State v. Anderson , 2024 Ohio 843 ( 2024 )

[Cite as State v. Anderson, 2024-Ohio-843.]
COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
EIGHTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
COUNTY OF CUYAHOGA
STATE OF OHIO, :
Plaintiff-Appellee, :
No. 112514
v. :
MARIO R. ANDERSON, :
Defendant-Appellant. :
JOURNAL ENTRY AND OPINION
JUDGMENT: AFFIRMED IN PART, REVERSED IN PART,
AND REMANDED
RELEASED AND JOURNALIZED: March 7, 2024
Criminal Appeal from the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas
Case No. CR-22-675042-A
Appearances:
Michael C. O’Malley, Cuyahoga County Prosecuting
Attorney, and Steven N. Szelagiewicz, Assistant
Prosecuting Attorney, for appellee.
Joseph V. Pagano, for appellant.
KATHLEEN ANN KEOUGH, A.J.:
Defendant-appellant, Mario R. Anderson, appeals his convictions
following a jury trial. For the reasons that follow, we affirm in part, reverse in part,
and remand for resentencing.
In 2022, Anderson was named in a 17-count indictment charging him
with four counts each of gross sexual imposition (Counts 1, 2, 3, and 11), rape
(Counts 4, 6, 8, and 12), and sexual battery (Counts 5, 7, 9, and 13); two counts each
of compelling prostitution (Counts 10 and 14) and soliciting (Counts 15 and 16); and
one count of telephone harassment (Count 17). The charges stemmed from
Anderson’s sexual misconduct with his stepdaughter (“the victim”).
I. Jury Trial
The victim testified that when she was 13 years old, Anderson moved
in with her and her mother; Anderson and her mother married a short time later.
She stated that she considered Anderson a father-figure, someone with whom she
could confide in and discuss her interests and problems. According to the victim,
they had a father-daughter bond, which she welcomed and appreciated because she
did not have a good relationship with her biological father, at the time, or her
mother; her mother would often make derogatory comments to her about her
appearance. The victim stated that Anderson also made comments to her, but she
interpreted them to be more complimentary — to boost her confidence. However,
after reaching puberty, she realized the comments Anderson made were
inappropriate, or at least inappropriate coming from a father-figure.
The victim stated that by age 14, Anderson began groping and
touching her on her buttocks and breasts. She said that he would touch her, and
then he would masturbate, or he would have her bend over the couch and he would
masturbate. She testified that this conduct occurred for a year or two, and then
when she turned 15 or 16 years old, it progressed to Anderson pressuring her for oral
sex. She stated that typically he would perform oral sex on her while he
masturbated, but one time she performed fellatio when she refused to have sexual
intercourse with him. The victim testified that these acts would occur when her
mother was sleeping or at work.
Although she could not give specific dates or timeframes when these
acts occurred, the victim testified that they occurred over 20 times from age 14 until
she moved to Florida after turning 18 years old in July 2020. She stated that even
after moving to Florida, Andreson pressured her into sending a graphic photograph
of herself to him, yet he was dissatisfied because he wanted her to send a video.
The victim explained that while she was living with him, Anderson
would send her text messages asking about what she was doing or asking for
“something.” She stated that she would then go into his room or wherever he was,
find out what he wanted from her, and then, “I would go to him and just handle what
I had to handle.” (Tr. 198.) She admitted that she would say “no” repeatedly, but
that she would eventually “cave in” because he constantly bothered and pressured
her — “it would take many no’s to get a yes.” (Tr. 265.) The victim admitted that
Anderson never threatened or used physical harm, but that she felt manipulated and
bribed, and that he threatened to blackmail her. She stated:
If I said, no, it would always be like [he would] constantly keep begging.
There was even times he got on his knees and cried to beg. And then if
that didn’t work, then he would like to guilt trip and be like, well, since
you hate me, I’ll just go ahead and face whatever happens. And then
whatever happens to me, happens. And he will — he said, like, if he was
willing to accept everything that happens to him and just tell the truth.
(Tr. 216.)
The state introduced photographs of text messages between the
victim and Anderson from June 29, 2020 and September 2020. The victim read the
messages aloud and explained the context to the jury. During one exchange,
Anderson asked her “if you can fit me in tonight, I’ll take whatever.” (Tr. 214; exhibit
No. 1.) The victim explained that he was asking for her to engage in a sexual activity.
In another text conversation that occurred after she moved to Florida, he asked for
a “Duo,” which the victim explained was a video-chat. When she said no, he begged
and offered to pay her $80, and after she repeatedly refused, increased the offer to
$150. When she sent him a photograph instead, he was dissatisfied that it was not
a video and responded to her, “do I have to blackmail you * * * [d]on’t make me
blackmail you for a video” (Tr. 231-232; exhibit No. 1.). He also suggested that if he
left her mother, “who is gonna protect [the victim’s little sister] * * * you already said
your mom had some f***** up dudes.” Id. The victim explained that on a prior
occasion, she asked Anderson not to touch her little sister. After repeatedly telling
him that she would not send him a video of her, she said,
I’ve gave u things s*** that I didn’t want to do Im not goin keep doing
s*** just cuz u say like I said I paid my dues I’ve done a lot outta my
comfort zone and just cuz I’m putting my foot down u wanna keep it up
at least I’ve done s*** so knock it off
(Tr. 241, exhibit No. 1.) Instead of leaving her alone, Anderson persisted, assuring
her he would delete everything, and if she sent a video she would never hear from
him again. He reminded her “Ive seen every inch of you.” (Tr. 241-242.)
The victim stated that Anderson would buy her things, but after
turning 15 or 16 years old, she started using Cash App, a mobile payment service that
allows individuals to transfer money to one another using a mobile phone app. She
stated that Anderson began sending her money through Cash App after the sexual
activity escalated to oral sex. The state introduced photographs of Cash App
transactions sent by Anderson to the victim. The victim reviewed the transactions
and explained to the jury that Anderson used an emoji in the comment line when he
offered her money for sexual activity; or would comment — “For you know”; “For
right now!!!”; “For Tonight?” (Tr. 250-256; exhibit No. 2.) The victim admitted that
there were other transactions from Anderson that did not involve sexual activity.
On October 20, 2020, the victim told her father and stepmother what
Anderson had coerced her to do since 2016. The victim and her stepmother went to
the Brooklyn police department and made a report. Detective Sergeant Brian
Glandorf testified that he reviewed the victim’s report and received an email with
photographs of text messages between the victim and Anderson. He stated that he
subsequently obtained the victim’s cell phone for the purposes of conducting a
phone extraction. Detective Glandorf admitted, however, that he did not interview
the victim’s mother or other individuals with whom the victim had confided, or
obtain Anderson’s cell phone, despite the victim telling him that Anderson’s cell
phone would be the best evidence.
The jury found Anderson guilty of all charges. Following merger, the
application of the Reagan Tokes Law, and the imposition of consecutive sentences,
the trial court sentenced Anderson to a stated minimum term of 18 years with a
maximum term of 22.5 years in prison. This appeal followed.
II. Crim.R. 16 — Phone Extraction Records
After the jury was empaneled but before opening statements, the
prosecutor advised the trial court that it had discovered that it provided the wrong
cell phone extraction from the victim’s phone to the defense during discovery. The
prosecutor said that he gave Anderson’s defense attorneys the correct extraction that
morning. The prosecutor explained that the state had previously provided the
defense photographs of text messages taken directly from the victim’s phone, and
that the phone extraction merely corroborated those photographs — that the text
messages were sent between the victim and Anderson’s cell phone.
The defense objected to this late disclosure, contending that the
extraction “decimate[d]” Anderson’s defense and trial strategy. (Tr. 163.) Counsel
admitted that he had received the photographs of the text messages and the phone
extraction in June 2022. Counsel stated “that we, along with the state, didn’t believe
[the extraction] was relevant to the case, and did not at that time as we reviewed it
[believed it] corroborate[d] the screen shots of text messages that we knew were
relevant to the case.” (Tr. 161-162.) Accordingly, because counsel believed that the
state could not corroborate the text messages with the extraction it provided,
counsel believed that Anderson had a defense that the text messages were not from
him. Counsel requested that the trial court prohibit the state from using the
extraction during trial.
The trial court overruled Anderson’s objection, finding that the phone
extraction duplicated the previously disclosed text messages. The trial court
recessed for the day, however, to allow counsel time to review the phone extraction.
In his first assignment of error, Anderson contends that the trial court
abused its discretion when it denied his motion to exclude the victim’s cell phone
records because the state violated Crim.R. 16, and the violation resulted in prejudice
that deprived him of a fair trial, the effective assistance of counsel, and due process.
Specifically, he contends that the untimely disclosure (1) impacted his trial strategy
of attacking the validity of the text messages; and (2) undermined the integrity of
the judicial process because it deprived him of the opportunity to make knowing
decision about accepting a plea.
Crim.R. 16, which governs discovery in a criminal case, provides that
the purpose of the discovery rule is “to provide all parties in a criminal case with the
information necessary for a full and fair adjudication of the facts, to protect the
integrity of the judicial system and the rights of defendants, and to protect the well-
being of witnesses, victims, and society at large.” Crim.R. 16(A). The rule serves “‘to
prevent surprise and the secreting of evidence favorable to one party.’” State v.
Darmond, 135 Ohio St.3d 343, 2013-Ohio-966, 986 N.E.2d 971, ¶ 19, quoting
Lakewood v. Papadelis, 32 Ohio St.3d 1, 3, 511 N.E.2d 1138 (1987).
A trial court has broad discretion in regulating discovery and in
determining a sanction for a discovery violation. Darmond at ¶ 33. Therefore, this
court reviews the trial court’s decision under an abuse-of-discretion standard. See
generally State v. Brown, 2019-Ohio-1235, 134 N.E.3d 783, ¶ 91 (8th Dist.). When
imposing a sanction, however, the trial court must inquire into the circumstances,
balance the competing interests, and impose the least severe sanction that is
consistent with the purpose of the rules of discovery. Brown at ¶ 86, citing
Papadelis, at paragraph two of the syllabus.
In determining the appropriate sanction, a trial court must consider
the following three factors: (1) whether the failure to disclose was a willful violation
of Crim.R. 16; (2) whether foreknowledge of the undisclosed material would have
benefitted the accused in the preparation of a defense; and (3) whether the accused
was prejudiced. Darmond at ¶ 35, citing State v. Parson, 6 Ohio St.3d 442, 453
N.E.2d 689 (1983), syllabus. A defendant is not prejudiced when the undisclosed
information is cumulative or does not come as a surprise to the defense. See
generally State v. Thomas, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 81393, 2003-Ohio-2648, ¶ 12.
We initially note that the state did not introduce, use, or admit the
phone extraction into evidence. Anderson, however, used text messages contained
in the extraction during cross-examination of the victim, but did not move to admit
the extraction into evidence. Accordingly, the phone extraction evidence is not part
of the App.R. 9(B) record.
The trial court found that the phone extraction was duplicative of the
text messages already provided to the defense during pretrial discovery.
Accordingly, it determined that the least restrictive sanction would be to recess for
the day to allow the defense to review the extraction. We find no abuse of discretion.
First, the defense did not make any allegation that the state’s late
disclosure was willful or in bad faith. From the record, it appears that the defense
may have known that the state provided the wrong phone extraction and thus, would
not have been surprised that the state ultimately discovered its mistake. Moreover,
there was no unfair surprise to the defense because the state previously provided the
text messages, which the court determined were duplicative, and the state did not
use any information from the extraction. Finally, the defense did not indicate at trial
that Anderson would have entered a plea had the state timely provided the
extraction.
Rather, the defense used a text message exchange found only in the
extraction that supported its defense that Anderson did not force the victim to
engage in any illegal sexual activity. In one text message, the victim, without
prompting, assured Anderson that she would engage in one more act of sexual
activity. The defense extensively cross-examined the victim about the text messages,
including questions why the text messages she provided were only from June 29,
2020 until September 2020. The defense established that no text conversations
existed prior to June 29, 2020, that corroborated the victim’s testimony that
Anderson touched her or forced her to submit to any illegal sexual conduct. Even
after the defense’s cross-examination, the state did not attempt to use the extraction
to corroborate the text messages or the victim’s testimony. Thus, Anderson has not
demonstrated prejudice.
Based on the foregoing, we find that the trial court did not abuse its
discretion by denying Anderson’s motion to exclude the victim’s cell phone records
as a sanction for the state’s inadvertent violation of Crim.R. 16. The first assignment
of error is overruled.
III. Crim.R. 43 — Anderson’s Absence From Trial
After the close of all evidence, but prior to the start of closing
arguments, the court was notified that Anderson was hospitalized. Based on
information received, Anderson’s brother had found him in his vehicle with multiple
stab wounds to his abdomen. All indications were that Anderson’s injuries were
self-inflicted. The state requested that the trial proceed without Anderson present.
Defense counsel objected, contending that it was possible that Anderson’s injuries
were not self-inflicted. The trial court permitted trial to continue, which included
closing arguments, the jury charge, and the verdict. All parties agreed, however, to
not acknowledge Anderson’s absence to the jury.
Anderson contends that the trial court committed prejudicial error by
proceeding with trial in his absence in violation of R.C. 2945.12, Crim.R. 43(A),
Section 10, Article I of the Ohio Constitution, and the due process clause of the
Fourteenth Amendment.
A defendant has a fundamental right to be present at all critical stages
of his or her criminal trial. See Fifth, Sixth, and Fourteenth Amendments to the
United States Constitution; Article I, Section 10, Ohio Constitution; Crim.R. 43(A);
see also State v. Grate, 164 Ohio St.3d 9, 2020-Ohio-5584, 172 N.E.3d 8. Crim.R.
43(A) incorporates a defendant’s due process right to be physically present;
however, this right is not absolute. State v. White, 82 Ohio St.3d 16, 26, 693 N.E.2d
772 (1998). In all prosecutions, the defendant’s voluntary absence after the
commencement of trial shall not prevent continuing the trial, including the verdict.
Crim.R. 43(A); R.C. 2945.12; State v. Harrison, 88 Ohio App.3d 287, 290, 623
N.E.2d 726 (1st Dist.1993). Therefore, the defendant may waive his right to be
present at trial by his own acts. State v. Meade, 80 Ohio St.3d 419, 421, 687 N.E.2d
278 (1997). Whether a defendant’s absence from trial is voluntary is an issue of fact,
and this court is bound to accept a trial court’s finding if it is supported by competent
and credible evidence. State v. Dennis, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 04AP-595, 2005-
Ohio-1530, ¶ 12.
In support of this assignment of error, Anderson relies on this court’s
decision in State v. Sinclair, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 85235, 2005-Ohio-6011. In
Sinclair, the defendant took an overdose of antidepressants, which left him so
drowsy and incapacitated that he was unable to assist his counsel during jury
selection. The following day, Sinclair refused to come to the courtroom from the
county jail. The trial court was advised that Sinclair had been placed on suicide
watch due to the medication overdose. The court ordered Sinclair's medical records,
which showed that prior to trial he was demonstrating bizarre behavior and had
expressed suicidal thoughts. This court held that the trial court erred by proceeding
with trial in Sinclair’s absence without first conducting a thorough investigation of
Sinclair’s mental state and granting a one-day continuance.
Sinclair is clearly distinguishable. First, we are unable to discern
from the Sinclair opinion if the defendant was absent for the entire duration of the
five-day trial or just one day. Unlike in Sinclair, Anderson had been present during
voir dire, opening statements, and all witness testimony; he was voluntarily absent
for closing arguments, the jury charge, and ultimately the verdict.
Also, unlike Sinclair, the record before this court does not
demonstrate that Anderson had displayed any mental deficiencies during the first
day of trial, which would have forewarned the parties and the court that he was
having suicidal ideations. Moreover, the information the parties and the court
received revealed that Anderson’s stab-wounds were self-inflicted. Although his
defense team could not say for certain, they also “believed” that the injuries were
self-inflicted. (Tr. 367.)
Based on the foregoing, the trial court’s determination that
Anderson’s absence was due to his own actions was supported by competent and
credible evidence. Accordingly, we find no error in the trial court’s decision to
proceed with trial in Anderson’s absence. The second assignment of error is
overruled.
IV. Sufficiency and Manifest Weight of the Evidence
In his third and fourth assignments of error, Anderson challenges
the evidence presented at trial, contending that the state presented insufficient
evidence to support his convictions and that his convictions are against the
manifest weight of the evidence. Although he lists these assignments of error
separately, Anderson relies on the arguments of one assignment of error to support
the arguments of the other. Accordingly, this court will also address them together.
The test for sufficiency requires a determination of whether the
prosecution met its burden of production at trial. State v. Cottingham, 8th Dist.
Cuyahoga No. 109100, 2020-Ohio-4220, ¶ 32. An appellate court’s function when
reviewing the sufficiency of the evidence to support a criminal conviction is to
examine the evidence admitted at trial to determine whether such evidence, if
believed, would convince the average mind of the defendant’s guilt beyond a
reasonable doubt. State v. Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d 380, 386, 678 N.E.2d 541(1997). The relevant inquiry is whether, after viewing the evidence in a 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. Id.“Weight of the evidence concerns ‘the inclination of the greater
amount of credible evidence, offered in a trial, to support one side of the issue
rather than the other. * * * Weight is not a question of mathematics, but depends
on its effect in inducing belief.’” Eastley v. Volkman, 132 Ohio St.3d 328, 2012-
Ohio-2179, 972 N.E.2d 517, ¶ 12, quoting Thompkins, at 387. In a manifest-weight
analysis, the reviewing court sits as a “thirteenth juror” and reviews “‘the entire
record, weighs the evidence and all reasonable inferences, considers the credibility
of witnesses, and determines whether in resolving conflicts in the evidence, the
[trier of fact] clearly lost its way and created such a manifest miscarriage of justice
that the conviction must be reversed, and a new trial ordered.’” Thompkins at id.,quoting State v. Martin, 20 Ohio App.3d 172, 175, 485 N.E.2d 717 (1st Dist.1983).
The discretionary power to grant a new trial should be exercised only in exceptional
cases where the evidence weighs heavily against the conviction. Thompkins at 386.
Although sufficiency and manifest weight are different legal
concepts, manifest weight subsumes sufficiency in conducting the legal analysis;
that is, a finding that a conviction was supported by the manifest weight necessarily
includes a finding of sufficiency. Thus, a determination that a conviction is
supported by the weight of the evidence will also dispose of the issue of sufficiency.
State v. Jackson, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 100125, 2015-Ohio-1946, ¶ 11, citing
Thompkins; see also State v. Nunez, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 104623, 2018-Ohio-
83, ¶ 6.
A. Gross Sexual Imposition, Rape, and Sexual Battery
Anderson first contends that the state presented insufficient evidence
to support his gross sexual imposition, rape, and sexual battery convictions as
charged in Counts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 because the victim did not specify when,
where, or how often such conduct occurred.
As an initial matter, we note that the sexual battery offenses, as
charged in Counts 5, 7, and 9, merged with the rape offenses, as charged in Counts
4, 6, and 8 — with the state electing that the trial court sentence Anderson on the
rape-offense counts.1
The precise date and time a sexual assault occurs is not an essential
element of the crime. See R.C. 2907.02. “‘Where the exact date and time of an
offense are not material elements of a crime nor essential to the validity of a
conviction, the failure to prove such is of no consequence and it is sufficient to prove
that the alleged offense occurred at or about the time charged.’” State v. Ibrahim,
8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 102114, 2015-Ohio-3345, ¶ 32, quoting State v. Madden, 15
Ohio App.3d 130, 131, 472 N.E.2d 1126 (12th Dist.1984). Moreover, “particularly in
cases involving sexual misconduct with a child, the precise times and dates of the
alleged offense or offenses oftentimes cannot be determined with specificity.” State
v. Hemphill, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 85431, 2005-Ohio-3726, ¶ 54, citing State v.
Daniel, 97 Ohio App.3d 548, 556, 647 N.E.2d 174 (10th Dist.1944). This rule has
1 When counts in an indictment are allied offenses and there is sufficient evidence
to support the offense on which the state elects to have the defendant sentenced, the
reviewing court need not consider the sufficiency of the evidence on the counts that are
subject to merger because any error relating to those counts would be harmless. See State
v. McFarland, 162 Ohio St.3d 36, 2020-Ohio-3343, 164 N.E.3d 316, ¶ 25 (considering the
sufficiency-of-the-evidence challenge only on those convictions surviving merger); State
v. Myers, 154 Ohio St.3d 405, 2018-Ohio-1903, 114 N.E.3d 1138, ¶ 138 (merger of
kidnapping count with aggravated-robbery and aggravated-burglary counts moots
sufficiency-of-the-evidence claim regarding kidnapping count).
been established because “‘[i]n many cases involving child sexual abuse, the victims
are children of tender years who are simply unable to remember exact dates and
times, particularly where the crimes involve a repeated course of conduct over an
extended period of time.’” State v. Cochern, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 104960, 2018-
Ohio-265, ¶ 40, quoting State v. Mundy, 99 Ohio App.3d 275, 296, 650 N.E.2d 502(2d Dist.1994). Moreover, “‘[t]he problem is compounded where the accused and
the victim are related or reside in the same household, situations which often
facilitate an extended period of abuse.’” State v. Thomas, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No.
94492, 2011-Ohio-705, ¶ 22, quoting State v. Robinette, 5th Dist. Morrow No. CA-
652, 1987 Ohio App. LEXIS 5996, 8 (Feb. 27, 1987).
In this case, the victim testified that Anderson’s misconduct first
occurred when she was 14, after reaching puberty. She stated that he would grope
or touch her buttocks or breasts and then masturbate, or have her bend over the
couch while he masturbated. Anderson’s misconduct escalated to him performing
cunnilingus on the victim, which she said occurred multiple times. She said he
would pay her through Cash App after these incidents. Finally, she stated that after
she refused to have sexual intercourse with Anderson, she performed fellatio. It was
not unreasonable for the jury to believe that the victim was unable to remember
exact dates and times, especially considering that the conduct occurred over a four-
year period. Viewing the evidence presented by the state in a light most favorable to
the prosecution, a rational trier of fact could have found all the elements of rape and
gross sexual imposition proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Anderson next challenges his rape convictions by contending that
because the victim denied that “penetration” occurred, the state failed to prove the
element of “sexual conduct” as required under R.C. 2907.01(A). R.C. 2907.01(A)
does not require penetration to complete the act of cunnilingus; it requires no
further activity beyond the placing of one’s mouth on the female’s vagina. State v.
Lynch, 98 Ohio St.3d 514, 2003-Ohio-2284, 787 N.E.2d 1185, ¶ 86. The victim
testified that Anderson performed cunnilingus on her by placing his mouth on her
vagina. (Tr. 196.) This conduct is sufficient to support the three rape offenses
involving the act of cunnilingus.2
Finally, Anderson contends that the state failed to prove the element
of “force” because the victim never testified that he forced or coerced her, or that
because she viewed him as an authority figure, she felt compelled to perform these
sexual acts. According to Anderson, the victim only described feeling guilty or
“caving in,” and even volunteered to perform some acts.
“Force” is defined in R.C. 2907.01(A)(1) to mean “any violence,
compulsion, or constraint physically exerted by any means upon or against a person
or thing.” The Supreme Court of Ohio expanded this definition by recognizing
“coercion inherent in parental authority when a father sexually abuses his child.”
State v. Eskridge, 38 Ohio St.3d 56, 58, 526 N.E.2d 304 (1988). “Force need not be
overt and physically brutal, but can be subtle and psychological. If it can be shown
2 Anderson has not made any challenges to Counts 11 (gross sexual imposition);
Count 12 (rape, to wit: fellatio); and Count 13 (sexual battery, to wit: fellatio).
that the rape victim’s will was overcome by fear or duress, the forcible element of
rape can be established.” Id. at 58-59, citing State v. Fowler, 27 Ohio App.3d 149,
154, 500 N.E. 2d 390 (8th Dist.1985); see also State v. Dye, 82 Ohio St.3d 323, 328,
695 N.E.2d 763 (1998).
“Sexual activity between a parent and a minor child is not comparable
to sexual activity between two adults with a history of consensual
intercourse. The youth and vulnerability of children, coupled with the
power inherent in a parent’s position of authority, creates a unique
situation of dominance and control in which explicit threats and
displays of force are not necessary to effect the abuser’s purpose.”
Eskridge at 59, quoting State v. Etheridge, 319 N.C. 34, 47, 352 S.E. 2d 673 (1997).
Based on the record before this court, the state presented sufficient
evidence that Anderson coerced the victim into engaging in sexual activity. The
evidence reveals that Anderson groomed the victim by giving her that father-
daughter bond that the victim yearned for but lacked. Moreover, the victim and her
mother did not have a strong bond, which Anderson used to his advantage. The
evidence showed that Anderson and the victim commiserated with each other about
her mother’s treatment of them, the victim would often confide in Anderson, and
Anderson would compliment her when her mother would criticize. The victim
explained that this verbal praise turned inappropriate and then evolved into groping
and sexual misconduct.
Although the victim did not use the words “forced” and “coerced,” she
stated she felt “manipulated” and “had no choice.” The evidence showed that
Anderson would threaten the victim with blackmail or would use her little sister as
leverage, questioning who would protect her little sister if he left the victim’s mother.
The victim felt her only way to escape Anderson was to move out of state, yet his
constant pressuring, harassing, and manipulating conduct continued until she
reported the abuse.
Based on the foregoing, a reasonable juror could find that Anderson
used his parental status to force the victim into submitting to sexual activity. This is
not the exceptional case where the jury clearly lost its way in finding Anderson guilty
of gross sexual imposition and rape.
B. Compelling Prostitution
Anderson next contends that the state did not prove that he
knowingly paid or agreed to pay a minor to engage in sexual activity because the
Cash App records and the victim’s testimony were insufficient. We disagree.
Anderson was charged with compelling prostitution in violation of
R.C. 2907.21(A)(3)(a), which provides that “[n]o person shall knowingly * * * [p]ay
or agree to pay a minor, either directly or through the minor’s agent, so that the
minor will engage in sexual activity, whether or not the offender knows the age of
the minor.”
The victim’s testimony, coupled with the Cash App transactions and
text messages, demonstrate that Anderson paid the victim to engage in sexual
activity. She testified that after she turned 15, Anderson would pay her after he
performed cunnilingus on her or she performed fellatio. This testimony is sufficient
to support his convictions for compelling prostitution. Moreover, the Cash App
transactions reflecting payment from Anderson and Anderson’s text message that
he had seen “every inch” of the victim’s body corroborates the victim’s testimony
that Anderson engaged in sexual activity with her. The jury did not lose its way in
finding him guilty in Counts 10 and 14.
C. Soliciting and Telecommunications Harassment
Anderson summarily contends that his convictions for soliciting and
telecommunications harassment are unsupported by the evidence. We disagree.
The state charged Anderson in Counts 15 and 16 with soliciting, in
violation of R.C. 2907.24(A)(2) and (A)(1), respectively, which at the time of the
offense, provided that
(A)(1) No person shall solicit another who is eighteen years of age or
older to engage with such other person in sexual activity for hire.
(2) No person shall solicit another to engage with such other person in
sexual activity for hire if the other person is sixteen or seventeen years
of age and the offender knows that the other person is sixteen or
seventeen years of age or is reckless in that regard.
See former R.C. 2907.24(A)(1) and (2), amended April 21, 2021.
The victim testified that prior to and after turning 18 years old,
Anderson sent her text messages asking for sexual activity in exchange for payment.
The victim’s testimony was corroborated with the text messages exchanged between
them and the Cash App transactions. Accordingly, the weight of the evidence
supports Anderson’s soliciting convictions in Count 15 and 16.
Regarding his conviction for telecommunications harassment that
occurred after the victim moved out of state, Anderson texted the victim asking for
a sexually explicit video of her. In support, the state introduced the text messages
in which the victim repeatedly told him “no” and pleaded with him to leave her
alone. Nevertheless, Anderson continued to pressure and harass her until she finally
submitted to his manipulation and sent him a photograph of her body. Still
dissatisfied, Anderson continued with the harassment until the victim just stopped
responding. The weight of the evidence supports Anderson’s conviction for
telecommunications harassment in violation of R.C. 2917.21(B)(1).
Anderson’s fourth assignment of error is overruled.
V. Jury Instruction on Parental Force
Requested jury instructions in a criminal case must be given when
they are correct, pertinent, and timely presented. State v. Joy, 74 Ohio St.3d 178,
181, 657 N.E.2d 503 (1995), citing Cincinnati v. Epperson, 20 Ohio St.2d 59, 253
N.E.2d 785 (1969), paragraph one of the syllabus. The court must give all
instructions that are relevant and necessary for the jury to weigh the evidence and
discharge its duty as the factfinder. State v. Comen, 50 Ohio St.3d 206, 553 N.E.2d
640 (1990), paragraph two of the syllabus. The giving of jury instructions, however,
is within the sound discretion of the trial court, and we review that decision for an
abuse of discretion. State v. Howard, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 100094, 2014-Ohio-
2176, ¶ 35, citing State v. Martens, 90 Ohio App.3d 338, 629 N.E.2d 462 (3d
Dist.1993).
The trial court provided the statutory definition and standard “force”
instruction to the jury: “Force means any violence, compulsion or constraint
physically exerted by any means upon or against a person or thing.” (Tr. 419); R.C.
2907.01(A)(1). At the request of the state and over objection by the defense, the trial
court also gave the jury the following instruction on “parental force”:
Force of a parent or other authority figure. Where the relationship
between the victim and the defendant is one of a child and stepparent,
the element of force need not be openly displayed or physically brutal.
It can be subtle, slight, and/or psychological, or emotionally powerful.
If you find beyond a reasonable doubt that the victim’s will was
overcome by fear or duress or intimidation, the element of force has
been proven.
(Tr. 419.)
In his fifth assignment of error, Anderson contends that the trial court
abused its discretion in providing the parental force instruction. He maintains that
“psychological pressure and manipulation by a father against a daughter is not
sufficient to find force in this case.” (Appellant’s Brief, p. 25.) According to
Anderson, the victim never testified to being threatened or coerced, but rather was
persuaded and thus, “caved in.”
As previously discussed, “force” does not have to be overt and
physically brutal, but can be “subtle and psychological where coercion is inherent in
a parental-authority when a father sexually abuses his child.” Eskridge at 59. If
such evidence of psychological coercion exist; giving an Eskridge parental-force jury
instruction is appropriate.
Anderson contends that Eskridge should not apply, however, because
the victim was older than the four-year-old child victim in Eskridge. We disagree.
In fact, Ohio appellate courts have routinely rejected this notion that the victim must
be of such “tender years” before the Eskridge standard applies. See, e.g., State v.
Milam, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 86268, 2006-Ohio- 4742 (13-year-old victim;
defendant was best friend’s father); State v. Dippel, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 03AP-
448, 2004-Ohio-4649 (14-year-old victim; defendant was victim’s father); State v.
Oddi, 5th Dist. Delaware No. 02CAA01005, 2002-Ohio-5926 (15-year-old victim;
defendant was driver’s education teacher); State v. Jordan, 2d Dist. Montgomery
No. 26163, 2016-Ohio-603 (13-year-old victim; defendant was victim’s father-
figure); State v. Musgrave, 9th Dist. Summit No. 18260, 1998 Ohio App. LEXIS
5557 (Nov. 25, 1998) (13-year-old victim; defendant was victim’s adult friend).
This court in Milam held that whether a parental-force jury
instruction is warranted depends on whether the victim’s will was overcome by fear
or duress. Id. at ¶ 15.
In determining whether a course of conduct results in duress, the
question is not what effect such conduct would have upon an ordinary
man but rather the effect upon the particular person toward whom such
conduct is directed, and in determining such effect the age, sex, health,
and mental condition of the person affected, the relationship of the
parties and all the surrounding circumstances may be considered.
Tallmadge v. Robinson, 158 Ohio St. 333, 109 N.E.2d 496 (1952), paragraph two of
the syllabus; Milam at ¶ 15.
Based on the circumstances surrounding Anderson’s conduct, the
parental-force jury instruction was proper. The evidence established that Anderson
groomed the victim and used his parental status to compel and manipulate her to
engage in sexual activity. Accordingly, Anderson’s fifth assignment of error is
overruled.
VI. Ineffective Assistance of Counsel
During opening statements, Anderson’s defense counsel told the jury:
[Anderson’s] character isn’t guilt. And that’s a defense. We’ll put our
hands up. [Anderson] acted disgustingly. He would retrieve pictures
from [the victim] and masturbate. There’s no denying that fact. * * *
He would go into the living room and he would masturbate. He would
masturbate to pictures of [the victim]. As stated, his character is
disgusting, it’s horrid. And I wouldn’t want anyone to experience that.
But at the end of the day, ladies and gentlemen, his character isn’t guilt.
Evidence is guilt. And the accusations made by [the victim] doesn’t
equate to guilt. * * * his character is disgusting. He would masturbate
to the pictures. But what for I want for you all to keep in your minds,
is that his character does not equate to guilt. Evidence equates to guilt.
And there’s no corroborating evidence in this case that supports the
accusations made by [the victim].
(Tr. 176-178.)
Defense counsel began his cross-examination of the victim by saying:
[F]irst and foremost, you appear a little nervous today * * * what
happened to you was pretty terrible right? * * * And no one, no one
should have to go through all of that. And I apologize for what you did
go through. Unfortunately we kind of have to go through some details
just to make sure we know exactly what happened. Okay.
(Tr. 258.)
And in closing argument, Anderson’s counsel said:
[T]his is a case of she said. Everything that you heard throughout the
last few days is on the basis of what [the victim] said, what she said to
her Xbox friends, what she said to the Brooklyn Police Department,
what she said to her stepmother, and ultimately what she said to you.
Beyond the words that [the victim] said we have nothing. We have
nothing to corroborate her accusations. * * * [Anderson’s] character
doesn’t equate guilt. We know that he participated in certainly
immoral, disgusting acts. We admit it, he would masturbate to the
pictures. * * * We’re not denying that.
(Tr. 387.)
Anderson contends in his sixth assignment of error that he was
deprived of his Sixth Amendment right to effective assistance of counsel because his
defense team made these prejudicial comments during trial that ultimately vouched
for the credibility of the victim.
Reversal of a conviction for ineffective assistance of counsel requires
that the defendant show that counsel’s performance was deficient and that the
deficient performance prejudiced the defense to deprive the defendant of a fair trial.
State v. Nieves, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 111161, 2022-Ohio-3040, ¶ 27, citing State v.
Hanna, 95 Ohio St.3d 285, 2002-Ohio-2221, 767 N.E.2d 678, ¶ 109. Deficient
performance occurs when counsel’s performance falls below an objective standard
of reasonable representation. State v. Bell, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 105000, 2017-
Ohio-7168, ¶ 23. Prejudice is found when “there is a reasonable probability that but
for counsel’s unprofessional errors, the result of the proceedings would have been
different.” Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 694, 104 S.Ct. 2052, 80 L.Ed.2d
674 (1984).
A defendant has the burden of proving ineffective assistance of
counsel and there is a strong presumption that a properly licensed trial counsel
rendered adequate assistance. State v. Smith, 17 Ohio St.3d 98, 100, 477 N.E.2d
1128 (1985). As the Strickland Court stated, a reviewing court “must indulge a
strong presumption that counsel’s conduct falls within the wide range of reasonable
professional assistance; that is, the defendant must overcome the presumption that,
under the circumstances, the challenged action might be considered sound trial
strategy.” Strickland at 689; see also State v. Hamblin, 37 Ohio St.3d 153, 524
N.E.2d 476 (1988). A defendant’s failure to satisfy one part of the Strickland test
negates a court’s need to consider the other. State v. Hurst, 12th Dist. Brown No.
CA2014-02-004, 2014-Ohio-4890, ¶ 7.
Based on the record before this court, we do not find that Anderson’s
defense attorneys’ representation was deficient. It is apparent that counsel made a
strategic decision to acknowledge Anderson’s conduct, but focus on the lack of
evidence corroborating the acts. To argue otherwise could have caused counsel to
lose credibility with the jury. The defense recognized the inability to dispute the text
messages the victim testified to, but focused on the lack of evidence proving force,
sexual contact, or sexual conduct — elements necessary for gross sexual imposition,
rape, and sexual battery.
Additionally, Anderson’s attorneys admitted to the jury that while the
acts revealed in the texts (masturbating while looking at photographs) were
disgusting, immoral, or horrid, they were not illegal, and argued that the sexual
contact and conduct the victim testified about was not corroborated by the evidence.
It is a sound legal strategy to admit to some bad acts because it allowed counsel to
reasonably argue that the illegal acts did not happen. Accordingly, this court will
not second-guess defense counsel’s case strategy. State v. Sallie, 81 Ohio St.3d 673,
674, 693 N.E.2d 267 (1998). Nor does this court use hindsight to judge instances of
trial strategy that backfire or prove unsuccessful. State v. Martin, 9th Dist. Lorain
No. 15CA010888, 2017-Ohio-2794, ¶ 10; State v. Stragisher, 7th Dist. Columbiana
No. 03 CO 13, 2004-Ohio-6797, ¶ 18. “The end result of tactical trial decisions need
not be positive in order for counsel to be considered effective.” Martin at id., quoting
State v. Heer, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 97APA12-1670, 1998 Ohio App. LEXIS 4453,
8 (Sept. 24, 1998). Accordingly, based on our review of the record, we conclude that
Anderson’s defense team was not ineffective in its trial strategy.
The sixth assignment of error is overruled.
VII. Consecutive Sentences
“In order to impose consecutive terms of imprisonment, a trial court
is required to make the findings mandated by R.C. 2929.14(C)(4) at the sentencing
hearing and incorporate its findings into its sentencing entry,” and a failure to do so
is contrary to law. State v. Bonnell, 140 Ohio St.3d 209, 2014-Ohio-3177, 16 N.E.3d
659, ¶ 37. The trial court is not “required to give a talismanic incantation of the
words of the statute, provided that the necessary findings can be found in the record
and are incorporated into the sentencing entry.” Id. “[A] word-for-word recitation
of the language of the statute is not required, and as 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.
Trial courts must therefore engage in the three-tiered analysis of R.C.
2929.14(C)(4) before imposing consecutive sentences. Id. First, the trial court must
find that consecutive sentences are necessary to protect the public from future crime
or to punish the offender. Second, the trial court must 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. R.C. 2929.14(C)(4). Third, the trial
court must find that at least one of the following applies:
(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.
We review felony sentences under the standard of review set forth in
R.C. 2953.08(G)(2), which permits this court to increase, reduce, or otherwise
modify a sentence or vacate a sentence and remand for resentencing if this court
“clearly and convincingly” finds that the record does not support the sentencing
court’s findings under R.C. 2929.14(C)(4), or that the sentence is “otherwise
contrary to law.”
Accordingly, a defendant can challenge consecutive sentences on
appeal in two ways. First, the defendant can argue that consecutive sentences are
contrary to law because the court failed to make the necessary findings required by
R.C. 2929.14(C)(4). State v. Bolden, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 110841, 2022-Ohio-
2271, ¶ 26, citing R.C. 2953.08(G)(2)(b) and State v. Nia, 2014-Ohio-2527, 15
N.E.3d 892, ¶ 16 (8th Dist.). Second, the defendant can argue that the record does
not support the court’s findings made pursuant to R.C. 2929.14(C)(4). Bolden at id.,citing R.C. 2953.08(G)(2)(a) and Nia at id.Anderson contends in his final assignment of error that the trial
court’s imposition of consecutive sentences, over objection, was contrary to law and
the findings were not supported by the record.
In this case, the court ordered Counts 4, 6, 8, and 12 to run
consecutive to each other.
The Court finds that it is necessary to protect the public and punish the
offender and it is not disproportionate to the conduct, and at least two
of the multiple acts were committed as a part of one or more courses of
conduct and the harm is so great or unusual that a single term does not
adequately reflect the seriousness of the conduct.
(Tr. 477-478.) The court also incorporated those findings into the judgment entry
of conviction in accordance with Bonnell.
Although it appears that the trial court made the requisite findings,
the trial court’s second finding, commonly referred to as the disproportionality
finding, was incomplete. The second finding requires the trial court to 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.” (Emphasis added.)
R.C. 2929.14(C)(4). The trial court did not include the second prong of this finding.
This court recently considered this identical issue where the trial
court’s disproportionality finding was deficient. State v. Banks, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga
No. 112735, 2023-Ohio-4655. The court found that “[w]hile a word-for-word
recitation of the language of the statute is not necessary, the proportionality finding
is stated as a conjunctive phrase and the trial court is required to consider the
proportionality of the sentence regarding both the seriousness of the offender’s
conduct and the danger the offender poses to the public.” (Emphasis added.) Id. at
¶ 14, citing State v. Spencer, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 101131, 2014-Ohio-5430, ¶ 8.
Accordingly, “[t]he “trial court is not permitted to impose consecutive sentences
where it failed to make” both facets of the proportionality finding. Id. The Banks
Court found that it was unable to discern from the record that the trial court made
all the requisite findings and thus, reversed the sentence and remanded the matter
to the trial court to make the findings, if appropriate.
The dissenting judge in Banks stated that although the court did not
use the exact language in the statute, he would find that the court made the full
disproportionality finding based on the trial court’s statements during sentencing
and the colloquy with the victim and the defendant. Id. at ¶ 18-21 (Celebrezze, J.,
dissenting). The dissent specifically noted that when the victim answered the court’s
questions, she stated that she lived in fear during her tumultuous relationship with
Banks, and that other victims had reached out to her. The dissenting opinion also
noted that when the court addressed the defendant about his ten prior domestic
violence convictions and prior felonious assault and assault charges, Banks refused
to accept accountability and brushed off the court’s questions, prompting the trial
court to ask defense counsel, “How is he an asset to the public when he has 10 prior
convictions for domestic violence?” Id. at ¶ 20. Accordingly, the Banks dissent
believed the entirety of the sentencing hearing demonstrated compliance with R.C.
2929.14(C).
In this case, a thorough reading of the transcript reveals that the trial
court engaged in a formal sentencing. It did not make any personalized statements
or remarks during sentencing that would allow this court to glean from the entirety
of the record that the trial court employed the proper analysis and made the full
disproportionality finding as required by R.C. 2929.14(C)(4). Although the court
indicated that it had reviewed the laws associated with sentencing, the presentence-
investigation report, and the presentencing briefs, it did not make any comments
about the contents of those reports and briefs. The court did not engage in any
colloquy with the victim advocate (the victim was not present for sentencing),
Anderson, or counsel. Accordingly, there is nothing that this court can glean from
the record to support a conclusion that the trial court made the full
disproportionality finding.
Based on the precedent in Banks and the statutory requirements of
R.C. 2929.14(C)(4), failure to make all the requisite findings prior to imposing
consecutive sentences renders the sentence contrary to law. Accordingly, we reverse
Anderson’s sentence and remand the case to the trial court for the limited purpose
of complying with the statutory language of R.C. 2929.14(C)(4) to make the
necessary record-supported findings (if the court finds that the imposition of
consecutive sentences is appropriate), and to incorporate those findings into the
judgment entry of conviction. Anderson’s seventh assignment of error is sustained.
VIII. Conclusion
Judgment affirmed in part, reversed in part, and remanded to the
trial court for a limited resentencing in accordance with this court’s opinion.
It is ordered that parties shared equally the costs herein taxed.
The court finds there were reasonable grounds for this appeal.
It is ordered that a special mandate issue out of this court directing the
common pleas court to carry this judgment into execution. The defendant’s
convictions having been affirmed, in part, any bail pending appeal is terminated.
Case remanded to the trial court for a limited resentencing.
A certified copy of this entry shall constitute the mandate pursuant to Rule 27
of the Rules of Appellate Procedure.
KATHLEEN ANN KEOUGH, ADMINISTRATIVE JUDGE
LISA B. FORBES, J., and
ANITA LASTER MAYS, J., CONCUR