demonstrating that the
error did not affect the substantial rights of the defendant.” (Emphasis sic.) Id. at ¶ 15. If
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2022-0050 24
the error is one to which the defendant failed to object at trial, an appellate court reviews
the error under the Crim.R. 52(B) plain-error standard and “the defendant bears the
burden of demonstrating that a plain error affected his substantial rights.” (Emphasis sic.)
Id. at ¶ 14. State v. Hackett, 164 Ohio St.3d 74, 2020-Ohio-6699, 172 N.E.2d 75, ¶91.
{¶66} The Ohio Supreme Court reviewed the plain error standard of review to be
utilized by appellate courts,
Under this standard, the defendant bears the burden of “showing that
but for a plain or obvious error, the outcome of the proceeding would have
been otherwise, and reversal must be necessary to correct a manifest
miscarriage of justice.” State v. Quarterman, 140 Ohio St.3d 464, 2014-
Ohio-4034, 19 N.E.3d 900, ¶ 16. An appellate court has discretion to notice
plain error and therefore “is not required to correct it.” Rogers at ¶ 23.
State v. West, 168 Ohio St.3d 605, 2022-Ohio-1556, 200 N.E.3d 1048, ¶ 22. See also
State v. McAlpin, 169 Ohio St.3d 279, 2022-Ohio-1567, 204 N.E.3d 459, ¶ 90. (“McAlpin
could not establish plain error, because he cannot show a reasonable probability that but
for standby counsel’s actions, the jury would have acquitted him.”).
{¶67} Carbaugh did not raise plain error. Because he does not claim plain error
on appeal, we need not consider it. See, State v. Quarterman, 140 Ohio St.3d 464, 2014-
Ohio-4034, 19 N.E.3d 900, ¶ 17–20 (appellate court need not consider plain error where
appellant fails to timely raise plain-error claim); State v. Gavin, 4th Dist. Scioto No.
13CA3592, 2015-Ohio-2996, ¶ 25, citing Wright v. Ohio Dept. of Jobs & Family Servs.,
9th Dist. Lorain No. 12CA010264, 2013-Ohio-2260, ¶ 22 (“when a claim is forfeited on
appeal and the appellant does not raise plain error, the appellate court will not create an
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2022-0050 25
argument on his behalf”). However, even if we were to consider Carbaugh’s argument he
would not prevail.
Issue for Appellate Review: Whether but for the admission of the forensic
interview of the child in its entirety the jury would have acquitted Carbaugh
{¶68} At the outset we note that R.N.T. testified at trial. She was therefore
available for cross-examination concerning statements she made during the forensic
interview at C.A.C. Accordingly, Carbaugh was not denied his right to confrontation.
Crawford v. Washington, 541 U.S. 36, at 59, fn. 9, 124 S.Ct. 1354, 158 L.Ed.2d 177(2004); California v. Green, 399 U.S. 149, 162, 90 S.Ct. 1930, 26 L.Ed.2d 489 (1970);
State v. Perez, 124 Ohio St.3d 112, 2009-Ohio-6179, 920 N.E.2d 104, ¶124; State v.
Leonard, 104 Ohio St.3d 54, 2004-Ohio-6235, 818 N.E.2d 229, ¶109.
{¶69} Evid.R. 803(4) provides that the following are not excluded by the hearsay
rule: “Statements made for purposes of medical diagnosis or treatment and describing
medical history, or past or present symptoms, pain, or sensations, or the inception or
general character of the cause or external source thereof insofar as reasonably pertinent
to diagnosis or treatment.”
{¶70} In State v. Arnold, 126 Ohio St.3d 290, 2010-Ohio-2742, 933 N.E.2d 775,
the Ohio Supreme Court considered the admissibility of statements made during
interviews at child-advocacy centers. Arnold involved a Confrontation Clause challenge
rather than Evid.R. 803(4), but the pertinent analysis is similar in many respects. The
issue in Arnold was whether a child’s statements during an interview were for medical
diagnosis or treatment, making them “non-testimonial,” or whether they primarily served
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2022-0050 26
a forensic or investigative purpose, making them “testimonial” in violation of the
defendant’s confrontation rights.
{¶71} The Supreme Court first noted that child-advocacy centers are unique
insofar as a single interview with a child serves “dual purposes,” which are: “(1) to gather
forensic information to investigate and potentially prosecute a defendant for the offense
and (2) to elicit information necessary for medical diagnosis and treatment of the victim.”
Arnold at ¶ 33. The majority then turned to the substance of the child’s interview. It
reasoned that some of the child’s statements primarily had a forensic or investigative
purpose. They included the child’s assertion that the defendant had “shut and locked the
bedroom door before raping her; her descriptions of where her mother and brother were
while she was in the bedroom with Arnold, of Arnold’s boxer shorts, of him removing them,
and of what Arnold’s ‘pee-pee’ looked like; and her statement that Arnold removed her
underwear.” Id. at ¶ 34. The Ohio Supreme Court reasoned that “[t]hese statements likely
were not necessary for medical diagnosis or treatment. Rather, they related primarily to
the state’s investigation.” Id.
{¶72} The Arnold Court also found, however, that “other statements provided
information that was necessary to diagnose and medically treat” the child victim. Id. at ¶
37. It noted that “[t]he history obtained during the interview is important for the doctor or
nurse practitioner to make an accurate diagnosis and to determine what evaluation and
treatment are necessary. For example, the nurse practitioner conducts a ‘head to toe’
examination of all children, but only examines the genital area of patients who disclose
sexual abuse. That portion of the exam is to identify any trauma or injury sustained during
the alleged abuse.” Id. In particular, the Ohio Supreme Court held that the following
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2022-0050 27
statements by the victim during the interview were necessary for medical diagnosis or
treatment: “statements that described the acts that Arnold performed, including that
Arnold touched her ‘pee-pee,’ that Arnold’s ‘pee-pee’ went inside her ‘pee-pee,’ that
Arnold’s ‘pee-pee’ touched her ‘butt,’ that Arnold’s hand touched her ‘pee-pee,’ and that
Arnold’s mouth touched her ‘pee-pee.’ ” Id. at ¶ 38. The fact that the victim already had
undergone a “rape-kit examination” did not dissuade the majority from finding that the
foregoing statements were necessary for subsequent medical diagnosis or treatment. Id.
at ¶ 39. The majority also found nothing objectionable about considering the child’s
statements individually to determine which ones were for medical diagnosis or treatment
and to exclude those that were not. Id. at ¶ 42. Finally, the Ohio Supreme Court found
nothing objectionable about the fact that police watched the interview or the fact that
information obtained for medical purposes ultimately was used to prosecute the
defendant. These considerations did “not change the fact” that some of the child’s
statements “were made for medical diagnosis and treatment.” Id. at ¶ 43.
{¶73} In the case at bar, the evidence establishes that neither the police nor
children’s services workers participated in the interview of R.N.T. Nor were they in the
separate room watching the interview. 1T. at 122. As in Arnold, a portion of R.N.T.’s
statements described the sexual acts Carbaugh performed on her or required her to
perform. Some statements were relevant to medical diagnosis or treatment and, hence,
admissible.
{¶74} It is apparent from the facts presented at trial, however, that Carbaugh
cannot demonstrate a reasonable probability that but for the admission of the child’s
forensic interview, the result of the trial would have been different. Even without the
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2022-0050 28
interview, R.N.T. identified Carbaugh as her attacker and detailed the sexual assault
during her testimony at Carbaugh’s jury trial.
{¶75} Further, we find beyond a reasonable doubt, that the admission of the entire
forensic interview of the child did not contribute to Carbaugh’s conviction. See, State v.
Aeschilmann, 5th Dist. Stark No. 2013 CA 00192, 2014-Ohio-4462, ¶95-96. R.N.T.
testified at trial and was subject to cross-examination. The jury was able to personally
observe her physical characteristics, and demeanor. Thus, any inadmissible evidence in
the forensic interview is cumulative to other evidence that was admitted concerning
Carbaugh’s sexual assault on R.N.T.
{¶76} Carbaugh’s Fifth Assignment of Error is overruled.
VI.
{¶77} In his Sixth Assignment of Error, Carbaugh argues that the trial court
abused its discretion in failing to grant a mistrial based upon the misconduct of the
prosecutor.
{¶78} During cross-examination of the prosecutor of I.W. the grandmother of
R.N.T., the following exchange occurred,
Q. Would your opinion change if you knew he [Carbaugh] went to
prison for sexual assault?
A. Not if I knew him and [R.N.T.] didn’t come to me and say, hey, he
touched me. I don’t care what you’re in prison for as long as you don’t reflect
it on me or my grandchildren.
Q. Would your opinion change if he was in prison for sexually
assaulting a 10-year-old child?
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2022-0050 29
3T. at 511. Defense counsel objected. After a bench conference the trial judge permitted
the prosecutor to proceed with the question6. 3T. at 511.
STANDARD OF APPELLATE REVIEW – MISTRIAL.
{¶79} “Mistrials need to be declared only when the ends of justice so require and
a fair trial is no longer possible.” State v. Franklin, 62 Ohio St.3d 118, 127, 580 N.E.2d 1(1991). The standard of review for evaluating a trial court's decision to grant or deny a
mistrial is abuse of discretion. State v. Maurer, 15 Ohio St.3d 239, 473 N.E.2d 768 (1984).
In reviewing a claim that a mistrial should have been granted, the Ohio Supreme Court
has noted “[t]his court has instead adopted an approach which grants great deference to
the trial court's discretion in this area, in recognition of the fact that the trial judge is in the
best position to determine whether the situation in his courtroom warrants the declaration
of a mistrial.” State v. Shaffer, 5th Dist. Richland No. 2003-CA-0108, 2004-Ohio-3717,
¶18 quoting State v. Widner [68 Ohio St.2d 188, 429 N.E.2d 1065(1981). See, also,
Wade v. Hunter, 336 U.S. 684, 687, 69 S.Ct. 834, 836, 93 L.Ed. 974(1949).
{¶80} An abuse of discretion can be found where the reasons given by the court
for its action are clearly untenable, legally incorrect, or amount to a denial of justice, or
where the judgment reaches an end or purpose not justified by reason and the evidence.
Tennant v. Gallick, 9th Dist. Summit No. 26827, 2014-Ohio-477, ¶35; In re Guardianship
of S .H., 9th Dist. Medina No. 13CA0066–M, 2013–Ohio–4380, ¶ 9; State v. Firouzmandi,
5th Dist. Licking No. 2006–CA–41, 2006–Ohio–5823, ¶54.
Issue for Appellate Review: Whether the trial court abused its discretion by
denying Carbaugh’s motion for a mistrial.
6 The bench conference occurred off the record. 3T. at 511.
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2022-0050 30
{¶81} After denying Carbaugh’s motion for a mistrial, the trial judge agreed to give
the jury a curative instruction as defense counsel requested. 4T. at 604-605. The trial
judge instructed the jury,
Now, I am going to indicate to you there was a question asked that
was objected to and I sustained the objection. The question was asked by
the prosecutor of the last witness and – for the defense, and it was improper.
You’re to disregard it.
Any implication in the question that was asked is to be disregarded.
Any implication in to the questions involving the criminal history of the
defendant are to be disregarded.
The prosecutor is admonished not to bring those things up again.
4T. at 606-607.
{¶82} Carbaugh’s prior conviction was relevant to the sexually violent predator
specification attached to the rape charge. The trial court instructed the jury,
If you find the defendant guilty of rape, you must decide an additional
factual question pertaining to a - - to the sexually violent predator
specification. You must decide whether the State has proven beyond a
reasonable doubt that the defendant has been convicted in the past of a
prior offense. One, sexual assault, a felony of the third degree, Case No.
14-F-41, in the Circuit Court of Barbour County, West Virginia, date of
conviction, December of 2015.
4T. at 718. The fact that Carbaugh was convicted of sexual assault was admissible as
an element of the crime for which he was indicted in the present case. Even without the
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2022-0050 31
prosecutor’s questions, the jury was properly made aware of the prior conviction. The
only statements that arguably may not have been admissible were the fact that Carbaugh
went to prison for the prior sexual assault, and that the prior sexual assault involved a
ten-year old girl.
{¶83} The fact that the prosecutor engaged in some improper argument, however,
does not warrant reversal unless the remarks prejudicially affected substantial rights of
the accused. State v. Hessler, 90 Ohio St.3d 108, 125, 734 N.E.2d 1237(2000). In
making this determination, we must consider the effect of any misconduct in the context
of the entire trial. State v. Keenan, 66 Ohio St.3d 402, 410, 613 N.E.2d 203 (1993).
{¶84} In the case at bar, the improper question only occurred on one occasion
during the trial. The trial judge instructed the jury to disregard it, and further admonished
the prosecutor. “Juries are presumed to follow their instructions.” Zafiro v. United States
506 U.S. 534, 540, 113 S.Ct. 933, 122 L.Ed.2d 317(1993). “A presumption always exists
that the jury has followed the instructions given to it by the trial court,” Pang v. Minch, 53
Ohio St.3d 186, 187, 559 N.E.2d 1313(1990), at paragraph four of the syllabus, rehearing
denied, 54 Ohio St.3d 716, 562 N.E.2d 163.
{¶85} Looking at the prosecutor’s questions in the larger context of the trial, we
find the prosecutor’s question did not prejudicially affect Carbaugh’s substantial due
process rights. As we discussed in our disposition of Carbaugh’s Third and Fourth
Assignments of Error, his convictions are based upon sufficient evidence and are not
against the manifest weight of the evidence. Evidence concerning Carbaugh’s prior
conviction was admissible to prove the sexually violent predator specification. The
prosecutor’s mention of the age of the previous victim was not flagrant or repeated.
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2022-0050 32
{¶86} We find Carbaugh was not denied his right to due process and fair trial
under the Fifth, Sixth and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution and
Article I, Sections 10 and 16 of the Ohio Constitution.
{¶87} Carbaugh’s Sixth Assignment of Error is overruled.
{¶88} The judgment of the Muskingum County Court of Common Pleas is
affirmed.
By Gwin, P.J.,
Wise, J., and
Delaney, J., concur