Com. v. Shaffer, N. ( 2019 )


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  • J-S79017-18
    NON-PRECEDENTIAL DECISION - SEE SUPERIOR COURT I.O.P. 65.37
    COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA               :   IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF
    :        PENNSYLVANIA
    :
    v.                             :
    :
    :
    NATHAN EDWARD SHAFFER                      :
    :
    Appellant               :   No. 832 MDA 2018
    Appeal from the Judgment of Sentence January 3, 2018
    In the Court of Common Pleas of Lycoming County Criminal Division at
    No(s): CP-41-CR-0000585-2014
    BEFORE: SHOGAN, J., OLSON, J., and MUSMANNO, J.
    MEMORANDUM BY OLSON, J.:                            FILED FEBRUARY 04, 2019
    Appellant, Nathan Edward Shaffer, appeals from the judgment of
    sentence following his jury trial convictions for one count of incest and two
    counts each of rape of a child, statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviate
    sexual intercourse (IDSI) with a child, sexual assault, corruption of minors,
    and aggravated indecent assault of a complainant less than 13 years of age.1
    We affirm.
    The trial court briefly summarized this case as follows:
    [A] jury trial was held on May 22 and 23, 2017. The jury found
    [Appellant] guilty of [the aforementioned crimes]. The crimes
    occurred [over the course of multiple years] against two separate
    minor females, M.G. and B.W.[, one of which is Appellant’s
    biological niece.]
    ____________________________________________
    1 18 Pa.C.S.A. §§ 4302, 3121(c), 3122.1, 3123(b), 3124.1, 6301(a)(1),
    3125(a)(7), respectively.
    J-S79017-18
    On January 3, 2018, the [trial] court sentenced [Appellant] to an
    aggregate term of 32 to 65 years’ incarceration in a state
    correctional institution, consisting of 20 to 40 years on Count 1,
    rape of a child; a consecutive 10 to 20 years on Count 2, rape of
    a child; and a consecutive [two] to [five] years on Count 15,
    incest.
    Trial Court Opinion, 5/14/2018, at 1. This timely appeal resulted.2
    On appeal, Appellant raises the following issues for our review:
    I.     Did the [trial] court err in sustaining the Commonwealth’s
    [o]bjection to the introduction of character evidence,
    pursuant to Pa.R.[E.] 404, which is relevant to the charges
    against Appellant?
    II.    Did the [trial] court err in sustaining the Commonwealth’s
    [o]bjection to the introduction of testimony pertaining to
    “business records” kept by Children and Youth Services
    [(CYS)], pursuant to Pa.R.[E.] 803(b) and 902(11)?
    III.   Did the trial court abuse its discretion by imposing 30 to 60
    years [of] confinement for [r]ape of a [c]hild when []
    Appellant had no prior history of violent or similar crimes,
    and a prior record score of zero (0); and was the aggregate
    sentence imposed manifestly excessive and unduly harsh
    considering Appellant’s history, the nature of the offenses,
    and [Appellant’s] rehabilitative needs?
    Appellant’s Brief at 4.
    ____________________________________________
    2 Appellant filed a timely post-sentence motion on January 10, 2018. The trial
    court permitted Appellant to file an amended post-sentence motion on March
    1, 2018. In sum, Appellant challenged two evidentiary rulings and sought
    reconsideration of his sentence. On April 23, 2018, the trial court held a
    hearing on Appellant’s post-sentence motions. The trial court denied relief by
    opinion and order entered on May 14, 2018. Appellant filed a timely notice of
    appeal on May 16, 2018. On May 18, 2018, the trial court filed an order
    directing Appellant to file a concise statement of errors complained of on
    appeal pursuant to Pa.R.A.P. 1925(b). Appellant complied timely on May 29,
    2018. On August 8, 2018, the trial court filed an opinion pursuant to Pa.R.A.P.
    1925(a), relying upon its earlier decision filed on May 14, 2018.
    -2-
    J-S79017-18
    Appellant’s first two issues challenge the trial court’s evidentiary rulings.
    On such issues, our Supreme Court has set forth our standard of review as
    follows:
    The standard of review governing evidentiary issues is settled.
    The decision to admit or exclude evidence is committed to the
    trial court's sound discretion, and evidentiary rulings will only be
    reversed upon a showing that a court abused that discretion. A
    finding of abuse of discretion may not be made merely because
    an appellate court might have reached a different conclusion, but
    requires a result of manifest unreasonableness, or partiality,
    prejudice, bias, or ill-will, or such lack of support so as to be
    clearly erroneous. Matters within the trial court's discretion are
    reviewed on appeal under a deferential standard, and any such
    rulings or determinations will not be disturbed short of a finding
    that the trial court committed a clear abuse of discretion or an
    error of law controlling the outcome of the case.
    Commonwealth v. Koch, 
    106 A.3d 705
    , 710–711 (Pa. 2014) (internal
    citations and quotations omitted).
    In his first issue presented, Appellant claims that the trial court erred in
    sustaining the Commonwealth’s objection to character witness testimony at
    trial. Appellant’s Brief at 12-15. More specifically, Appellant claims the trial
    court erred in precluding his sister from answering a question regarding “his
    reputation around children” as generally known in the community. Id.; see
    also N.T., 5/22/2017, at 135.            Appellant claims that “[w]hile the
    Commonwealth was correct” that character testimony may be presented
    regarding “lawfulness, truthfulness, [and one’s] character for peace[,]” he was
    also permitted to provide evidence of “a person’s good moral character,
    chastity, and other relevant traits related to the crimes charged.”          
    Id. at -3-
    J-S79017-18
    14-15. Because Appellant was charged with crimes pertaining to children, he
    argues that “[i]t seems quite apparent that the community consensus of
    Appellant’s behavior around children could not be any more relevant.” 
    Id. at 15.
    Regarding character evidence, our Court has recently reiterated:
    As a general rule, evidence of a person's character may not be
    admitted to show that individual acted in conformity with that
    character on a particular occasion. Pa.R.E. 404(a). However,
    Pennsylvania Rule of Evidence 404(a)(1) provides an exception
    which allows a criminal defendant to offer evidence of his or her
    character traits which are pertinent to the crimes charged and
    allows the Commonwealth to rebut the same. Pa.R.E. 404(a)(1).
    This Court has further explained the limited purpose for which this
    evidence can be offered:
    It has long been the law in Pennsylvania that an
    individual on trial for an offense against the criminal
    law is permitted to introduce evidence of his good
    reputation in any respect which has “proper relation
    to the subject matter” of the charge at issue. Such
    evidence has been allowed on a theory that general
    reputation reflects the character of the individual and
    a defendant in a criminal case is permitted to prove
    his good character in order to negate his participation
    in the offense charged. The rationale for the admission
    of character testimony is that an accused may not be
    able to produce any other evidence to exculpate
    himself from the charge he faces except his own oath
    and evidence of good character.
    It is clearly established that evidence of good
    character is to be regarded as evidence of substantive
    fact just as any other evidence tending to establish
    innocence and may be considered by the jury in
    connection with all of the evidence presented in the
    case on the general issue of guilt or innocence.
    Evidence of good character is substantive and positive
    evidence, not a mere make weight to be considered in
    a doubtful case, and, ... is an independent factor
    -4-
    J-S79017-18
    which may of itself engender reasonable doubt or
    produce a conclusion of innocence. Evidence of good
    character offered by a defendant in a criminal
    prosecution must be limited to his general reputation
    for the particular trait or traits of character involved in
    the    commission      of the        crime   charged. The
    cross-examination of such witnesses by the
    Commonwealth must be limited to the same traits.
    Such evidence must relate to a period at or about the
    time the offense was committed, and must be
    established by testimony of witnesses as to
    the community        opinion of      the   individual    in
    question, not through specific acts or mere rumor.
    Commonwealth v. Goodmond, 
    190 A.3d 1197
    , 1201–1202 (Pa. Super.
    2018) (citations and emphasis omitted).
    In cases of rape, however, “evidence of the character of the defendant
    [is] limited to presentation of testimony concerning his general reputation in
    the community with regard to such traits as non-violence or peaceableness,
    quietness, good moral character, chastity, and disposition to observe good
    order.” Commonwealth v. Lauro, 
    819 A.2d 100
    , 109 (Pa. Super. 2003)
    (citation omitted).
    In this case, the trial court determined that the term “reputation around
    children,” as posed by defense counsel to Appellant’s sister, was vague and
    overly broad because it was “not clear what character trait defense counsel
    was attempting to elicit.” Trial Court Opinion, 5/14/2018, at 14. As such, the
    trial court was left to speculate that “[t]rial counsel might have been
    attempting to elicit admissible character evidence regarding chastity[.]” 
    Id. -5- J-S79017-18
    Upon review, we discern no abuse of discretion in limiting the character
    evidence presented. The crux of the charges against Appellant pertained to
    sexual misconduct with minors. While the crimes at issue were perpetrated
    against children, Appellant was still required to comport with the limitations
    for character evidence pertaining to rape.         Specific questions about
    non-violence or peaceableness, quietness, good moral character, chastity, and
    disposition to observe good order with respect to children would have been
    permissible.    However, Appellant impermissibly asked an overly general
    question about Appellant’s reputation around children without focusing the
    inquiry upon a specific character trait that a defendant may develop within the
    scope of a rape prosecution. We discern no abuse of discretion or error of law
    in sustaining the Commonwealth’s objection to the question asked. Moreover,
    we note that Appellant did elicit character evidence from his sister who stated
    that people in the community knew Appellant to be a good, truthful, and
    law-abiding man. N.T., 5/22/2017, at 14. Such testimony was not limited to
    Appellant’s interactions with adults and, thus, the jury heard character
    evidence relevant to the crimes at issue. For all of the foregoing reasons,
    Appellant’s first issue fails.
    In his next question presented, Appellant contends that the trial court
    erred by sustaining a Commonwealth objection to the admission of an alleged
    statement by one of the victims set forth in a report from CYS. Appellant’s
    Brief at 16-19. “In the statement, [one of the victim’s] allegedly indicated
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    J-S79017-18
    that [Appellant] threatened to kill her if she told anyone.” Trial Court Opinion,
    5/14/2018, at 10. Whereas, at trial, the victim claimed that Appellant did not
    threaten her. Appellant claims the statement in the CYS report qualified as
    an exception to the rule against hearsay as a business record and that the
    record could have been authenticated by a custodian, in this case, the
    testifying caseworker from CYS, Laura Quick. Appellant’s Brief at 16-17, citing
    Pa.R.E. 803(6) and Pa.R.E. 902(11).3             Appellant argues, “this case rested
    ____________________________________________
    3  Pennsylvania Rule of Evidence 902(11) provides that evidence of certified
    domestic records of regularly conducted activity is self-authenticating and
    requires no extrinsic evidence of authenticity to be admitted.    The Rule
    provides as follows:
    (11) Certified Domestic Records of a Regularly Conducted
    Activity. The original or a copy of a domestic record that meets
    the requirements of Rule 803(6)(A)-(C), as shown by a
    certification of the custodian or another qualified person that
    complies with Pa.R.C.P. No. 76. Before the trial or hearing, the
    proponent must give an adverse party reasonable written notice
    of the intent to offer the record--and must make the record and
    certification available for inspection--so that the party has a fair
    opportunity to challenge them.
    Pa.R.E. 902(11).
    Pennsylvania Rule of Evidence 803(6), provides the following exception
    to the rule against hearsay, regardless of whether the declarant is available
    as a witness:
    (6) Records of a Regularly Conducted Activity. A record
    (which includes a memorandum, report, or data compilation in any
    form) of an act, event or condition if:
    (A)    the record was made at or near the time by--or from information
    transmitted by--someone with knowledge;
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    J-S79017-18
    largely on witness credibility, and the presentation of evidence purporting to
    show inconsistent statements on the part of a key witness should weigh
    heavily on a decision of innocence or guilt by the trier of fact.” 
    Id. Appellant concedes,
    however, that Pa.R.E. 902(11) requires the proponent of a business
    record give the adverse party written notice of the intent to offer the record
    at trial and that Appellant did not provide written notice to the Commonwealth.
    
    Id. at 19.
    Instead, he argues that the Commonwealth was aware of the record
    at issue and on notice. 
    Id. On this
    issue, the trial court first recognized that the testifying witness,
    Ms. Quick, was not the person that compiled the report wherein one of the
    victims allegedly stated that Appellant would kill her. “Instead, the statement
    was contained in a summary or narrative created by [Chet] Troxell[, another
    ____________________________________________
    (B)    the record was kept in the course of a regularly conducted activity
    of a “business”, which term includes business, institution,
    association, profession, occupation, and calling of every kind,
    whether or not conducted for profit;
    (C)    making the record was a regular practice of that activity;
    (D)    all these conditions are shown by the testimony of the custodian
    or another qualified witness, or by a certification that complies
    with Rule 902(11) or (12) or with a statute permitting
    certification; and
    (E)    the opponent does not show that the source of information or
    other circumstances indicate a lack of trustworthiness.
    Pa.R.E. 803(6).
    -8-
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    CYS employee,] when the alleged sexual assault was reported through
    Childline, before Ms. Quick became involved in the case.” Trial Court Opinion,
    5/14/2018, at 10. As such, the trial court determined that “the statement
    was not admissible, because it could not be properly authenticated through
    the testimony of Ms. Quick.” 
    Id. Moreover, the
    trial court determined that
    “the mere fact that the statement was contained in a business record did not
    establish its authenticity” and Appellant “did not offer [a] certification” of his
    intent to offer the record pursuant to Pa.R.E. 902(11). 
    Id. at 11.
    The trial
    court concluded, “it would be unfair in this case to allow [the victim] to be
    impeached on Mr. Troxell’s interpretation of what was said or, worse yet,
    possibly a third party’s interpretation of [the victim’s] words that were relayed
    to Mr. Troxell.” 
    Id. at 12.
    In addition, the trial court noted that it did not
    preclude Appellant from presenting evidence of the victim’s prior inconsistent
    statements through other means. 
    Id. at 11.
    Upon review of the record and applicable law, we discern no abuse of
    discretion or error of law by the trial court in precluding the Childline report.
    Appellant failed to comply with Pa.R.E. 902(11) when he did not give the
    Commonwealth written notice of the intent to offer the record at trial.
    Appellant’s claim fails for this reason alone. However, as the trial court also
    noted, Appellant could not impeach the victim using the CYS report, because
    it was a summary of what the victim said.     See Commonwealth v. Luster,
    
    71 A.3d 1029
    , 1044 (Pa. Super. 2013).            (“[A] summary of a witness'
    -9-
    J-S79017-18
    statement cannot be used for impeachment purposes absent adoption of the
    statement by the witness as his/her own. It would be unfair to allow a witness
    to be impeached on a [third party’s] interpretation of what was said rather
    than the witness' verbatim words.”).       Accordingly, for all of the foregoing
    reasons, we discern no abuse of discretion or error of law by the trial court in
    barring the CYS document from trial.
    In his last issue presented, Appellant challenges his aggregate sentence
    of 32 to 65 years of imprisonment as “manifestly excessive and unduly harsh
    in light of his history, characteristics, and rehabilitative needs.” Appellant’s
    Brief at 8.   Appellant “avers that the trial court abused its discretion by
    imposing the statutory maximum[ sentences] which, while technically part of
    the standard range, are tantamount to being in the aggravated range, despite
    the lack of aggravating factors justifying such.” 
    Id. Appellant claims
    that,
    “the trial court improperly focused nearly exclusively, and extensively, on the
    gravity of the offense as it relates to the impact on the [lives] of the victim[s],
    failing to properly consider and weigh the protection of the public or []
    Appellant’s rehabilitative needs.” 
    Id. at 23.
    In considering a challenge to the discretionary aspects of sentencing,
    this Court has previously determined:
    Such a challenge is not appealable as of right. Rather, [an
    a]ppellant must petition for allowance of appeal pursuant to 42
    Pa.C.S.A. § 9781. When an [a]ppellant challenges a discretionary
    aspect of sentencing, we must conduct a four-part analysis before
    we reach the merits of the [a]ppellant's claim. In this analysis, we
    must determine: (1) whether the present appeal is timely; (2)
    - 10 -
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    whether the issue raised on appeal was properly preserved; (3)
    whether Appellant has filed a statement pursuant to Pa.R.A.P.
    2119(f); and (4) whether Appellant has raised a substantial
    question that his sentence is not appropriate under the Sentencing
    Code.
    Commonwealth v. King, 
    182 A.3d 449
    , 453 (Pa. Super. 2018) (internal case
    citations omitted).    Here, Appellant has complied with the first three
    prerequisites as set forth above. As such, we must consider whether he raised
    a substantial question for our review.
    Regarding substantial questions, our Court has previously determined:
    Generally, [] in order to establish a substantial question, the
    appellant must show actions by the sentencing court inconsistent
    with the Sentencing Code or contrary to the fundamental norms
    underlying the sentencing process.
    *              *         *
    Our Supreme Court [has held] that the appellate courts cannot,
    as a matter of law, reject excessiveness claims on the basis that
    the sentence is within the statutory limits. Rather, when an
    excessiveness claim is raised in cases where the sentence falls
    within the statutory limits, this Court is to review each claim on a
    case-by-case basis to determine whether a substantial question
    has been presented. The Supreme Court explained that while we
    need not accept bald allegations of excessiveness, where the
    appellant has provided a plausible argument that a sentence is
    contrary to the Sentencing Code or the fundamental norms
    underlying the sentencing process, a substantial question exists,
    requiring a grant of allowance of appeal of the discretionary
    aspects of the sentence.
    Commonwealth v. Titus, 
    816 A.2d 251
    , 255 (Pa. Super. 2003) (citations
    omitted).
    Moreover, this Court has stated:
    - 11 -
    J-S79017-18
    A court's exercise of discretion in imposing a sentence
    concurrently or consecutively does not ordinarily raise a
    substantial question. Commonwealth v. Mastromarino, 
    2 A.3d 581
    , 587 (Pa. Super. 2010), appeal denied, 
    14 A.3d 825
    (Pa.
    2011). Rather, the imposition of consecutive rather than
    concurrent sentences will present a substantial question in only
    “the most extreme circumstances, such as where the aggregate
    sentence is unduly harsh, considering the nature of the crimes and
    the length of imprisonment.” Commonwealth v. Lamonda, 
    52 A.3d 365
    , 372 (Pa. Super. 2012), appeal denied, 
    75 A.3d 1281
         (Pa. 2013).
    To make it clear, a defendant may raise a substantial
    question where he receives consecutive sentences
    within the guideline ranges if the case involves
    circumstances where the application of the guidelines
    would be clearly unreasonable, resulting in an
    excessive sentence; however, a bald claim of
    excessiveness due to the consecutive nature of a
    sentence will not raise a substantial question.
    Commonwealth v. Dodge, 
    77 A.3d 1263
    , 1270 (Pa. Super.
    2013), reargument denied (Nov. 21, 2013), appeal denied, 
    91 A.3d 161
    (Pa. 2014) (emphasis in original).
    Further, “ordinarily, a claim that the sentencing court failed to
    consider or accord proper weight to a specific sentencing factor
    does not raise a substantial question.” Commonwealth v. Berry,
    
    785 A.2d 994
    , 996–997 (Pa. Super. 2001) (internal citation
    omitted) (emphasis in original). Specifically,
    [t]here is ample precedent to support a determination
    that [a claim that the trial court failed to consider an
    appellant's rehabilitative needs] fails to raise a
    substantial question.... See Commonwealth v.
    Cannon, 
    954 A.2d 1222
    , 1228–1229 (Pa. Super.
    2008), appeal denied, 
    964 A.2d 893
    (Pa. 2009) (claim
    that the trial court failed to consider the defendant's
    rehabilitative needs, age, and educational background
    did    not    present     a    substantial    question);
    Commonwealth v. Coolbaugh, 
    770 A.2d 788
    , 793
    (Pa. Super. 2001) (citing Commonwealth v.
    Mobley, 
    581 A.2d 949
    , 952 (Pa. Super. 1990)) (claim
    that sentence failed to take into consideration the
    - 12 -
    J-S79017-18
    defendant's rehabilitative needs and was manifestly
    excessive did not raise a substantial question where
    sentence was within statutory guidelines and within
    sentencing guidelines); Commonwealth v. Coss,
    
    695 A.2d 831
    , 833 (Pa. Super. 1997) (when the
    sentence imposed falls within the statutory limits, an
    appellant's claim that a sentence is manifestly
    excessive fails to raise a substantial question);
    Commonwealth v. Bershad, 
    693 A.2d 1303
    , 1309
    (Pa. Super. 1997) (a claim that a trial court failed to
    appropriately consider an appellant's rehabilitative
    needs does not present a substantial question);
    Commonwealth v. Lawson, 
    650 A.2d 876
    , 881 (Pa.
    Super. 1994) (claim of error for failing to consider
    rehabilitative needs does not present substantial
    question).
    Commonwealth v. Griffin, 
    65 A.3d 932
    , 936–937 (Pa. Super.
    2013), appeal denied, 
    76 A.3d 538
    (Pa. 2013). Similarly, “this
    Court has held on numerous occasions that a claim of inadequate
    consideration of mitigating factors does not raise a substantial
    question for our review.” Commonwealth v. Disalvo, 
    70 A.3d 900
    , 903 (Pa. Super. 2013) (internal citation omitted).
    However, “prior decisions from this Court involving whether a
    substantial question has been raised by claims that the sentencing
    court ‘failed to consider’ or ‘failed to adequately consider’
    sentencing factors [have] been less than a model of clarity and
    consistency.” Commonwealth v. Seagraves, 
    103 A.3d 839
    , 842
    (Pa. Super. 2014) (citing 
    Dodge, supra
    ). In Commonwealth v.
    Dodge, this Court determined an appellant's claim that the
    sentencing court “disregarded rehabilitation and the nature and
    circumstances of the offense in handing down its sentence”
    presented a substantial question. 
    Dodge, supra
    at 1273.
    This Court has also held that “an excessive sentence claim—in
    conjunction with an assertion that the court failed to consider
    mitigating     factors—raises   a     substantial    question.”
    Commonwealth v. Raven, 
    97 A.3d 1244
    , 1253 (Pa. Super.
    2014), appeal denied, 
    105 A.3d 736
    (Pa. 2014) (quoting
    Commonwealth v. Perry, 
    883 A.2d 599
    , 602 (Pa. Super.
    2005)). Additionally:
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    J-S79017-18
    In determining whether a substantial question exists,
    this Court does not examine the merits of whether the
    sentence is actually excessive. Rather, we look to
    whether the appellant has forwarded a plausible
    argument that the sentence, when it is within the
    guideline    ranges,     is  clearly   unreasonable.
    Concomitantly,       the     substantial     question
    determination does not require the court to decide the
    merits of whether the sentence is clearly
    unreasonable.
    
    Dodge, supra
    at 1270 (internal citations omitted).
    Commonwealth v. Caldwell, 
    117 A.3d 763
    , 769-770 (Pa. Super. 2015).
    Here, Appellant received consecutive sentences totaling 32 to 65 years
    of imprisonment.        He challenges the aggregate term of incarceration as
    excessive4 and claims that the trial court failed to consider his rehabilitative
    needs. We conclude that Appellant has forwarded a plausible argument that
    his sentence is unreasonable and, therefore, he has advanced a substantial
    issue for our review.       See 
    Caldwell, 117 A.3d at 770
    (“challenge to the
    imposition of [defendant’s] consecutive sentences as unduly excessive,
    together with [a] claim that the court failed to consider [] rehabilitative needs
    upon fashioning its sentence, presents a substantial question.”). As such, we
    turn to the merits of his claim.
    Our standard of review is as follows:
    Sentencing is a matter vested in the sound discretion of the
    sentencing judge, and a sentence will not be disturbed on appeal
    ____________________________________________
    4 While Appellant does not overtly assail the consecutive nature of the
    sentence, he does so implicitly by challenging the length of his aggregate
    sentence.
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    J-S79017-18
    absent a manifest abuse of discretion. In this context, an abuse
    of discretion is not shown merely by an error in judgment. Rather,
    the appellant must establish, by reference to the record, that the
    sentencing court ignored or misapplied the law, exercised its
    judgment for reasons of partiality, prejudice, bias or ill will, or
    arrived at a manifestly unreasonable decision.
    
    Id. Initially, we
    note that the trial court received, and reviewed, a
    pre-sentence investigation (PSI) report prior to sentencing.           See N.T.,
    1/3/2018, at 5.   This Court has recently reiterated:
    When imposing a sentence, the sentencing court must consider
    the factors set out in 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 9721(b), that is, the
    protection of the public, gravity of offense in relation to impact on
    victim and community, and rehabilitative needs of the defendant.
    *           *            *
    A judge's statement of the reasons for imposing a particular
    sentence must clearly show that he has given individualized
    consideration to the character of the defendant. In addition:
    Where pre-sentence reports exist, we shall continue
    to presume that the sentencing judge was aware of
    relevant information regarding the defendant's
    character and weighed those considerations along
    with mitigating statutory factors. A presentence
    report constitutes the record and speaks for itself. In
    order to dispel any lingering doubt as to our intention
    of engaging in an effort of legal purification, we state
    clearly that sentencers are under no compulsion to
    employ checklists or any extended or systematic
    definitions of their punishment procedure. Having
    been fully informed by the pre-sentence report, the
    sentencing court's discretion should not be disturbed.
    Accordingly, where the sentencing judge had the benefit of a
    pre-sentence report, it will be presumed that he was aware of
    relevant information regarding appellant's character and weighed
    those considerations along with the mitigating statutory factors.
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    Commonwealth v. Conte, 
    2018 WL 5666923
    , at *5 (Pa. Super. November
    1, 2018). Because the trial court had the benefit of a PSI report, we presume
    that it considered the required statutory factors when sentencing Appellant.
    Finally, upon our review of the sentencing transcript, we conclude that
    the trial court stated its reasons on the record regarding Appellant’s potential
    for rehabilitation. The trial court first noted that Appellant lacked remorse and
    failed to accept responsibility for his crimes. Instead, Appellant claimed that
    the victims fabricated the crimes because he would not buy them alcohol.
    N.T., 1/3/2018, at 30-32. The trial court also concluded that Appellant’s risk
    of re-offense was “significant,” because of “the predatory nature of the
    offenses, [] breach of trust, [and] progressive conduct.” 
    Id. at 33.
    As such,
    we reject Appellant’s argument that the trial court failed to consider
    rehabilitation when fashioning its sentence.
    Judgment of sentence affirmed.
    Judgment Entered.
    Joseph D. Seletyn, Esq.
    Prothonotary
    Date: 02/04/2019
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