Com. v. Ortiz-Cruz, L. ( 2019 )

J-S47012-19
NON-PRECEDENTIAL DECISION - SEE SUPERIOR COURT I.O.P. 65.37
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA : IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF
: PENNSYLVANIA
:
v. :
:
:
LUIS GILBERT ORTIZ-CRUZ :
:
Appellant : No. 1824 MDA 2018
Appeal from the Judgment of Sentence Entered October 3, 2018
In the Court of Common Pleas of Dauphin County Criminal Division at
No(s): CP-22-CR-0002213-2017
BEFORE: DUBOW, J., NICHOLS, J., and MUSMANNO, J.
MEMORANDUM BY DUBOW, J.: FILED OCTOBER 23, 2019
Appellant, Luis Gilbert Ortiz-Cruz, appeals from the Judgment of
Sentence entered by the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas following
his convictions of Possession of Firearm Prohibited and Conspiracy to Commit
Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver.1 He challenges
the sufficiency of evidence, the denial of his Motion for a Mistrial, and the
admission of prior bad acts evidence. After careful review, we affirm.
We glean the relevant facts from the trial court’s Opinion. See Trial Ct.
Op., filed 3/8/19, at 4-7. During the early morning hours of March 31, 2017,
Pennsylvania State Trooper Jay Lownsbery and other members of the
Pennsylvania State Police Special Emergency Team (“SERT”) executed a
search warrant at the residence located at 3812 Crooked Hill Road in
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1 18 Pa.C.S. § 6105(a)(1) and 18 Pa.C.S. § 903, respectively.
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Susquehanna Township in connection with suspected narcotics trafficking.
The SERT officers arrested eight individuals who had been asleep in various
areas of the house: Appellant, Patrick McKenna, Jordy Melendez, Dennison
Ortiz-Cruz, Charlie Vasquez, Trisha Santiago, Jonathan Samuel Pizarro-Diaz,
and Elizabeth Grimwold.
In the living room, where officers found Patrick McKenna asleep on a
futon, officers recovered a loaded 38-caliber Smith & Wesson revolver from
an end table. They also recovered an unloaded H&R 32-caliber pistol from
beneath a pile of clothing, an unboxed surveillance system, an open metal
canister, and drug paraphernalia spread throughout the living room.
Throughout the three bedrooms in the house, officers recovered numerous
firearms—some loaded with multi-shot magazines, large quantities of
ammunition, large quantities of cocaine, large quantities of U.S. currency,
small amounts of marijuana and heroin, drug-packaging materials, a coffee
grinder with white residue, drug transaction owe sheets, multiple cell phones,
receipts reflecting money transfers to Puerto Rico, and body armor. In the
bedroom where officers located Appellant and Dennison Ortiz-Cruz, officers
discovered a loaded 12-gauge shotgun next to the bed.
In the kitchen, officers found an electronic scale with white residue on
it, a vacuum sealer, and a money counter.
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The Commonwealth charged Appellant with numerous drug and firearm-
related offenses. A joint jury trial commenced on August 13, 2018.2 After the
court gave the jury preliminary instructions, co-defendant, Dennison Ortiz-
Gomez, pleaded guilty outside the presence of the jury. Appellant then moved
for a mistrial, arguing Ortiz-Gomez’s absence would prejudice the jury. The
court denied Appellant’s motion and gave the jury the following cautionary
instruction:
You will notice that Mr. Ortiz-Gomez . . . is no longer here. So I
am going to give you an instruction that I want you to follow. The
fact that he is no longer here in the courtroom is not something
that you [should] consider. His presence is no longer a concern
for you, and I instruct you not to allow it to affect your decision or
anything that you ultimately decide in this case.
The remaining individuals are due and deserve your full attention
and that you give them the right to be adjudged by you fairly and
impartially considering only the evidence in this case and nothing
outside of this courtroom when you assess their guilt or innocence
in this matter.
Likewise, I am going to address that you are about to hear
evidence about other individuals who are not in the courtroom
who were also charged in this matter. You are not to consider any
of them in terms of your determination as to these individuals and
their guilt and innocence. As I told you in the very beginning . . .
you have to judge each and every individual separately.
N.T. Trial, 8/15/18, at 66-67.
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2Appellant was tried with Jordy Melendez, Dennison Ortiz-Cruz, and Jonathan
Samuel Pizarro-Diaz.
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Patrick McKenna, Officer Lownsbery, and Dauphin County Detective
John Goshert, an expert in street-level narcotics, testified on behalf of the
Commonwealth. Jordy Melendez testified for the defense.
Patrick McKenna testified that “all the individuals within the Crooked Hill
house, including [Appellant], had their hands on the operations of breaking
down the cocaine[,] which involved using scales to weigh out the cocaine, a
blender to grind the cocaine into powder form, and plastic one-ounce bags to
package the cocaine for sale.” Trial Ct. Op. at 13-14.
Goshen testified that evidence of narcotics trafficking included high
quantities of narcotics, large amounts of cash, sale paraphernalia, and
firearms indicating traffickers’ heightened security. Id. at 8-9. Examples of
sale paraphernalia included scales, blenders, and packaging materials. Id. at
9.
On August 18, 2018, a jury convicted Appellant of Possession of Firearm
Prohibited and Conspiracy to Commit Possession of a Controlled Substance
with Intent to Deliver. The trial court ordered a Pre-Sentence Investigation.
On October 3, 2018, the trial court sentenced Appellant to an aggregate
term of seven to twenty years of incarceration. Appellant did not file a post-
sentence motion.
This timely appeal followed. Both Appellant and the trial court complied
with Pa.R.A.P. 1925.
Appellant raises the following three issues on appeal:
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1. Did the Commonwealth fail to present sufficient evidence to
allow a jury to return a verdict of guilty of the charges of
Possession of Firearm Prohibited and Criminal Conspiracy to
Commit Manufacture, Delivery, or Possession with Intent to
Manufacture or Deliver?
2. Did the trial court err in denying Appellant’s motion for
mistrial where the prosecutor presented prejudicial
evidence, which manifested a necessity for mistrial?
3. Did the trial court err by allowing the introduction of
improper Rule 404(b) evidence through the testimony of
cooperating co-conspirators?
Appellant’s Br. at 10.
In his first issue, Appellant challenges the sufficiency of evidence
supporting his Possession of Firearm Prohibited and Criminal Conspiracy to
Commit Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver
convictions.
“A claim challenging the sufficiency of the evidence is a question of law.”
Commonwealth v. Widmer, 744 A.2d 745, 751 (Pa. 2000). “[O]ur standard
of review is de novo and our scope of review is plenary.” Commonwealth v.
Hutchinson, 164 A.3d 494, 497 (Pa. Super. 2017) (citation omitted). In
reviewing a sufficiency challenge, we determine “whether the evidence at trial,
and all reasonable inferences derived therefrom, when viewed in the light
most favorable to the Commonwealth as verdict winner, are sufficient to
establish all elements of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Commonwealth v. May, 887 A.2d 750, 753 (Pa. 2005) (citation omitted).
“Further, a conviction may be sustained wholly on circumstantial evidence,
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and the trier of fact—while passing on the credibility of the witnesses and the
weight of the evidence—is free to believe all, part, or none of the evidence.”
Commonwealth v. Miller, 172 A.3d 632, 640 (Pa. Super. 2017). “In
conducting this review, the appellate court may not weigh the evidence and
substitute its judgment for the fact-finder.” Id.
Appellant specifically challenges the evidence supporting the possession
element of the Possession of Firearm Prohibited offense. Appellant’s Br. at 20-
23. Appellant argues that the Commonwealth failed to present sufficient
evidence to establish that Appellant constructively possessed the firearm. Id.
Thus, we limit our analysis to this element only.3
To sustain a conviction for the crime of Persons Not to Possess Firearms,
the Commonwealth must prove that a defendant possessed a firearm and that
he had been previously convicted of an enumerated offense that prohibits him
or her from possessing, using, controlling, or transferring a firearm. 18
Pa.C.S. § 6105.
This Court has held that “[p]ossession can be found by proving actual
possession, constructive possession, or joint constructive possession.”
Commonwealth v. Heidler, 741 A.2d 213, 215 (Pa. Super. 1999). Where a
defendant is not in actual possession of the recovered firearm, the
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3 The parties stipulated that Appellant had been previously convicted of an
enumerated offense that prohibits him or her from possessing, using,
controlling, or transferring a firearm.
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Commonwealth must establish that the defendant had constructive possession
to support the conviction. Commonwealth v. Hopkins, 67 A.3d 817, 820
(Pa. Super. 2013).
“We have defined constructive possession as conscious dominion.”
Id. (citation and quotation omitted). “We subsequently defined conscious
dominion as the power to control the contraband and the intent to exercise
that control.” Id. (citation and quotation omitted). “To aid application, we
have held that constructive possession may be established by the totality of
the circumstances.” Id. (citation and quotation omitted).
It is well established that, “[a]s with any other element of a crime,
constructive possession may be proven by circumstantial evidence.”
Commonwealth v. Haskins, 677 A.2d 328, 330 (Pa. Super. 1996). In other
words, the Commonwealth must establish facts from which the trier of fact
can reasonably infer that the defendant exercised dominion and control over
the weapon. See, e.g., Commonwealth v. Davis, 743 A.2d 946, 953-54
(Pa. Super. 1999) (holding evidence was sufficient to prove constructive
possession over drugs found in common areas of apartment where defendant
entered apartment using his own key, possessed $800 in cash on his person,
and police recovered defendant’s identification badge, size-appropriate
clothing, and firearms from a bedroom).
It is insufficient to infer “dominion and control” when the Commonwealth
only provides evidence of the defendant’s presence. See Commonwealth v.
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Valette, 613 A.2d 548, 551 (Pa. 1992) (holding mere presence at a place
where contraband is found or secreted is insufficient standing alone to prove
constructive possession). Moreover, if the only inference that the fact-finder
can make from the facts is a suspicion of possession, the Commonwealth has
failed to prove constructive possession. Id. “It is well settled that facts giving
rise to mere ‘association,’ ‘suspicion’ or ‘conjecture,’ will not make out a case
of constructive possession.” Id.
The trial court addressed the sufficiency challenge as follows:
Trooper Lownbery testified that upon entry into [Appellant]’s
bedroom, a loaded 12-gauge shotgun was observed in plain view
next to [Appellant]’s bed. In addition to the firearm found in
[Appellant]’s bedroom, nine (9) other firearms were found
throughout the Crooked Hill residence. [Patrick] McKenna testified
that given the dangerous nature of narcotics trafficking,
individuals within the Crooked Hill residence, including [Appellant]
felt the need to carry firearms by their sides at all times.
***
In viewing the testimony and evidence in its entirety, along with
the stipulation that [he] was convicted of an offense which
prohibited him from possession a firearm . . . , the evidence [was]
sufficient to sustain [Appellant]’s conviction for [P]ossession of
[F]irearm [P]rohibited.”
Trial Ct. Op., dated 3/8/19, at 11-12.
Considering the totality of the circumstances, and viewing the evidence
in the light most favorable to the Commonwealth as verdict winner, we agree
with the trial court’s conclusion that the Commonwealth proffered sufficient
evidence from which the jury could draw a reasonable inference that Appellant
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constructively possessed a firearm. Appellant is not, therefore, entitled to
relief on this claim.
Appellant also challenges the evidence supporting his Conspiracy to
Commit Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver conviction.
Appellant’s Br. at 23. He contends the Commonwealth failed to proffer
evidence that he and co-defendants had entered into an agreement, and that
he was connected to the drug paraphernalia or owe sheets found in the house.
Id. at 24.
To prove the offense of Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent
to Deliver, the Commonwealth must demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt
that: (1) the accused possessed a controlled substance; and (2) the accused
had the intent to deliver it to another. Commonwealth v. Taylor, 33 A.3d
1283, 1288 (Pa. Super. 2011). Where a defendant is not in actual possession
of the recovered contraband, the Commonwealth must establish by the totality
of the circumstances that the defendant had constructive possession to
support the conviction. Hopkins, 67 A.3d at 820. As discussed above,
constructive possession may be proven by circumstantial evidence. Haskins,
677 A.2d at 330. Additionally, the power to control the contraband “may be
found in one or more actors where the item in issue is in an area of joint
control and equal access.” Valette, 613 A.2d at 550.
To sustain a conviction for criminal conspiracy, the Commonwealth must
demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt that the Appellant: (1) entered into
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an agreement to commit or aid in an unlawful act with another; (2) with a
shared criminal intent; and (3) an overt act in furtherance of the conspiracy
was done. Commonwealth v. Feliciano, 67 A.3d 19, 25–26 (Pa. Super.
2013). The conduct of the parties and the totality of circumstances may create
a web of evidence linking the defendant to the alleged conspiracy beyond a
reasonable doubt. Id. The conspiratorial agreement can be inferred from a
variety of circumstances, including the relationship between the parties,
knowledge of the crime, participation in the crime, and the circumstances and
conduct of the parties. Id.
The trial court addressed the sufficiency challenge as follows:
On March 31, 2017, [Appellant] was found inside the Crooked Hill
residence during the SERT Team’s execution of the search
warrant. Within the residence, officers seized roughly one (1)
kilogram of cocaine, over $10,000 in U.S. currency, ten (1)
firearms, a variety of ammunition, twenty-five (25) cellular
phones, ballistic gear and sale paraphernalia, such as electronic
scales, a blender, a money counter, and various packaging
materials. [Patrick] McKenna testified that all the individuals
within the Crooked Hill house, including [Appellant], had their
hands on the operations of breaking down the cocaine. This
process involved using scales to weigh out the cocaine, a blender
to grind the cocaine into powder form, and plastic one-ounce bags
to package the cocaine for sale. The testimony of [Patrick]
McKenna regarding preparation of cocaine was sufficient to show
a shared intent and an implicit agreement between the Crooked
Hill residents, as well as establish overt acts perpetrated in
furtherance of the conspiracy . . . to possess with intent to deliver
cocaine.
Trial Ct. Op. at 13-14.
Considering the totality of the circumstances, and viewing the evidence
in the light most favorable to the Commonwealth as verdict winner, we agree
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with the trial court’s conclusion that the Commonwealth proffered sufficient
evidence from which the jury could draw a reasonable inference that Appellant
Conspired to Commit Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to
Deliver conviction. Appellant is not, therefore, entitled to relief on this claim.
In his second issue, Appellant contends the trial court erred in denying
his Motion for a Mistrial. Appellant’s Br. at 24. Appellant argues he was
prejudiced by co-defendant, Dennison Ortiz-Gomez’s absence at trial, after
Ortiz-Gomez had pleaded guilty. Id. at 25. Appellant asserts that the jury
improperly inferred that he was “as guilty [Ortiz-Gomez] who entered a guilty
plea.” Id.
We review a trial court’s denial of a motion for mistrial for an abuse of
discretion. Commonwealth v. Bryant, 67 A.3d 716, 728 (Pa. 2013).
A mistrial is appropriate “only where the incident upon which the motion is
based is of such a nature that its unavoidable effect is to deprive the defendant
of a fair trial by preventing the jury from weighing and rendering a true
verdict.” Id. at 728 (quotation marks and citation omitted).
Additionally, “[i]t is well-settled that guilty pleas of co-defendants
cannot be considered as evidence against those who are on trial, because the
defendant has a right to have his guilt or innocence determined by the
evidence presented against him, not by what has happened with regard to a
criminal prosecution against someone else.” Commonwealth v. Geho, 302
A.2d 463, 465-66 (Pa. Super. 1973) (citations, brackets and quotations
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omitted). “It is incumbent, therefore, upon the trial judge to give adequate
and clear cautionary instructions to the jury to avoid guilt by association as to
the defendant being tried.” Id. at 466 (quotations omitted).
Following our review of the record, we find that the trial court properly
exercised its discretion in denying Appellant's Motion. After Dennison Ortiz-
Gomez pleaded guilty outside the presence of the jury, the jury was not
informed that Oritz-Gomez had pleaded guilty and the court gave the jury
adequate and clear cautionary instructions to avoid guilt by association.
Geho, 302 A.2d at 465-66. This claim, therefore, does not garner Appellant
relief.
In his third issue, Appellant asserts the trial court erred by allowing the
improper Rule 404(b) evidence through the testimony of cooperating co-
conspirators. Appellant’s Br. at 25. In support of this claim, Appellant simply
states that “[Patrick McKenna]’s testimony was unfairly prejudicial because it
pertained to prior bad acts that had no relevance.” Id. at 25-26. He does not
support this assertion with any citations to the certified record to clarify what
testimony he is challenging and likewise fails to cite where, in fact, he
preserved these challenges for appeal. See Pa.R.A.P. 2119(c) (requiring that
if reference is made to the record, it must be accompanied by a citation to the
record); Pa.R.A.P. 2119(d) (requiring citation to where the issue was raised
or preserved in the lower court). Without citation to the record, this Court is
unable to analyze whether the trial court erred in admitting specific testimony
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and whether Appellant preserved these challenges for appeal.
See Commonwealth v. Harris, 979 A.2d 387, 393 (Pa. Super. 2009)
(“When an allegation is unsupported [by] any citation to the record, such that
this Court is prevented from assessing this issue and determining whether
error exists, the allegation is waived for purposes of appeal.”). Accordingly,
we find this issue to be waived.
Judgement of Sentence affirmed.
Judgment Entered.
Joseph D. Seletyn, Esq.
Prothonotary
Date: 10/23/2019
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