State v. Howard ( 2012 )

[Cite as State v. Howard, 2012-Ohio-4690.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
FOURTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
SCIOTO COUNTY
STATE OF OHIO, :
:
Plaintiff-Appellee, : Case No. 11CA3415
:
vs. : Released: September 25, 2012
:
EVAN J. HOWARD, : DECISION AND JUDGMENT
: ENTRY
Defendant-Appellant. :
APPEARANCES:
Michael H. Siewert, Siewert and Gjostein, Co. LPA, Columbus, Ohio, for
Appellant.
Mark E. Kuhn, Scioto County Prosecutor, and Pat Apel, Assistant Scioto County
Prosecutor, Portsmouth, Ohio, for Appellee.
McFarland, J.:
{¶1} Appellant, Evan Howard, appeals his conviction in the Scioto County
Court of Common Pleas after a jury found him guilty of trafficking in drugs,
possession of drugs, possession of criminal tools, possession of marihuana, and
conspiracy to traffic in drugs. Appellant raises four assignments of error, arguing
1) trial counsel was ineffective for failing to object to the jury pool and request it
be supplemented with additional persons; 2) the trial court erred by not
supplementing the jury pool; 3) the trial court erred in denying Appellant’s motion
to suppress evidence; 4) there was insufficient evidence to convict Appellant; 5)
Scioto App. No. 11CA3415 2
the trial court committed plain error when it failed to provide the jury with verdict
forms in compliance with R.C. 2945.75, and entered enhanced convictions against
Appellant for possession of drugs, trafficking in drugs, and conspiracy to traffic in
drugs; and 6) the trial court committed plain error in entering judgments of guilty
against Appellant and sentencing him as to counts 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 10, claiming
that the verdicts were supported by sufficient evidence to establish his guilt beyond
a reasonable doubt.
{¶2} Having reviewed the record, we have identified another sentencing
issue, which we raise sua sponte, related to the trial court’s characterization of the
sentence imposed in connection with Appellant’s status as a major drug offender.
Specifically, the trial court incorrectly stated a portion of Appellant’s sentence was
mandatory, when it was not. Accordingly, we sua sponte notice plain error with
regard to this sentencing error and hereby reverse this portion of the sentence and
remand the case for proceedings consistent with this opinion.
{¶3} Next, with respect to Appellant’s first assignment of error, we find
Appellant failed to demonstrate the alleged ineffective assistance of counsel
prejudiced him. Likewise, we find it was not error for the trial court to refuse to
supplement its jury list with licensed drivers. Thus, we overrule Appellant’s first
and second assignment of error.
Scioto App. No. 11CA3415 3
{¶4} Since Appellant failed to demonstrate he had standing to challenge the
search of the residence, we conclude that the trial court correctly overruled his
motion to suppress the evidence and we overrule his third assignment of error.
{¶5} Next, we find there was sufficient evidence upon which the jury could
have found Appellant was guilty of the charged offenses beyond a reasonable
doubt. However, with respect to Appellant’s argument that the trial court erred
when it entered a judgment of conviction on count 10, the conspiracy charge,
because the trial court merged count 10 with counts 1 and 2, Appellant was not
actually sentenced on that count and, therefore, no conviction resulted on that
count. Thus, we overrule Appellant’s fourth assignment of error.
{¶6} Finally, regarding the verdict forms, we find there were several
deficiencies that require us to remand the case to the trial court to enter a judgment
of conviction for the correct level of the offenses and sentence Appellant
accordingly. Thus, we affirm Appellant’s fifth (supplemental) assignment of error
in part, and overrule it in part. Finally, as Appellant’s sixth assignment of error
raises issues already disposed of under Appellant’s fifth assignment of error, we
need not address it.
{¶7} Therefore, we affirm in part and reverse in part the trial court’s
judgment and remand the case for proceedings consistent with this opinion.
Scioto App. No. 11CA3415 4
FACTS
{¶8} On October 25, 2010, Officer Steve Timberlake was unloading items
from his vehicle when an unknown male approached him. The male knew
Timberlake by name and told him there were men from Detroit selling drugs out of
Katherine Lansing’s residence at 616 Sixth Street in Portsmouth, Ohio. The next
morning, Timberlake found an anonymous note on his vehicle’s windshield,
addressed to him, indicating there were “D-boys” at the house on Sixth Street, and
illegal activity was occurring at another location in Portsmouth.
{¶9} Timberlake viewed the Scioto County Court of Common Pleas’
website and determined Lansing was on probation. Timberlake contacted Nick
Ferrara, the court’s chief probation officer, and discussed the tip about Lansing.
Ferrara noted Lansing’s listed address was not on Sixth Street, but she had not
been reporting to her probation officer and had an outstanding warrant for her
arrest. Ferrara determined the 616 Sixth Street address was incorrect, as the
probation department was located on Sixth Street, and 616 would have been an
alleyway.
{¶10} As a result of this conversation, Timberlake began checking the police
department’s records for mention of Lansing. One month earlier, on September
22, 2010, a caller telephoned the police to report a burglary at 518 Sixth Street,
Scioto App. No. 11CA3415 5
Portsmouth, Ohio. The report identified the caller as “Catherine Lansing,” the
resident.
{¶11} Based upon this new information that placed Lansing at 518 Sixth
Street only one month earlier, Ferrara decided it would be prudent to visit the
residence and arrest Lansing. Because of Timberlake’s tip that there may be as
many as five additional persons present, who were allegedly selling drugs, Ferrara
requested Timberlake and other officers from the Portsmouth Police Department
assist with the home search for safety reasons. Timberlake and two other officers
accompanied Ferrara and two probation officers to the residence.
{¶12} Upon arriving at the residence, part of the group went to the front
door, while the others covered the rear. One of the probation officers at the front
door knocked and announced his presence. The officers heard scuffling inside, but
no verbal response, and no one answered the door. The officers at the back then
noticed one to two males approaching the second story window in a manner that
indicated they were attempting to exit the window. The officers shouted this
information to the others at the front of the house. At that point, Ferrara ordered
one of the probation officers to breach the door.
{¶13} Law enforcement found Daniel Pippen in the upstairs restroom and
Tyrone Dixon, Evan Howard, and Eric Durr in a small upstairs bedroom. The
Scioto App. No. 11CA3415 6
bedroom had a dresser and a mattress in it, along with a pile of money on the floor.
The money totaled $3,090.00.
{¶14} Probation officers were unable to locate Lansing within the house, but
they did find mail addressed to her at the residence, as well as a photo of her on the
refrigerator. With evidence the house was Lansing’s residence, the officers
conducted a search for contraband.
{¶15} Law enforcement found a total of $16,803.00, 1,824 oxycodone pills,
cocaine, heroin, marihuana, and two digital scales. Some of the pills and money
were in a sock underneath a cushion on the couch. Other drugs and money were in
a plastic Walmart bag by the door to the basement. Most of the marihuana was
behind the dresser in the upstairs bedroom. There was additional money under the
mattress in the same room. There was even money inside of a woman’s shoe.
Officers found the digital scales in the kitchen. After the search, Tyrone Dixon
attempted to claim all of the contraband as his, but when officers asked him what
was his, Dixon was unable to identify all of the contraband the officers found.
{¶16} The grand jury indicted Appellant and the others within the house for
trafficking in drugs, possession of drugs, trafficking in cocaine, possession of
cocaine, possession of criminal tools, possession of marihuana, and conspiracy to
traffic in drugs, many of which included aggravating specifications. During the
jury trial, the trial court dismissed the counts relating to the cocaine, and the jury
Scioto App. No. 11CA3415 7
convicted Appellant of the remaining counts and found the money recovered was
subject to forfeiture. The verdict forms read:
Count 1: “Trafficking in Drugs/Oxycodone/Vicinity of a School/Major
Drug Offender.” The jury found the amount equaled or
exceeded 100 times the bulk amount and was within 1,000 feet
of a school.
Count 2: “Possession of Drugs/Major Drug Offender.” The jury found
the amount equaled or exceeded 100 times the bulk amount.
Count 3: “Trafficking in Drugs/Heroin/Within the Vicinity of a School.”
The jury found the amount was equal to or greater than one
gram but less than five (5) grams, and was within 1,000 feet of
a school.
Count 4: “Possession of Drugs/Heroin.” The jury found the amount
equaled or exceeded one gram, but was less than five grams.
Count 7: “Trafficking in Drugs/Marijuana/Within the Vicinity of a
School.” The jury found the amount was less than 200 grams
and was within 1,000 feet of a school.
Count 8: “Possession of Criminal Tools.” There were no findings
associated with this count.
Scioto App. No. 11CA3415 8
Count 9: “Possession of Marijuana.” The jury found the amount was less
than the bulk amount.
Count 10: “Conspiracy to Traffic in Drugs, F2.”
{¶17} The trial court sentenced Appellant to 27 years in prison. Appellant
now brings his timely appeal, setting forth the following assignments of error.
ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR
I. “Trial counsel provided ineffective assistance of counsel by failing to
specifically object to the jury pool and request that the court order the
jury list to be supplemented with the names of licensed drivers, along
with registered voters.”
II. “The trial court erred by failing to sua sponte order the Jury
Commissioner to supplement the jury list with the names [of] licensed
drivers.”
III. “The trial court erred in failing to suppress evidence obtained as the
result of an unconstitutional search and seizure.”
IV. “The trial court violated [Appellant’s] rights to due process and a fair
trial when, in the absence of sufficient evidence, [Appellant] was
found guilty of possession of drugs, possession of criminal tools, and
conspiracy to traffic drugs.”
Scioto App. No. 11CA3415 9
{¶18} In his supplemental brief, Appellant also argued the verdict forms
were deficient because they failed to list the degree of the offense or the statutory
section of the offense, and one count failed to list the controlled substance
involved. Further, Appellant argued that the trial court erred in finding him guilty
and sentencing him on counts 1,2,3,4,7, and 10, claiming that the verdicts on those
counts were not supported by sufficient evidence to establish his guilt beyond a
reasonable doubt.
LEGAL ANALYSIS
{¶19} After reviewing the record, we have noted an initial threshold matter
that must be addressed related to the trial court’s characterization of Appellant’s
sentence imposed as a result of his major drug offender specification. As will be
more fully discussed, infra, when sentencing Appellant, the trial court incorrectly
stated that this portion of Appellant’s sentence was mandatory, when it was not.
As such, we have decided to sua sponte invoke the “plain error” rule. Crim.R.
52(B) states that although a defendant may have failed to raise a timely objection
to an error affecting a substantial right, courts may notice the error.
{¶20} For a reviewing court to find plain error: 1.) there must be an error, i.e
., “a deviation from a legal rule”; 2.) the error must be plain, i.e., “an ‘obvious'
defect in the trial proceedings”; and 3.) the error must have affected “substantial
rights,” i.e., it must have affected the outcome of the proceedings. State v. Barnes,
Scioto App. No. 11CA3415 10
94 Ohio St. 3d 21, 27, 759 N.E.2d 1240 (2002). Furthermore, the Supreme Court of
Ohio has admonished courts that notice of plain error under Crim.R. 52(B) is to be
taken “ ‘with the utmost caution, under exceptional circumstances and only to
prevent a manifest miscarriage of justice.’ ” Id., quoting State v. Long, 53 Ohio
St.2d 91, 372 N.E.2d 804 (1978), paragraph three of the syllabus.
{¶21} When reviewing felony sentences, this Court follows the two-step
approach the Supreme Court of Ohio outlined in State v. Kalish, 120 Ohio St. 3d
23, 2008-Ohio-4912, 896 N.E.2d 124, at ¶ 4. See State v. Welch, 4th Dist. No.
08CA29, 2009-Ohio-2655, at ¶ 6. “First, [we] must examine the sentencing
court’s compliance with all applicable rules and statutes in imposing the sentence
to determine whether the sentence is clearly and convincingly contrary to law. If
this first prong is satisfied, [that is, if the sentence complies with the law,] the trial
court’s decision shall be reviewed under an abuse-of-discretion standard.” Kalish
at ¶ 4.
{¶22} Here, the jury convicted Appellant of aggravated trafficking in drugs,
with additional aggravating factors that the amount of oxycodone involved was
more than 100 times the bulk amount, and the crime occurred within the vicinity of
a school. Aggravated trafficking in drugs is proscribed by R.C. 2925.03(C)(1).
R.C. 2925.03(C)(1)(f) provided, “[i]f the amount of the drug involved equals or
exceeds one hundred times the bulk amount and regardless of whether the offense
Scioto App. No. 11CA3415 11
was committed in the vicinity of a school or in the vicinity of a juvenile,
aggravated trafficking in drugs is a felony of the first degree, the offender is a
major drug offender, and the court shall impose as a mandatory prison term the
maximum prison term prescribed for a felony of the first degree and may impose
an additional prison term prescribed for a major drug offender under division
(D)(3)(b) of section 2929.14 of the Revised Code.” The jury found the amount of
the drug exceeded 100 times the bulk amount.
{¶23} Thus, Appellant was a “major drug offender” under R.C.
2925.03(C)(1)(f) and subject to a mandatory prison term of ten years for
aggravated trafficking in drugs. The trial court also sentenced Appellant to an
additional prison term of ten years for the major drug offender specification,
stating on the record that this additional ten-year term was mandatory.
{¶24} R.C. 2929.14(D)(3)(b) provided, “[t]he court imposing a prison term
on an offender under division (D)(3)(a) of this section may impose an additional
prison term of one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten years * *
*.”1 That is, the trial court was permitted to impose an additional prison term of
ten years for the major drug offender specification, but the statutory language did
not make the additional prison term mandatory. Thus, it was erroneous for the trial
1
R.C. 2929.14 has since been amended.
Scioto App. No. 11CA3415 12
court to label the prison term for the major drug offender specification as
“mandatory.”
{¶25} The distinction between mandatory and nonmandatory prison terms is
important when determining whether a court may grant an offender judicial
release. R.C. 2929.20(A)(1)(a) provided only eligible offenders could apply for
judicial release, and “‘eligible offender’ means any person serving a stated prison
term of ten years or less * * *.” As Appellant’s aggregate sentence was 27 years,
he was not eligible for judicial release because his aggregate sentence was greater
than ten years.
{¶26} However, Revised Code Section 2929.20 has since been amended and
Appellant will eventually be eligible for judicial release, even with a prison
sentence of 27 years. The General Assembly amended R.C. 2929.20(A)(1)(a) to
read, “Except as provided in division (A)(1)(b) of this section, ‘eligible offender’
means any person who, on or after April 7, 2009, is serving a stated prison term
that includes one or more nonmandatory prison terms.” As 17 years of Appellant’s
27-year sentence are nonmandatory, Appellant is an “eligible offender.”
Additionally, the newly added R.C. 2929.20(C)(5) provides, “[i]f the aggregated
nonmandatory prison term or terms is more than ten years, the eligible offender
may file the motion not earlier than the later of the date on which the offender has
Scioto App. No. 11CA3415 13
served one-half of the offender’s stated prison term or the date specified in division
(C)(4) of this section.”
{¶27} Accordingly, because the trial court incorrectly stated the ten-year
prison term for Appellant’s major drug offender specification was mandatory, we
conclude that this portion of the sentence was contrary to law and an abuse of
discretion under Kalish, supra, and also constitutes plain error. Accordingly, we
hereby reverse this portion of the sentence and remand the case for proceedings
consistent with this opinion.
ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR I AND II
{¶28} As Appellant’s first and second assignments of error are interrelated,
we address them together. In his first assignment of error, Appellant argues he was
deprived of effective assistance of counsel because his trial counsel only generally
objected to the racial composition of the jury venire and instead should have
specifically requested the court order the jury list be supplemented with licensed
drivers. In his second assignment of error, Appellant argues the trial court erred
when it did not sua sponte supplement the jury list with licensed drivers. We
disagree with both arguments.
A. Standard of Review
{¶29} “In order to establish ineffective assistance of counsel, an appellant
must show that counsel’s representation was both deficient and prejudicial.” State
Scioto App. No. 11CA3415 14
v. Michael, 4th Dist. No. 09CA887, 2010-Ohio-5296, at ¶ 15, citing In re Sturm,
4th Dist. No. 05CA35, 2006-Ohio-7101, at ¶ 77; Strickland v. Washington, 466
U.S. 668, 687, 104 S. Ct. 2052, (1984). “Deficient representation means counsel’s
performance was below an objective standard of reasonableness. To show
prejudice, an appellant must show it is reasonably probable that, except for the
errors of his counsel, the proceeding’s outcome would have been different.”
(Citations omitted). Michael at ¶ 15. “ ‘Failure to satisfy either prong is fatal as the
accused’s burden requires proof of both elements.’ ” State v. Weddington, 4th Dist.
No. 10CA19, 2011-Ohio-1017, at ¶ 12, quoting State v. Hall, 4th Dist. No.
07CA837, 2007-Ohio-6091, at ¶ 11, citing State v. Drummond, 111 Ohio St. 3d 14,
2006-Ohio-5084, 854 N.E.2d 1038, at ¶ 205.
{¶30} We “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.” (Internal quotation omitted.)
State v. Hankison, 4th Dist. No. 09CA3326, 2010-Ohio-4617, at ¶ 105, citing
Strickland, 466 U.S. at 689, 104 S. Ct. 2052. “ ‘Moreover, the strategic decision of
a trial attorney will not form the basis of a claim of ineffective assistance of
counsel, even if there may have been a better strategy available.’ ” Hankinson at ¶
Scioto App. No. 11CA3415 15
105, citing State v. Komora, 11th Dist. No. 96-G-1994, 1997 WL 184758 (Apr. 4,
1997), citing State v. Clayton, 62 Ohio St. 2d 45, 49, 402 N.E.2d 1189 (1980).
{¶31} R.C. 2313.08(B) permits a jury commissioner to compile the county's
annual list of jurors from either the list of registered voters, or the lists of registered
voters and licensed drivers. The court may order the jury commissioner to
supplement the annual jury list. R.C. 2313.08(A); R.C. 2313.09. Yet
supplementation of the annual jury list is discretionary, not mandatory. Moreover,
“[u]tilization of voter rolls alone to choose prospective jurors is constitutional.”
State v. Davie, 80 Ohio St. 3d 311, 316, 686 N.E.2d 245 (1997), citing State v.
Johnson, 31 Ohio St. 2d 106, 285 N.E.2d 751 (1972), paragraph two of the
syllabus, and State v. Hill, 64 Ohio St. 3d 313, 325-326, 595 N.E.2d 884 (1992).
B. Legal Analysis
{¶32} Here, Appellant failed to demonstrate prejudice resulted from his
counsel’s failure to specifically request the trial court supplement the annual jury
list with licensed drivers. The trial court’s comments established Scioto County
composed its annual jury list from a certified list of registered voters. This method
is both constitutional and a statutorily permissible method of selecting an annual
jury list. Had Appellant’s counsel requested the trial court supplement the jury list
with licensed drivers, the trial court had no duty to do so. Thus, Appellant is
unable to establish the outcome of his trial would have been different if his counsel
Scioto App. No. 11CA3415 16
had made a more specific objection to the jury venire. Accordingly, we overrule
Appellant’s first assignment of error.
{¶33} Similarly, because the trial court had no duty to supplement its annual
jury list when it employed a constitutional and statutorily permissible method of
selecting venires from registered voters, we find no error when the trial court did
not sua sponte supplement its annual jury list with licensed drivers and then
reselect a venire. Thus, we overrule Appellant’s second assignment of error.
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR III
A. Standard of Review
{¶34} In his third assignment of error, Appellant argues the trial court erred
in overruling his motion to suppress evidence. Specifically, Appellant contends he
had standing to contest the search of the residence and the probation officers
lacked the reasonable suspicion necessary to enter the residence. We disagree.
{¶35} Preliminarily, “[w]here factual issues are involved in determining a
motion, the court shall state its essential findings on the record.” Crim.R. 12(F).
While the trial court made no explicit factual findings when it denied Appellant’s
motion to suppress, “[t]he extensive record of the suppression hearing is ‘sufficient
to allow full review of the suppression issues.’” State v. Sapp, 105 Ohio St. 3d 104,
822 N.E.2d 1239, 2004-Ohio-7008, at ¶96, quoting State v. Waddy (1992), 63 Ohio
Scioto App. No. 11CA3415 17
St.3d 424, 443, 588 N.E.2d 819; citing State v. Brewer (1990), 48 Ohio St. 3d 50,
60, 549 N.E.2d 491.
{¶36} Generally, “ ‘[a]ppellate review of a motion to suppress presents a
mixed question of law and fact. When considering a motion to suppress, the trial
court assumes the role of trier of fact and is therefore in the best position to resolve
factual questions and evaluate the credibility of witnesses.’ ” State v. Roberts, 110
Ohio St. 3d 71, 2006-Ohio-3665, 850 N.E.2d 1168, at ¶100, quoting State v.
Burnside, 100 Ohio St. 3d 152, 2003-Ohio-5372, 797 N.E.2d 71, at ¶8, citing State
v. Mills, 62 Ohio St. 3d 357, 366, 582 N.E.2d 972 (1992). “Accordingly, we defer
to the trial court’s findings of fact if they are supported by competent, credible
evidence.” State v. Westbrook, 4th Dist. No. 09CA3277, 2010-Ohio-2692, at ¶16,
citing State v. Landrum, 137 Ohio App. 3d 718, 722, 739 N.E.2d 1159 (2000).
“Accepting those facts as true, we must independently determine whether the trial
court reached the correct legal conclusion in analyzing the facts of the case.”
Westbrook at ¶16, citing Roberts at ¶100, citing Burnside at ¶8.
B. Legal Analysis
{¶37} After reviewing the record, we conclude that Howard did not establish
he had standing to assert a Fourth Amendment violation. “The rule followed by
courts today with regard to standing is whether the defendant had an expectation of
privacy * * * that society is prepared to recognize as reasonable. The burden is
Scioto App. No. 11CA3415 18
upon the defendant to prove facts sufficient to establish such an expectation.”
State v. Williams, 73 Ohio St. 3d 153, 166, 652 N.E.2d 721 (1995), citing Rakas v.
Illinois, 439 U.S. 128, 131, 99 S. Ct. 421, 58 L. Ed. 2d 387, at fn. 1 (1978) and State
v. Steele, 2 Ohio App. 3d 105, 107, 440 N.E.2d 1353 (8th Dist. 1981). See, also,
State v. Corbin, 6th Dist. No. WD-10-013, 2011-Ohio-3491, at ¶ 24.
{¶38} Here, although Howard argued that he had standing to challenge the
search of the residence and the items within it, he provided no evidence or
testimony in support of his argument. Howard did not own the residence or state
he lived there. Nor did Howard establish he was an overnight guest who could
invoke the aegis of Minnesota v. Olson (1990), 495 U.S. 91, 110 S. Ct. 1684, 109
L. Ed. 2d 85, and claim he had an expectation of privacy within Lansing’s
residence. Consequently, Howard failed to establish he had standing to assert a
Fourth Amendment violation and the trial court was right to deny his motion.
{¶30} Accordingly, we overrule Howard’s third assignment of error.
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR IV
A. Standard of Review
{¶40} In his fourth assignment of error, Appellant argues there was
insufficient evidence to convict him of possession of drugs and possession of
criminal tools. We disagree. Appellant also claims he was convicted of
conspiracy to traffic in drugs based upon insufficient evidence. However, because
Scioto App. No. 11CA3415 19
we find Appellant was not actually convicted on the conspiracy count, we reject
this argument also.
{¶41} When reviewing the sufficiency of the evidence, appellate courts look
to the adequacy of the evidence and whether that evidence, if believed by the trier
of fact, supports a finding of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. State v. Thompkins,
78 Ohio St. 3d 380, 386, 678 N.E.2d 541 (1997); State v. Jenks, 61 Ohio St. 3d 259,
273, 574 N.E.2d 492 (1991). In other words, after viewing the evidence, and each
inference that can reasonably drawn therefrom, in a light most favorable to the
prosecution, could any rational trier of fact have found all essential elements of the
offense beyond a reasonable doubt? See State v. Were, 118 Ohio St. 3d 448, 2008-
Ohio-2762, 890 N.E.2d 263, at ¶ 132; State v. Hancock, 108 Ohio St. 3d 57, 2006-
Ohio-160, 840 N.E.2d 1032, at ¶ 34; State v. Jones, 90 Ohio St. 3d 403, 417, 739
N.E.2d 300 (2000).
B. Legal Analysis
1. Possession of Controlled Substances2
2
We note the names of the offenses used in several of the verdict forms are incorrect, though this did not
prejudice Appellant. For example, Count 1 was entitled “Trafficking in Drugs/Oxycodone/Vicinity of a
School/Major Drug Offender,” but should have been entitled “aggravated trafficking in drugs” and specified the
controlled substance involved was oxycodone. See R.C. 2925.03(C)(1). The offenses should have been titled
“aggravated trafficking in drugs” and “aggravated possession of drugs” (for the oxycodone), “trafficking in heroin”
and “possession of heroin,” “trafficking in marijuana” and “possession of marihuana.” The statutory scheme of R.C.
2925.03 and 2925.11 provides for separate offenses, each with distinct aggravating factors and penalties, depending
Scioto App. No. 11CA3415 20
R.C. 2925.11 provides:
(A) No person shall knowingly obtain, possess, or use a controlled
substance.
***
(C) Whoever violates division (A) of this section is guilty of one of
the following:
***
(1) If the drug involved in the violation is a compound, mixture,
preparation, or substance included in schedule I or II, with the
exception of marihuana, cocaine, L.S.D., heroin, and hashish,
whoever violates division (A) of this section is guilty of aggravated
possession of drugs. The penalty for the offense shall be determined
as follows:
***
(e) If the amount of the drug involved equals or exceeds one hundred
times the bulk amount, aggravated possession of drugs is a felony of
the first degree, the offender is a major drug offender, and the court
upon the controlled substance involved. We caution against the vernacular use of the phrases “trafficking in drugs”
and “possession of drugs,” as the state and the court did in this case, because these vernacular phrases are actually
specific crimes involving specific controlled substances. See R.C. 2925.03(C)(2) and 2925.11(C)(2). Instead,
parties should employ the specific statutory name of the offense based upon the controlled substance involved.
Scioto App. No. 11CA3415 21
shall impose as a mandatory prison term the maximum prison term
prescribed for a felony of the first degree.
***
(3) If the drug involved in the violation is marihuana or a compound,
mixture, preparation, or substance containing marihuana other than
hashish, whoever violates division (A) of this section is guilty of
possession of marihuana. The penalty for the offense shall be
determined as follows:
(a) Except as otherwise provided in division (C)(3)(b), (c), (d), (e), (f),
or (g) of this section, possession of marihuana is a minor
misdemeanor.
***
(6) If the drug involved in the violation is heroin or a compound,
mixture, preparation, or substance containing heroin, whoever violates
division (A) of this section is guilty of possession of heroin. The
penalty for the offense shall be determined as follows:
***
(b) If the amount of the drug involved equals or exceeds ten unit doses
but is less than fifty unit doses or equals or exceeds one gram but is
less than five grams, possession of heroin is a felony of the fourth
Scioto App. No. 11CA3415 22
degree, and division (C) of section 2929.13 of the Revised Code
applies in determining whether to impose a prison term on the
offender.
{¶42} Here, the evidence was sufficient to prove all elements of aggravated
possession of drugs beyond a reasonable doubt. Timberlake testified about the
various controlled substances law enforcement recovered from 518 Sixth Street.
Appellant was present in the house when law enforcement recovered these.
{¶43} Megan Snyder, a forensic chemist, testified at great length about the
chemical analyses she performed on each substance, identifying each substance
and noting the amount of each substance. Snyder testified there were 1,824 pills
that contained oxycodone (oxycodone hydrochloride). She also testified, based
upon the maximum daily dosage of 90 milligrams for oxycodone and oxycodone’s
“bulk amount” being five times the maximum daily dosage, the pills were 121.6
times the bulk amount of oxycodone.
{¶44} Again, there were digital scales in plain view. There was $3,090 on
the floor of the upstairs bedroom. In total, there was $16,803 in cash within the
house, though only one of five defendants was ostensibly employed. In addition to
the 1,824 oxycodone pills, there was heroin, cocaine, and marihuana recovered
from the residence. Given the sheer quantity of the oxycodone recovered, and the
Scioto App. No. 11CA3415 23
other evidence, it was reasonable for the jury to conclude Appellant possessed the
oxycodone.
{¶45} Although the case against Appellant and his co-defendants is based
entirely upon circumstantial evidence, circumstantial evidence is, by itself, a
sufficient basis for a conviction. Bostwick, 4th Dist. No. 10CA3382, 2011-Ohio-
3671, at ¶ 17, quoting State v. Smith, 4th Dist. No. 09CA29, 2010-Ohio-4507, at ¶
44, quoting State v. Franklin, 62 Ohio St. 3d 118, 124, 580 N.E.2d 1 (1991).
{¶46} Addressing Appellant’s contention that the state failed to prove
possession, even constructive possession, we disagree. Possession may be actual
or constructive. State v. Butler, 42 Ohio St. 3d 174, 176, 538 N.E.2d 98 (1989);
State v. Fry, 4th Dist. No. 03CA26, 2004-Ohio-5747, ¶ 39. “Actual possession
exists when the circumstances indicate that an individual has or had an item within
his immediate physical possession. Constructive possession exists when an
individual is able to exercise dominion or control of an item, even if the individual
does not have the item within his immediate physical possession.” Fry at ¶ 39,
citing State v. Hankerson, 70 Ohio St. 2d 87, 434 N.E.2d 1362 (1982), syllabus, and
State v. Wolery, 46 Ohio St. 2d 316, 329, 348 N.E.2d 351 (1976).
{¶47} This court has held that, “[f]or constructive possession to exist, ‘[i]t
must also be shown that the person was conscious of the presence of the object.’”
State v. Harrington, 4th Dist. No. 05CA3038, 2006-Ohio-4388, at ¶ 15, citing
Scioto App. No. 11CA3415 24
Hankerson at 91. Further, “two or more persons may have joint constructive
possession of a particular item.” State v. Cooper, 3d Dist. No. 9-06-49, 2007-
Ohio-4937, at ¶ 25, citing State v. Mann, 93 Ohio App. 3d 301, 308, 638 N.E.2d
585 (8th Dist. 1993); State v. Riggs, 4th Dist. No. 98CA39, 1999 WL 727952
(Sept. 13, 1999). “[T]he crucial issue is not whether the accused had actual
physical contact with the article concerned, but whether the accused was capable of
exercising dominion or control over it.” State v. Reed, 2d. Dist. No. 2002-CA-30,
2003-Ohio-5413, at ¶ 19.
{¶48} Appellant’s argument is his mere proximity to various controlled
substances does not conclusively establish he possessed them. R.C. 2925.01(K)
provides, “‘[p]ossess’ or ‘possession’ means having control over a thing or
substance, but may not be inferred solely from mere access to the thing or
substance through ownership or occupation of the premises upon which the thing
or substance is found.” That is, “a defendant’s mere presence in an area where
drugs are located does not conclusively establish constructive possession.
However, a defendant’s proximity to drugs may constitute some evidence of
constructive possession. Mere presence in the vicinity of illegal drugs, coupled
with another factor or factors probative of dominion or control over the
contraband, may establish constructive possession.” (Internal citations omitted,
emphasis added.) Riggs, 4th Dist. No. 98CA39, 1999 WL 727952, at *5.
Scioto App. No. 11CA3415 25
{¶49} In State v. Harrington, the defendant’s proximity to a quantity of
cocaine, coupled with his immediate denial of any wrongdoing and false
statements, permitted a jury to infer the defendant knew the cocaine was there.
Harrington at ¶ 18, 24. We found this evidence sufficient to establish the
defendant knew of the cocaine and he had the ability to exercise control over it,
demonstrating constructive possession. Id. at ¶ 24.
{¶50} In State v. New, 4th Dist. No. 08CA9, 2009-Ohio-2632, the state
presented evidence of recorded telephone conversations between the defendant and
her boyfriend that indicated she knew there were drugs in the house. During a
phone call, the defendant discussed with her boyfriend specific items in the home
the police had recovered, such as a coffee can with a false bottom that contained
cocaine, a plate with a razor blade that had cocaine residue on it, and pictures of
the defendant, her boyfriend, and a third party holding large sums of cash. New at
¶ 16, 17. Given the defendant’s presence in the house, coupled with her statements
about specific items related to controlled substances, she knew where the cocaine
was kept in the residence, and a finding that she constructively possessed the
cocaine was permissible. Id. at ¶ 18.
{¶51} Likewise, in Riggs, 4th Dist. No. 98CA39, 1999 WL 727952, we
found the defendant’s proximity to controlled substances in the passenger
compartment of a vehicle, coupled with the vast amount of controlled substances
Scioto App. No. 11CA3415 26
and paraphernalia within the vehicle was sufficient to establish constructive
possession. Law enforcement recovered cocaine in a bag behind the passenger’s
seat; a cocaine straw and a plastic container with marihuana residue beside the
defendant’s seat; a mirror with cocaine residue under the passenger’s seat;
numerous marihuana roaches and marihuana joints throughout the vehicle, many of
which were in the defendant’s plain view. Id. Thus, the defendant’s proximity,
coupled with the vast amount of drugs, some of which were in plain view,
permitted the jury to find he knowingly possessed the drugs. Id.
{¶52} The present case is akin to Riggs. “The presence of such a vast
amount of drug evidence in the [house] supports an inference that [Appellant]
knew about the presence of the drugs and the he, along with his [co-defendants],
exercised control over each of the items found.” Riggs, 4th Dist. No. 98CA39,
1999 WL 727952, at *5, citing State v. Soto, 8th Dist. No. 57301, 1990 WL
145651 (Oct. 4, 1990). Here, there were drugs scattered throughout the entire
house: 1,824 oxycodone pills, over 100 grams of marihuana, heroin, cocaine, and
traces of codeine and morphine. There were digital scales in plain view in the
kitchen. There was over $16,000 cash in a house where four of the five occupants
were unemployed. Considering all of this evidence together, the jury could
properly infer Appellant knew there were controlled substances in the house and he
was capable of exercising dominion or control over them, establishing his
Scioto App. No. 11CA3415 27
constructive possession of the controlled substances. Thus, there was sufficient
evidence to show Appellant knowingly possessed the various controlled
substances.
{¶53} Having reviewed the evidence and each inference that can reasonably
be drawn therefrom, in a light most favorable to the prosecution, we find the jury
could have found all essential elements of the possession of controlled substances
offenses were present beyond a reasonable doubt. Therefore, Appellant’s
convictions for possession of the various controlled substances were supported by
sufficient evidence and we affirm Appellant’s convictions for aggravated
possession of drugs, possession of marihuana, and possession of heroin.
2. Possessing Criminal Tools
{¶54} R.C. 2923.24(A) provides, “No person shall possess or have under the
person’s control any substance, device, instrument, or article, with purpose to use it
criminally.” Whoever violates that section is guilty of possessing criminal tools.
R.C. 2923.24(C).
{¶55} As with Appellant’s convictions for possession of controlled
substances, there was substantial evidence upon which a jury could find Appellant
possessed the digital scales found in the kitchen. The fact that the scales had
residue from marihuana, heroin, codeine, and morphine on them, coupled with the
vast amount of drugs recovered from the house, permitted the jury to infer
Scioto App. No. 11CA3415 28
Appellant had a purpose to use the scales criminally: to traffic the controlled
substances. Thus, we affirm Appellant’s conviction for possessing criminal tools.
3. Conspiracy to Traffic in Drugs
R.C. 2923.01 provides:
(A) No person, with purpose to commit or to promote or facilitate the
commission of * * * a felony drug trafficking, manufacturing,
processing, or possession offense * * * shall do either of the
following:
(1) With another person or persons, plan or aid in planning the
commission of any of the specified offenses;
(2) Agree with another person or persons that one or more of them
will engage in conduct that facilitates the commission of any of the
specified offenses.
***
(M) As used in this section:
(1) ‘Felony drug trafficking, manufacturing, processing, or possession
offense’ means any of the following that is a felony:
(a) A violation of section 2925.03 * * * of the Revised Code;
(b) A violation of section 2925.11 of the Revised Code that is not a
minor drug possession offense.
Scioto App. No. 11CA3415 29
{¶56} Yet, R.C. 2923.01(G) provides, “When a person is convicted of
committing * * * [a] specific offense, the person shall not be convicted of
conspiracy involving the same offense.” As such, because Appellant was
convicted on the principle trafficking offense, he could not be convicted of
conspiracy involving the same offense. Contrary to Appellant’s argument that he
was convicted of conspiracy to traffic in drugs, based upon the following, we
conclude that Appellant was not actually convicted on the conspiracy count.
{¶57} Here, the record reflects that although the jury did return a finding of
guilt as to the conspiracy to traffic in drugs count, count 10, the trial court “ordered
that count 10 merge with Count 1 and Count 2.” Thus, despite the jury’s finding
Appellant guilty on count 10, the trial court did not impose a sentence for count 10.
“A conviction consists of a finding of guilt and a sentence.” State v. Fields, 1st
Dist. No. C-090648, 2010-Ohio-4114, ¶ 7, citing State v. Henderson, 58 Ohio
St.2d 171, 177-179, 389 N.E.2d 494 (1979); State v. Obstaint, 1st Dist. No. C-
060629, 2007-Ohio-2661, ¶ 24; accord State v. Whitfield, 124 Ohio St. 3d 319,
2010-Ohio-2, 922 N.E.2d 182, ¶ 12. As such, although the jury found Appellant
guilty of count 10, the trial court did not impose a sentence for count 10 and as a
result, Appellant was not convicted of count 10. Therefore, there is no conspiracy
conviction to vacate.
{¶58} Accordingly, we overrule Appellant’s fourth assignment of error.
Scioto App. No. 11CA3415 30
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR V
A. Standard of Review
{¶59} In his first supplemental assignment of error, Appellant argues there
are errors with the verdict forms. We agree, in part.
R.C. 2945.75 provides:
(A) When the presence of one or more additional elements makes an
offense one of more serious degree:
***
(2) A guilty verdict shall state either the degree of the offense of
which the offender is found guilty, or that such additional element or
elements are present. Otherwise, a guilty verdict constitutes a finding
of guilty of the least degree of the offense charged.
{¶60} The Supreme Court of Ohio has adopted a plain reading of this
statute. See State v. Pelfrey, 112 Ohio St. 3d 422, 2007-Ohio-256, 860 N.E.2d 735,
at ¶ 14. Moreover, “[a]lthough [an appellant] failed to object to the verdict forms
in the trial court, we have previously noted that a defendant’s failure to ‘raise the
inadequacy of the verdict form’ does not forfeit this argument on appeal.” New,
4th Dist. No. 08CA9, 2009-Ohio-2632, at ¶ 24, citing State v. Huckleberry, 4th
Dist. No. 07CA3142, 2008-Ohio-1007, ¶ 18, citing Pelfrey at ¶ 14.
Scioto App. No. 11CA3415 31
B. Legal Analysis
{¶61} Here, none of the counts listed the degree of the offense, except for
Count 10, Conspiracy to Traffic in Drugs. While the majority of the counts did not
list the degree of the offense, they did contain specific findings regarding
aggravating factors. Thus, those counts comply with R.C. 2945.75(A)(2) and
Pelfrey and we affirm the trial court’s judgment as it pertains to Count 1, Count 3,
Count 4, and Count 7.
{¶62} Regarding the remaining counts, Count 2 did not specify the
controlled substance involved; Count 8, and Count 9 did not contain the degree of
the offense or proper findings regarding aggravating factors. Accordingly, we
must sustain Appellant’s assignment of error on these counts and remand the case
to the trial court to reduce the degree of those offenses.
{¶63} However, as will be explained in more detail, infra, because counts 2
and 9 were merged with counts 1 and 7, respectively, we conclude Appellant was
not actually convicted on these counts. As such, there are no convictions on counts
2 and 9 to vacate. Thus, any error related to the verdict forms for counts 2 and 9 is
harmless. Nevertheless, as set forth above, on remand, the trial court is instructed
to reduce the degree of offense on counts 2 and 9.
Scioto App. No. 11CA3415 32
1. Count 2: Possession of Drugs
{¶64} “[T]his Court has ruled that when a jury verdict fails to specify the
drug involved, the convictions must be treated as being associated with the least
serious drug for possession/trafficking (usually marijuana).” State v. Jones, 4th
Dist. No. 09CA1, 2010-Ohio-865, at fn. 3, citing New, 4th Dist. No. 08CA9, 2009-
Ohio-2632, at ¶ 26, fn. 3; Huckleberry at ¶ 24.
{¶65} As the verdict form for Count 2 fails to specify the drug possessed, we
must treat it as a finding of guilt regarding possession of the least serious drug,
marihuana. Since there is no “bulk amount” for marihuana, the finding of that
additional element of “Equal [sic] or exceeds one hundred (100) times bulk
amount” is meaningless. See R.C. 2925.01(D)(1) (excluding marihuana from the
definition of “bulk amount”); R.C. 2925.11(C)(3) (delineating the penalties for
possession of marihuana and enhancing the degree of the offense based upon gram
weight, not bulk amount).
{¶66} Consequently, the jury found Appellant guilty of possession of
marihuana, which is a minor misdemeanor, not a first degree felony. R.C.
2925.11(C)(3)(a). As such, we sustain Appellant’s assignment of error in this
regard. However, as indicated above, because count 2 was merged with count 1,
Appellant was not sentenced on count 2. “A conviction consists of a finding of
guilt and a sentence.” State v. Fields, 1st Dist. No. C-090648, 2010-Ohio-4114, ¶
Scioto App. No. 11CA3415 33
7, citing State v. Henderson, 58 Ohio St. 2d 171, 177-179, 389 N.E.2d 494 (1979);
State v. Obstaint, 1st Dist. No. C-060629, 2007-Ohio-2661, ¶ 24; accord State v.
Whitfield, 124 Ohio St. 3d 319, 2010-Ohio-2, 922 N.E.2d 182, ¶ 12. Because
Appellant was not sentenced on count 2, there is no conviction on count 2 to
vacate. Thus, any error related to the verdict form is harmless. Nevertheless,
because this matter is already being remanded on several other issues, the trial
court is instructed to reduce the degree of offense on count 2 consistent with this
opinion.
2. Count 8: Possessing Criminal Tools
{¶67} R.C. 2923.24(A) provides, “No person shall possess or have under the
person’s control any substance, device, instrument, or article, with purpose to use it
criminally.” Whoever violates that section is guilty of possessing criminal tools.
R.C. 2923.24(C). Possessing criminal tools is a misdemeanor of the first degree
unless the circumstances indicate the item involved was intended for use in the
commission of a felony; then possessing criminal tools is a felony of the fifth
degree. Id.
{¶68} Here, the jury made no finding of the aggravating factor that the
scales, the criminal tools, were intended for use in the commission of a felony.
Thus, the verdict form was devoid of the level of the offense findings or
aggravating factors and constitutes a finding of guilt of the least degree of the
Scioto App. No. 11CA3415 34
offense charged: a first degree misdemeanor. We sustain Appellant’s assignment
of error in this regard and vacate his conviction for Count 8.
3. Count 9: Possession of Marihuana
{¶69} The verdict form for Count 9 stated the jury had found Appellant
guilty of “Count 9 Possession of Marijuana,” and made the specific finding of
“Less than bulk amount.” There is, however, no bulk amount for marihuana. See
R.C. 2925.01(D)(1) (excluding marihuana from the definition of “bulk amount”).
Further, when determining the appropriate penalty for possession of marihuana,
R.C. 2925.11(C)(3) refers to the gram weight of the substance involved, not a bulk
amount. Thus, the jury’s finding that Appellant was guilty of possession of
marihuana constitutes a finding of the least degree of the offense; a minor
misdemeanor. As such, we sustain Appellant’s assignment of error in this regard.
However, as we concluded in our analysis of count 2, because count 9 was merged
with 7, Appellant was not sentenced on count 9 and thus, there is no conviction to
vacate. Obstaint, supra, at ¶ 24.
{¶70} Accordingly, we remand the case to the trial court to 1) impose a
conviction for the correct level of the offense as to count 8; 2) to reduce the degree
of offenses as to counts 2 and 9, which were merged with counts 1 and 7 for
purposes of sentencing: and 3) to sentence Appellant accordingly.
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR VI
Scioto App. No. 11CA3415 35
{¶71} In his second supplemental assignment of error, Appellant argues that
the trial court erred in finding him guilty as to counts 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 10.
However, we have already discussed the trial court’s handling of these convictions
in great detail above. Specifically, under assignment of error five, which was
Appellant’s first supplemental assignment of error, we addressed the verdict forms
related to counts 1, 3, 4, and 7. Although we found these counts did not list the
degree of offense, because they did contain specific findings regarding aggravating
factors, we concluded that they satisfied R.C. 2945.75(A)(2) and Pelfrey, supra,
and therefore affirmed these convictions. Further, we vacated Appellant’s
conviction for count 8. Finally, we concluded that because Appellant was not
actually convicted of counts 2, 9, and 10, there were no convictions to vacate.
Nevertheless, we remanded the matter with respect to counts 2 and 9, in order for
the trial court to reduce the degree of these offenses.
JUDGMENT AFFIRMED IN PART, REVERSED IN PART, CAUSE
REMANDED.
Kline, J., dissenting, in part.
{¶72} I concur in judgment only with the following exceptions. First, I
would not vacate Count 8. Here, the trial court instructed the jury as follows:
“Before you can find the individual Defendant[] * * * guilty, you must find beyond
a reasonable doubt that * * * the individual Defendant * * * had under his control a
Scioto App. No. 11CA3415 36
device or instrument, to wit, digital scales, with purpose to use it criminally for the
commission of a felony.” (Emphasis added.) Transcript at 923. Therefore, based
on the presumption that the jury followed the trial court’s instruction, I would not
recognize plain error as to Count 8. See State v. Eafford, 132 Ohio St. 3d 159,
2012-Ohio-2224, 970 N.E.2d 891, ¶¶ 11, 17. Furthermore, I believe that Counts 2
and 9 are moot. Therefore, I would not address these counts.
{¶73} Accordingly, I respectfully dissent as to Counts 2, 8, and 9. I
respectfully concur in judgment only with the rest of the opinion.
Scioto App. No. 11CA3415 37
JUDGMENT ENTRY
It is ordered that the JUDGMENT BE JUDGMENT AFFIRMED IN PART,
REVERSED IN PART, & CAUSE REMANDED and that the Appellee and Appellant
split 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 Scioto
County Common Pleas Court to carry this judgment into execution.
IF A STAY OF EXECUTION OF SENTENCE AND RELEASE UPON BAIL
HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY GRANTED BY THE TRIAL COURT OR THIS COURT, it
is temporarily continued for a period not to exceed sixty days upon the bail previously
posted. The purpose of a continued stay is to allow Appellant to file with the Supreme
Court of Ohio an application for a stay during the pendency of proceedings in that court.
If a stay is continued by this entry, it will terminate at the earlier of the expiration of the
sixty day period, or the failure of the Appellant to file a notice of appeal with the
Supreme Court of Ohio in the forty-five day appeal period pursuant to Rule II, Sec. 2 of
the Rules of Practice of the Supreme Court of Ohio. Additionally, if the Supreme Court
of Ohio dismisses the appeal prior to expiration of sixty days, the stay will terminate as of
the date of such dismissal.
A certified copy of this entry shall constitute the mandate pursuant to Rule 27 of
the Rules of Appellate Procedure.
Exceptions.
Abele, P.J.: Concurs in Judgment and Opinion.
Kline, J.: Dissents in Part with Opinion as to A/E’s 2, 8, & 9 and with the remainder of
Opinion Concurs in Judgment Only.
For the Court,
BY: _________________________
Matthew W. McFarland, 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.