State v. Lusher , 2012 Ohio 5526 ( 2012 )

[Cite as State v. Lusher, 2012-Ohio-5526.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
FOURTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
GALLIA COUNTY
State of Ohio, :
:
Plaintiff-Appellee, :
: Case No. 11CA1
v. :
: DECISION AND
Brandon Lusher aka : JUDGMENT ENTRY
Charles Brandon Lusher :
:
Defendant-Appellant. : Filed: November 27, 2012
______________________________________________________________________
APPEARANCES:
Ian N. Friedman and Kristina W. Supler, Ian N. Friedman & Associates, L.L.C.,
Cleveland, Ohio, for Appellant.
Melinda Kowalski, Gallia County Special Prosecutor, Ohio Attorney General’s Office,
Columbus, Ohio, for Appellee.
______________________________________________________________________
Kline, J.:
{¶1} Brandon Lusher appeals the judgment of the Gallia County Court of
Common Pleas, which convicted him of three felonies related to Lusher obtaining
various forms of state assistance on behalf of his grandparents. Initially, Lusher
contends that the trial court erred when it denied Lusher’s motion to dismiss based on
time limits in the Ohio Administrative Code. Lusher’s motion to dismiss pertained to
Count 5 of the indictment, for which the jury found Lusher “not guilty.” Consequently,
we find that Lusher’s arguments relative to his pretrial motion to dismiss are moot.
Additionally, we find that Lusher waived his arguments that the time limitations in the
Ohio Administrative Code pertained to any other counts in the indictment. Next, Lusher
contends that there was insufficient evidence to convict him of theft. Because the state
Gallia App. No. 11CA1 2
failed to present evidence of the scope of express or implied consent, we agree.
Finally, Lusher contends that the trial court erred by admitting testimony of his
grandmother’s hearsay statements. We find (1) that the trial court erred by admitting
the hearsay statements and (2) that the state did not satisfy its burden of showing that
the error was harmless with respect to Lusher’s remaining convictions.
{¶2} Accordingly, we reverse the judgment of the trial court and remand this
cause to the trial court for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.
I.
{¶3} Lusher is the grandson of Thomas Breech (hereinafter “Thomas”) and Lois
Breech (hereinafter “Lois”). Lusher possessed the power of attorney for both Thomas
and Lois. In February 2004, Lusher met with an employee of the Gallia County
Department of Job and Family Services (hereinafter the “Department”) to discuss
obtaining medical benefits for Thomas.
{¶4} Thomas began receiving various forms of medical assistance from the
county in March 2004. He enrolled in a medical benefit program called the “Passport
Program.” Based on the guidelines of the Passport Program, Thomas was designated
as “institutionalized,” even though he lived at home.
{¶5} Lusher met with Department employees to re-certify Thomas’s benefits in
2005 and 2006. As a result of Lusher’s representations during the re-certification
process, Thomas qualified for food stamps as well as medical benefits. Lusher
represented that Thomas and Lois were separated. Lusher also did not provide the
Department with Lois’s financial information. Lusher claimed that he made this
representation based on his understanding that Thomas was “institutionalized” (i.e., not
Gallia App. No. 11CA1 3
living in the home) under the guidelines for the Passport Program. Lusher also claimed
that Department employees confirmed that his understanding was correct.
{¶6} Lois and Thomas, however, lived in the same home. They had separate
mailboxes with separate addresses, and they each had separate bedrooms. Lusher
testified that Thomas’s and Lois’s bedroom doors had locks as well as separate exits
from the home. Additionally, Thomas and Lois signed a separation agreement stating
that they would not share food or assets.
{¶7} In October 2007, Lusher applied for assistance on behalf of Lois. Mark
Coleman handled the application for Lois’s benefits. (Coleman had not been involved
with any of Thomas’s applications for benefits.) At trial, the state produced a
computerized application printout based on Coleman’s processing of Lois’s application
for benefits. Lois’s computerized application printout lists Lois’s marital status as
“widowed.” State Exhibit 18 at 4. Coleman also testified that the printout indicates that
Lois is living with “no one.” Trial Tr. at 184. Additionally, the printout states that Lois
had not “transferred/sold/given away resources in the last five years.” State Exhibit 18
at 5. (Lusher and the state disputed whether Lusher had provided this information to
Coleman. Lusher argued that Coleman possibly entered this information on his own in
an effort to streamline the application process.)
{¶8} Lusher also gave Coleman a handwritten application that was apparently
filled out by Lusher and signed by Lois. The handwritten application has a section that
requires the applicant to “list everyone who lives with you even if they are not applying.”
State Exhibit 19 at 2. Lois’s name is the only name listed in that section. Lusher
Gallia App. No. 11CA1 4
claimed that, based on information from Department employees, Thomas was not living
with Lois because Thomas was designated as “institutionalized.”
{¶9} During the application process, Lusher provided receipts for payments
Lois made for rent, utilities, and various medical expenses. The payments were all
made to the same company – Compassionate Hands for Strength and Hope
(hereinafter “Compassionate Hands”).
{¶10} Ultimately, Lois was approved for food stamps and Medicaid benefits.
Coleman, however, was troubled by the fact that Lois was paying the same company for
rent, utilities, and various medical expenses. Coleman testified that he had never heard
of Compassionate Hands and that it was unusual for an individual to pay the same
company for these different expenses.
{¶11} Apparently, Lusher and several other individuals formed Compassionate
Hands. Lusher asserted that Compassionate Hands was a company dedicated to
community outreach. Lusher claimed that Compassionate Hands initially paid some of
the Breeches’ medical and credit card debts. In return, Lusher transferred the deed to
the Breeches’ property to Compassionate Hands. Compassionate Hands then received
monthly payments from the Breeches to pay off the debt.
{¶12} As a result of Coleman’s concerns, the case was referred to Ernie
Meadows, a fraud investigator employed by the Department. In November 2007,
Meadows and Tandy Rose visited the Breeches’ home. Rose worked as an Adult
Protection Service Investigator for the Department. Meadows and Rose had separate
roles in the investigation. Meadows investigated whether the Breeches’ benefits were
fraudulently obtained. Rose investigated allegations of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of
Gallia App. No. 11CA1 5
the elderly. Specifically, Rose testified that she visited the Breeches’ home to
determine whether Lois was the victim of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. During the
visit, Rose had a private conversation with Lois regarding Lois’s financial circumstances
and her living arrangement with Thomas. (At trial, Rose testified, over Lusher’s
objection, to what Lois told Rose during that conversation.)
{¶13} Lusher was also at the home when Meadows and Rose visited. Meadows
spoke with Lusher regarding Meadows’ fraud-related concerns. Shortly after the
meeting, the deed to the Breeches’ property was transferred from Compassionate
Hands back to the Breeches. Additionally, in December 2007, Lusher prepared an
affidavit that was sent to the Department. In the affidavit, Lusher attempted to explain
his actions in obtaining benefits for Thomas and Lois.
{¶14} As a result of the investigation, the Department officials determined (1)
that Thomas was overpaid $1,949 in food stamps and (2) Lois was overpaid $195 in
food stamps and $379 in Medicaid benefits.
{¶15} The state claimed Lusher was required to inform the Department that
Thomas and Lois were living together based on the rules governing food stamp
assistance. The state also asserted that the rules required Lusher to provide the
Department with information about both grandparents, even though each grandparent
applied for benefits individually. According to the state, the rules required Lusher to do
this despite (1) Thomas’s designation as “institutionalized” in the Passport Program and
(2) Thomas and Lois’s unorthodox living arrangement.
{¶16} In May 2009, a grand jury returned a six-count indictment against Lusher.
For purposes of this appeal, we note that Count One of the indictment charges Lusher
Gallia App. No. 11CA1 6
with fifth-degree-felony theft. The theft charge essentially pertained to all of Lusher’s
activities in obtaining benefits for Thomas and Lois. Count Two charges Lusher with
fifth-degree-felony falsification. Count Two pertained solely to Lusher’s efforts to obtain
benefits for Lois in October 2007. Count Four of the indictment charges Lusher with
fifth-degree-felony telecommunications fraud, and that charge was based on Lusher’s
December 2007 affidavit.
{¶17} The case was tried to a jury. The jury found Lusher guilty of Counts One,
Two, and Four, and it found him not guilty of the remaining counts. Lusher appeals and
asserts the following assignments of error: I. “THE TRIAL COURT COMMITTED
ERROR WHEN IT PERMITTED THE INTRODUCTION OF TESTIMONIAL
STATEMENTS IN VIOLATION OF THE APPELLANT’S RIGHT TO CONFRONTATION
GUARANTEED BY THE 6TH AMENDMENT TO THE UNITED STATES
CONSTITUTION AND ARTICLE I, SECTION 10 OF THE OHIO CONSTITUTION.” II.
“THE TRIAL COURT ABUSED ITS DISCRETION WHEN IT PERMITTED THE
INTRODUCTION OF OTHERWISE INADMISSIBLE HEARSAY IN VIOLATION OF THE
OHIO RULES OF EVIDENCE.” III. “THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN ENTERING
JUDGMENT OF CONVICTION IN CONNECTION WITH COUNT I, THEFT, AND
COUNT II, FALSIFICATION, BECAUSE, IN COMBINATION, THE JURY
INSTRUCTIONS AND VERDICT FORMS WERE INSUFFICIENT TO SUPPORT THE
FELONY ENHANCEMENT PROVISIONS FOR THESE OFFENSES.” IV. “THE
APPELLANT’S CONVICTION FOR THEFT WAS NOT SUPPORTED BY SUFFICIENT
EVIDENCE IN VIOLATION OF HIS RIGHT TO DUE PROCESS OF LAW UNDER THE
14TH AMENDMENT TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION AND ARTICLE I,
Gallia App. No. 11CA1 7
SECTION 14 OF THE OHIO CONSTITUTION.” V. “THE APPELLANT WAS DENIED
EFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL IN VIOLATION OF HIS RIGHT TO
COUNSEL UNDER THE 6TH AND 14TH AMENDMENTS TO THE UNITED STATES
CONSTITUTION AND ARTICLE 1, SECTION 10 OF THE OHIO CONSTITUTION.” VI.
“THE TRIAL COURT COMMITTED ERROR WHEN IT DENIED THE APPELLANT’S
MOTION TO DISMISS BASED ON THE STATE’S FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH OHIO
ADMINISTRATIVE CODE §5101:4-8-15.” And VII. “THE TRIAL COURT COMMITTED
ERROR WHEN IT DENIED THE APPELLANT’S MOTION FOR NEW TRIAL AS
UNTIMELY.”
II.
{¶18} For ease of analysis, we will consider Lusher’s assignments of error out of
order. We begin with Lusher’s sixth and seventh assignments of error because they are
interrelated.
A.
{¶19} In his sixth assignment of error, Lusher argues that the trial court erred
when it denied his motion to dismiss based on the state’s alleged failure to comply with
various provisions of the Ohio Administrative Code. Essentially, Lusher contends that
the Ohio Administrative Code provides a statute of limitations for crimes related to
improper receipt of food stamp benefits.
{¶20} “[O]ur review of statute of limitations issues involves a mixed question of
law and fact.” State v. Stamper, 4th Dist. No. 05CA21, 2006-Ohio-722, ¶ 30.
“Therefore, we accord due deference to a trial court’s findings of fact if supported by
Gallia App. No. 11CA1 8
competent, credible evidence[.]” Id. However, “[w]e review the legal issues de novo[.]”
State v. Smith, 4th Dist. No. 10CA3148, 2011-Ohio-602, ¶ 18.
{¶21} Prior to trial, Lusher moved to dismiss Count 5 of the indictment based on
certain provisions of the Ohio Administrative Code governing food stamp benefits.
(After trial, Lusher attempted to expand his statute-of-limitations argument to include
additional counts. We will address this below in our analysis of Lusher’s motion for a
new trial.) Count 5 charged Lusher with violating R.C. 2913.46(B) (prohibiting the illegal
use of food stamps). Lusher argued that the Administrative Code required the
Department to refer its allegations of Lusher’s improper receipt of food stamp benefits to
the prosecutor within a certain time period. According to Lusher, the Department failed
to refer his case to the prosecutor within the required time period. As a result, Lusher
claimed that Count 5 should have been dismissed because it related to the use of food
stamps.
{¶22} We need not analyze the merits of Lusher’s statute-of-limitations argument
because the issue is moot. The jury returned a “not guilty” verdict for Count 5.
Consequently, Lusher’s statute-of-limitations argument based on the Ohio
Administrative Code is moot. See generally State v. Garcia, 3d Dist. No. 12-11-07,
2012-Ohio-1795, ¶ 21 (“[E]ven if it would have been error to allow K.F.’s testimony, the
issue was moot because the jury found Garcia not guilty of the single count involving
K.F. and his testimony.”).
{¶23} Accordingly, we overrule Lusher’s sixth assignment of error.
B.
Gallia App. No. 11CA1 9
{¶24} In Lusher’s seventh assignment of error, Lusher argues that the trial court
erred when it denied his motion for a new trial as untimely.
{¶25} “Generally, a decision on a motion for a new trial is within the discretion of
the trial court.” State v. Ward, 4th Dist. No. 05CA13, 2007-Ohio-2531, ¶ 41, citing State
v. Scheibel, 55 Ohio St.3d 71, 564 N.E.2d 54 (1990), paragraph one of the syllabus.
Accordingly, we will not reverse a trial court’s decision on a motion for a new trial absent
an abuse of discretion. State v. Nichols, 4th Dist. No. 11CA912, 2012-Ohio-1608, ¶ 61.
“The term ‘abuse of discretion’ connotes more than an error of law or of judgment; it
implies that the court’s attitude is unreasonable, arbitrary or unconscionable.” State v.
Adams, 62 Ohio St.2d 151, 157, 404 N.E.2d 144 (1980).
{¶26} As indicated above, Lusher filed a pretrial motion to dismiss based on time
limitations found in the Ohio Administrative Code. During a hearing on the motion, both
Lusher and the state agreed that the motion to dismiss pertained only to Count 5 of the
indictment. The jury later found Lusher not guilty of Count 5.
{¶27} After trial, Lusher filed a motion for a new trial. In the motion, Lusher
argued that the state’s evidence for all of Lusher’s convictions pertained to the improper
receipt of food stamp benefits. As a result, Lusher asserted that the food-stamp-related
time limitations in the Administrative Code applied to all of the counts for which Lusher
was convicted, not just Count 5. The trial court, however, determined that Lusher’s
motion for a new trial was untimely.
{¶28} On appeal, Lusher contends that the trial court did not properly calculate
the time period to file his motion for a new trial. Thus, Lusher argues that the trial court
erred when it denied his motion for a new trial as untimely.
Gallia App. No. 11CA1 10
{¶29} The arguments in Lusher’s motion for a new trial mirror the statute-of-
limitations arguments Lusher made regarding the dismissal of Count 5. But Lusher
cannot expand his statute-of-limitations arguments beyond Count 5 because he has
waived those arguments. Crim.R. 12(C)(1) provides that “[t]he following must be raised
before trial: [d]efenses and objections based on defects in the institution of the
prosecution[.]” (Emphasis added.) Additionally, Crim.R. 12(H) provides that the
“[f]ailure by the defendant to raise defenses or objections or to make requests that must
be made prior to trial * * * shall constitute waiver of the defenses or objections[.]” Thus,
“[i]n order to challenge a charged offense on statute of limitations grounds * * *, a
defendant must file a motion to dismiss prior to trial.” State v. Grant, 12th Dist. No.
CA2003-05-114, 2004-Ohio-2810, ¶ 9. And “[f]ailure to file a motion to dismiss under
Crim.R. 12(C) waives the statute of limitations defense.” Id. Here, by limiting his
statute-of-limitations arguments to Count 5 in his pretrial motion, Lusher waived those
arguments with respect to the other counts in the indictment.
{¶30} Although Crim.R. 12(H) provides that “the court for good cause shown
may grant relief from the waiver[,]” Lusher has not shown the requisite good cause for
relief from waiver. Considering the nature of the charges against Lusher, he should
have been aware, prior to trial, that the state might include evidence of improper receipt
of food stamps to support the theft, falsification, and telecommunications-fraud charges.
Lusher, however, failed to argue that the theft, falsification, and telecommunications-
fraud charges were also subject to the limitations period in the Ohio Administrative
Code. As a result, Lusher waived those arguments.
Gallia App. No. 11CA1 11
{¶31} Because Lusher waived the arguments he made in his motion for a new
trial, any error in denying the motion as untimely would be harmless error. See Crim.R.
52(A). Accordingly, we overrule Lusher’s seventh assignment of error.
III.
{¶32} In his third assignment of error, Lusher argues that there was insufficient
evidence to convict him of theft.
{¶33} When reviewing a case to determine if the record contains sufficient
evidence to support a criminal conviction, we must “‘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. 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.’” State v. Smith, 4th Dist. No. 06CA7, 2007-Ohio-502, ¶ 33, quoting
State v. Jenks, 61 Ohio St.3d 259, 574 N.E.2d 492 (1991), paragraph two of the
syllabus. See also Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 319, 99 S.Ct. 2781, 61 L.Ed.2d
560 (1979).
{¶34} The sufficiency-of-the-evidence test “raises a question of law and does not
allow us to weigh the evidence.” Smith, 2007-Ohio-502, ¶ 34, citing State v. Martin, 20
Ohio App.3d 172, 175, 485 N.E.2d 717 (1st Dist.1983). Instead, the sufficiency-of-the-
evidence test “‘gives full play to the responsibility of the trier of fact fairly to resolve
conflicts in the testimony, to weigh the evidence, and to draw reasonable inferences
from basic facts to ultimate facts.’” Smith, 2007-Ohio-502, ¶ 34, quoting Jackson at
319. This court will “reserve the issues of the weight given to the evidence and the
Gallia App. No. 11CA1 12
credibility of witnesses for the trier of fact.” Id., citing State v. Thomas, 70 Ohio St.2d
79, 79-80, 434 N.E.2d 1356 (1982); State v. DeHass, 10 Ohio St.2d 230, 227 N.E.2d
212 (1967), paragraph one of the syllabus.
{¶35} Initially, we must note some discrepancies in the theft charge against
Lusher. Count One of the indictment charges as follows:
[Lusher] did: By deception with the purpose to deprive
the owner of property or services, knowingly obtained
or exerted control over either the property or services
beyond the scope of the express or implied consent of
the owner or person authorized to give consent In
[sic] violation of Ohio Revised Code, Title 29, Section
2913.02(A)(2)(3), and against the peace and dignity
of the State of Ohio, a felony of the fifth degree.
{¶36} The Ohio Revised Code does not contain a “Section 2913.02(A)(2)(3).”
R.C. 2913.02(A)(2) provides: “No person, with purpose to deprive the owner of property
or services, shall knowingly obtain or exert control over either the property or services *
* * [b]eyond the scope of the express or implied consent of the owner or person
authorized to give consent[.]” And R.C. 2913.02(A)(3) provides, “No person, with
purpose to deprive the owner of property or services, shall knowingly obtain or exert
control over either the property or services * * * [b]y deception[.]”
{¶37} Thus, the indictment charges Lusher with a nonexistent, hybrid offense
that combined the elements of theft beyond the scope of consent (i.e., R.C.
2913.02(A)(2)) and theft by deception (i.e., R.C. 2913.02(A)(3)).
Gallia App. No. 11CA1 13
{¶38} The state appeared to clarify the discrepancy in its bill of particulars.
Regarding Count One, the state’s bill of particulars states as follows: “Brandon Lusher *
* * did knowingly obtain or exert control over property or services with the purpose to
deprive the owner by deception: to wit: theft. This is in violation of Ohio Revised Code
Section 2913.02(A)(3), entitled ‘Theft’, a felony of the fifth degree[.]” (Underlining sic.)
Bill of Particulars at 1. Thus, the bill of particulars indicates that the state intended to
proceed under a theft-by-deception theory.
{¶39} The trial court’s jury instruction for Count One conflicted with the charge
specified in the state’s bill of particulars. The instructions are consistent with a theft-
beyond-the-scope-of-express-or-implied-consent theory, not a theft-by-deception
theory. The trial court instructed the jury as follows:
Now Count 1, theft. The defendant is charged with
theft. Before you can find the defendant guilty you
must find beyond a reasonable doubt that on or about
the 1st day of March 2006 to on or about the 31st day
of December 2007 and in Gallia County, Ohio the
defendant with purpose to deprive the owner of
property or services knowingly obtained or exerted
control over, over either the property or services
beyond the scope of the expressed or implied consent
of the owners or person authorized to give consent.
Trial Tr. at 559.
Gallia App. No. 11CA1 14
{¶40} Thus, the trial court’s instruction tracks the language of R.C.
2913.02(A)(2), not R.C. 2913.029(A)(3) as specified in the bill of particulars.
Furthermore, “‘a jury cannot convict on an offense for which it was never instructed.’”
State v. Dobbins, 4th Dist. No. 11CA6, 2011-Ohio-6777, ¶ 23, quoting State v.
Chamblin, 4th Dist. No. 02CA753, 2004-Ohio-2252, ¶ 14. Consequently, because the
trial court instructed the jury on the elements of R.C. 2913.02(A)(2) only, we will
consider whether the state presented sufficient evidence to convict Lusher of that
offense (i.e., theft beyond the scope of express or implied consent).
{¶41} Lusher contends that the state presented no evidence regarding the scope
of express or implied consent. We agree. As suggested by the bill of particulars, the
state presented evidence consistent with a theft by deception theory under R.C.
2913.02(A)(3). That is, the state attempted to show that Lusher deceived the state by
misrepresenting aspects of Thomas and Lois’s living situation and financial
circumstances in an effort to obtain various benefits.
{¶42} Nowhere does the state present any evidence regarding the scope of
express or implied consent for Lusher to obtain or exert control over the benefits from
the state. On this point, the state’s only argument is that “[t]he testimony of Judy Lyall
(Tr. 51-91), Beth Moore (Tr. 113-172), Cindy Kuhn (Tr. 217-248), Tandy Rose (Tr. 285-
298), and Erine [sic] Meadows (Tr. 301-350) all clearly illustrate how the rules of the
various programs establish the scope of the consent given by the State of Ohio to the
Appellant.” Appellee’s Brief at 16. According to the state, “the * * * testimony clearly
illustrates how the Appellant exceeded the scope of the consent of the State of Ohio by
engaging in his various frauds on the food stamp and Medicaid program.” Id.Gallia App. No. 11CA1 15
{¶43} After reviewing the record, we find that the state did not present evidence
of the scope of express or implied consent necessary to convict Lusher of violating R.C.
2913.02(A)(3). Interpreting the evidence in a light most favorable to the state, we could
possibly construe the state’s evidence to show that Lusher obtained or exerted control
over property or services “[w]ithout the consent of the owner or person authorized to
give consent.” (Emphasis added.) R.C. 2913.02(A)(1). The state, however, did not
indict Lusher for violating R.C. 2913.02(A)(1). Additionally, the trial court did not instruct
the jury on such a charge.
{¶44} Because the state failed to present evidence regarding the scope of
express or implied consent, it did not prove all the essential elements of the theft charge
against Lusher beyond a reasonable doubt. Consequently, there was insufficient
evidence to convict Lusher of theft in violation of R.C. 2913.02(A)(2).
{¶45} Accordingly, we sustain Lusher’s third assignment of error.
IV.
{¶46} Next, we consider Lusher’s second assignment of error. In his second
assignment of error, Lusher argues that the trial court erred by admitting Rose’s
testimony of Lois’s hearsay statements.
{¶47} As stated above, Rose and Lois had a conversation when Rose and
Meadows visited the Breeches’ home. During that conversation, Rose and Lois
discussed Lois’s financial circumstances and her living arrangement with Thomas.
Rose testified as follows over Lusher’s objection:1
1
Lusher objected on hearsay grounds. The state responded that “[Rose] is in her
investigation as an [Adult Protection Services] worker. She’s determining factors.” Trial
Gallia App. No. 11CA1 16
[Rose]: When [Meadows] and Randy [Breech
(hereinafter Randy)2] and Brandon [Lusher] were still
in the room we had discussed with Lois if she was on
assistance or not and she didn’t know that[.] * * * Lois
said that she did not know and we discussed the
property and you know she wasn’t aware of any
property. And Lois did say I don’t handle any of my
finances Tandy[,] I let Brandon [Lusher] do all of that.
***
[State]: As [an Adult Protection Services] worker and
in determining and talking with Lois were you able to
determine if she knew whether or not her property
had been transferred?
[Rose]: She did not know.
Tr. at 294. The trial court responded, “I agree, overrule.” Id. Lusher also requested a
continuing objection regarding Rose’s testimony.
Additionally, we note that, in his first assignment of error, Lusher argues that admission
of Rose’s testimony violated Lusher’s rights under the Confrontation Clause because
Lois was not available for cross-examination. Lusher, however, objected to Rose’s
testimony on hearsay grounds only. He did not raise the Confrontation Clause issue.
Thus, Lusher arguably waived that issue for all but plain error. See State v. Maple, 9th
Dist. No. 25331, 2011-Ohio-1516, ¶ 23; State v. Hall, 5th Dist. 05 CA 35, 2006-Ohio-
2160, ¶ 26, fn. 1; but see generally State v. Adams, 43 Ohio St.3d 67, 69, 538 N.E.2d
1025 (1989) (“‘It has been pointed out that “courts indulge every reasonable
presumption against waiver” of fundamental constitutional rights and that we “do not
presume acquiescence in the loss of fundamental rights.”’”), quoting Johnson v. Zerbst,
304 U.S. 458, 464, 58 S.Ct. 1019, 1023, 82 L.Ed. 1461 (1938). In any event,
considering our resolution of Lusher’s second assignment of error, Lusher’s
Confrontation Clause arguments are moot.
2
Randy Breech is Thomas and Lois’s son and Lusher’s uncle.
Gallia App. No. 11CA1 17
[State]: * * * And did it appear that Lois and Tom were
married?
[Rose]: Yes.
[State]: * * * [W]ere they acting as a couple in your
opinion?
[Rose]: I mean she talked about the care that Tom
needs and you know their doctor’s appointments that
they go to. And I did ask her had they been
separated and did she ever live in another state and
she said no.” Trial Tr. 294-295.
{¶48} Lusher contends that Rose’s testimony recounting Lois’s statements
amounted to hearsay testimony. Lusher also argues that no exception to the hearsay
rule applies.
{¶49} Generally, we will review the trial court’s decision to admit or exclude
relevant evidence under an abuse of discretion standard. State v. Sage, 31 Ohio St.3d
173, 510 N.E.2d 343 (1987), paragraph two of the syllabus. However, “[a] trial court’s
discretion to admit or exclude relevant evidence does not include the discretion to admit
hearsay; Evid.R. 802 mandates the exclusion of hearsay unless any exceptions apply.”
In re Lane, 4th Dist. No. 02CA61, 2003-Ohio-3755, ¶ 11, citing State v. Barney, 4th Dist.
No. 97CA12, 1999 WL 378755, *4 (June 7, 1999). Thus, we review de novo whether
Lois’s statements to Rose constituted hearsay. Id. Accord State v. Sorrels, 71 Ohio
App.3d 162, 165, 593 N.E.2d 313 (1st Dist.1991).
Gallia App. No. 11CA1 18
{¶50} “‘Hearsay’ is a statement, other than one made by the declarant while
testifying at the trial or hearing, offered in evidence to prove the truth of the matter
asserted.” Evid.R. 801(C).
{¶51} We conclude that Lois’s statements constituted hearsay. The allegations
against Lusher focused primarily on Lusher’s alleged misrepresentations regarding Lois
and Thomas’s living situation and financial affairs. Lois’s statements were pertinent to
the state’s case against Lusher. Lois made statements to Rose indicating (1) that
Lusher handled Lois’s finances, (2) that Lois and Thomas were never separated, (3)
that Lois did not know her property had been transferred to Compassionate Hands, and
(4) that Lois never lived in a different state (as Lusher claimed in his December 2007
affidavit). The state presented Lois’s statements as statements of fact to support the
charges against Lusher.
{¶52} Moreover, the state’s extensive use of Lois’s statements to impeach
Lusher on cross-examination demonstrates that the state was using the statements for
the truth of the matter asserted. During Lusher’s cross-examination, the following
exchanges ensued:3
[State:] And do you remember Tandy testifying to the
fact that your grandmother stated that she never lived
in West Virginia?
[Lusher:] She thought, according to what my
grandmother informed me, she thought Tandy was
3
We note that, during trial, the parties often referred to Rose by her first name, “Tandy.”
Gallia App. No. 11CA1 19
asking * * * if she knew my grandfather lived in West
Virginia.
[State:] No, no, no, no, that’s not the question. You’ve
got to answer my questions. Do you remember
Tandy Rose testifying that your grandmother never
lived in West Virginia?
[Lusher:] Yes.
[State:] Okay. Do you also remember Tandy
testifying that your grandmother did not know that her
property was transferred?
[Lusher:] I remember her testifying to that, yes.
***
[State:] Okay. Do you also remember Tandy
testifying to the fact that your grandmother testi… or
your grandmother told her that she pays her own
bills?
[Lusher:] Actually I believe Tandy said that my
grandmother told her that she gave me the money. * *
* To pay the bills.
[State:] But she’s still paying you to pay her bills,
correct?
[Lusher:] Yes.
Gallia App. No. 11CA1 20
[State:] Okay. There’s no reference to your
grandmother paying Compassionate Hands, is that
correct?
[Lusher:] Where, when, what are you talking about?
In reference to when?
[State:] In Tandy’s testimony she never said that your
grandmother said I pay this company who owns my
house?
[Lusher:] I don’t recall her saying that during her
testimony, no. Trial Tr. 497-499.
{¶53} Later during cross-examination, Lusher stated that his grandmother had
temporarily lived in a camper in Huntington, West Virginia, because she was seeing
multiple physicians in that state. (Lusher also included a similar assertion in his
December 2007 affidavit, which served as the basis for the telecommunications-fraud
conviction.) Lusher testified as follows: “[Lois] started losing several teeth and I knew
that Ohio’s Medicaid dental benefits tended to cover more services than West Virginia. *
* * So we no longer used the camper and therefore cancelled West Virginia coverage.”
Id. at 505. The state then referenced Lois’s hearsay statements as follows:
[State:] Okay. So when your grandmother stated that
she never lived in West Virginia she was lying?
[Lusher:] Uh, as I said earlier she understood the
question to be from Tandy whether or…
Gallia App. No. 11CA1 21
[State:] Okay, you can’t answer the question how you
think your grandma thought the question is. You can
only answer it from what you heard today. You heard
from Tandy that she said she never lived in West
Virginia, correct?
[Lusher:] I heard differently from my grandmother
about what * * * she understood the question to be
though.
[State:] Okay. But today in Court you heard from
Tandy and Tandy said she told her that she never
lived in West Virginia.
[Lusher:] That’s what Tandy said.
[State:] Okay. And you would agree with me that the
statement that your grandmother made conflicts with
what’s written in this affidavit?
[Lusher:] No, I do not agree with that. I [ ] would
agree that what Tandy said my grandmother said
conflicts with this, but I would not agree that what my
grandmother said conflicts with this.
[State:] Okay. Well you’re asked what Tandy said?
[Lusher:] I would agree that what Tandy said my
grandmother said * * * [c]onflicts with this, yes. Id.
505-507.
Gallia App. No. 11CA1 22
{¶54} The state also referenced Lois’s hearsay statements during closing and
rebuttal arguments. When arguing that Lusher was guilty of falsification, the state told
the jury, “You heard that Lois had no idea that this transfer of deed had ever taken place
and that Brandon was the one sending these [sic] information to Compassionate Hands
and that’s how you get to falsification.” Id. at 529. During the state’s rebuttal argument,
the state argued that one of the misrepresentations that Lusher made in the affidavit
pertained to Lusher’s claim that Lois temporarily lived in West Virginia. Specifically, the
state told the jury as follows: “The fact that [Lusher’s] grandmother was living in West
Virginia, his grandmother told a caseworker, I never lived in West Virginia.” Id. at 551.
{¶55} Thus, the record demonstrates that the state used Lois’s statements for
the truth of the matter asserted. Consequently, Lois’s statements to Rose constituted
hearsay.
{¶56} The state argues that Rose’s testimony about Lois’s statements did not
constitute hearsay. The state asserts that Lois’s statements “were not offered to prove
the truth of the matter asserted.” Appellee’s Brief at 10. Instead, the state argues that
“[t]he statements were only used to illustrate the actions taken by Ms. Rose as an Adult
Protection Service Investigator.” Id. The state contends that “at no times [sic] did the
State or Ms. Rose state or imply what was being told to Ms. Rose was the truth and or
factual.” Id.
{¶57} We disagree. Initially, we note that “although statements that are offered
to explain an officer’s conduct are not hearsay, ‘the potential for abuse in admitting such
statements is great where the purpose is merely to explain an officer’s conduct during
the course of an investigation.’” State v. Wilson, 5th Dist. No. 09-CA-44, 2010-Ohio-
Gallia App. No. 11CA1 23
1394, ¶ 20, quoting State v. Blevins, 36 Ohio App.3d 147, 149, 521 N.E.2d 1105 (10th
Dist.1987). “Given the potential for abuse, * * * the conduct to be explained must be
relevant, equivocal, and contemporaneous with the statements.” Id. at ¶ 21.
{¶58} Here, we conclude that Rose’s actions as an Adult Protection Services
Investigator had little, if any, relevance to the issues to be decided at trial. Rose
testified that she visited the Breeches’ home to determine whether Lois was the victim
of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Thus, her actions as an Adult Protection Services
Investigator showed why she accompanied Meadows to the Breeches’ home. However,
whether Lois was the victim of abuse, neglect, or exploitation was not an issue that had
to be decided at trial. Moreover, the state did not use Lois’s statements to Rose to
show anything with respect to neglect, abuse, or exploitation. Instead, the state used
Lois’s statements to prove that Lusher was guilty of the various charges he faced.
{¶59} Additionally, Rose’s testimony indicates that she quickly determined that
Lois was not the victim of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. For example, the state asked
Rose if she was able to determine “if Lois was okay[,]” and Rose responded, “Yes, she
was, she was great.” Trial Tr. at 292. When asked how she determined that, Rose
responded as follows: “There’s questions that you can give and then the expert
evaluation. * * * [Y]ou didn’t even have to do that with Lois, I mean she knew me as
soon as she seen me and I’ve not seen her for several years.” Id. Therefore, Lois’s
statements to Rose were not necessary to explain Rose’s actions as an Adult Protection
Services Investigator. (Moreover, Rose had very little involvement with Lois’s case
following her visit with Meadows. The only additional involvement Rose testified to was
Gallia App. No. 11CA1 24
a telephone conversation with Randy regarding whether the Breeches’ property had
been transferred back into the Breeches’ name.)
{¶60} As stated above, the state used Lois’s statements for the truth of the
matter asserted. That is, the state used Lois’s statements to demonstrate (1) that Lois
informed Rose of various facts about Lois and Thomas’s life and (2) that Lusher
misrepresented those facts to the state in order to obtain benefits for Lois and Thomas.
Lois’s statements pertained to the central issues in the case against Lusher. And
contrary to the state’s assertion, Rose’s testimony does imply that Lois’s statements
were factual. Indeed, the state’s use of Rose’s testimony implied that the jury should
treat the Lois’s statements as statements of fact.
{¶61} Therefore, for all the reasons stated above, we conclude that Lois’s
statements to Rose constituted hearsay. And because no exception to the hearsay rule
applied, the trial court erred by admitting Rose’s testimony regarding her conversation
with Lois. See Evid.R. 802.
{¶62} Next, we must determine whether the error in admitting Rose’s testimony
amounted to harmless error. Crim.R. 52 provides as follows:
(A) Harmless error
Any error, defect, irregularity, or variance which does
not affect substantial rights shall be disregarded.
(B) Plain error
Plain errors or defects affecting substantial rights may
be noticed although they were not brought to the
attention of the court.
Gallia App. No. 11CA1 25
{¶63} As stated, Lusher objected to the admission of Rose’s testimony. The
Supreme Court of Ohio has explained the significance of a defendant’s objection on a
harmless error analysis as follows:
[I]f the defendant has objected to an error in the trial
court, an appellate court reviews the error under the
“harmless error” standard in Crim.R. 52(A)[.] * * *
Under that rule, the government bears the burden of
demonstrating that the error did not affect the
substantial rights of the defendant. * * * An appellate
court must reverse a conviction if the government
does not satisfy this burden; unlike Crim.R. 52(B),
Crim.R. 52(A) is mandatory, not permissive, and thus
affords the appellate court no discretion to disregard
the error. (Emphasis sic.) State v. Perry, 101 Ohio
St.3d 118, 2004-Ohio-297, 802 N.E.2d 643, ¶ 14-15.
{¶64} Thus, we must determine whether the state has demonstrated that the
error was harmless error. “We apply nonconstitutional harmless-error analysis to
evidentiary errors.” State v. Tyler, 196 Ohio App.3d 443, 2011-Ohio-3937, 964 N.E.2d
12, ¶ 38, citing State v. McKnight, 107 Ohio St.3d 101, 2005-Ohio-6046, 837 N.E.2d
315, ¶ 88. “A nonconstitutional error is harmless when there is substantial other
evidence to support the guilty verdict.” Id., citing State v. Webb, 70 Ohio St.3d 325,
335, 638 N.E.2d 1023 (1994).
Gallia App. No. 11CA1 26
{¶65} The state used Lois’s hearsay statements to support Lusher’s falsification
and telecommunications-fraud convictions. Rose’s testimony and the arguments of the
prosecutor detailed above demonstrate that the state used Lois’s statements to show
that Lusher knowingly made false statements with the purpose of securing a benefit
from the state. See R.C. 2921.13(A)(4) (falsification). Additionally, the state also used
Lois’s statements to discredit Lusher’s December 2007 affidavit and in turn, to show that
Lusher used the affidavit to further his scheme to defraud the state of benefits. See
R.C. 2913.05(A) (telecommunications fraud).
{¶66} Consequently, the state must show that there is substantial other evidence
to support Lusher’s falsification and telecommunications fraud convictions. (Based on
our resolution of Lusher’s third assignment of error, we need not analyze whether there
was substantial other evidence to support Lusher’s theft conviction.)
{¶67} In its Appellee’s Brief, the state offers no argument to show that the error
was harmless. Instead, the state focuses solely on its contention that Rose’s testimony
was not hearsay because it was not offered for the truth of the matter asserted. As
shown above, however, we have concluded that the testimony was hearsay.
{¶68} Based on our review of the record, we cannot conclude that there was
substantial other evidence to support Lusher’s falsification and telecommunications
fraud convictions. We note that Lois’s hearsay statements were not duplicative of other
testimony at trial. Lois’s hearsay statements constituted the only evidence of Lois’s
understanding of her living arrangement with Thomas as well as Lois’s awareness of
the role Compassionate Hands, or any other company, played with respect to her
finances.
Gallia App. No. 11CA1 27
{¶69} Additionally, the interpretation of much of the evidence hinged on Lusher’s
credibility as compared to the credibility of the state’s witnesses. Considering the
damage to Lusher’s credibility when the state extensively used Lois’s statements to
impeach Lusher on cross-examination, we cannot conclude that there was substantial
other evidence to support Lusher’s falsification and telecommunications-fraud
convictions. See generally State v. Presley, 10th Dist. No. 02AP-1354, 2003-Ohio-
6069, ¶ 34 (“The determinative issue in this case was credibility[.] * * * The effect of
permitting the hearsay evidence offered by Fullen was to bolster Josie’s testimony and
her credibility. Moreover, the effect of this error was not diminished by the fact that
Josie testified at trial and was subject to cross-examination. * * * In considering the
effect of the error at trial in a case where the issue of credibility was determinative, we
cannot conclude that such error was harmless beyond a reasonable doubt.”).
{¶70} Lois’s hearsay statements directly supported the falsification and
telecommunications fraud charges against Lusher. The state relied on these
statements (1) by introducing them through Rose’s direct examination, (2) by
impeaching Lusher with the hearsay statements on cross-examination, and (3) by
referencing the hearsay statements during closing and rebuttal arguments. Moreover,
the state has not advanced an argument to demonstrate that the error is harmless.
Consequently, we conclude that the state has failed to satisfy its burden of
demonstrating harmless error. Thus, the error affected Lusher’s substantial rights. As a
result, we must vacate Lusher’s falsification and telecommunications-fraud convictions.
See Perry, 101 Ohio St.3d 118, 2004-Ohio-297, 802 N.E.2d 643, at ¶ 15 (“Crim.R.
Gallia App. No. 11CA1 28
52(A) is mandatory, not permissive, and thus affords the appellate court no discretion to
disregard the error.”).
{¶71} Accordingly, we sustain Lusher’s second assignment of error.
V.
{¶72} In conclusion, we overrule Lusher’s sixth and seventh assignments of
error. We sustain Lusher’s third assignment of error, and we vacate Lusher’s theft
conviction for Count One of the indictment. Because the state failed to present
sufficient evidence to support Lusher’s theft conviction, Lusher cannot be retried on this
charge. See State v. Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d 380, 387-388, 678 N.E.2d 541 (1997).
Additionally, we sustain Lusher’s second assignment of error, and we vacate Lusher’s
falsification and telecommunications fraud convictions based on Counts Two and Four
of the indictment respectively. Because Lusher’s remaining assignments of error are
moot, we decline to address them. See App.R. 12(A)(1)(c).
{¶73} Accordingly, we reverse the judgment of the trial court, and we remand
this case to the trial court for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.
JUDGMENT REVERSED
AND CAUSE REMANDED.
Gallia App. No. 11CA1 29
JUDGMENT ENTRY
It is ordered that the JUDGMENT REVERSED and the CAUSE BE REMANDED
to the trial court for further proceedings consistent with this opinion. Appellee shall pay
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
Gallia County Court of Common Pleas to carry this judgment into execution.
A certified copy of this entry shall constitute the mandate pursuant to Rule
27 of the Rules of Appellate Procedure. Exceptions.
McFarland, J.: Concurs in Judgment & Opinion.
Abele, P.J.: Concurs in Judgment & Opinion as to Assignments of Error 3, 6, & 7.
(Other Assignment of Error rendered moot).
Concurs in Judgment Only as to Assignment of Error 2.
For the Court
BY:_____________________________
Roger L. Kline, Judge
NOTICE TO COUNSEL
Pursuant to Local Rule No. 14, this document constitutes a final judgment
entry and the time period for further appeal commences from the date of filing
with the clerk.