State v. Stevens , 2016 Ohio 446 ( 2016 )

[Cite as State v. Stevens, 2016-Ohio-446.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
THIRD APPELLATE DISTRICT
ALLEN COUNTY
STATE OF OHIO,
PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, CASE NO. 1-14-58
v.
KEVIN L. STEVENS, OPINION
DEFENDANT-APPELLANT.
Appeal from Allen County Common Pleas Court
Trial Court No. CR20130473
Judgment Affirmed
Date of Decision: February 8, 2016
APPEARANCES:
Kevin L. Stevens, Appellant
Jana E. Emerick for Appellee
Case No. 1-14-58
PRESTON, J.
{¶1} Defendant-appellant, Kevin L. Stevens (“Stevens”), pro se, appeals
the November 19, 2014 judgment entry of sentence of the Allen County Court of
Common Pleas. For the reasons that follow, we affirm.
{¶2} This case stems from incidents that occurred on October 8 and 9,
2013. On October 8, the victim invited Stevens to stay the night at her house. The
victim went to sleep and awoke after Stevens raped her. On October 9, the victim
again invited Stevens to her house to obtain Methadone from him. After the
victim obtained the methadone, she asked Stevens to leave. However, because
Stevens refused to leave, the victim’s sister and her sister’s boyfriend came to the
victim’s house to coax Stevens into leaving. After Stevens left, the victim took
her prescribed sleeping medication and went to sleep. She again awoke to Stevens
raping her. After discovering that Stevens gained entry into her house and raped
her a second time, the victim tossed Stevens’s jacket out the back door of her
house and, when Stevens went after it, she locked the door behind him. Under the
guise of searching for his keys, Stevens regained entry into the victim’s house and
physically assaulted her.
{¶3} On December 12, 2013, the Allen County Grand Jury indicted Stevens
on three counts, including: Count One of rape in violation of R.C.
2907.02(A)(1)(c), a first-degree felony; Count Two of rape in violation of R.C.
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2907.02(A)(2), a first-degree felony; and Count Three of aggravated burglary in
violation of R.C. 2911.11(A)(1), a first-degree felony. (Doc. No. 1). The
indictment includes a repeat-violent-offender specification. (Id.).
{¶4} On September 2, 2014, the State filed a motion requesting that the trial
court issue an arrest warrant for the victim as a material witness. (Doc. No. 184).
On that same day, the trial court issued a warrant for the victim’s arrest as a
material witness. (Doc. No. 186); (Sept. 2, 2014 Tr. at 17).
{¶5} The case proceeded to a jury trial on September 15-19, 2014. On
September 19, 2014, the jury found Stevens guilty as to the counts in the
indictment. (Doc. Nos. 242, 243, 244). The trial court filed its judgment entry of
conviction on September 24, 2014. (Doc. No. 248). On November 12, 2014, the
trial court determined that Stevens is a repeat violent offender as alleged by the
repeat-violent-offender specification of the indictment. (Doc. No. 259); (Nov. 12,
2014 Tr. at 47). The trial court sentenced Stevens to 8 years in prison on Count
One, 11 years in prison on Count Two, 5 years in prison on Count Three, and 6
years in prison on the repeat-violent-offender specification, and ordered that
Stevens serve the terms consecutively for an aggregate sentence of 30 years.
(Doc. No. 259); (Nov. 12, 2014 Tr. at 46-49). The trial court filed its judgment
entry of sentence on November 19, 2014. (Doc. No. 259).
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{¶6} On December 15, 2014, Stevens, pro se, filed his notice of appeal.
(Doc. No. 262). Several extensions of time were granted for Stevens and the State
to file their respective briefs. He raises four assignment of error for our review.
For ease of our discussion, we will first address Stevens’s third assignment of
error, followed by his first, second, and fourth assignments of error.
Assignment of Error No. III
Appellant was Denied the Fundamental Due Process of a Fair
and Impartial Trial as Guaranteed by the 5th Amendment of the
U.S. Constitution and Article I § 16 of the Ohio Constitution
where a Conviction Stands Absent Sufficient Evidence.
{¶7} In his third assignment of error, Stevens argues that his rape and
aggravated-burglary convictions are based on insufficient evidence.1
{¶8} “An appellate court’s function when reviewing the sufficiency of the
evidence to support a criminal conviction is to examine the evidence admitted at
trial to determine whether such evidence, if believed, would convince the average
mind of the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.” State v. Jenks, 61 Ohio
St.3d 259 (1981), paragraph two of the syllabus, superseded by state constitutional
amendment on other grounds as stated in State v. Smith, 80 Ohio St.3d 89 (1997).
Accordingly, “[t]he relevant inquiry is whether, after viewing the evidence in a
light most favorable to the prosecution, any rational trier of fact could have found
the essential elements of the crime proven beyond a reasonable doubt.” Id. “In
1
Stevens does not challenge his repeat-violent-offender conviction.
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deciding if the evidence was sufficient, we neither resolve evidentiary conflicts
nor assess the credibility of witnesses, as both are functions reserved for the trier
of fact.” State v. Jones, 1st Dist. Hamilton Nos. C-120570 and C-120571,
2013-Ohio-4775, ¶ 33, citing State v. Williams, 197 Ohio App.3d 505,
2011-Ohio-6267, ¶ 25 (1st Dist.). See also State v. Berry, 3d Dist. Defiance No.
4-12-03, 2013-Ohio-2380, ¶ 19 (“Sufficiency of the evidence is a test of adequacy
rather than credibility or weight of the evidence.”), citing State v. Thompkins, 78
Ohio St.3d 380, 386 (1997).
{¶9} Stevens was convicted of two counts of rape in violation of R.C.
2907.02(A)(1)(c) and 2907.02(A)(2), respectively, and one count of aggravated
burglary in violation of R.C. 2911.11(A)(1).
R.C. 2907.02 sets forth the offense of rape and provides, in pertinent part:
(A)(1) No person shall engage in sexual conduct with another who is
not the spouse of the offender or who is the spouse of the offender
but is living separate and apart from the offender, when any of the
following applies:
***
(c) The other person’s ability to resist or consent is substantially
impaired because of a mental or physical condition * * *, and the
offender knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the other
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person’s ability to resist or consent is substantially impaired because
of a mental or physical condition * * *.
(2) No person shall engage in sexual conduct with another when
the offender purposely compels the other person to submit by force
or threat of force.
R.C. 2907.02(A)(1)(c), (A)(2).
{¶10} R.C. 2907.01(A) defines “sexual conduct,” in relevant part, as
“vaginal intercourse between a male and female; * * * and cunnilingus between
persons regardless of sex.” “A person acts purposely when it is the person’s
specific intention to cause a certain result, or, when the gist of the offense is a
prohibition against conduct of a certain nature, regardless of what the offender
intends to accomplish thereby, it is the offender’s specific intention to engage in
conduct of that nature.” R.C. 2901.22(A).
{¶11} First, the relevant inquiries regarding Stevens’s rape conviction
under R.C. 2907.02(A)(1)(c) are whether the evidence, when viewed in a light
most favorable to the prosecution, is such that any rational trier of fact could have
found that: (1) Stevens engaged in sexual conduct with the victim; (2) Stevens
and the victim are not married; and (3) the victim’s ability to resist or consent was
substantially impaired because of a mental or physical condition, and Stevens
knew or had reasonable cause to believe the victim’s ability to resist or consent
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was substantially impaired because of that mental or physical condition. See R.C.
2907.02(A)(1)(c).
{¶12} Viewing the evidence in a light most favorable to the prosecution, we
conclude that Stevens’s rape conviction under R.C. 2907.02(A)(1)(c) is supported
by sufficient evidence. A rational trier of fact could conclude that Stevens and the
victim are not married, which Stevens does not dispute, and that Stevens engaged
in sexual conduct with the victim on October 8, 2013. (Sept. 16, 2014 Tr., Vol. II,
at 390, 401, 403). With regard to the sexual conduct on October 8, 2013, the
victim provided the following testimony:
[The Victim]: I woke up to him having sex with me and what felt like
he ejaculated in me. * * * The next thing I remember is
me waking up to him on top of me. * * *
[The Prosecutor]: Okay. So, at some point you know you fell
asleep?
[The Victim]: Yes.
[The Prosecutor]: To him on top of you?
[The Victim]: Yes.
[The Prosecutor]: Okay. I need you to be as specific as possible[.]
What do you remember as you woke up?
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[The Victim]: I remember, he – he – I remember waking up and
having cum on – I was very wet and I just
remember saying, “You came in me.” He said,
“No, it’s on my leg.” And I said, “I don’t care
where it is. This isn’t from me.”
[The Prosecutor]: Okay. Could you tell that he had been – that his
penis had been inside of your vagina?
[The Victim]: Yes. I didn’t have pants on. Yeah, he had sex
with me.
(Id. at 401, 403). While, the victim testified on cross-examination and re-direct
examination that she did not know for certain whether Stevens penetrated her
vagina with his penis, the victim testified that she was certain that Stevens
engaged in vaginal intercourse with her because Stevens did not deny that he had
sex with her and because she felt ejaculate inside of her vagina “where he would
have had his penis in [her].” (Id. at 554, 633-634). She later confirmed on re-
direct examination that she was sure that Stevens engaged in vaginal intercourse
with her. (Id. at 643-644).
{¶13} In State v. Wine, we noted that the courts of appeals have “concluded
that sleeping is a ‘physical condition’ that substantially impairs a victim’s ability
to resist for purposes of rape in violation of R.C. 2907.02(A)(1)(c).” 3d Dist.
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Auglaize No. 2-12-01, 2012-Ohio-2837, ¶ 50, citing State v. Graves, 8th Dist.
Cuyahoga No. 88845, 2007-Ohio-5430, ¶ 22, State v. Wright, 9th Dist. Medina
No. 03CA0057-M, 2004-Ohio-603, ¶ 6, and State v. H.H., 10th Dist. Franklin No.
10AP-1126, 2011-Ohio-6660, ¶ 10. After viewing the evidence in a light most
favorable to the prosecution, a review of the record shows that a rational trier of
fact could conclude beyond a reasonable doubt that the State proved the elements
of the rape offense under R.C. 2907.02(A)(1)(c).
{¶14} Next, the relevant inquiries regarding Stevens’s rape conviction
under R.C. 2907.02(A)(2) include the first element—sexual conduct—discussed in
our review of the sufficiency of the evidence supporting Stevens’s rape conviction
under R.C. 2907.02(A)(1)(c) and two additional elements: (1) whether Stevens
purposely compelled the victim to engage in that sexual conduct, and (2) whether
Stevens did so by force or threat of force.
{¶15} As to the first element, a rational trier of fact could conclude that
Stevens engaged in sexual conduct with the victim on October 9, 2013. The
victim testified that she invited Stevens to come to her house on October 9, 2013
because she wanted to obtain Methadone from Stevens; however, because he
refused to leave, the victim testified that her sister and her sister’s boyfriend had to
come to her house to coax Stevens into leaving. (Sept. 16, 2014 Tr., Vol. II, at
406-412). According to the victim, Stevens eventually left, and, after he left, she
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took her prescription sleeping medication and went to sleep. (Id. at 411-414).
With regard to the sexual conduct on October 9, 2013, the victim provided
following testimony:
[The Prosecutor]: So, you go to sleep. How do you wake up?
[The Victim]: I wake up to [Stevens] performing oral sex and coming –
he thrusted up against me and –
[The Prosecutor]: Okay. Let’s – Let’s stop. When you say “performing
oral sex,” I need details, the jury needs details.
[The Victim]: His mouth was on my vagina.
[The Prosecutor]: Okay. And you could actually feel that?
[The Victim]: Yes. I – I was groggy, but it was weird. My medicine
makes me sleep.
[The Prosecutor]: Okay.
[The Victim]: I was coming out of like a dream or something, it felt,
and he was performing oral sex. And he came up and he
put his penis in me, pumping, maybe like two or three
times. It was very short. I realized what was going on.
I pushed him off me.
***
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Because he did – this is the second time that I woke up
to him having sex with me.
(Id. at 415-418). The victim testified that she was wearing pants and underwear
when she went to sleep and that Stevens completely removed her pants and
underwear. (Id. at 418). The victim further testified that, after she pushed Stevens
off of her, she went to her bedroom to put clothes on. (Id. at 418-419). She
testified that after the she put clothes on, she told Stevens that he had to leave; she
grabbed his black jacket off of her table and threw it out the door; and when
Stevens went after the jacket, she locked the door behind him. (Id. at 419-421).
{¶16} On cross-examination, the victim testified, “I felt his mouth on my
vagina. And then he thrusted up against my body and inserted his penis like two
or three times. Then I woke up.” (Id. at 570). After she realized what was going
on, the victim testified that she told Stevens to get off of her. (Id.). She testified
that she was asleep, but that she “knew it was happening, but it was just a slow
reaction.” (Id. at 571). She further testified that she was “groggy” at the time
Stevens engaged in vaginal intercourse with her. (Id. at 613).
{¶17} According to the victim, her six-year-old son was in the same bed
that Stevens engaged in the unwanted sexual conduct with her and that her son
was already awake when she woke up and realized what Stevens was doing. (Id.
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at 417, 571). The victim testified that her son told her that Stevens “picked him up
two times and put him back on the bed.” (Id.).
{¶18} After viewing this evidence in a light most favorable to the
prosecution, a rational trier of fact could have concluded that Stevens purposely
compelled the victim to engage in sexual conduct by force or threat of force. In
addressing the force-or-threat-of-force language under the rape statute, the
Supreme Court of Ohio clarified that “[a] defendant purposely compels another to
submit to sexual conduct by force or threat of force if the defendant uses physical
force against that person, or creates the belief that physical force will be used if the
victim does not submit.” State v. Schaim, 65 Ohio St.3d 51 (1992), paragraph one
of the syllabus. Indeed, “‘[f]orce’ is defined as ‘any violence, compulsion, or
constraint physically exerted by any means upon or against a person or thing.’”
(Emphasis sic.) State v. Euton, 3d Dist. Auglaize No. 2-06-35, 2007-Ohio-6704, ¶
60 (Preston, J., concurring in part and dissenting in part), quoting R.C.
2901.01(A)(1). “By its plain language, the definition provides ‘any’ violence,
compulsion or constraint by ‘any means.’” Id., quoting R.C. 2901.01(A)(1).
“Simply put, ‘any’ means ‘any.’” Id. “As used in R.C. 2901.01(A)(1) ‘any’ is an
adjective.” Id. “As an adjective, ‘any’ is defined as: ‘[o]ne or some, regardless of
kind, quantity, or number; an indeterminate number or amount.’” Id., quoting The
American Heritage Dictionary 117 (2d College Ed.1985).
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{¶19} As the definition of force states, it includes force by any violence,
constraint, or compulsion. Black’s Law Dictionary defines “violence,” in part, as
“[t]he use of physical force.” Black’s Law Dictionary 1801 (14th Ed.2014). And
The American Heritage Dictionary defines violence, in part, as “[p]hysical force
exerted for the purpose of violating, damaging, or abusing.” The American
Heritage Dictionary at 1350. Black’s Law Dictionary defines compulsion as
“[t]he act of compelling; the quality, state, or condition of being compelled.”
Black’s at 348. Black’s Law Dictionary also describes, “Compulsion can take
other forms than physical force; but in whatever form it appears * * * [i]t can best
be considered under the heads of obedience to orders, material coercion, duress
per minas, and necessity.” Id., quoting Turner, Kenny’s Outlines of Criminal Law
54 (16th Ed.1952). While not defined by Black’s Law Dictionary, “constraint” is
defined by The American Heritage Dictionary as “[t]he threat or use of force to
prevent, restrict, or dictate the action or thought of others.” The American
Heritage Dictionary at 314.
{¶20} In Wine, we noted that “the key inquiry for determining whether the
State presented sufficient evidence on the element of force is whether the ‘victim’s
will was overcome by fear or duress.’” Wine, 2012-Ohio-2837, at ¶ 40, quoting In
re Forbess, 3d Dist. Auglaize No. 2-09-20, 2010-Ohio-2826, ¶ 40, citing State v.
Heft, 3d Dist. Logan No. 8-09-08, 2009-Ohio-5908, ¶ 88, citing State v. Eskridge,
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38 Ohio St.3d 56, 58-59 (1988). We further noted that, “[w]hile this inquiry is
taken from State v. Eskridge where the victim was a young child, this inquiry is
not limited to such cases since Eskridge cited to State v. Martin, 77 Ohio App. 553(9th Dist.1946), where the victim was an adult, and stated this standard as a
general rule of law.” Id., citing State v. Rupp, 7th Dist. Mahoning No. 05 MA
166, 2007-Ohio-1561, ¶ 25-28.
{¶21} “[T]he amount of force [necessary to prove forcible rape under R.C.
2907.02(A)(2)] must be examined in light of the circumstances.” State v.
Runyons, 3d Dist. Union No. 14-91-30, 1992 WL 136196, *2 (June 9, 1992). The
Supreme Court of Ohio “case law demonstrates that the type and amount of force
necessary to purposefully compel a victim to submit by ‘force or threat of force’
depends upon the victim and the offender’s relationship.” Wine at ¶ 41, citing
State v. Pordash, 9th Dist. Lorain No. 04CA008480, 2004-Ohio-6081, ¶ 12.
However, we concluded in Wine that “subtle and psychological” force is
insufficient force in cases where the victim is an adult and the offender was not in
a position of authority over the victim. Id. at ¶ 47, citing Schaim at 54-55.
{¶22} The proper inquiry in this case is not whether this court finds the
element of force proven beyond a reasonable doubt; rather, the proper inquiry is
“‘whether, after viewing the evidence in a light most favorable to the prosecution,
any rational trier of fact could have’ concluded that ‘force’ was present.”
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(Emphasis sic.) Euton, 2007-Ohio-6704, at ¶ 59, quoting State v. Vires, 3d Dist.
Auglaize No. 2-07-16, 2007-Ohio-6015, ¶ 12, citing Jenks, 61 Ohio St.2d 259, at
paragraph two of the syllabus. Because it is dispositive, even though there appears
to be two acts of sexual conduct—cunnilingus and vaginal intercourse—presented
by the facts of this case, we need only discuss whether Stevens purposely
compelled the victim to engage in vaginal intercourse by force or threat of force.
Reviewing the evidence in a light most favorable to the prosecution, a rational trier
of fact could have concluded that Stevens purposely compelled the victim to
engage in vaginal intercourse on October 9, 2013 by force or threat of force.
Based on the totality of the circumstances of this case, the State presented
sufficient evidence that the victim’s will was overcome by fear or duress. See
Wine at ¶ 47, citing Eskridge at 58-59 and Schaim at 55.
{¶23} In Wine, we said that subtle and psychological force is insufficient
force in cases where the victim is an adult and the offender is not in a position of
authority over the victim; however, based on the totality of the circumstances of
this case, there is more than subtle and psychological force. The victim testified
that she went to sleep wearing pants and underwear and that Stevens completely
removed her pants and underwear. Independent of its reduced-force analysis in
Eskridge for situations involving the rape of a child by a parent, the Supreme
Court stated, “the victim testified that Eskridge removed her panties and there was
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testimony that he laid her on the bed—both acts of compulsion and constraint that
are independent of the act of rape.” Eskridge at 58.
{¶24} A rational trier of fact could have also concluded that Stevens
constrained the victim by “thrust[ing] up against [her] body” as she was beginning
to become more lucid—that is, as she was beginning to become more awake,
Stevens thrusted up against her body to prevent or restrict her from moving so he
could engage in sexual conduct with her. In Wine we noted that “‘the statute
requires that some amount of force must be proven beyond the force inherent in
the crime itself.’” Id. at ¶ 48, quoting State v. Dye, 82 Ohio St.3d 323, 327 (1998).
Based on the victim testimony that Stevens “thrusted up against [her] body and
inserted his penis like two or three times,” there is some amount of force beyond
the force inherent in the crime itself. (Emphasis added.) (Sept. 16, 2014 Tr., Vol.
II, at 570). That is, the act of thrusting up against her body is force that is separate
and distinct from the force necessary to facilitate the vaginal intercourse. Indeed,
“thrust” is defined as “[t]o push or drive quickly and forcibly.” The American
Heritage Dictionary at 1267.
{¶25} Furthermore, for an offender to be guilty of rape, a victim does not
need to prove that he or she physically resisted the offender. R.C. 2907.02(C).
Yet, that the victim was required to physically resist Stevens by pushing him off of
her after he thrusted up against her body is further indicative in this case that
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Stevens compelled the victim to submit to the sexual conduct through physical
force—through violence or constraint. See Henry, 2009-Ohio-3535, at ¶ 45, 60
(Shaw, J., dissenting) (concluding that the victim’s resistance should “be used to
infer any force or threat of force on the part of the defendant in trying to complete
the sexual act” and that “[t]he degree of force necessary for [the victim] to use to
get away from Henry is further indication of the degree of force being used by
Henry to perpetrate the offense”). That is, Stevens used force against the victim
with the purpose of violating, damaging, or abusing her by fully removing her
pants and underwear to engage in sexual conduct, and used force to prevent,
restrict, or dictate the victim’s actions by thrusting up against her body as she
began to awaken to engage in sexual conduct.
{¶26} A rational trier of fact could further infer that the victim was
compelled to submit to the sexual conduct based on the circumstances surrounding
Stevens and the victim’s relationship. This was the second night in a row that the
victim awoke to Stevens performing unwanted sexual acts on her. Moreover, the
victim did not know how Stevens gained entry to her house. Indeed, any
reasonable person would experience some form of duress when they are awakened
in the middle of the night by a trespasser performing unwanted sexual acts on
them in the sanctity of their own bed, in their home. A rational trier of fact could
infer force or the threat of force surrounding the circumstances of this case where
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the victim awoke to find Stevens, a man that: (1) she has known for a short period
of time; (2) she, only hours earlier, was required to enlist the assistance of her
sister and her sister’s boyfriend to coax into leaving her house, (3) performed
unwanted sexual acts on her the night before, and, (4) is again performing
unwanted sexual acts on her while her six-year-old son is in the same bed. In
addition, based on the victim rebuffing Stevens’s prior authorized and
unauthorized sexual advances, a reasonable juror could infer that Stevens changed
sexual acts by thrusting up against the victim’s body as she began to awaken
during the second rape to ensure that he could complete the sexual conduct.
{¶27} Nevertheless, although we concluded, in Wine, that the evidence was
“insufficient to establish that Wine purposely compelled [the sleeping victim] to
submit to the sexual contact by (through the agency or instrumentality of) force or
threat of force,” the facts presented by this case are distinguishable from Wine.
Wine, 2012-Ohio-2837, at ¶ 47. In Wine, the victim, who was “wearing a pair of
[loose] pink flannel pajamas with nothing else underneath,” awoke when she felt
Wine’s “finger inside her vagina.” Id. at ¶ 10. The most notable difference is that
the victim, in Wine, “was asleep during the entire time the sexual contact
occurred.” Id. at ¶ 51. Here, the victim was at least somewhat lucid and
consciously aware of the sexual conduct, albeit in a groggy, dreamlike state.
Second, Wine merely manipulated the victim’s loose-fitting pajamas to execute
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the sexual contact; whereas, as we stated above, Stevens completely removed the
victim’s pants and underwear. Also different in this case is that, as the victim was
beginning to wake up, Stevens changed sexual acts by thrusting up against her
body to constrain her.
{¶28} Viewing this evidence in a light most favorable to the prosecution, a
rational trier of fact could have found beyond a reasonable doubt that Stevens
engaged in sexual conduct with the victim and that Stevens purposely compelled
the victim to engage in that sexual conduct by force or threat of force, and
therefore, committed rape under R.C. 2907.02(A)(2).
{¶29} Finally, viewing the evidence in a light most favorable to the
prosecution, we conclude that Stevens’s aggravated-burglary conviction is
supported by sufficient evidence. R.C. 2911.11(A)(1) sets forth the offense of
aggravated burglary and provides:
(A) No person, by force, stealth, or deception, shall trespass in an
occupied structure * * *, when another person other than an
accomplice of the offender is present, with purpose to commit in the
structure * * * any criminal offense, if any of the following apply:
(1) The offender inflicts, or attempts or threatens to inflict physical
harm on another.
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{¶30} The same definition of force that we discussed above applies to the
crime of aggravated burglary. See R.C. 2901.01(A)(1). Trespass occurs when a
person, without privilege to do so, knowingly enters on the premises of another.
State v. O'Neal, 87 Ohio St.3d 402, 408 (2000); R.C. 2911.21(A)(1). “R.C.
2901.01(A)(12) defines ‘privilege’ as ‘an immunity, license, or right conferred by
law, bestowed by express or implied grant, arising out of status, position, office, or
relationship, or growing out of necessity.’” State v. Worth, 10th Dist. Franklin No.
10AP-1125, 2012-Ohio-666, ¶ 42, quoting R.C. 2901.01(A)(12). Finally,
“physical harm to persons” is defined as “any injury * * * regardless of its gravity
or duration.” R.C. 2901.01(A)(3).
{¶31} The relevant inquiries regarding Stevens’s aggravated burglary
conviction are whether the evidence, when viewed in a light most favorable to the
prosecution, is such that any rational trier of fact could have found that: (1)
Stevens trespassed, (2) by force, stealth, or deception, (3) in a structure occupied
by the victim, (4) with the purpose to commit any criminal offense, and (4)
Stevens inflicted physical harm on the victim. Accord State v. Demoss, 2d Dist.
Champaign No. 2001-CA-5, 2002 WL 360581, *10 (Mar. 8, 2002).
{¶32} As we previously discussed, the victim testified that after the second
rape, she told Stevens that he had to leave and that she grabbed his black jacket off
of her table and threw it out the back door. (Sept. 16, 2014 Tr., Vol. II, at 419).
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When Stevens went after his jacket, the victim closed and locked the door behind
him. (Id.). She testified that she saw a “pink sparkly lanyard with keys on it,”
which were not hers, when she grabbed the black jacket, but noticed that the keys
were gone after she locked the door. (Id. at 420). After the victim locked the
door, she testified that Stevens was “going around yelling in [her] windows,
knocking on my windows, ‘I need my keys. I need my keys.’” (Id. at 422). She
testified,
I looked for my phone right away because I – I was going to call the
police, but my phone was not there. And I – [Stevens] was still
there. I wasn’t going outside to get help. I wasn’t going to ask him
for my phone. I was just going to console my son, wait for him to
leave, and then figure out what next. I – I didn’t really care at that
moment. I just wanted him to go and I wanted my son to relax.
(Id. at 423). The victim testified that Stevens opened the window above her
kitchen sink by climbing on a table that was in her backyard, and that Stevens
continued to yell. (Id. at 423-424). According to the victim, she yelled back at
Stevens that she did not have his keys, that the keys were not in her house. (Id. at
423). According to the victim, Stevens attempted to open her kitchen window to
gain access to her house, and when she saw Stevens in the open kitchen window,
she grabbed a small knife and indicated a stabbing motion to Stevens because she
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“wanted him to think [she] was going to stab him.” (Id. at 425). Eventually, after
Stevens abandoned the window, the victim testified that he
grabs a chair and he runs back to [the victim’s] shed and like full
force towards [her] – he says he’s going to break [her] door down or
break [her] windows if [she] don’t [sic] give him his keys. So, [she],
after a few minutes of that [she] just let him in. [She] said, “Fine,
look for your keys.”
(Id. at 427-428). The victim testified that she was afraid that Stevens was going to
break her door in if she did not let him in. (Id. at 428).
{¶33} After the victim allowed Stevens back into the house to find his keys,
“he immediately picked [her] up and threw her onto her back.” (Id. at 429). She
testified,
He was just – I – he was choking me and just throwing me all over.
I couldn’t get away. I broke loose one time and I almost got to the
door and he grabbed – he grabbed me. I know he threw me down
the first flight of steps then I went down the other, and I don’t
remember after that. I just – he was really – I – he – I had never
been handled like that by anybody. * * * I was terrified.
(Id.). After that, according to the victim, Stevens left, and she ran to a neighbor’s
house to call for help. (Id. at 430). The victim further testified that she sustained
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physical injuries from Stevens’s assault. (Id. at 463). Ronda Norris, (“Norris”), a
registered nurse with St. Rita’s Medical Center Emergency Room, testified about
the injuries she observed on the victim on October 9, 2013. (Sept. 17, 2014 Tr.,
Vol. III, at 813, 816, 842-845, 852-861). The State introduced as evidence
photographs depicting the victim’s injuries. (Sept. 16, 2014 Tr., Vol. II, at 463-
470); (Sept. 17, 2014 Tr., Vol. III, at 852-861); (Sept. 18, 2014 Tr., Vol. IV, at
1244-1247); (State’s Exs. 47-81).
{¶34} Viewing this evidence in a light most favorable to the prosecution,
we conclude that Stevens’s aggravated-burglary conviction is supported by
sufficient evidence. While the record reflects that the victim allowed Stevens back
into her house to “find his keys,” a rational trier of fact could infer from the
evidence that Stevens trespassed. In addressing the trespass element of aggravated
burglary, the Supreme Court of Ohio concluded that, even when a defendant
lawfully enters an occupied structure, a jury can infer from the evidence that the
defendant’s privilege to remain in that structure terminates when the defendant
initiates a criminal offense against the victim. See State v. Steffen, 31 Ohio St.3d
111, 115 (1987) (“even assuming lawful initial entry, the jury was justified in
inferring from the evidence that appellant’s privilege to remain in [the] home
terminated the moment he commenced his assault on her”). Therefore, even if we
assume without deciding that Stevens lawfully entered the victim’s home, his
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privilege to remain there terminated the moment he commenced his assault on her.
Id.; Worth, 2012-Ohio-666, at ¶ 46 (concluding there was sufficient evidence to
support Worth’s aggravated-burglary conviction, in part, because “regardless of
whether [Worth’s] entry * * * was authorized or unauthorized, his privilege to
remain therein was implicitly revoked due to his actions of violence against [the
victim]”), citing State v. Murray, 11th Dist. Lake No.2003-L-045, 2005-Ohio-
1693, ¶ 59; State v. Casey, 2d Dist. Miami No. 19940, 2004-Ohio-1017, ¶ 26;
State v. Morton, 147 Ohio App.3d 43, 2002-Ohio-813, ¶ 51 (8th Dist.).
{¶35} Next, a rational trier of fact could have also found that Stevens had
the purpose to commit a criminal offense during the course of the trespass. The
Supreme Court of Ohio “addressed the requirement that a person trespass with the
purpose to commit a crime” and concluded “that the element of purpose to commit
a crime can be satisfied when intent is formed at any point during the trespass and
need not be formed prior to entering the occupied structure.” State v. Pickens, 3d
Dist. Crawford No. 3-07-30, 2008-Ohio-1140, ¶ 17, citing State v. Fontes, 87 Ohio
St.3d 527, 530 (2000) (“for purposes of defining the offense of aggravated
burglary pursuant to R.C. 2911.11, a defendant may form the purpose to commit a
criminal offense at any point during the course of a trespass”). The State
produced evidence that, when Stevens reentered the victim’s home, Stevens
physically assaulted the victim. From this evidence, a reasonable juror could infer
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that Stevens formed the purpose to commit an assault offense during the course of
the trespass. Compare Demoss, 2002 WL 360581, at *11 (concluding that a
rational trier of fact could infer that Demoss formed the purpose to commit a rape
or felonious assault during the course of the trespass).
{¶36} Finally, a rational trier of fact could conclude that Stevens inflicted
physical harm on the victim based on the victim’s and Norris’ testimony regarding
the victim’s injuries as well as the photographic evidence of the victim’s injuries
submitted by the State. Id.{¶37} Viewing this evidence in a light most favorable to the prosecution, a
rational trier of fact could have found beyond a reasonable doubt that Stevens
trespassed by force in a structure occupied by the victim with the purpose to
commit felonious assault and inflicted physical harm on the victim, and therefore,
committed aggravated burglary.
{¶38} Stevens’s third assignment of error is overruled.
Assignment of Error No. I
Appellant was Deprived of His Right to Effective Assistance of
Counsel and an Impartial Jury as Guaranteed by the 6th
Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, Article I § 10, and Article
III § 2 of the Ohio Constitution.
{¶39} In his first assignment of error, Stevens argues that he was denied the
effective assistance of counsel. Specifically, Stevens argues that his trial counsel
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failed to (1) object to testimony, (2) request a rape-shield-law hearing, and (3)
provide expert-witness testimony regarding Short Tandem Repeat DNA evidence.
{¶40} A defendant asserting a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel
must establish: (1) the counsel’s performance was deficient or unreasonable under
the circumstances; and (2) the deficient performance prejudiced the defendant.
State v. Kole, 92 Ohio St.3d 303, 306 (2001), citing Strickland v. Washington, 466
U.S. 668, 687 (1984). In order to show counsel’s conduct was deficient or
unreasonable, the defendant must overcome the presumption that counsel provided
competent representation and must show that counsel’s actions were not trial
strategies prompted by reasonable professional judgment. Strickland at 687.
Counsel is entitled to a strong presumption that all decisions fall within the wide
range of reasonable professional assistance. State v. Sallie, 81 Ohio St.3d 673,
675 (1998). Tactical or strategic trial decisions, even if unsuccessful, do not
generally constitute ineffective assistance. State v. Carter, 72 Ohio St.3d 545, 558
(1995). Rather, the errors complained of must amount to a substantial violation of
counsel’s essential duties to his client. See State v. Bradley, 42 Ohio St. 3d 136,
141-42 (1989), quoting State v. Lytle, 48 Ohio St.2d 391, 396 (1976), vacated in
part on other grounds, 438 U.S. 910, 98 S.Ct. 3135 (1978).
{¶41} “Prejudice results when ‘there is a reasonable probability that, but for
counsel’s unprofessional errors, the result of the proceeding would have been
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different.’” State v. Liles, 3d Dist. Allen No. 1-13-04, 2014-Ohio-259, ¶ 48,
quoting Bradley at 142, citing Strickland at 691. “‘A reasonable probability is a
probability sufficient to undermine confidence in the outcome.’” Id., quoting
Bradley at 142 and citing Strickland at 694.
{¶42} First, Stevens argues that his trial counsel was ineffective for failing
to object to the testimony of Detective Todd Jennings (“Detective Jennings”) of
the Lima Police Department and the testimony of the victim. “The ‘failure to
object to error, alone, is not enough to sustain a claim of ineffective assistance of
counsel.’” Liles at ¶ 49, quoting State v. Johnson, 112 Ohio St.3d 210, 2006-
Ohio-6404, ¶ 139, citing State v. Holloway, 38 Ohio St.3d 239, 244 (1988). “To
prevail on such a claim, a defendant must first show that there was a substantial
violation of any of defense counsel’s essential duties to his client and, second, that
he was materially prejudiced by counsel’s ineffectiveness.” Holloway at 244,
citing Lytle at 396-397 and Strickland at 668. “Because ‘objections tend to disrupt
the flow of a trial, and are considered technical and bothersome by the fact-finder,’
competent counsel may reasonably hesitate to object in the jury’s presence.” State
v. Campbell, 69 Ohio St.3d 38, 53 (1994), quoting Jacobs, Ohio Evidence, at iii-iv
(1989).
{¶43} Stevens argues that his trial counsel was ineffective for failing to
object to Detective Jennings’s testimony regarding what he learned from other law
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enforcement officers involved in the investigation of the case. Specifically,
Stevens argues that his trial counsel should have objected to Detective Jennings’s
testimony that he “spoke with” Patrolman Trent Kunkleman (“Patrolman
Kunkleman”) when Detective Jennings arrived at the scene. (Appellant’s Brief at
12); (Sept. 18, 2014 Tr., Vol. IV, at 1167-1170). Further, Stevens argues that his
trial counsel should have objected to Detective Jennings’s testimony that (1) he
heard Officer Michael Carman’s (“Officer Carman”) prior testimony about the
case and agreed with his testimony; (2) the victim’s phone was processed by
Detective Scott Leland (“Detective Leland”), and (3) Detective Jennings consulted
Detective Steven Stechschulte, Jr. (“Detective Stechschulte”) in an attempt to
identify and locate Stevens. (Appellant’s Brief at 12); (Sept. 18, 2014 Tr., Vol.
IV, at 1197-1201). Stevens argues that his trial counsel was ineffective for failing
to object to Detective Jennings’s testimony because it improperly “bolster[s] and
vouch[es] for the credibility” of Officer Kunkleman, Officer Carman, Detective
Leland, and Detective Stechschulte. (Appellant’s Brief at 12).
{¶44} Stevens fails to show how these alleged errors were prejudicial.
Contrary to Stevens’s argument, neither the State nor Detective Jennings “vouched
for the credibility” of any witness. None of the portions of Detective Jennings’s
testimony vouches for the credibility of another witness. See Liles at ¶ 54
(concluding that Liles’s trial counsel was not ineffective for failing to object to
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testimony because it was not offered to bolster credibility). Instead, those portions
of Detective Jennings’s testimony were offered to describe his involvement in
investigating the case. Accordingly, Stevens’s trial counsel was not ineffective for
failing to object to Detective Jennings’s testimony.
{¶45} Stevens also argues that his trial counsel was ineffective for failing to
object to the victim’s testimony regarding whether the State offered her the
opportunity to “walk away” if she was lying about being raped by Stevens and
regarding why she was issued a material-witness warrant. (Appellant’s Brief at
12); (Sept. 16, 2014 Tr., Vol. II, at 505-506, 638-640). In particular, Stevens
argues that his trial counsel was ineffective for failing to object to the testimony of
the victim because the State was improperly “leading/manipulating [the victim]
into an answer.” (Appellant’s Brief at 12).
{¶46} “Evidence Rule 611(C) provides that ‘[l]eading questions should not
be used on the direct examination of a witness except as may be necessary to
develop his testimony.’” State v. Stairhime, 3d Dist. Defiance No. 4-13-06, 2014-
Ohio-1791, ¶ 46. “This broad exception places the decision of whether to allow
leading questions within the sound discretion of the trial court.” Id., citing State v.
Jackson, 92 Ohio St.3d 436, 449 (2001) and State v. Jefferson, 2d Dist. Greene
No. 2002 CA 26, 2002-Ohio-6377, ¶ 9. “As a result, the Ohio Supreme Court has
held that the failure to object to leading questions does not constitute ineffective
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Case No. 1-14-58
assistance of counsel.” Id., citing Jackson at 449 and State v. Fraker, 3d Dist.
Union No. 14-12-19, 2013-Ohio-4561, ¶ 59. Stevens provides no argument that
the result of his trial would have been different had his trial counsel objected to the
victim’s testimony. Therefore, we conclude that any failure on the part of
Stevens’s trial counsel to object to any leading questions does not rise to the level
of ineffective assistance of counsel.
{¶47} Stevens also argues that his trial counsel was ineffective for failing to
request a rape-shield-law hearing. The rape-shield law prohibits any evidence of a
victim’s sexual history except to show “‘the origin of semen, pregnancy, or
disease, or the victim’s past sexual activity with the offender.’” State v. Black,
172 Ohio App.3d 716, 2007-Ohio-3133, ¶ 12 (3d Dist.), quoting R.C. 2907.02(D).
“Even if one of the aforementioned exceptions applies, such evidence may be
introduced only if the court determines that the evidence is material to a fact at
issue and that its prejudicial nature does not outweigh its probative value.” Id.,citing R.C. 2907.02(D) and State v. Chaney, 169 Ohio App.3d 246, 2006-Ohio-
5288, ¶ 6 (3d Dist.).
{¶48} Stevens makes no argument that the victim’s prior sexual history is
relevant or admissible—that is, Stevens makes no argument that the victim’s prior
sexual history would have been used to show “the origin of semen, pregnancy, or
disease, or the victim’s past sexual activity with the offender.” Therefore,
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Stevens’s argument is without merit because he cannot show that he was
prejudiced—that is, he cannot show that the admission of that evidence would
have had a reasonable probability of success after a rape-shield-law hearing had
his counsel requested such a hearing.
{¶49} In addition, Stevens argues that his trial counsel was ineffective for
failing to provide expert-witness testimony regarding Short Tandem Repeat DNA
evidence. “A decision by trial counsel not to call an expert witness generally will
not sustain a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel.” State v. Conway, 109
Ohio St.3d 412, 2006-Ohio-2815, ¶ 118. See also State v. Dooley, 3d Dist. Allen
No. 1-10-41, 2010-Ohio-6260, ¶ 16, citing State v. Mundt, 115 Ohio St.3d 22,
2007-Ohio-4836, ¶ 118, State v. Nicholas, 66 Ohio St.3d 431, 436 (1993), State v.
Thompson, 33 Ohio St.3d 1, 10-11 (1987), and State v. Carter, 72 Ohio St.3d 545,
558 (1995).
{¶50} Stevens’s sole argument that his counsel was deficient for failing to
seek an expert witness is that “the trial court ordered up to $11,000 for expert
assistance for defense, of which $3,000 was for an Investigator, and of which trial
counsel used none for appellant’s defense or preparations for trial.” (Appellant’s
Brief at 13). However, Stevens provides no argument to indicate how an expert
witness’s testimony regarding Short Tandem Repeat DNA evidence would have
affected the outcome of trial. See State v. Young, 3d Dist. Defiance No. 4-01-18,
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Case No. 1-14-58
2002 WL 129824, *3 (Feb. 1, 2002) (“Nothing in the record indicates how an
expert witness would have testified or how such testimony would have affected
the outcome of the trial.”). Likewise, there is no evidence in the record that an
expert witness would have provided favorable testimony. Mundt at ¶ 118.
Therefore, Stevens’s trial counsel was not ineffective for failing to seek an expert
witness.
{¶51} For these reasons, Stevens’s first assignment of error is overruled.
Assignment of Error No. II
Appellant was Denied the Due Process of a Fair and Impartial
Trial as Guaranteed by the 5th, 6th, and 14th Amendment [sic]
of the U.S. Constitution and Article I § 16 of the Ohio
Constitution Based on Prosecutorial Misconduct.
{¶52} In his second assignment of error, Stevens points to a number of
instances—during voir dire, trial, and closing arguments—that he argues
demonstrates prosecutorial misconduct and denied him a fair trial.
{¶53} “The test for prosecutorial misconduct is whether the remarks were
improper and, if so, whether they prejudicially affected the accused’s substantial
rights.” State v. Liles, 3d Dist. Allen No. 1-14-61, 2015-Ohio-3093, ¶ 31, citing
State v. Smith, 14 Ohio St.3d 13, 14 (1984). “‘To establish prejudice, a defendant
must show that a reasonable probability exists that, but for the prosecutor’s
improper remarks, the result of the proceeding would have been different. Thus,
“[n]ot every intemperate remark by counsel can be a basis for reversal.”’” Id.,-32-
Case No. 1-14-58
quoting State v. Porter, 4th Dist. Meigs No. 10CA15, 2012-Ohio-1526, ¶ 20,
quoting State v. Landrum, 53 Ohio St.3d 107, 112 (1990).
{¶54} First, Stevens alleges that the prosecutor made an impermissible
comment regarding the issue of credibility during voir dire. In particular, Stevens
argues that the prosecutor “alluded to her own personal integrity and the oath of
office to bolster the states [sic] case before jurors when discussing lying and the
ramification of the lie.” (Appellant’s Brief at 15). In discussing the issue of
credibility with prospective jurors, Stevens takes issue with the prosecutor’s
hypothetical analogy regarding the difference in lying as a teenager and lying in a
professional capacity in her duties as a prosecutor. Specifically, he takes issue
with the prosecutor’s statement, in addressing her hypothetical analogy as to the
seriousness of lying in her professional capacity, “I’ve never done any such thing
nor would I ever.” (Sept. 15, 2014 Tr., Vol. I, at 198). Stevens’s trial counsel did
not object to the prosecutor’s statements. As such, the alleged improprieties are
waived, absent plain error. State v. Smith, 3d Dist. Hardin No. 6-14-14, 2015-
Ohio-2977, ¶ 63, citing State v. Diar, 120 Ohio St.3d 460, 2008-Ohio-6266, ¶ 139
and State v. Saleh, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 07AP-431, 2009-Ohio-1542, ¶ 68.
{¶55} “Crim.R. 52(B) governs plain-error review in criminal cases.” State
v. Bagley, 3d Dist. Allen No. 1-13-31, 2014-Ohio-1787, ¶ 55, citing State v.
Risner, 73 Ohio App.3d 19, 24 (3d Dist.1991). “A court recognizes plain error
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Case No. 1-14-58
with the utmost caution, under exceptional circumstances, and only to prevent a
miscarriage of justice.” Smith at ¶ 63, citing Saleh at ¶ 68. “We may reverse only
when the record is clear that defendant would not have been convicted in the
absence of the improper conduct.” Id., citing State v. Williams, 79 Ohio St.3d 1,
12 (1997). Accordingly, Stevens must show that, absent the prosecutors’
statement during voir dire, the outcome of his trial would be different.
{¶56} The State concedes that its “nor would I ever” comment that it added
to its hypothetical “was unnecessary and perhaps inappropriate.” (Appellee’s
Brief at 12). We agree that it is improper for a prosecutor to place her personal
credibility in issue. See State v. Jackson, 107 Ohio St.3d 53, 2005-Ohio-5981, ¶
117. However, even if the prosecutor’s statement is improper, Stevens failed to
show that a reasonable probability exists that, but for the prosecutor’s improper
remark, the result of his trial would have been different. Moreover, the
prosecutor’s improper remark occurred during voir dire—that is, the jury had not
yet been impaneled and no evidence had been introduced. See State v. Heller,
10th Dist. Franklin No. 01AP-648, 2002 WL 338143, *5 (Mar. 5, 2002). Thus,
Stevens’s argument is without merit.
{¶57} Next, Stevens alleges a number of instances during trial that rise to
the level of prosecutorial misconduct and deprived him of a fair trial. Essentially,
Stevens’s grievances can be categorized as prosecutorial misconduct by
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Case No. 1-14-58
improperly (1) vouching for witnesses; (2) eliciting prejudicial testimony from
witnesses; and (3) asking leading questions.
{¶58} First, Stevens points to several instances that he claims that the
prosecutor vouched for the credibility of witnesses. “An attorney may not express
a personal belief or opinion as to the credibility of a witness. State v. Davis, 116
Ohio St.3d 404, 2008-Ohio-2, ¶ 232. Improper “vouching occurs when the
prosecutor implies knowledge of facts outside the record or places his or her
personal credibility in issue.” Id., citing Jackson at ¶ 117. We do not find
improper vouching in any of the prosecutor’s remarks to which Stevens points us.
{¶59} Stevens first asserts that the prosecutor improperly vouched for the
victim’s testimony by asking her about the State’s offer for her to “walk away” if
she was lying about being raped by Stevens. Again, because Stevens’s trial
counsel did not object to the prosecutor’s questions, we review for plain error. In
support of its position that the prosecutor’s questions to the victim were not
improper, the State points us to State v. Cornwell. 88 Ohio St.3d 560 (1999). In
the context of plea-agreement arrangements, the Supreme Court of Ohio
concluded in Cornwell that prosecutorial questions on that topic were not
improper and did not prejudicially affect substantial rights of Cornwell because
“[t]he questions concerning the plea [agreements] were brief, not overly
emphasized, and were made at the close of the prosecutor’s examination of each
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Case No. 1-14-58
witness.” Id. at 571. While we do not find the circumstances in this case precisely
analogous to questioning a witness regarding a plea agreement as the State
suggests, the testimony elicited by the prosecutor from the victim pertaining to a
“deal” that would allow her to walk away from the case without any consequences
was brief, not overly emphasized, and at the end of the prosecutor’s examination
of the victim. Moreover, the prosecutor did not vouch for the victim’s credibility
or offer any personal observations or opinions as to the veracity of the victim’s
claims. Accordingly, the prosecutor’s questions concerning a “deal” offered to the
victim to walk away from the case, although not proper, did not rise to the level of
reversible error in this case, and Stevens did not show that, absent the prosecutor’s
questions to the victim, the outcome of the trial would have been different.
{¶60} Next, Stevens alleges that the prosecutor improperly led Detective
Jennings in testimony meant to vouch for the testimony of other witnesses;
solicited testimony from Detective Jennings regarding his past experiences meant
“to bolster his credibility and to validate his testimony”; and mentioned the
“SANE nurse * * * to bolster [Detective Jennings’s] testimony.” (Appellant’s
Brief at 16). Similar to his arguments in his first assignment of error, as instances
he claims to be prosecutorial misconduct that deprived him of a fair trial, Stevens
points us to Detective Jennings’s testimony regarding what he learned about the
investigation from Patrolman Kunkleman, that he heard Officer Carman’s prior
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Case No. 1-14-58
testimony about the case and agreed with his testimony, and that Detective
Jennings consulted Detective Stechschulte in an attempt to identify and locate
Stevens. We once again review under the plain-error standard because Stevens
did not object to any of that testimony, and conclude that Stevens’s argument is
meritless because, as we concluded in his first assignment of error, none of the
portions of Detective Jennings’s testimony vouches for the credibility of another
witness.
{¶61} Also meritless is Stevens’s allegation that Detective Jennings’s
testimony vouched for the victim’s testimony. Even though Stevens objected to
the State’s question to Detective Jennings whether the victim provided consistent
stories regarding the charges lodged against Stevens in the indictment, his
objection was overruled by the trial court. Even assuming the question was
improper, Stevens did not demonstrate that his substantial rights were prejudicially
affected and the result of his trial would have been different. Indeed, the
prosecutor did not express her personal opinion about the credibility of the victim
in asking Detective Jennings whether the victim’s story remained consistent
throughout his investigation—that is, the prosecutor did not directly comment on
the victim’s credibility. See State v. Cappadonia, 12th Dist. Warren No. CA2008-
11-138, 2010-Ohio-494, ¶ 46, citing State v. Brown, 12th Dist. Warren No.
CA2002-03-026, 2002-Ohio-5455, ¶ 22, quoting State v. Mundy, 99 Ohio App.3d
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Case No. 1-14-58
275, 304 (2d Dist.1994) (“While it is improper for the prosecutor to express to the
jury his or her personal opinion about the credibility of any witness, the prosecutor
is permitted to make fair comment on the credibility of witnesses based upon their
testimony in open court. In those circumstances the jury is not being invited to go
beyond the evidence presented in court.”).
{¶62} Stevens also failed to show that the outcome of his trial would have
been different in light of the prosecutor’s question to Detective Jennings, “Did you
go in more specific details, in a much more detailed explanation, then what [the
victim] told the SANE nurse?” (Sept. 18, 2014 Tr., Vol. IV, at 1189). We review
this statement under the plain-error standard because Stevens’s trial counsel did
not object to it. This question does not vouch for Detective Jennings’s credibility.
The prosecutor is not implying knowledge of facts outside the record. Instead, the
prosecutor was directly referring to evidence in the record—the testimony of
Norris. Thus, Stevens’s argument is meritless.
{¶63} Also meritless is Stevens’s argument that he was denied a fair trial
because the prosecutor asked Detective Jennings how his training and experience
affected his investigation. Concerning that issue, the following exchange took
place:
[The Prosecutor]: Okay. And did you find it odd that she was
supposedly asleep both times and he was unable to
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– He was able to undress her and have sex with
her?
[Detective Jennings]: Unfortunately, after you work at the police
department for awhile [sic], and especially in the
detective bureau, no.
[The Prosecutor]: Okay. Why, what do you mean?
***
[Detective Jennings]: I’ve been involved with investigations and
alongside other detectives as well, where I’ve
personally seen on video someone who appeared to
be unconscious, not awake, and being sexually
violated. It was recorded.
(Sept. 18, 2014 Tr., Vol. IV, at 1192-1193). While Stevens objected to the
prosecutor’s line of questioning, even assuming the line of questioning was
improper, Stevens again failed to demonstrate on appeal how his substantial rights
were prejudicially affected or that the outcome of his trial would have been
different.
{¶64} Next, Stevens points to two exchanges in which he claims the
prosecutor improperly elicited prejudicial testimony. The first instance that he
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Case No. 1-14-58
points us to is when the prosecutor elicited prejudicial testimony, according to
Stevens, from the victim’s sister:
[The Prosecutor]: And once you realized or she realized that the phone
was there what was her reaction?
[Victim’s Sister]: She was hysterical because he – she knows he was
there.
[The Prosecutor]: Okay.
[Victim’s Sister]: Because he’s the one that took her phone when he was
there the night before.
[Stevens’s Counsel]: Your Honor, at this point I’m going to object. That’s
speculation and hearsay.
[Trial Court]: Sustained.
[The Prosecutor]: Okay. She was hysterical, you said?
[Victim’s Sister]: Yes.
[The State]: Was she fearful?
[Victim’s Sister]: Yes.
[The State]: Okay. Do you remember Detective Jennings or an I.D.
Officer, another plainclothes officer, arriving shortly
after you guys?
[Victim’s Sister]: Yeah.
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Case No. 1-14-58
[The State]: Okay. Do you recall what happened once they
arrived?
[Victim’s Sister]: She told them her phone was there and gave them the
phone.
[The State]: Okay.
[Victim’s Sister]: And said that, well, she said he had to bring it back
and dropped it off –
[Stevens’s Counsel]: Objection, again.
[Victim’s Sister]: – when we was [sic] at the police station.
[Trial Court]: Sustained.
[The State]: Okay.
[Trial Court]: Just answer the question, ma’am.
[The State]: On certain occasions you’re not allowed to tell me –
[Victim’s Sister]: Okay.
[The State]: – what she said, okay?
[Victim’s Sister]: Okay.
[The State]: You can describe how she was, but.
[Victim’s Sister]: Okay.
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(Sept. 17, 2014 Tr., Vol. III, at 784-786). Stevens argues that the prosecutor’s line
of questioning is prejudicial; yet, Stevens fails to argue how this line of
questioning is improper or how it prejudicially affected a substantial right.
{¶65} Relevant evidence is admissible unless prohibited by another rule,
statute, or the United States or Ohio Constitutions. Evid.R. 402. Evidence that is
not relevant is not admissible. Evid.R. 402. Relevant evidence is defined as
“evidence having any tendency to make the existence of any fact that is of
consequence to the determination of the action more probable or less probable
than it would be without the evidence.” Evid.R. 401. Under an exception to the
hearsay rule, a witness can testify to a declarant’s statement of their then-existing
state of mind, emotion, sensation, or physical condition—intent, plan, motive,
design, mental feeling, pain, and bodily health—but cannot testify to a statement
of memory or belief to prove the fact remembered or belief. Evid.R. 803(3).
{¶66} Indeed, the victim’s state of mind is relevant to the facts of this
case—namely to show that the victim feared Stevens after he committed the rape
and aggravated burglary crimes against her. See State v. Adams, 7th Dist.
Mahoning No. 08 MA 246, 2011-Ohio-5361, ¶ 298 (“As rape was one of the
underlying felonies here, the victim’s state of mind was relevant. State of mind
can similarly be used here to show that appellant’s entry into her apartment * * *
occurred without the victim’s consent.”), vacated in part on other grounds, __
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Ohio St.3d __, 2015-Ohio-3954; State v. Hayes, 10th Dist. Franklin No.
94APA11-1667, 1995 WL 347869, *4 (June 6, 1995) (concluding that the
testimony regarding the victim’s fear of staying at her house after a rape is
relevant and admissible).
{¶67} Moreover, Stevens’s trial counsel objected to the witness’ testimony,
not a question posed by the prosecutor. In addition, the prosecutor did not pursue
any questions related to inadmissible hearsay statements of the victim and
cautioned the witness about her testimony after the trial court sustained Stevens’s
objections. See State v. Diar, 120 Ohio St.3d 460, 2008-Ohio-6266, ¶ 206.
Therefore, we reject Stevens’s argument.
{¶68} In the second instance, Stevens argues that the prosecutor elicited
prejudicial testimony from Detective Jennings regarding his investigation—or, in
particular what he learned from the victim’s six-year-old son. Prior to asking
Detective Jennings any questions regarding his interview of the victim’s son, the
prosecutor instructed Detective Jennings not to testify to anything that the victim’s
son said to him. In response to the prosecutor’s question regarding what Detective
Jennings asked the victim’s son, Detective Jennings testified, “So, I asked him
who was there in the morning. He gave me his answer. And I asked him what he
could tell me about [Stevens].” (Sept. 18, 2014 Tr., Vol. IV, at 1177). Although
Stevens’s counsel initially objected to this testimony, he later withdrew his
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objection. Stevens’s argument is meritless. This line of questioning did not
prejudicially affect a substantial right of Stevens; rather, it is relevant to the facts
of the case. That is, the testimony describes Detective Jennings’s investigation of
this case. See State v. Jordan, 5th Dist. Stark No. CA-8563, 1991 WL 302350, *3
(Dec. 16, 1991) (concluding that questioning a law enforcement officer about
“background information regarding his investigation” does not constitute
prosecutorial misconduct).
{¶69} Next, Stevens argues that he was denied a fair trial because the
prosecutor led “witness testimony by predicating [sic] answers in question.”
(Appellant’s Brief at 15). Although it is unclear what line of questioning to which
he is referring, we are assuming that he takes issue with, based on the portion of
the record that Stevens points us to, the prosecutor asking the victim on re-direct
examination, “When you weren’t showing up at my office was it because you –
you knew we were going to talk about this stuff?” (Sept. 16, 2014 Tr., Vol. II, at
638); (Appellant’s Brief at 15). As we stated in Stevens’s first assignment of
error, because Stevens did not object to this question, we review his argument for
plain error. Evid.R. 611(C) discourages the use of leading questions during the
direct examination of a witness unless it is necessary to develop that witness’
testimony. As an initial observation, this question was posed to the victim during
re-direct examination. See State v. Davis, 2d Dist. Clark No. 08CA00117, 2010-
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Case No. 1-14-58
Ohio-5279, ¶ 35 (concluding that Evid.R. 611(C) “reasonably applies to redirect
examination of a witness”). However, even if we assume that the question is an
improper leading question, Stevens did not demonstrate that, absent this question,
the result of his trial would have been different. As such, this argument is also
meritless.
{¶70} Finally, Stevens alleges three instances of prosecutorial misconduct
during closing arguments that he claims denied him a fair trial. In determining
whether a prosecutor’s remarks were improper and if they prejudicially affected
the defendant’s substantial rights, “an appellate court should consider several
factors: (1) the nature of the remarks, (2) whether an objection was made by
counsel, (3) whether corrective instructions were given by the court, and (4) the
strength of the evidence against the defendant.” State v. Johnson, 3d Dist. Allen
No. 1-13-45, 2014-Ohio-4750, ¶ 87, quoting State v. Braxton, 102 Ohio App.3d
28, 41 (8th Dist.1995).
{¶71} “In closing arguments, prosecutors are entitled to some latitude
regarding what the evidence has shown and the inferences that can be drawn.”
State v. McGuire, 3d Dist. Allen No. 1-13-47, 2015-Ohio-1887, ¶ 81, citing State
v. Ballew, 76 Ohio St.3d 244, 255 (1996). “‘“A prosecutor may comment upon the
testimony and suggest the conclusion to be drawn by it, but a prosecutor cannot
express his personal belief or opinion as to the credibility of a witness or as to the
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guilt of an accused, or go beyond the evidence which is before the jury when
arguing for conviction.”’” Johnson at ¶ 89, quoting State v. Manns, 5th Dist.
Richland No. 08 CA 101, 2009-Ohio-3262, ¶ 20, quoting State v. Smith, 12th Dist.
Butler No. CA2007-05-133, 2008-Ohio-2499, ¶ 7. See also State v. Stober, 3d
Dist. Putnam No. 12-13-09, 2014-Ohio-1568, ¶ 133, citing State v. Hand, 107
Ohio St.3d 378, 2006-Ohio-18, ¶ 16.
{¶72} Because Stevens did not object to any of the prosecutor’s statements
during closing arguments, we review his arguments for plain error. Stevens
argues:
During closing argument prosecution engaged in remarks that were
inflammatory and prejudicial when he states [the victim] from the
witness stand said the reason she kept defendant around or why she
was talking to him was because she “was scared to death”, “…was
scared to death of what it would do to her body…” (TT. p1294),
that “he pumped four or five times before I pushed him off”. (TT.
p1298) an exaggeration of the testimony given by witness (TT.
p416), the mentioning of a “six year old little boy who’s too young
to be able to come in and testify…” (TT. p1333) to incite jurors
passion and vouch for the credibility of detectives [sic] interview
with [the victim’s] son.
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(Appellant’s Brief at 16). “We evaluate the allegedly improper statements in the
context of the entire trial.” McGuire at ¶ 82, citing State v. Treesh, 90 Ohio St.3d
460, 464 (2001), citing State v. Keenan, 66 Ohio St.3d 402, 410 (1993).
{¶73} Regarding Stevens’s first allegation, taken in context, the prosecutor
summarized the victim’s testimony regarding her admitted drug abuse and her
testimony that she was “scared to death” related to her fear of heroin withdrawal—
not of Stevens as Stevens attempts to imply. (See Sept. 19, 2014 Tr., Vol. V, at
1294). Therefore, we reject Stevens’s first argument as meritless.
{¶74} Next, Stevens argues that the prosecutor’s statement that the victim
said “he pumped four or five times,” when the victim actually testified “two or
three times” is an exaggeration. (Id. at 1298); (Sept. 16, 2014 Tr., Vol. II, at 416).
While the prosecutor did misstate the victim’s testimony, this misstatement did not
amount to misconduct because it was not purposeful or a falsification of evidence.
State v. Reynolds, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 19780, 2003-Ohio-7245, ¶ 45.
Therefore, Stevens cannot show that the result of his trial would have been
different absent the prosecutor’s misstatement.
{¶75} Regarding Stevens’s third allegation that it was improper for the
prosecutor to state that the victim’s son is “a six year old little boy who’s too
young to be able to come in and testify,” the State contends that it was not an
improper statement because it “was made in the context of arguing that the
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defendant chose to attack the victim under circumstances calculated to make it
hard to corroborate the victim’s testimony.” (Appellee’s Brief at 18); (Sept. 19,
2014 Tr., Vol. V, at 1333). Indeed, in characterizing the evidence for the jury, the
State, in referring to Stevens’s attack on the victim’s credibility, argued to the jury
that the State does not “choose” who the victim is in a case or who witnesses a
crime, and that the only witness to these crimes in this case is the victim’s son,
who is too young to be qualified as a witness. See Jackson, 107 Ohio St.3d 53,
2005-Ohio-5981, at ¶ 120 (concluding that the prosecutor does not improperly
vouch for a witness when he or she “is responding to defense counsel’s attacks on
a witness’s credibility and refers to facts in evidence that tend to make the witness
more credible”). Taken in context, even if we assume that the prosecutor’s
statement is improper, Stevens did not show, absent that remark, that the outcome
of his trial would have been different.
{¶76} Next, Stevens argues that the prosecutor improperly inflamed the
passions of the jury by implying that Stevens “kept [the victim] locked up” during
trial. (Sept. 19, 2014 Tr., Vol. V, at 1336). “Statements that may ‘inflame the
passions and prejudice of the jury’ are deemed improper because they wrongly
‘“invite the jury to judge the case upon standards or grounds other than those upon
which it is obligated to decide the case, namely, the law and the evidence.”’”
Cappadonia, 2010-Ohio-494, at ¶ 51, quoting State v. Cunningham, 178 Ohio
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App.3d 558, 2008-Ohio-5164, ¶ 27 (2d Dist.), quoting State v. Draughn, 76 Ohio
App.3d 664, 671 (5th Dist.1992). In context, the prosecutor was referring to the
evidence in the record that, because the victim was reluctant to participate in the
trial, she spent time in jail and on house arrest longer than necessary to assure her
appearance because Stevens indicated that he was initially going to call her as a
witness but ultimately decided not to. While Stevens objected to the prosecutor’s
characterization that Stevens “kept [the victim] locked up,” the prosecutor,
realizing her misstatement, withdrew her statement and reworded it to state that
the trial court ordered the victim to remain in jail and on house arrest to assure her
appearance at trial, not Stevens. That the victim was reluctant to participate in the
case and had to ultimately be arrested and spend time in jail to assure her
participation was already admitted into evidence. See Cunningham at ¶ 28
(concluding that it was not prosecutorial misconduct for the prosecutor to read the
defendant’s note to the jury because it was the second time that the jury heard it
and it was already admitted into evidence). In light of the fact that the prosecutor
remedied her statement, the prosecutor’s comments did not improperly inflame the
jury’s passions because, taken in context, they were based on the victim’s motives
to lie. See Cappadonia at ¶ 51. See also Jackson at ¶ 120; Johnson at ¶ 93.
{¶77} Lastly, Stevens argues that the prosecutor improperly “alluded to her
own personal integrity and the oath of office to bolster the states [sic] case before
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jurors when she stated, “You think I like to arrest a rape victim. I have never in
my entire career ever done something like that. Ever. I’m not a prosecutor who
believes in prosecuting at all cost. Absolutely not. Absolutely not. I did not
enjoy doing that at all.” (Appellant’s Brief at 16, citing Sept. 19, 2014 Tr., Vol. V,
at 1340). Stevens did not object to this statement; thus, we will review his
argument for plain error. “An attorney should refrain from making references to
their personal experiences.” State v. Blackburn, 11th Dist. Trumbull No. 2001-T-
0052, 2003-Ohio-605, ¶ 80, citing State v. Bogle, 2d Dist. Montgomery No.
14774, 1996 WL 257216, *11 (May 17, 1996). We agree that the prosecutor’s
comment with regard to her personal beliefs and experiences exceeded the
boundaries of acceptable prosecutorial conduct. However, although we conclude
that the prosecutor’s comment is improper, Stevens failed to show that a
reasonable probability exists that, but for the prosecutor’s improper remark, the
result of the trial would have been different.
{¶78} Stevens alleged several instances in this case that he argues were
error on the part of the prosecutor. However, “Error is not necessarily misconduct.
Indeed, most error is not.” Reynolds, 2003-Ohio-7245, at ¶ 46. “Prosecutorial
misconduct, like ineffective assistance of counsel, necessarily involves an
attorney’s failure to conform to clear professional standards.” Id. “‘The
touchstone of the analysis “is the fairness of the trial, not the culpability of the
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prosecutor.”’” Johnson at ¶ 88, quoting Davis, 116 Ohio St.3d 404, 2008-Ohio-2,
at ¶ 231, quoting Smith v. Phillips, 455 U.S. 209, 219, 102 S.Ct. 940 (1982).
Therefore, although we found at least two instances in which the prosecutor’s
comments were improper amongst Stevens’s numerous arguments, Stevens
presented no evidence that the result of the trial would have been different. See
State v. Pickens, 141 Ohio St.3d 462, 2014-Ohio-5445, ¶ 128. Indeed, Stevens
received a fair trial.
{¶79} Stevens’s second assignment of error is overruled.
Assignment of Error No. IV
Appellant was Denied his Due Process Rights Guaranteed him
by the 5th, 6th, and 14th Amendments of the U.S. Constitution
and Article I § 16 of the Ohio Constitution when Trial Court
Abused it’s [sic] Discretion.
{¶80} In his fourth assignment of error, Stevens presents the following
argument:
In appellant’s case the trial court abused it’s [sic] discretion when it
denied him due process rights afforded him when the court allowed
and committed actions that was [sic] prejudicial to a fair and
impartial trial court when the court, a) allowed detective Todd
Jennings to be present during detective Leland’s testimony (TT. p32,
7-21-14) with knowledge that he (Jennings) was a state’s witness as
well and would be likewise testifying for the state, and that hearing
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the testimony of witnesses prejudiced his testimony, b) allowed
detective Jennings to sit as state’s witness at the prosecution’s table
during all trial testimony then testify after all other witnesses to that
which [sic] was testified to prior (TT. p5, 9-15-14, TT. p11167-
1247, 9-18-14), c) allowed prosecution, contrary to trial procedures,
to pass for cause on juror * * * then request of the court to remove
the same juror for cause after prosecution declined to use existing
preemptory challenge to do so. (TT. p151, 178), d) overruled
defense’s objection to hearsay regarding [the victim] testifying to
what her son told her (TT. p417-418), e) overruled defense’s
objection to detective Jennings relating other cases to the case in
chief before the jury without any relevance to case in chief (TT.
p1191-1192), f) denied defendant’s Rule 29 Motion and it’s [sic]
renewal in the presence of insufficient evidence and prosecutor’s
misconduct (TT. p1248-1251, 1269-1271, g) overruled defense’s
objection to prosecution having detective Jennings vouch for the
credibility of [the victim].”
(Appellant’s Brief at 21).
{¶81} With respect to Stevens’s arguments under his fourth assignment of
error that we have not already addressed, he fails to present any citations to case
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law or statutes in support of his assertions. “[A] defendant has the burden of
affirmatively demonstrating the error of the trial court on appeal.” State v. Stelzer,
9th Dist. Summit No. 23174, 2006-Ohio-6912, ¶ 7, citing State v. Cook, 9th Dist.
Summit No. 20675, 2002-Ohio-2646, ¶ 27. “Moreover, ‘[i]f an argument exists
that can support this assignment of error, it is not this court’s duty to root it out.’”
Id., quoting Cook at ¶ 27.
{¶82} “App.R. 12(A)(2) provides that an appellate court ‘may disregard an
assignment of error presented for review if the party raising it fails to identify in
the record the error on which the assignment of error is based or fails to argue the
assignment separately in the brief, as required under App.R. 16(A).’” State v.
Jackson, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 14AP-670, 2015-Ohio-3322, ¶ 11, quoting
App.R. 12(A)(2). “Additionally, App.R. 16(A)(7) requires that an appellant’s
brief include ‘[a]n argument containing the contentions of the appellant with
respect to each assignment of error presented for review and the reasons in support
of the contentions, with citations to the authorities, statutes, and parts of the record
on which appellant relies.” Id., quoting App.R. 16(A)(7). Stevens fails to cite any
legal authority to support any of his arguments under his fourth assignment of
error.
{¶83} Since we are not required to address arguments that have not been
sufficiently presented for review or supported by proper authority under App.R.
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16(A)(7), we will not address Stevens’s arguments. See State v. Jordan, 10th Dist.
Franklin No. 11AP-691, 2012-Ohio-1760, ¶ 17, citing State v. Gonzalez, 10th Dist.
Franklin No. 10AP-628, 2011-Ohio-1193, ¶ 28-29.
{¶84} As a result, Stevens’s fourth assignment of error is overruled.
{¶85} Having found no error prejudicial to the appellant herein in the
particulars assigned and argued, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Judgment Affirmed
SHAW, P.J. and WILLAMOWSKI, J., concur.
/jlr
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