State v. Moore , 2021 Ohio 1114 ( 2021 )

[Cite as State v. Moore, 2021-Ohio-1114.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
SECOND APPELLATE DISTRICT
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
STATE OF OHIO :
:
Plaintiff-Appellee : Appellate Case No. 28640
:
v. : Trial Court Case No. 2018-CR-1292
:
JOHNNIE LEE MOORE : (Criminal Appeal from
: Common Pleas Court)
Defendant-Appellant :
:
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OPINION
Rendered on the 2nd day of April, 2021.
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MATHIAS H. HECK, JR., by LISA M. LIGHT, Atty. Reg. No. 0097348, Assistant
Prosecuting Attorney, Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office, Appellate Division,
Montgomery County Courts Building, 301 West Third Street, Dayton, Ohio 45422
Attorney for Plaintiff-Appellee
JEFFREY T. GRAMZA, Atty. Reg. No. 0053392, 101 Southmoor Circle NW, Kettering,
Ohio 45429
Attorney for Defendant-Appellant
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WELBAUM, J.
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{¶ 1} Defendant-appellant, Johnnie Lee Moore, appeals from his conviction in the
Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas of aggravated vehicular homicide. In
support of his appeal, Moore contends that the trial court erred in failing to suppress
evidence obtained from his blood sample that was taken pursuant to a search warrant.
Moore claims that any evidence from the blood sample, i.e., the results of his blood-
alcohol test, should have been suppressed because his blood was drawn beyond the
three-hour time frame in R.C. 4511.19(D)(1)(b). Moore also argues that the blood draw
violated his Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable searches and seizures
because it occurred outside the three-hour time frame set forth in the search warrant.
For the reasons outlined below, we find that the trial court did not err in overruling Moore’s
motion to suppress. Therefore, the judgment of the trial court will be affirmed.
Facts and Course of Proceedings
{¶ 2} On April 27, 2018, a Montgomery County grand jury returned an indictment
charging Moore with two counts of aggravated vehicular homicide—one count in violation
of R.C. 2903.06(A)(1)(a), a felony of the second degree, and the other count in violation
of R.C. 2903.06(A)(2)(a), a felony of the third degree. The charges arose from
allegations that on November 14, 2017, Moore was driving under the influence of alcohol
when he caused an automobile accident that killed another driver.
{¶ 3} After pleading not guilty to the charges, on May 7, 2018, Moore moved to
suppress all evidence obtained from a blood sample that was taken from him pursuant to
a search warrant. Moore argued that the blood-sample evidence should be suppressed
because the State could not establish that his blood was drawn and tested pursuant to
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the requirements in R.C. 4511.19(D) and Chapter 3701-53 of the Ohio Administrative
Code.
{¶ 4} On June 26, 2018, Moore filed a supplemental motion to suppress arguing
three specific violations under R.C. 4511.19(D) and Ohio Adm.Code 3701-53. First,
Moore argued that his blood sample was not drawn within three hours of the automobile
accident as required by R.C. 4511.19(D)(1)(b). Second, Moore argued that his blood
sample was not properly refrigerated as required by Ohio Adm.Code 3701-53-05(F).
Third, Moore argued that the chain of custody for his blood sample was not maintained in
compliance with Ohio Adm.Code 3701-53-06(A). Moore also argued that his Fourth
Amendment protection against unreasonable searches and seizures was violated
because his blood was not drawn within the three-hour time frame set out in the search
warrant.
{¶ 5} The trial court held hearings on Moore’s motion to suppress, during which it
heard testimony from Officer Sherri Robinson and Sergeant Joseph McCrary of the
Trotwood Police Department. The trial court also heard testimony from phlebotomist
Shannon Kraus and forensic toxicologist Brian Simons of the Miami Valley Regional
Crime Lab (“MVRCL”). During the hearing, the trial court admitted several exhibits,
including a copy of the signed search warrant authorizing Moore’s blood draw, a
certificate from the Ohio Department of Health certifying that toxicologist Simons was
qualified of to perform blood-alcohol testing, and an internal chain of custody report from
MVRCL. Based on the testimony and evidence presented at the June 28th hearing, the
trial court made the following findings of fact.
{¶ 6} At 7:14 p.m. on November 14, 2017, Officer Sherri Robinson was dispatched
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to a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Salem Avenue and Westbrook Road in
the city of Trotwood, Montgomery County, Ohio. Upon arriving at the scene, Robinson
observed that a Honda Civic had been struck in the northbound lane of Salem Avenue.
In the southbound lane, Robinson observed a Ford vehicle in a position that trapped the
driver inside the vehicle. Robinson also observed a Chevy vehicle in an embankment
off the road. Robinson spoke to the driver of the Honda, who was unharmed. The driver
of the Honda reported that the Chevy had struck her as she came to a stoplight at the
intersection of Salem Avenue and Westbrook Road.
{¶ 7} While at the scene, Robinson observed medics attempting to treat the driver
of the Ford, who died as a result of the accident. Robinson also observed medics
attempting to extricate the driver of the Chevy, Moore, from his vehicle. After about 10
minutes, the medics successfully extricated Moore from the vehicle and placed him in an
ambulance. During that time, Robinson observed that Moore was conscious, but in pain.
Robinson then entered the ambulance to check on Moore’s condition. Upon doing so,
Robinson detected a moderate odor of alcohol emanating from Moore. When Robinson
exited the ambulance she was approached by Moore’s wife. Robinson asked Moore’s
wife where Moore was traveling from, and Moore’s wife indicated that Moore was coming
from a bar called Cognacs.
{¶ 8} Based on the accident, the odor of alcohol emanating from Moore, and the
fact that Moore had been leaving a bar, Robinson suspected that Moore had been driving
under the influence of alcohol. To investigate the matter further, Robinson followed
Moore’s ambulance to Miami Valley Hospital (“MVH”) in order to seek Moore’s consent
for a blood sample. Robinson arrived at MVH at 7:51 p.m.
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{¶ 9} Upon arriving at MVH, Robinson was told by hospital staff that she could
speak with Moore after he received CAT scans and emergency medical treatment.
Robinson waited outside Moore’s hospital room until a staff member advised her that
Moore had been sedated after his CAT scans due to his being uncooperative.
Thereafter, at 9:34 p.m., Robinson called Sergeant Joseph McCrary and advised him of
the situation. Robinson told McCrary that a search warrant would be needed in order to
obtain a blood sample from Moore.
{¶ 10} After receiving Robinson’s call, McCrary drove to the Trotwood Police
Department to prepare a search warrant. Once he arrived at the police department,
McCrary called his fellow officers, Sergeant DeLong and Officer Richardson, to obtain
information necessary to prepare the warrant. Neither DeLong nor Richardson
answered their phone, so McCrary left messages for them to return his call. While
awaiting their calls, McCrary began preparing the search warrant “the old fashioned way”
by typing out the warrant and affidavit. Around 10:30 p.m., DeLong returned McCrary’s
call and provided him with the necessary information to complete the search warrant.
DeLong also told McCrary that he could prepare the warrant using a preprinted “short
form” and told him where to find it. McCrary thereafter found the short form and
completed the search warrant.
{¶ 11} After completing the search warrant, McCrary attempted to find a judge to
review and sign it. McCrary contacted the first judge on his list and waited for a return
call. When the judge returned McCrary’s call, the judge informed McCrary that he was
retired and could not help. McCrary then contacted Judge Deirdre Logan of the Dayton
Municipal Court, who told McCrary to bring the warrant to her residence. McCrary
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arrived at Judge Logan’s residence at 11:40 p.m. Judge Logan signed the warrant at
11:46 p.m. The search warrant stated, in pertinent part, the following:
Affiant, Joseph A. McCrary, personally appeared before me and
swore to facts set forth in an affidavit from which I find there is probable
cause to command Joseph A. McCrary and any other law enforcement
officer with the assistance of a physician, registered nurse, or qualified
technician, chemist or phlebotomist; to draw a blood sample from Johnnie
L. Moore as described in the above affidavit and seized or located within
this court’s jurisdiction; any time day or night; as soon as possible (within 3
hours of operation of vehicle).
State’s Exhibit 2.
{¶ 12} Upon receiving the signed search warrant, McCrary left Judge Logan’s
residence and drove to MVH. On the way to MVH, McCrary called Robinson and told
her to inform Moore’s medical staff that there was a search warrant to obtain Moore’s
blood sample. At 12:05 a.m., McCrary arrived at MVH and presented the search warrant
to Robinson. Robinson then entered Moore’s hospital room and presented the warrant
to phlebotomist Shannon Kraus. Kraus verified that the warrant was signed and that
Moore was the person named in the warrant. Kraus then used a standard DUI kit to
obtain Moore’s blood sample.
{¶ 13} When obtaining the blood sample, Kraus broke the seal of the DUI kit and
inventoried the contents of the kit. Kraus then used a tourniquet to find a suitable vein
on Moore’s left arm and swabbed the area with Betadine, a non-alcohol antiseptic.
Kraus thereafter prepared her instruments by screwing a straight needle onto a hub.
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Kraus then retied the tourniquet, punctured Moore’s vein with the needle, and placed a
vacuum tube on the hub. When the vacuum expired, Kraus removed the tube and
placed a second vacuum on the hub. When the second vacuum expired, Kraus removed
the tourniquet, tube, and needle. Kraus then inverted the tubes five to six times to mix
the blood with the powder anticoagulant in the tubes.
{¶ 14} At 12:08 a.m., Kraus bubble-wrapped and placed labels over the tops of the
tubes containing Moore’s blood. The labels included Robinson’s name, Moore’s name,
Kraus’s name, and the date and time. After placing the tubes in the DUI kit, Kraus
closed, sealed, and labeled the kit. Kraus then gave the kit to Robinson.
{¶ 15} Upon receiving the sealed DUI kit, Robinson and McCrary left Moore’s
hospital room and briefly spoke with Moore’s wife. The officers then spoke with each
other for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Following their conversation, Robinson
returned to her cruiser and transported the DUI kit to the Trotwood Police Department.
Robinson arrived at the police department at 1:20 a.m. Robinson completed her report
and lab sheet before placing the DUI kit in the department’s refrigerator. At 1:46 a.m.,
Robinson finished the necessary paperwork and placed the DUI kit in a locked
compartment of the police department’s refrigerator.
{¶ 16} Later that day, the sealed DUI kit was delivered to MVRCL where it was
assigned a bar code and placed in a secure refrigerator. Forensic toxicologist Elizabeth
Kiely retrieved the kit and transferred it to MVRCL’s toxicology section. Kiely inspected
the DUI kit to ensure it was properly labeled and sealed. Kiely then broke the seal,
opened the kit, and inventoried its contents. Kiely thereafter placed the kit in a secure
refrigerator to await analysis.
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{¶ 17} On November 21, 2017, forensic toxicologist Brian Simons retrieved the
DUI kit from MVRCL’s secure refrigerator and preformed an initial screen of Moore’s
blood sample using an approved testing method. The initial screen was positive for
ethanol at a concentration of .114, plus or minus .011 gram per cent. One week later,
on November 28, 2017, Simons used another approved testing method to perform a
confirmation analysis. The confirmation analysis was positive for ethanol at a
concentration of .117, plus or minus .011 gram per cent. All of the data, including
Simons’s data, was reviewed and used by forensic toxicologist Kialee Bowles to author a
report. Pursuant to MVRCL’s policy, the lower concentration of .114, plus or minus .011
gram per cent, was reported.
{¶ 18} On April 10, 2019, the trial court issued a judgment overruling Moore’s
motion to suppress the blood-sample evidence. In so holding, the trial court found that
the approximate five-hour delay in taking Moore’s blood sample did not require
suppression of the blood-alcohol test results. The trial court also found that there was
substantial compliance with the refrigeration requirement in Ohio Adm.Code 3701-53-
05(F). The trial court further found that MVRCL substantially complied with the chain of
custody requirements in Ohio Adm.Code 3701-53-06(A). The trial court additionally
noted that any breaks in the chain of custody went to the weight of the evidence, not its
admissibility.
{¶ 19} With regard to the search warrant, which required Moore’s blood to be
drawn “as soon as possible (within 3 hours of operation of vehicle),” the trial court relied
on this court’s holding in State v. Barger, 2017-Ohio-4008, 91 N.E.3d 277 (2d Dist.), and
found that Moore’s blood sample was the product of a valid search warrant that was
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executed as soon as possible after the accident.
{¶ 20} After the trial court overruled Moore’s motion to suppress, the matter
proceeded to a jury trial. Following trial, the jury found Moore guilty of both counts of
aggravated vehicular homicide. At sentencing, the trial court merged the counts and
imposed a mandatory term of eight years in prison. The trial court also ordered Moore
to pay $4,337.04 in restitution and placed a lifetime suspension on his driver’s license.
{¶ 21} Moore now appeals from his conviction and raises a single assignment of
error for review.
Assignment of Error
{¶ 22} Under his sole assignment of error, Moore argues that the trial court erred
in failing to suppress the evidence obtained from his blood sample, i.e., the results of his
blood-alcohol test. In support of this claim, Moore asserts that his blood sample was not
taken within the time frame set out in the search warrant and in R.C. 4511.19(D)(1)(b).
In light of this failure, Moore argues that the search warrant was illegally executed and
that the blood draw violated his Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable
searches and seizures. We disagree.
Standard of Review
{¶ 23} “Appellate review of a motion to suppress presents a mixed question of law
and fact. When considering a motion to suppress, the trial court assumes the role of trier
of fact and is therefore in the best position to resolve factual questions and evaluate the
credibility of witnesses.” (Citation omitted.) State v. Burnside, 100 Ohio St.3d 152,
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2003-Ohio-5372, 797 N.E.2d 71, ¶ 8. “Consequently, an appellate court must accept the
trial court’s findings of fact if they are supported by competent, credible evidence.”
(Citation omitted.) Id. “Accepting these facts as true, the appellate court must then
independently determine, without deference to the conclusion of the trial court, whether
the facts satisfy the applicable legal standard.” (Citation omitted.) Id.R.C. 4511.19(D)(1)(b)
{¶ 24} As previously noted, Moore contends that all evidence obtained from his
blood sample should be suppressed because it was not taken within the time frame set
out in the search warrant and in R.C. 4511.19(D)(1)(b). For purposes of clarity, we will
first address R.C. 4511.19(D)(1)(b), which provides as follows:
[T]he court may admit evidence on the concentration of alcohol,
drugs of abuse, controlled substances, metabolites of a controlled
substance, or a combination of them in the defendant's whole blood, blood
serum or plasma, breath, urine, or other bodily substance at the time of the
alleged violation as shown by chemical analysis of the substance
withdrawn within three hours of the time of the alleged violation. * * *
(Emphasis added.)
{¶ 25} There is no dispute that Moore’s blood was not drawn within three hours of
the automobile accident at issue. The automobile accident occurred around 7:14 p.m.
on November 14, 2017, and Moore’s blood was drawn at 12:08 a.m. the following
morning. Therefore, Moore’s blood was drawn approximately five hours after the alleged
violation.
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{¶ 26} The Supreme Court of Ohio has held that “[a] blood sample taken outside
the time frame set out in R.C. 4511.19(D) is admissible to prove that a person was under
the influence of alcohol as proscribed by R.C. 4511.19(A)(1)(a) in the prosecution for a
violation of R.C. 2903.06 [aggravated vehicular homicide], provided that the
administrative requirements of R.C. 4511.19(D) are substantially complied with and
expert testimony is offered.” State v. Hassler, 115 Ohio St.3d 322, 2007-Ohio-4947, 875
N.E.2d 46, syllabus.
{¶ 27} The administrative requirements in R.C. 4511.19(D) provide that “only a
physician, a registered nurse, an emergency medical technician-intermediate, an
emergency medical technician-paramedic, or a qualified technician, chemist, or
phlebotomist shall withdraw a blood sample[.]” R.C. 4511.19(D)(1)(b). The
administrative requirements also provide that “the bodily substance withdrawn * * * shall
be analyzed in accordance with methods approved by the director of health by an
individual possessing a valid permit issued by the director pursuant to section 3701.143
of the Revised Code.” Id. Pursuant to R.C. 3701.143, the Ohio Director of Health has
promulgated regulations governing the collection, handling, and analysis of bodily
substances, which are set forth in Ohio Adm.Code Chapter 3701-53. State v. Owens,
6th Dist. Lucas No. L-15-1215, 2016-Ohio-3092, ¶ 16; State v. Waldock, 2015-Ohio-1079,
33 N.E.3d 505, ¶ 51 (3d Dist.).
{¶ 28} In his motion to suppress, Moore claimed that the State could not establish
that Moore’s blood sample was collected and analyzed in substantial compliance with the
regulations in Ohio Adm.Code 3701-53-05(F) and 3701-53-06(A). The former regulation
requires blood specimens to be refrigerated while not in transit or under examination.
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The latter regulation requires the testing laboratory to identify and retain a chain of
custody for not less than three years.
{¶ 29} With regard to the refrigeration requirement, Moore’s blood sample was not
refrigerated until 1 hour and 38 minutes after it was drawn. The blood sample was drawn
at 12:08 a.m. at MVH and then taken to the Trotwood Police Department by Officer
Robinson, who placed the blood sample in the police department’s refrigerator at 1:46
a.m. In his motion, Moore took issue with Robinson’s delay in transporting his blood
sample to the police station and with Robinson finishing her paperwork as opposed to
immediately refrigerating his blood sample when she arrived at the police station at 1:20
a.m.
{¶ 30} In State v. Baker, 146 Ohio St.3d 456, 2016-Ohio-451, 58 N.E.3d 1114, the
Supreme Court of Ohio held that “[w]hile strict compliance with the [refrigeration]
regulation is preferable, we recognize inherent logistical issues that may make strict
compliance unrealistic.” Id. at ¶ 21. More specifically, the court held “that failing to
refrigerate a blood specimen for a period of four hours and ten minutes before placing it
in transit for analysis is a de minimis error and does not render the test result inadmissible
for failure to substantially comply with Ohio Adm.Code 3701-53-05(F).” Id. In so
holding, the court noted that it had “previously held that the failure to refrigerate a sample
for a period of up to five hours substantially complied with the administrative regulation.”
Id. at ¶ 2 and ¶ 19, citing State v. Plummer, 22 Ohio St.3d 292, 490 N.E.2d 902 (1986),
and State v. Mayl, 106 Ohio St.3d 207, 2005-Ohio-4629, 833 N.E.2d 1216.
{¶ 31} In Barger, 2017-Ohio-4008, 91 N.E.3d 277, this court was presented with a
case where blood samples remained unrefrigerated for approximately 45 minutes while
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an officer was entering the blood samples into the police department’s system. Id. at
¶ 23. Despite this delay, we found that “the periods during which the blood samples were
not refrigerated fell well within the allowable five hours established by Baker.” Id. at
¶ 26. Consequently, we concluded “that the storage of the blood samples substantially
complied with Ohio Adm.Code 3701-53-05(F). Id. See also State v. Moore, 6th Dist.
Wood No. WD-18-030, 2019-Ohio-3705, ¶ 77 (finding substantial compliance with Ohio
Adm.Code 3701-53-05(F) even though the blood sample in question was not always
refrigerated while not in transit or under examination).
{¶ 32} In light of the holdings in Baker, Barger, and Moore, we find that the 1 hour
and 38 minute delay in refrigerating Moore’s blood sample did not prevent a finding of
substantial compliance with the refrigeration requirement in Ohio Adm.Code 3701-53-
05(F).
{¶ 33} With regard to the chain of custody requirement, forensic toxicologist
Simons testified that MVRCL maintained an internal chain of custody for Moore’s blood
sample and that it was MVRCL’s practice to retain the chain of custody for a minimum of
three years. The actual chain of custody kept by MVRCL was also admitted into
evidence as Defendant’s Exhibit A. Therefore, we agree with the trial court’s conclusion
that substantial compliance with Ohio Adm.Code 3701-53-06(A) was established. In so
holding we note that any alleged breaks in the chain of custody prior to it reaching MVRCL
would go to the weight of the evidence, not its admissibility. State v. Ramos, 2d Dist.
Montgomery No. 28214, 2019-Ohio-3588, ¶ 25.
{¶ 34} Because the evidence established substantial compliance with the
administrative requirements of R.C. 4511.19(D), and because the State offered expert
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testimony regarding the collection and analysis of Moore’s blood sample, pursuant to
Hassler, we find that even though Moore’s blood sample was taken outside the three-
hour time frame in R.C. 4511.19(D)(1)(b), the sample was nevertheless admissible to
prove that Moore was under the influence of alcohol in violation of R.C. 4511.19(A)(1)(a)
for purposes of prosecuting him for aggravated vehicular homicide.
Search Warrant
{¶ 35} We now turn to Moore’s argument that the blood draw in question
constituted an unreasonable search and seizure since it was not performed within the
time frame set out in the search warrant. The language of the search warrant authorized
law enforcement to obtain Moore’s blood sample “as soon as possible (within 3 hours of
operation of vehicle).” State’s Exhibit 2. Because the blood sample was taken
approximately five hours after Moore operated his vehicle, Moore contends that the
search warrant was invalid and illegally executed. We disagree.
{¶ 36} “The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution and the Ohio
Constitution, Article I, Section 14, prohibit unreasonable searches and seizures.” State
v. Emerson, 134 Ohio St.3d 191, 2012-Ohio-5047, 981 N.E.2d 787, ¶ 15. “A search
conducted pursuant to an invalid warrant is the equivalent of a warrantless search, which
is per se unreasonable and therefore illegal.” State v. Richardson, 2d Dist. Greene No.
08CA0077, 2009-Ohio-6018, ¶ 10, citing Katz v. United States, 389 U.S. 347, 88 S.Ct.
507, 19 L.Ed.2d 576 (1967). “The fruits of an illegal search are subject to suppression
by the court in which criminal charges arising from the search and seizure are filed.” Id.{¶ 37} In Barger, 2017-Ohio-4008, 91 N.E.3d 277, this court addressed the exact
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same Fourth Amendment issue raised herein by Moore. The defendant in Barger was
charged with operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol in violation of
R.C. 4511.19(A)(1)(a) and aggravated vehicular homicide in violation of R.C.
2903.06(A)(2). Id. at ¶ 9. Like the present case, the defendant’s blood sample was
obtained pursuant to a search warrant that authorized law enforcement to draw the
defendant’s blood “as soon as possible (within 3 hours of operation of vehicle).” Id. at
¶ 28. The defendant’s blood sample, however, was drawn 30 minutes beyond the time
frame stated in the search warrant. Id. at ¶ 29.
{¶ 38} Even though the blood sample in Barger was drawn beyond the three-hour
time frame in the search warrant, we held that the blood draw was not an unreasonable
search and seizure under the Fourth Amendment. Id. at ¶ 30. In so holding, we
considered that there was “no evidence of any undue delay or dilatory tactics by the police
in obtaining or executing the search warrant.” Id. We also held that “a reasonable
reading of the search warrant is that the warrant had to be executed ‘as soon as possible’
after the operation of the vehicle had terminated.” Id. at ¶ 31. We explained that had
we “read the warrant’s language to strictly require execution of the warrant within three
hours of the accident, rather than ‘as soon as possible’ after the accident, complying with
the terms of the warrant would have been virtually impossible at the time the municipal
court judge signed it.” Id.
{¶ 39} We further held that “[t]he inclusion of ‘(within 3 hours of operation of
vehicle)’ in the search warrant is likely a result of the current version of R.C.
4511.19(D)(1)(b),” which, as previously discussed, provides a three-hour time frame to
draw blood from a person suspected of violating R.C. 4511.19(A)(1)(a). Id. at ¶ 32. We
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then considered the Supreme Court of Ohio’s decision in Hassler, 115 Ohio St.3d 322,
2007-Ohio-4947, 875 N.E.2d 46, which, as previously noted, held that a blood sample
taken outside the three-hour time frame is admissible provided that the administrative
requirements of R.C. 4511.19(D) are substantially complied with and expert testimony is
offered. Barger at ¶ 32, citing Hassler at ¶ 2. Thereafter, we noted that the trial court
found that the administrative requirements of R.C. 4511.19(D) were substantially
complied with and that expert testimony was offered. Id. Accordingly, our decision in
Barger indicates that Hassler supports the conclusion that the failure to meet the three-
hour time frame in the search warrant does not require suppression of the blood-sample
evidence as long as there is substantial compliance with the necessary administrative
requirements and expert testimony is offered.
{¶ 40} Lastly, in Barger we recognized that:
[T]here is a line of federal cases that allow for searches made
“shortly” after the expiration of a warrant if (1) the probable cause on which
the warrant is based still exists at the time of the tardy search and (2) there
is no showing of bad faith on the part of the government in executing the
warrant shortly after the warrant expires. See United States v. Richmond,
694 F.Supp. 1310, 1311 (S.D. Ohio 1988) (holding that a search made 4.5
hours after a warrant expired was neither unreasonable nor constitutionally
prejudicial to the defendant, because “there is nothing in the record to
indicate that the circumstances, related in the officer's affidavit affording
probable cause for the issuance of the search warrant, changed before it
was executed ....”); United States v. Chambers, S.D. Miss. No. 1:07cr15,
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2007 WL 2872406, *1 (Sept. 27, 2007) (citing Tenth Circuit and Eleventh
Circuit decisions that allowed searches completed shortly after the
expiration of a search warrant if probable cause still exists and the
government did not act in bad faith).
Barger, 2017-Ohio-4008, 91 N.E.3d 277, at ¶ 33.
{¶ 41} In following Barger, we find that a reasonable reading of the search warrant
herein is that the warrant had to be executed “as soon as possible” after the automobile
accident in question. Based on the trial court’s findings of fact, which are supported by
competent credible evidence, we find that even though Moore’s blood was drawn
approximately five hours after the accident, it was nevertheless drawn as soon as
possible.
{¶ 42} Like Barger, there was no evidence of bad faith, undue delay, or dilatory
tactics by law enforcement in executing the search warrant. The trial court’s findings of
fact establish that Officer Robinson was diligent in her initial effort to obtain Moore’s
consent to provide a blood sample when she followed Moore to the hospital. However,
after waiting approximately 90 minutes in the emergency room, Robinson ultimately had
to request a search warrant when she learned that Moore had to be sedated due to being
uncooperative. After learning this information, Robinson contacted Sergeant McCrary
and requested a search warrant. McCrary then acted diligently on the request by driving
to the police department and contacting other officers in order to obtain the information
necessary to prepare the search warrant.
{¶ 43} After obtaining the necessary information and preparing the warrant,
McCrary consulted a list of judges and called two judges before finding one who was
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available to sign the warrant. McCrary then drove to the judge’s residence and had the
warrant signed at 11:46 p.m. At 12:05 a.m., McCrary arrived at the hospital and
presented the signed warrant to Robinson. Robinson then presented the warrant to the
phlebotomist who drew Moore’s blood at 12:08 a.m. Based on these facts and
circumstances, we find no evidence of any bad faith, undue delay, or dilatory tactics in
executing the search warrant and note that the same probable cause that existed within
three hours of the accident would have existed when Moore’s blood was drawn at 12:08
a.m. See Barger, 2017-Ohio-4008, 91 N.E.3d 277, at ¶ 33.
{¶ 44} We also note that strict compliance with the three-hour time frame in the
search warrant would have made it impossible to execute the warrant since the warrant
was signed by Judge Logan approximately four and a half hours after the automobile
accident. Also, like in Barger, the trial court found that the administrative requirements
in R.C. 4511.19(D) were substantially complied with and that expert testimony was
offered. Given the holding in Hassler, 115 Ohio St.3d 322, 2007-Ohio-4947, 875 N.E.2d
46, this serves as additional support for finding that Moore’s blood sample was admissible
despite it being drawn outside the three-hour time frame in the search warrant. See
Barger at ¶ 32.
{¶ 45} In light of the foregoing, we find that the search warrant in this case was
validly executed and that Moore’s blood draw did not violate his Fourth Amendment
protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.
{¶ 46} Moore’s sole assignment of error is overruled.
Conclusion
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{¶ 47} Having overruled Moore’s assignment of error, the judgment of the trial
court is affirmed.
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TUCKER, P.J. and HALL, J., concur.
Copies sent to:
Mathias H. Heck, Jr.
Lisa M. Light
Jeffrey T. Gramza
Hon. Steven K. Dankof