State v. Bedell , 107 N.E.3d 160 ( 2018 )

[Cite as State v. Bedell, 2018-Ohio-721.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS
FIRST APPELLATE DISTRICT OF OHIO
HAMILTON COUNTY, OHIO
STATE OF OHIO, : APPEAL NO. C-160911
TRIAL NO. B-1600504
Plaintiff-Appellee, :
O P I N I O N.
vs. :
CHRISTOPHER BEDELL, :
Defendant-Appellant. :
Criminal Appeal From: Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas
Judgment Appealed From Is: Affirmed in Part, Sentences Vacated, and Cause
Remanded for Resentencing
Date of Judgment Entry on Appeal: February 28, 2018
Joseph T. Deters, Hamilton County Prosecuting Attorney, and Paula E. Adams,
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, for Plaintiff-Appellee,
Roger W. Kirk, for Defendant-Appellant.
OHIO FIRST DISTRICT COURT OF APPEALS
C UNNINGHAM , Judge.
{¶1} Defendant-appellant Christopher Bedell appeals his convictions for
gross sexual imposition. Bedell challenges the sufficiency and weight of the evidence
to support his convictions, raises claims of prosecutorial misconduct and ineffective
assistance of trial counsel, and argues that his sentences were erroneous. Because
Bedell demonstrated plain error resulting from the trial court’s consideration of an
incorrect sentencing range when determining his sentences, we vacate the sentences
and remand for further proceedings. In all other respects we affirm.
I. Background Facts and Procedure
{¶2} On May 7, 2015, nine-year-old M.S. and her younger sister T.S. were
living with Bedell, who was their legal custodian. Bedell’s wife, Twayna, also lived
with them. That morning, the girls were getting dressed for school after Twanya had
left for work. M.S. asked Bedell for assistance “snapping” her bra, which closed in
the back. Bedell put his hands down M.S.’s pants and inside her underwear, and
rubbed her vagina. When M.S. told him that she needed to finish getting ready for
school, he asked her if she wanted him to pick her up from school early so they
“could have a little drinky drink and have some fun.” M.S. told him “no” and
reminded him that she had after-school choir practice that day.
{¶3} M.S. and T.S. then walked to their neighborhood elementary school.
Later that morning, M.S. appeared unusually “sad and quiet” during her weekly
individual therapy session with Jamie Baxter, who had been assigned to provide M.S.
with community-health school-based services for symptoms of Attention
Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. When Baxter asked M.S. what was wrong, M.S. told
her what had happened at home. M.S. also revealed to Baxter other instances when
Bedell’s hand had touched her “privates.”
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{¶4} After Baxter contacted the relevant authorities, Megan Foley of the
Mayerson Unit at the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services was
assigned to investigate the allegations. Foley responded to M.S.’s school that same
day and spoke with M.S. in Baxter’s office about her home life. According to Foley,
M.S. told her that Bedell had groped her “private parts” that morning while helping
her put on her bra and had digitally penetrated her. M.S. also conveyed concern that
Bedell was going to pick her up early from school and do it again. M.S. told of other
instances when Bedell had had sexual contact with her, including when helping her
with her bra and when she was laying on his bed watching a movie.
{¶5} Foley took both M.S. and T.S. to be examined at Children’s Hospital.
At Children’s, M.S. was interviewed by Beth Hutson, a social worker in the
emergency department. Hutson recalled that M.S. was shaking during the interview.
Among other things, M.S. told Hutson that in the morning Bedell had touched her all
over, had put his hand or part of his hand into her vagina, and had licked and kissed
her butt. M.S. said she did not want to return to his home and was concerned that
Bedell wanted to “drink” with her and “do it” after school.
{¶6} Later that same day, M.S. was examined by an emergency room
physician and a pediatric sexual assault nurse examiner, who swabbed M.S.’s back
when compiling a sexual assault evidence kit. M.S. and her sister did not return to
Bedell’s home and were placed with a foster family.
{¶7} About three weeks later, Andrea Richey, a social worker with
Children’s Hospital, conducted a forensic interview with M.S. At that time, M.S.
indicated that on May 7, when she had asked him to help her with her bra, Bedell had
touched her all over her body with his hand, including touching her inside her “body
part”—meaning her vagina. M.S. also recalled that Bedell had told her he was going
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OHIO FIRST DISTRICT COURT OF APPEALS
to pick her up early from school that day so that they could “do it,” which to her
meant the same type of conduct. M.S. accused Bedell of one time touching her “body
part” with his “body part.” She also described Bedell as “mean” because he hit her
and her sister.
{¶8} Cincinnati Police Detective Hollis Hudepohl interviewed Bedell with
his attorney on June 18, 2015. While Bedell did not make any incriminating
statements as to committing sexual acts, he confirmed that he had helped M.S. with
her bra in the mornings and that he had given her malt liquor in the past “to let her
taste it hoping she wouldn’t like it.” In response to the detective’s inquiry about
whether his DNA would be found on M.S.’s body, Bedell informed him that it was
possible that his nose may have touched her on the morning of May 7 when he
checked to make sure she was not “dirty or smelly.” But ultimately Bedell’s DNA was
not found on M.S.’s body.
{¶9} Later, Bedell was indicted on two counts of rape and two counts of
gross sexual imposition involving M.S. The case proceeded to a bench trial. The trial
court granted Bedell’s Crim.R. 29 motion with respect to the rape charges after M.S.
did not testify to any vaginal penetration. After the state rested, Bedell did not
present any testimony, but he did move into evidence a note M.S. had written to
Twanya, whom she addressed as “mom.” In the note, M.S. apologized to Twanya for
lying about taking a cookie, and told her that she “love[d]” her.
{¶10} The trial court found Bedell guilty on both counts of gross sexual
imposition and proceeded to sentence him without delay. Just before the court
announced Bedell’s sentences of concurrent 36-month prison terms, the prosecutor
confirmed for the trial court that the sentencing range for the offense was “36
months to 60 months.”
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OHIO FIRST DISTRICT COURT OF APPEALS
II. Analysis
{¶11} In his second assignment of error, which we address first, Bedell
contends that his convictions were not supported by sufficient evidence. This court’s
inquiry when reviewing a claim of insufficient evidence “is whether, after viewing the
evidence in a light most favorable to the prosecution, any rational trier of fact could
have found the essential elements of the crime proven beyond a reasonable doubt.”
State v. Jenks, 61 Ohio St.3d 259, 574 N.E.2d 492 (1991), paragraph two of the
syllabus, following Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 99 S.Ct. 2781, 61 L.Ed.2d 560(1979).
{¶12} Bedell was convicted on two counts of gross sexual imposition in
violation of R.C. 2907.05(A)(4). To prove these charges, the state had to show Bedell
had “sexual contact” with M.S. on at least two occasions when she was less than 13
years old. “ ‘Sexual contact’ means any touching of an erogenous zone of another,
including without limitation the thigh, genitals, buttocks, pubic region, or, if the
person is a female, a breast, for the purpose of sexually arousing or gratifying either
person.” R.C. 2907.01(B).
{¶13} At trial, M.S. unequivocally explained how Bedell had put his hands
inside her underwear and rubbed her vagina on the morning of May 7, 2015, when
she was nine years old. She further indicated that he had engaged in similar conduct
on previous occasions and had also previously rubbed her thighs and breasts.
Despite the lack of any physical evidence to corroborate M.S.’s testimony, this
testimony was sufficient evidence to demonstrate that Bedell had two separate and
distinct sexual contacts with M.S. when she was under the age of 13, as charged by
the state.
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OHIO FIRST DISTRICT COURT OF APPEALS
{¶14} Next Bedell claims his convictions were against the weight of the
evidence. Bedell argues that M.S. had a “total failure of credibility” because her
testimony at trial conflicted in part with other witnesses’ recollections of M.S.’s
statements to them during the investigation. For example, Hutson testified that M.S.
had told her that she had been “raped” by her mother’s boyfriend when she was four
and that Bedell was doing the same thing to her. And when Hutson asked M.S. about
the incident on the morning of May 7, M.S. indicated she had been wearing a towel,
which conflicted with M.S,’s testimony at trial that she had been wearing pants.
Further, while M.S. did not testify to any vaginal penetration or penile-vaginal
contact—just the “rubbing” of her vagina when his hands were inside her
underwear—Foley, Hutson, and Richey all testified M.S. had told them that Bedell’s
hand or part of his hand had entered her vagina on May 7, and that on at least one
occasion there had been penile-vaginal contact.
{¶15} Bedell contends also that M.S. wanted to live with her grandparents,
and this desire was strong proof she fabricated the instances of sexual abuse so she
would be removed from Bedell’s home. In support, Bedell cites M.S.’s testimony
that she would like to live with her grandparents. He cites also Richey’s testimony
that M.S. had expressed a desire to live with her grandparents during the interview
on May 26, 2015, which occurred after M.S. had been placed in a foster home.
{¶16} In determining whether the judgment of conviction is against the
manifest weight of the evidence, “th[is] court, reviews the entire record, weighs the
evidence and all reasonable inferences, considers the credibility of witnesses and
determines whether in resolving conflicts in the evidence, the [trier of fact] clearly
lost its way and created such a manifest miscarriage of justice that the conviction
must be reversed and a new trial ordered.” State v. Martin, 20 Ohio App.3d 172, 175,
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OHIO FIRST DISTRICT COURT OF APPEALS
485 N.E.2d 717 (1st Dist.1983), quoted in State v. Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d 380,
387, 678 N.E.2d 541 (1997).
{¶17} Upon our review of the entire record, we hold there is no basis to
conclude that the trial court lost its way and created a manifest miscarriage of justice
in resolving the factual issues against Bedell. M.S. was thoroughly cross-examined
on the sexual contact on May 7, 2015, and on the earlier days. She did not waiver in
her testimony, and this testimony was entirely consistent with her disclosure to
Baxter shortly after the sexual contact. This initial disclosure occurred closest to the
abuse and was precipitated by an inquiry by Baxter, who had noticed M.S.’s unusual
demeanor during their counselling session. Moreover, at trial, M.S. denied having an
ulterior motive for disclosing the abuse that led to her removal from Bedell’s home,
explaining that she liked living with Twanya, Bedell’s spouse. Ultimately, the trial
court was in the best position to determine the credibility of the witnesses and to
determine what weight to give the evidence. See State v. DeHass, 10 Ohio St.2d 230,
227 N.E.2d 212 (1967), paragraph one of the syllabus.
{¶18} Because the record demonstrates that Bedell’s convictions were
supported by sufficient evidence and were not against the weight of the evidence, we
overrule the second assignment of error.
{¶19} In his first assignment of error, which we address next, Bedell argues
that misconduct by the prosecutor resulted in a denial of his right to a fair trial.
Specifically, he contends the prosecutor committed misconduct by asking leading
questions of state witnesses. To evaluate the claim, we must determine whether the
prosecutor’s conduct was improper and whether Bedell was denied a fair trial as a
result. See State v. McKelton, 148 Ohio St.3d 261, 2016-Ohio-5735, 70 N.E.3d 508,
¶ 257. The “touchstone” of the analysis “is the fairness of the trial, not the culpability
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OHIO FIRST DISTRICT COURT OF APPEALS
of the prosecutor.” Smith v. Phillips, 455 U.S. 209, 219, 102 S.Ct. 940, 71 L.Ed.2d 78(1982).
{¶20} Leading questions, which suggest the examiner’s desired answer to
the witness, “should not be used on the direct examination of a witness except as may
be necessary to develop the witness’s testimony.” Evid.R. 611(C). Although Bedell
cites to transcript page numbers in his brief, he does not otherwise identify the
questions he contends were improperly leading, and he fails to articulate how he was
prejudiced by this questioning. Further, during the trial, counsel did not object to
any question on the referenced pages on the ground that it was a leading question.
Thus, Bedell forfeited all but plain error with respect to the challenged questioning.
Because Bedell failed to analyze the propriety of specific questions or explain how
they prejudiced him, we reject his claim of prosecutorial misconduct, see McKelton
at ¶ 264, including misconduct that resulted in plain error, see State v. Long, 53
Ohio St.2d 91, 372 N.E.2d 804 (1978), paragraph three of the syllabus. Accordingly,
we overrule his first assignment of error.
{¶21} In his third assignment of error, Bedell contends that he was denied
the effective assistance of trial counsel. To disturb a conviction based on such a
claim, Bedell must prove that counsel violated an essential duty to him and that he
was prejudiced as a result. Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 104 S.Ct. 2052,
80 L.Ed.2d 674 (1984); State v. Bradley, 42 Ohio St.3d 136, 538 N.E.2d 373 (1989).
Prejudice to the defendant results when there is a reasonable probability that, but for
counsel’s unprofessional error, the result of the proceeding would have been
different. Bradley at 142, quoting Strickland at 694.
{¶22} When reviewing an ineffective-assistance-of-counsel claim, “a court
need not determine whether counsel’s performance was deficient before examining
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OHIO FIRST DISTRICT COURT OF APPEALS
the prejudice suffered by the defendant as a result of the alleged deficiencies.”
Bradley at 143, citing Strickland at 697. Here, Bedell has failed to show any
prejudice.
{¶23} Bedell argues that counsel was ineffective for not objecting to the
prosecutor’s questioning on the ground that it was improperly leading. But in
support of this claim, Bedell presents no more than the nonspecific, conclusory
assertions that we have already held, in response to the first assignment of error,
were insufficient to support a claim of prosecutorial misconduct. Thus, Bedell has
failed to demonstrate the result of the trial would have been different had counsel
objected.
{¶24} Bedell claims also that trial counsel was ineffective for failing to
renew his Crim.R. 29 motion to acquit for lack of sufficient evidence on the gross-
sexual-imposition charges at the end of the defense’s case. But the motion would
have been overruled because, as we have already held, in response to the second
assignment of error, the evidence was sufficient to support the gross-sexual-
imposition charges.
{¶25} Finally, Bedell contends that counsel was ineffective for failing to
request a presentence investigation (“PSI”) before sentencing. The record, however,
does not indicate how a PSI would have helped Bedell, as the parties agreed at the
sentencing hearing that Bedell had no prior offenses, and defense counsel presented
evidence in mitigation at that time. As a result, Bedell cannot show that he was
prejudiced by any allegedly deficient performance by counsel.
{¶26} Because Bedell’s ineffective-assistance-of-counsel claim is meritless,
we overrule the third assignment of error.
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{¶27} In his fourth assignment of error, Bedell challenges his sentences.
The trial court imposed concurrent 36-month prison terms, in addition to classifying
Bedell as a Tier II sex offender/child victim offender.
{¶28} This court reviews sentences under the standard of review set forth in
R.C. 2953.08(G)(2). Under that standard, we may modify or vacate Bedell’s sentence
only if we clearly and convincingly find that the record does not support the trial
court’s findings or that the sentence is contrary to law. State v. Marcum, 146 Ohio
St.3d 516, 2016-Ohio-1002, 59 N.E.3d 1231; State v. White, 2013-Ohio-4225, 997
N.E.2d 629 (1st Dist.).
{¶29} Bedell first argues that the court’s imposition of any prison term,
instead of community control, was the result of the trial court’s failure to
“adequately” consider the sentencing factors set forth in R.C. 2929.11 and 2929.12.
He contends that prison was not warranted where there was no physical injury to the
victim and where he had an exemplary background, including no prior convictions.
But the trial court is not required to note its consideration of all the sentencing
factors, and this court can presume that the court did consider all of the appropriate
factors when determining that prison was appropriate where, as here, nothing in the
record rebuts that presumption. See State v. Kennedy, 2013-Ohio-4221, 998 N.E.2d
1189, ¶ 118 (1st Dist.).
{¶30} Next Bedell argues that his sentences were contrary to law because
the trial court applied an incorrect sentencing range when determining the
appropriate prison sentence. He explains that a violation of R.C. 2907.05(A)(4) is a
third-degree felony offense that subjects a violator to a prison term of 12 to 60
months. See R.C. 2907.05(C)(2) (“Gross sexual imposition committed in violation of
[R.C. 2907.05(A)(4)] is a felony of the third degree”); R.C. 2929.14(A)(2) (“* * * For a
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OHIO FIRST DISTRICT COURT OF APPEALS
felony of the third degree that is a violation of * * * R.C. 2907.05 * * *, the prison
term shall be twelve, eighteen, twenty-four, thirty, thirty-six, forty-two, forty-eight,
fifty-four, or sixty months”). Notwithstanding the law, Bedell contends that at
sentencing, the trial court deemed applicable an incorrect, higher range of 36 to 60
months and then imposed the minimum term within that incorrect, higher range.
{¶31} While Bedell now argues that the trial court used an erroneous range
when determining his sentences, he did not call the error to the attention of the
sentencing judge. Therefore, he forfeited all but plain error. Under the authority of
Crim.R. 52(B), this court has “discretion to correct ‘[p]lain errors or defects affecting
substantial rights’ notwithstanding the accused’s failure to meet his obligation to
bring those errors to the attention of the trial court.” State v. Rogers, 143 Ohio St.3d
385, 2015-Ohio-2459, 38 N.E.3d 860, ¶ 22, quoting Crim.R. 52(B).
{¶32} The burden of demonstrating plain error rests with the appellant. Id.,citing State v. Quarterman, 140 Ohio St.3d 464, 2014-Ohio-4034, 19 N.E.3d 900, ¶
16. This entails demonstrating “an error, i.e., a deviation from a legal rule” that
constituted “an ‘obvious’ defect in the trial proceedings.” State v. Barnes, 94 Ohio
St.3d 21, 27, 759 N.E.2d 1240 (2002), quoted in Rogers at ¶ 22. And the obvious
error must have affected the appellant’s substantial rights, meaning that “the trial
court’s error must have affected the outcome of the trial.” Id. To meet this burden,
the appellant must “demonstrate a reasonable probability that the error resulted in
prejudice.” Rogers at ¶ 22.
{¶33} Notice of plain error under Crim.R. 52(B) is to be taken “with the
utmost caution, under exceptional circumstances and only to prevent a manifest
miscarriage of justice.” Long, 53 Ohio St.2d 91, 372 N.E.2d 804, at paragraph three
of the syllabus. If the conditions to establish the plain error have been met, an
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OHIO FIRST DISTRICT COURT OF APPEALS
appellate court should exercise its discretion to correct the error if it “ ‘seriously
affect[s] the fairness, integrity or public reputation of judicial proceedings.’ ”
(Internal citations omitted.) United States v. Olano, 507 U.S. 725, 736, 113 S.Ct.
1770, 123 L.Ed.2d 508 (1993), cited in Barnes at 27; Molina-Martinez v. United
States, ___ U.S. ___, 136 S.Ct. 1338, 1343, 194 L.Ed.2d 444 (2016), quoting Olano.
{¶34} Here, the state does not contradict Bedell’s assertion that the trial
court erroneously applied a sentencing range of 36 to 60 months when sentencing
him. And, on the record before us, we conclude the only reasonable interpretation of
the court’s comments at sentencing is the one presented by Bedell.
{¶35} The transcript of the proceedings indicates that the trial court
proceeded directly to sentencing after finding Bedell guilty. At that time, defense
counsel presented mitigating facts and asked the court to give Bedell credit for the
303 days that he had served, which defense counsel incorrectly characterized as
“more than what the minimum sentence would be for the offense” of gross sexual
imposition. The prosecutor then addressed the court and requested prison time, a
request supported by a statement from the victim’s grandfather. Next, Bedell and his
father addressed the court and both proclaimed Bedell’s innocence. The following
then transpired with respect to Bedell’s sentencing:
The court: In considering the purposes and principles of
sentencing, I recognize that the statute provides that in this case,
there’s a presumption of prison. In the event there was corroboration
there would be mandatory prison time. But the evidence didn’t show,
to my determination, that there was corroboration. Considering other
factors, the injury to—in this case was exacerbated by the age of the
victim and also by the offender’s relationship to the victim and his duty
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OHIO FIRST DISTRICT COURT OF APPEALS
to protect and safeguard this child. I also recognize that there are—he
has no prior convictions. Does the state confirm that?
The prosecutor: That’s correct, Judge.
The court: And it appears he has lived to this—up to this time
and aside from what we know in this case a law-abiding life. Doesn’t
seem to show remorse and continues to deny the offense. Considering
there’s two counts here I’ve also considered whether or not it would be
appropriate for consecutive sentences. And it’s my finding that the
factors for consecutive sentences do not exist. Therefore, as to Count
2, wherein the charge is gross sexual imposition and Court 4, wherein
the charge is gross sexual imposition, in both cases felonies of the third
degree—and counsel, it’s my understanding that it’s the higher level of
the sentencing range? Am I correct?
The prosecutor: Yes.
The defense counsel: Correct. 60 months.
The court: We’re talking 36 months to 60 months, correct?
The prosecutor: Yes.
The court: It’s the sentence of the Court that the defendant
serve a period of 36 months at the Ohio Department of Corrections as
to each count. Those sentences can be served concurrently. I will
credit time served. Have we calculated that?
The baliff: 302.
The court: Credit 302 days served at the Hamilton County
Justice Center.
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{¶36} In summary, when announcing its sentencing decision, the court
expressly and correctly referred to the fact that the offenses Bedell committed fell
within “the higher level of the sentencing range” for third-degree felonies. Although
the court did not repeat the word “range,” the court next asked, “We’re talking 36 to
60 months, correct?” and the prosecutor replied “correct.”
{¶37} The court misunderstood the sentencing range, however, because the
sentencing range it inquired about for high-tier third-degree felonies is 12 to 60
months, and the range for low-tier third-degree felonies is 9 to 36 months. And
without a correction of this misunderstanding, the court immediately imposed the
concurrent 36-month prison terms that Bedell now challenges. This record,
therefore, unequivocally demonstrates the sentencing judge misunderstood the
applicable sentencing range for the offense and sentenced Bedell with that
misunderstanding.
{¶38} On the state of this record, including the timing of the court’s
challenged comments, we are unable to concur with the dissent’s suggestion that the
judge was merely expressing his intent to sentence within the higher level of the
appropriate sentencing range when he asked, “We’re talking 36 months to 60
months, correct?” Instead, we conclude that Bedell has demonstrated an obvious
error by the trial court in the proceedings below.
{¶39} Bedell argues that he was prejudiced by this error because the trial
court selected the minimum term from the erroneous, higher range when sentencing
him.
{¶40} When analyzing Bedell’s claim of prejudice, we are mindful that,
under Ohio’s sentencing framework, the sentencing range mandated by statute is the
starting point for sentences involving prison terms. See R.C. 2929.14(A) and
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2929.13(A). Logically, therefore, the sentencing court’s mere use of an incorrect,
higher range would typically demonstrate prejudice to the defendant, even though
the ultimate sentence fell within the correct range. See, e.g., Molina-Martinez at
1345 (rejecting a requirement that a petitioner sentenced under an incorrect-but-
unobjected-to sentencing guideline range, but whose sentence was also within the
correct range, must identify additional evidence to show that his sentence would be
different absent the clear error).
{¶41} While not required to do so to, Bedell additionally showed that the
trial court imposed the minimum term within that incorrect, higher range. The state
does not present an argument to counter Bedell’s showing of prejudice. Thus, on this
record, we hold that Bedell demonstrated a reasonable probability that the
sentencing court would have imposed a different, lower sentence if the court had
applied the correct sentencing range. Therefore, we conclude that Bedell met his
burden of establishing that the obvious error affected his substantial rights. We do
not determine, as represented by the dissent, that the trial court in fact intended to
impose a minimum prison term, only that Bedell met the standard required to
establish prejudice under plain-error analysis.
{¶42} Finally, we conclude that this obvious error affecting Bedell’s
substantial rights impugns the integrity of the judicial process and is one that should
be corrected at resentencing. See, e.g., United States v. Sabillon-Umana, 772 F.3d
1328, 1333 (10th Cir.2014) (“[W]e can think of few things that affect an individual’s
substantial rights or the public’s perception of the fairness and integrity of the
judicial process more than a reasonable probability an individual will linger longer in
prison than the law demands only because of an obvious judicial mistake [involving
the application of an incorrect advisory guidelines range]”).
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OHIO FIRST DISTRICT COURT OF APPEALS
{¶43} Thus, here, the court’s application of an incorrect, higher sentencing
range rose to the level of plain error that must be corrected. For these reasons, we
sustain the fourth assignment of error.
III. Conclusion
{¶44} Accordingly, the trial court’s imposition of concurrent 36-month prison
terms is vacated and the cause is remanded for resentencing in accordance with the law
and this opinion. In all other respects, we affirm the trial court’s judgment.
Judgment accordingly.
ZAYAS, J., concurs.
MOCK, P.J., concurs in part and dissents in part.
MOCK, P.J., concurring in part and dissenting in part.
{¶45} After a review of the record, I cannot agree that the trial court’s
statement “[w]e’re talking 36 months to 60 months” amounts to plain error. I agree
with the majority in all other respects.
{¶46} Crim.R. 52(B) affords appellate courts discretion to correct “[p]lain
errors or defects affecting substantial rights” notwithstanding the accused's failure to
meet his obligation to bring those errors to the attention of the trial court. State v.
Rogers, 143 Ohio St.3d 385, 2015-Ohio-2459, 38 N.E.3d 860, ¶ 21. The accused
must demonstrate plain error on the record—showing “an error, i.e., a deviation from
a legal rule” that constitutes “an ‘obvious’ defect in the trial proceedings.” State v.
Barnes, 94 Ohio St.3d 21, 27, 759 N.E.2d 1240 (2002). But even if the error is
obvious, it must have affected substantial rights, and must have affected the outcome
of the trial. Id. The accused is therefore required to demonstrate a reasonable
probability that the error resulted in prejudice—the same deferential standard for
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reviewing ineffective assistance of counsel claims. Rogers, citing United States v.
Dominguez Benitez, 542 U.S. 74, 81-83, 124 S.Ct. 2333, 159 L.Ed.2d 157 (2004).
{¶47} But even if an accused shows that the trial court committed plain
error affecting the outcome of the proceeding, an appellate court is not required to
correct it; we have “admonish[ed] courts to notice plain error ‘with the utmost
caution, under exceptional circumstances and only to prevent a manifest
miscarriage of justice.’ ” (Emphasis added.) Rogers at ¶ 23, citing Barnes at 27.
{¶48} In this case, I do not believe that the only fair reading of the transcript
of the sentencing hearing is one that concludes that the trial court did not
understand the range of available sentences for Bedell in this case. During the
sentencing hearing, defense counsel said that “[h]e has been incarcerated for - - at
this point about 303 days. * * * I’d ask the court to take into consideration he has
served more than what the minimum sentence would be for the gross sexual
imposition charge and to allow him to have credit for time served for what the Court
has found him guilty of.” The state then indicated that it was “asking for prison
time.”
{¶49} The trial court then said that
[i]n considering the purposes and principles of sentencing, I recognize
that the statute provides that in this case there’s a presumption of
prison. In the event that there was corroboration there would have
been mandatory prison time. But the evidence did not show, to my
determination, that there was corroboration. Considering other
factors, the injury to - - in this case was exacerbated by the age of the
victim and also by the offender’s relationship to the victim and his duty
to protect and safeguard this child.
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OHIO FIRST DISTRICT COURT OF APPEALS
And while the trial court recognized that this was his first offense, the court also
noted that Bedell
[didn’t] seem to show any remorse and continues to deny the offense. *
* * Therefore, as to Count 2, wherein the charge is gross sexual
imposition and Count 4, wherein the charge is gross sexual imposition,
in both cases felonies of the third degree - - and, counsel, it’s my
understanding that it’s the higher level of the sentencing range? Am I
correct?
When the state responded in the affirmative, and defense counsel said “[c]orrect - -
60 months.” The trial court said “[w]e’re talking 36 to 60 months,” to which the
state responded “correct” and defense counsel was silent. The trial court concluded
that “[i]t’s the sentence of the Court that the defendant serve a period of 36 months
at the Ohio Department of Corrections as to each count. Those sentences can be
served concurrently. I will credit time served.”
{¶50} The majority makes two observations with which I cannot agree.
First, the majority says that “the trial court committed an obvious error when it
applied a sentencing range of 36 to 60 months in determining Bedell’s sentences,
contrary to the provisions set forth in the sentencing statutes.” The majority also
concludes that “Bedell additionally showed that the trial court imposed the minimum
term within the correct, higher range,” making the assumption that the trial court
had intended to impose a minimum sentence and did so within a range it incorrectly
believed had applied.
{¶51} “A reviewing court must presume that the trial court applied the law
correctly.” State v. Coombs, 18 Ohio St.3d 123, 125, 480 N.E.2d 414 (1985), citing
State v. Eubank, 60 Ohio St.2d 183, 398 N.E.2d 567 (1979). This is especially true in
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OHIO FIRST DISTRICT COURT OF APPEALS
the context of plain error, where—as here—a misstatement or ambiguous comment
could have been addressed at the time in such a way that the misstatement or
ambiguity could have been corrected.
{¶52} In beginning to analyze the issue, I start with the observation that
there is nothing in the record to support the conclusion that the trial court intended
to give the minimum possible sentence. First, the trial court obviously never actually
said it wanted to impose the minimum sentence. Second, when considering the
sentencing factors, the trial court first noted that the victim’s injury was exacerbated
by her age and that Bedell’s relationship with the victim facilitated the offense. Both
are factors that indicate “that [Bedell’s] conduct [was] more serious than conduct
normally constituting the offense.” See R.C. 2929.12(B). Additionally, the trial court
found that Bedell showed no genuine remorse, indicating that he is more likely to
reoffend. See R.C. 2929.12(D). The only sentencing factor in Bedell’s favor was the
fact that Bedell had no previous criminal record. See R.C. 2929.12(E). These
findings do not lend themselves to the conclusion that the trial court had intended to
impose the minimum sentence.
{¶53} Additionally, while the trial court’s statement “it’s my understanding
that it’s the higher level of the sentencing range” and “[w]e’re talking 36 to 60
months” could be read as the trial court misunderstanding the applicable sentencing
range, it could also be read—in light of the trial court’s sentencing determinations—
that it intended to sentence within the higher level within the sentencing range. In
this context, it is noteworthy that defense counsel had initially suggested that Bedell
be sentenced to time served for the offense. Having heard that, and knowing that
Bedell had served less than a year awaiting trial, the record contains some indication
that the trial court had been made aware that the minimum sentence was not 36
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OHIO FIRST DISTRICT COURT OF APPEALS
months. Additionally, defense counsel did not say anything to correct the trial court
when it said “[w]e’re talking 36 to 60 months,” which may indicate that the parties
involved had a different understanding of what the trial court was saying than the
majority has surmised.
{¶54} In this case, the record is susceptible to more than one interpretation.
Therefore, I would conclude that Bedell has failed to demonstrate that there is an
“obvious” defect in the proceedings such that this court can find plain error. See
State v. Stojetz, 84 Ohio St.3d 452, 462, 705 N.E.2d 329 (1999) (finding no plain
error, in part, because “the transcript passages at issue are subject to more than one
interpretation”—one indicating error and the other indicating no error). As a result,
I would overrule all assignments of error and affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Please note:
The court has recorded its own entry on this date.
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