State v. Bailey ( 2011 )

[Cite as State v. Bailey, 2011-Ohio-6526.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
FOURTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
HIGHLAND COUNTY
STATE OF OHIO, : Case No. 11CA7
:
Plaintiff-Appellee, :
: DECISION AND
v. : JUDGMENT ENTRY
:
DAVID BAILEY, :
: RELEASED 12/07/11
:
Defendant-Appellant. :
______________________________________________________________________
APPEARANCES:
Carol Ann Curren, Greenfield, Ohio, for appellant.
Anneka P. Collins, Highland County Prosecutor, Hillsboro, Ohio, for appellee.
______________________________________________________________________
Harsha, P.J.
{¶1} Claiming that the jury’s verdict was against the manifest weight of the
evidence, David Bailey appeals his conviction for four counts of endangering children.
Because the jury found him not guilty of illegally manufacturing methamphetamine,
Bailey asserts he cannot be guilty of endangering children by placing them in the vicinity
of the illegal manufacture of that drug. However, in order to convict Bailey the state did
not have to prove he actually manufactured the drug himself. Rather, it only had to
prove that he allowed the children to be within 100 feet of any illegal manufacture of
methamphetamine when he knew the act was occurring. Because the state satisfied
that burden by proof beyond a reasonable doubt, there was sufficient evidence to
convict him of endangering children.
{¶2} Bailey also argues that the trial court erred in imposing consecutive jail
sentences for his convictions because his crimes did not merit that punishment.
Highland App. No. 11CA7 2
However, Bailey’s sentence is not clearly and convincingly contrary to law and the
record reveals that the trial court properly considered the statutory framework, including
the sentencing factors concerning recidivism and the seriousness of the crime. Nor did
the court abuse its discretion in applying those factors.
{¶3} Finally, Bailey claims that his consecutive sentences were improper
because his co-defendant was only sentenced to a community control sanction,
although she was convicted of the same crimes. However, the record shows that the
co-defendant agreed to testify against Bailey and entered into a plea agreement with
the state in exchange for the recommended sentence. And unlike Bailey, she has no
criminal history that appears in the record. Because of those and other differences
surrounding their convictions, we conclude that the trial court did not abuse its discretion
by sentencing him to four consecutive two year terms.
I. FACTS
{¶4} David Bailey and his fiancée, Casey Scarberry, were staying with their
friend, Summer Porter, and her four children. While Porter left her children alone in the
home with Bailey and Scarberry, a fire occurred in an upstairs bedroom. Luckily, all four
children, along with Bailey and Scarberry, escaped from the house unharmed.
{¶5} Subsequently, the grand jury indicted Bailey with one count of illegal
manufacturing of drugs, specifically methamphetamine, in violation R.C. 2925.04(A) and
four counts of endangering children in violation R.C. 2919.22(B)(6). His case
proceeded to a jury trial.
{¶6} At trial Scarberry testified that prior to the fire she was watching Porter’s
four children in the downstairs living room, while Bailey was in the upstairs bedroom
Highland App. No. 11CA7 3
with the door locked. About one-half hour before the fire started, she heard someone
enter the house, yell for Bailey and go upstairs. However, Scarberry admitted that she
never saw the person and didn’t know who it was. After the fire began, she stated that
Bailey came running downstairs alone. She also admitted to taking a sleeping aid that
day and had “little recollection” of that afternoon. She further testified that Bailey was
“in the business” of methamphetamine, but she never witnessed him cook the drug.
{¶7} Todd Whited, a city of Hillsboro police officer, testified that when he
arrived at the Porter home, he saw a jar burning on the sidewalk in front of the house.
He stated that based on his experience, the burning jar is consistent with manufacturing
methamphetamine.
{¶8} Jeff Murphy, also a city of Hillsboro police officer, testified that he was
called to Porter’s house after the fire for a methamphetamine lab clean-up. He
explained that he is certified to perform such a clean-up and is trained to identify
methamphetamine. After his arrival, he was directed by Officer Whited to a broken
mason jar on the sidewalk in front of the home. He indicated that the jar appeared to
have been on fire and contained a powdery, crystal substance with soot on it. Officer
Murphy testified that based on his training and experience the jar was an item that you
would typically see in the illegal manufacturing of methamphetamine.
{¶9} Officer Murphy also testified that they found a “burn pit” in the backyard of
Porter’s home. Based upon his training and experience, he stated that burn pits are
“commonly found at locations where methamphetamine is being produced, and a way to
get rid of unwanted property and trash” used in the production of methamphetamine.
Officer Murphy testified that in the burn pit at Porter’s home, he found a salt container,
Highland App. No. 11CA7 4
coffee filters, a nasal decongestant box, opened lithium batteries, a Drano bottle, and
“blister packs”, the packaging that holds medication. Officer Murphy stated that all
these items are associated with the illegal manufacture of methamphetamine, but
admitted he had no idea when the items were placed in the burn pit. He further
explained that the contents in the burn pit were “probably 15 feet from the back of the
house.”
{¶10} Officer Murphy also testified that he found plastic tubing and bottles in the
burn pit. Specifically, he found the plastic tubing with an orange cap going through it,
which based on his training and experience is known as a “gas generator” used to
manufacture methamphetamine. Additionally, he noted that methamphetamine
manufacturers typically pry the ends off batteries and take the casing off the outside to
expose a thin strip of lithium metal that is extracted for the manufacturing of
methamphetamine. He also indicated that “lithium is reactive with moisture” and “if it
becomes wet it will catch fire.”
{¶11} The state introduced a burnt thermos bag from Porter’s house. Officer
Murphy testified that he found the bag in the corner of the upstairs bedroom, next to the
window and it contained radios and plastic tubing. Murphy also stated he removed what
appeared to be a Coleman fuel can and Liquid Fire from the bedroom and that both are
used to manufacture methamphetamine.
{¶12} On cross examination, Murphy admitted he did not attempt to determine
who purchased the items found in the burn pit. He also stated he was instructed not to
submit the items associated with methamphetamine production to the lab for forensic
analysis. He testified that no samples were taken from the items to determine whether
Highland App. No. 11CA7 5
methamphetamine was present because he didn’t suspect any of the items contained
“finished product.”
{¶13} Bailey testified that on the afternoon in question he was in Porter’s home
with Scarberry and Porter’s four children. Prior to the fire, Bailey said he was alone in
the upstairs bedroom. He claimed that approximately two to three minutes before the
fire began, two individuals, Doug Thackston and JD Ralston, arrived at the home. Both
men knocked on the bedroom door. Thackston then entered the bedroom and took a
jar out of a bag he brought with him. Thackston unscrewed the lid and it “immediately
burst into flames.” Bailey said Thackston dropped the burning jar and ran out of the
bedroom.
{¶14} Bailey testified he picked up the jar and threw it out the open bedroom
window, but the fire had already spread throughout the room. He then ran downstairs
and told Scarberry and the kids to get out of the house. Bailey admitted he had a
“personal history” with methamphetamine, but denied ever manufacturing it or ever
witnessing anyone manufacture the drug in Porter’s home.
{¶15} The jury found Bailey guilty of four counts of endangering children, one
count for each of Porter’s children, and not guilty of the illegal manufacture of
methamphetamine. The trial court sentenced Bailey to two years in prison on each
count of endangering children, with the sentences to run consecutively. This appeal
followed.
II. ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR
{¶16} Bailey presents two assignments of error for our review:1
1
Appellant has characterized his attack on the trial court’s judgment as “issues” and /or “legal arguments”
rather than assignments of error. We have converted them to the proper form.
Highland App. No. 11CA7 6
{¶17} “THE TRIAL COURT ERRED TO THE DETRIMENT OF THE
DEFENDANT/APPELLANT WHEN IT SENTENCED THE DEFENDANT/APPELLANT
TO CONSECUTIVE PRISON TERMS FOR THE SAME EVENT.”
{¶18} “THE VERDICT WAS AGAINST THE MANIFEST WEIGHT OF THE
EVIDENCE.”
III. MANIFEST WEIGHT OF THE EVIDENCE
{¶19} Initially, we address Bailey’s second assignment of error. When
considering whether a criminal conviction is against the manifest weight of the evidence,
an appellate court must review the entire record, weigh the evidence and all reasonable
inferences, and consider the credibility of witnesses to determine “whether in resolving
conflicts in the evidence, the jury clearly lost its way and created such a manifest
miscarriage of justice that the conviction must be reversed and a new trial ordered.”
(Internal quotation marks omitted.) State v. Drummond, 111 Ohio St.3d 14, 2006-Ohio-
5084, 854 N.E.2d 1038, at ¶ 193.
{¶20} “The reviewing court must bear in mind, however, that credibility generally
is an issue for the trier of fact to resolve.” State v. Puckett, 191 Ohio App.3d 747, 2010-
Ohio-6597, 947 N.E.2d 730, at ¶32, citing State v. Issa (2001), 93 Ohio St.3d 49, 67,
2001–Ohio–1290, 752 N.E.2d 904. “If the prosecution presented substantial evidence
upon which the trier of fact reasonably could conclude, beyond a reasonable doubt, that
the essential elements of the offense had been established, the judgment of conviction
is not against the manifest weight of the evidence.” State v. Tyler, 4th Dist. No.
10CA3183, 2011-Ohio-3937, at ¶ 43, citing State v. Eley (1978), 56 Ohio St.2d 169, 383
N.E.2d 132, at syllabus (superseded by state constitutional amendment on other
Highland App. No. 11CA7 7
grounds). Thus, we will grant a new trial “only in the exceptional case in which the
evidence weighs heavily against the conviction.” (Internal quotation marks omitted.)
Drummond, supra, at ¶ 193.
{¶21} Bailey argues that because the jury found him not guilty of illegally
manufacturing methamphetamine in violation of R.C. 2925.04, he cannot be found guilty
of endangering children by putting them in proximity to the manufacturing of that drug.
Specifically, he claims that because he was acquitted of illegally manufacturing
methamphetamine, the jury “more likely than not” believed he participated in some sort
of illegal assembly in violation of R.C. 2925.041. However, he argues that the state did
not present any evidence linking him to the burn pit in the backyard of Porter’s house,
and thus it did not prove that he violated R.C. 2925.041. Accordingly, he contends that
his conviction of endangering children is against the manifest weight of the evidence.
We disagree.
{¶22} Bailey was convicted of four counts of endangering children in violation of
R.C. 2919.22 (B)(6), which provides: “No person shall * * * allow the child to be on the
same parcel of real property and within one hundred feet of * * * any act in violation of
section 2925.04 or 2925.041 of the Revised Code when the person knows that the act
is occurring, whether or not any person is prosecuted for or convicted of the violation of
section 2925.04 or 2925.041 of the Revised Code that is the basis of the violation of this
division.”
{¶23} R.C. 2925.04 provides: “No person shall * * * knowingly manufacture or
otherwise engage in any part of the production of a controlled substance,” and R.C.
2925.041 provides: “No person shall knowingly assemble or possess one or more
Highland App. No. 11CA7 8
chemicals that may be used to manufacture a controlled substance in schedule I or II
with the intent to manufacture a controlled substance in schedule I or II * * *.”
{¶24} Here, the evidence reasonably supports the conclusion that Bailey allowed
Porter’s four children to be within 100 feet of either the illegal manufacture of
methamphetamine, in violation of R.C. 2925.04 or one of the chemicals used in the
manufacture of methamphetamine, in violation of R.C. 2925.041. A conviction for
endangering children only requires that Bailey allowed Porter’s children to “be on the
same parcel of real property and within one hundred feet of * * * any act in violation of
section 2925.04 or 2925.041 of the Revised Code when the person knows that the act
is occurring, whether or not any person is prosecuted for or convicted of the violation of
section 2925.04 or 2925.041 of the Revised Code * * *.” R.C. 2919.22(B)(6) (emphasis
added). The statute does not require that Bailey himself committed the violation of R.C.
2925.04 or 2925.041, rather it only requires that he knowingly allowed the children to be
within 100 feet of any violation.
{¶25} The testimony presented at trial supports the conclusion that someone in
the home was manufacturing methamphetamine or illegally assembling or possessing
chemicals for the manufacture of methamphetamine. Bailey himself admitted that
Thackston brought a jar that burst into flames into the upstairs bedroom. Both Officers
Murphy and Whited testified that the jar was consistent with the illegal manufacture of
methamphetamine. Officer Murphy further testified that based on his training and
experience, he found plastic tubing and what appeared to be a Coleman fuel can and
Liquid Fire in the upstairs bedroom, which were also consistent with the manufacture of
methamphetamine. Finally, Officer Murphy testified that the burn pit in the backyard of
Highland App. No. 11CA7 9
Porter’s home contained numerous items associated with the manufacture of
methamphetamine.
{¶26} Moreover, during sentencing Bailey’s attorney admitted it was “pretty clear
that the jury’s verdicts are not inconsistent” and that the jury determined that Bailey was
“aware of activities that were occurring at least at times” in Porter’s house concerning
methamphetamine production. The testimony of Bailey himself, along with the
testimony Officers Whited and Murphy, support the conclusion that Bailey allowed
Porter’s children to be within 100 feet of either the manufacture of methamphetamine or
one or more chemicals that may be used to manufacture methamphetamine, when he
knew the act was occurring.
{¶27} Accordingly, we cannot say that the trial court lost its way or created a
manifest miscarriage of justice when it found Bailey guilty of four counts of endangering
children. Therefore, we overrule Bailey’s second assignment of error.
IV. BAILEY’S SENTENCE
{¶28} Bailey claims that the trial court erred in sentencing him to four
consecutive terms of two years for each of his endangering children convictions
because the court believed he was guilty of the illegal manufacturing of
methamphetamine. In support of that argument he points to the guidelines set forth in
R.C. 2929.12, concerning the seriousness of the crime and recidivism factors and
insists they do not merit such a severe sanction. He also argues the fact that Scarberry
was convicted of endangering children but was sentenced to only a community control
sanction supports his contention that the trial court acted vindictively.
A. Standard of Review
Highland App. No. 11CA7 10
{¶29} “[A]ppellate courts must apply a two-step approach when reviewing felony
sentences. 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, the
trial court's decision in imposing the term of imprisonment is reviewed under the abuse-
of-discretion standard.” State v. Kalish, 120 Ohio St.3d 23, 2008-Ohio-4912, 896 N.E.2d
124, at ¶ 26.
1. Clearly and Convincingly Contrary to Law
{¶30} In examining all applicable rules and statutes, the trial court must consider
R.C. 2929.11 and 2929.12 when imposing its sentence. Kalish, supra, at ¶ 13. In
addition, the sentencing court must also be guided by statutes that are specific to the
case itself. Id.
{¶31} Bailey was convicted of endangering children in violation of 2919.22(B)(6),
a third degree felony. Former R.C. 2929.14(A)(3) mandates that the prison term for a
felony of the third degree shall be one, two, three, four or five years.2 However, R.C.
2919.22(E)(3)(a) requires a mandatory prison term of no less than two years, when the
defendant is convicted of endangering children in violation of R.C. 2919.22(B)(6) and
the drug involved is methamphetamine.
{¶32} Here, the trial court’s decision was not contrary to law. The sentencing
entry from which Bailey appeals confirms that “the court has considered the record, oral
statements, any victim impact statements, and the pre-sentence report, as well as all
factors required by Section 2929.12 ORC.” The sentencing entry also states that “[a]fter
2
R.C. 2929.14(A)(3) was recently amended by Section 1, Am.Sub.H.B. No. 86. The former statute was
in effect at the time of Bailey’s conviction and sentencing, and therefore is the statute that we will apply on
appeal.
Highland App. No. 11CA7 11
weighing the seriousness and recidivism factors, prison is consistent with the purposes
and principles of Section 2929.11 ORC * * *.” It is also clear that Bailey’s two year
prison sentence for each count of endangering children is with the prescribed statutory
limit set forth by R.C. 2929.14(A)(3) and R.C. 2919.22(E)(3)(a). Accordingly, the
sentence is not clearly and convincingly contrary to law.
2. Abuse of Discretion
{¶33} Next, we must consider whether the trial court abused its discretion by
sentencing Bailey to consecutive sentences that result in an eight year prison term. To
find an abuse of discretion we must conclude “that the court’s attitude is unreasonable,
arbitrary or unconscionable.” (Internal quotation marks omitted.) Kalish, supra, at ¶ 19.
{¶34} Bailey first argues that the guidelines set forth in R.C. 2929.12 concerning
the seriousness of the crime and recidivism factors weigh in his favor because the
children were unharmed and he had only previously spent time in prison for burglary.
R.C. 2929.12(A) provides that the trial court must consider the factors set forth in
divisions (B) and (C) relating to the seriousness of the defendant’s conduct, as well as
the factors set forth in divisions (D) and (E) relating to the likelihood of recidivism, along
with any other relevant factors. Furthermore, in considering the factors set forth in R.C.
2929.12, the trial court has “the discretion to determine the weight to assign a particular
statutory factor.” State v. Arnett (2000), 88 Ohio St.3d 208, 215, 2000-Ohio-302, 724
N.E.2d 793.
{¶35} “[T]rial courts have full discretion to impose a prison sentence within the
statutory range * * *.” (Emphasis in original; internal quotation marks omitted.) Kalish,
supra, at ¶11. Therefore, “[t]rial courts have the discretion to impose consecutive
Highland App. No. 11CA7 12
sentences without stating their reasons for doing so.” (Internal quotation marks omitted.)
State v. Voycik, 4th Dist. Nos. 08CA33 & 08CA34, 2009-Ohio-3669, at ¶23.
{¶36} After reviewing the record, we are unable to conclude that the trial court
abused its discretion by imposing consecutive sentences upon Bailey. As we have
already stated, the record indicates that the trial court considered the sentencing factors
contained in R.C. 2929.12. In addition, the court may consider “any other relevant
factors.” R.C. 2929.12(B). Bailey’s sentence is within the permissible statutory range.
Moreover, the court imposed the mandatory minimum sentence for each victim. At the
sentencing hearing, the trial court stated “I think that it is appropriate to impose
sentence [sic] for each of the victims in this offense. And it is also I think appropriate
given the circumstances of the fact that these children were all placed in danger by
[Bailey’s] actions * * *.” The court also considered “that this is a mandatory sentence * *
* and weighing of the fact that the children were not physically harmed, and that you did
react in a way to try to save them * * * I’m going to follow the recommendation of the
state and give you the minimum sentence of two years * * *. But, I’m going to order
those to run consecutively, because there are four children involved.” We find nothing
in the court’s application of R.C. 2929.12 that can be considered irrational, arbitrary or
capricious. To the contrary, the courts analysis and conclusion are logical and fact
based.
{¶37} Finally, Bailey argues that the court erred when it sentenced him to an
aggregate eight year prison sentence because his co-defendant, Scarberry, pleaded
guilty to endangering children but was only sentenced to a community control sanction.
Highland App. No. 11CA7 13
He contends that Scarberry was just as culpable because “she lived in the house, did
drugs around the children and was there when the fire broke out.”
{¶38} R.C. 2929.11(B) states in relevant part that “[a] sentence imposed for a
felony shall be * * * consistent with sentences imposed for similar crimes committed by
similar offenders.” “The goal of sentencing guidelines is consistency, not uniformity.”
(Internal quotation marks omitted.) State v. Ward, 4th Dist. No. 07CA9, 2008-Ohio-
2222, at ¶16. “Imposing consistent sentences requires a trial court to weigh the same
factors for each defendant, which will ultimately result in an outcome that is rational and
predictable. * * * Under this meaning of consistency, two defendants convicted of the
same offense with a similar or identical history of recidivism could properly be
sentenced to different terms of imprisonment. * * * In fact, there is no requirement that
co-defendants receive equal sentences.” (Citations omitted; internal quotation marks
omitted.) Id. at ¶17.
{¶39} We have held that “[a]n offender cannot demonstrate inconsistency merely
by supplying a list of cases where other defendants in other cases received prison
sentences that differed from his.” (Internal quotation marks omitted.) Id. at ¶ 16. “Each
defendant is different and nothing prohibits a trial court from imposing two different
sentences upon individuals convicted of similar crimes.” State v. Aguirre, 4th Dist. No.
03CA5, 2003-Ohio-4909, at ¶ 50. We bear in mind that “[e]ach case is necessarily, by
its nature, different from every other case-just as every person is, by nature, not the
same.” (Internal quotation marks omitted.) Ward, supra, at ¶ 16.
{¶40} In this case, the differences between Bailey and Scarberry’s sentences
are justified by the circumstances surrounding their convictions. Other than her
Highland App. No. 11CA7 14
testimony at trial, we have no record of the charges brought against Scarberry or her
convictions in this case. Scarberry testified that she reached a plea agreement with the
state and in exchange for pleading to three counts of child endangering the state would
recommend placing her into “STAR, which is a lock-down treatment facility.” She also
stated that as part of her plea agreement she would testify against Bailey. In addition,
there is nothing in the record regarding Scarberry’s drug usage or prior convictions.
{¶41} Unlike Scarberry, Bailey testified that he had a “personal history” with
methamphetamine and his usage continued into the fall of 2010. Moreover, Bailey also
testified that he was a convicted felon and at sentencing, the court acknowledged that
he was currently serving a sentence for assault. Therefore, the circumstances
surrounding his convictions are different from that of the co-defendant. The trial court
did not abuse its discretion by imposing a greater sentence upon him.
{¶42} Accordingly, we overrule both of Bailey’s assignments of error and affirm
the judgment of the Highland County Court of Common Pleas.
JUDGMENT AFFIRMED.
JUDGMENT ENTRY
It is ordered that the JUDGMENT IS AFFIRMED and that Appellant shall pay the
costs.
The Court finds there were reasonable grounds for this appeal.
It is ordered that a special mandate issue out of this Court directing the Highland
County Clerk of Courts to carry this judgment into execution.
Highland App. No. 11CA7 15
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, J. & Kline, J.: Concur in Judgment and Opinion.
For the Court
BY: _____________________________
William H. Harsha, Presiding 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.