Com. v. Poe, R. ( 2020 )

J-S67015-19
NON-PRECEDENTIAL DECISION - SEE SUPERIOR COURT I.O.P. 65.37
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA : IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF
: PENNSYLVANIA
:
v. :
:
:
RONALD LEE POE :
:
Appellant : No. 1200 MDA 2019
Appeal from the Judgment of Sentence Entered June 18, 2019
In the Court of Common Pleas of Lancaster County Criminal Division at
No(s): CP-36-CR-0003989-2018
BEFORE: OLSON, J., DUBOW, J., and STEVENS, P.J.E.*
MEMORANDUM BY OLSON, J.: FILED JANUARY 07, 2020
Appellant, Ronald Lee Poe, appeals from the judgment of sentence
entered on June 18, 2019, following his jury trial conviction for persons not to
possess a firearm.1 We affirm.
The trial court summarized the facts of this case as follows:
[O]n June 24, 2018, at approximately 4:00 p.m., [Trooper
Timothy Richartz (“Richartz”) of the Pennsylvania State Police
(“PSP”)] and other troopers arrived at [a residence on] Tanning
Yard Hollow Road in Drumore Township for service of a warrant
on Lisa McCall (“McCall”). When Appellant came out of the house,
Richartz asked if McCall was at the residence. Initially, Appellant
stated he just woke up and did not know where she was. When
Richartz informed Appellant that PSP received a tip that McCall
was at his residence, Appellant invited Richartz into the house
where McCall was located. Once McCall was in custody, [the PSP]
left the residence.
____________________________________________
* Former Justice specially assigned to the Superior Court.
1 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 6105.
J-S67015-19
During a subsequent interview, McCall told Richartz she arrived at
Appellant’s residence at 4:30 p.m. When Richartz noted that was
not possible because [the PSP] arrived at 4:00 p.m., McCall stated
she arrived at 3:30 p.m. McCall told Richartz that she bought
three bags of heroin from Appellant for $30[.00], and he gave her
some methamphetamine for free. McCall said they used some of
the narcotics in Appellant’s room. McCall further stated the heroin
was in three white bags with a money symbol on them, and she
threw the empty bags in the trash can in Appellant’s room.
Based on information provided by McCall, Richartz obtained a
search warrant for the residence. According to the search
warrant, McCall told Richartz that while they were in Appellant’s
bedroom she saw heroin in raw form which Appellant placed into
three bags for her. McCall also saw methamphetamine the size of
a golf ball from which Appellant removed a small piece and gave
it to her. McCall further stated that Appellant ke[pt] his narcotics
in a black bag in his bedroom next to the dresser, she [] observed
him hide narcotics in vehicles on his property to avoid police
detection, she believed he cook[ed] methamphetamine in his
basement, and she was told he may have a firearm. During a
subsequent search of the residence, Richartz located a black bag
containing heroin, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia just
outside Appellant’s room in a stack of brown boxes. A .32 caliber
gun was located in a green bag inside Appellant’s bedroom behind
the door. At the completion of the search, Appellant was taken
into custody and transported to the Troop J Barracks.
At the police station, Richartz used a written form to read
Appellant his Miranda[2] rights, and he gave Appellant a copy to
follow along. After reading Appellant his Miranda rights Richartz
asked, “[d]o you understand your rights I’ve explained to you?”
Appellant responded, “yes.” Richartz then asked whether
Appellant wished to make a statement. Appellant responded by
shaking his head no and stating, “no, I haven’t thought about it.”
Richartz then clarified by asking, “do you want to answer some
questions? If you don’t want to, that’s fine.” Richartz testified
that he interpreted Appellant’s response as him shrugging yes.
Richartz further testified that at no time did Appellant mention the
word lawyer.
____________________________________________
2 Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966).
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Thereafter, Appellant wrote his initials beside each “yes” mark
that Richartz had checked on the Miranda rights form,
acknowledging he understood his rights and he wanted to give a
statement. Richartz testified that at no time during the interview
did Appellant say he wanted to stop the interview or get a lawyer.
Richartz noted that because Appellant appeared to answer all of
his questions willingly, he never thought Appellant did not want to
speak with him.
While they were together, Richartz did not threaten Appellant,
engage in a show of force, or yell at him. Appellant was not
handcuffed during the interview. Richartz believed Appellant’s
behavior was normal during the interview based on their prior
interactions. Appellant was alert, coherent, did not appear
intoxicated, understood what was happening, and his decision to
talk with Richartz appeared to be made freely and voluntarily. If
Richartz believed that Appellant did not understand what was
happening, Richartz would have discontinued the interview.
Trial Court Opinion, 8/28/2019, at 3-5 (footnote incorporated).
The Commonwealth charged Appellant with the aforementioned offense,
as well as possession with intent to deliver narcotics (PWID), conspiracy to
commit PWID, possession of a small amount of marijuana, and possession of
drug paraphernalia.3 Prior to trial, Appellant filed motions to suppress the
physical evidence recovered after executing the search warrant, as well as his
subsequent statement to police. Appellant claimed there were material
omissions contained in the affidavit of probable cause and that he invoked his
rights to remain silent and to be represented by an attorney pursuant to
Miranda. The trial court held a suppression hearing on November 8, 2018,
following which it denied Appellant relief. On April 10, 2019, a jury trial found
Appellant guilty of persons not to possess a firearm offense. Prior to
____________________________________________
3 35 P.S. § 780-113(a)(30), 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 903, 35 P.S. § 780-113(a)(31),
and 35 P.S. § 780-113(a)(32).
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J-S67015-19
sentencing, the Commonwealth nol prossed the remaining crimes. On June
18, 2019, the trial court sentenced Appellant to five to ten years of
incarceration. This timely appeal resulted.4
On appeal, Appellant presents the following issues for our review:
1. Whether the [t]rial [c]ourt erred in not granting the
suppression of the search warrant for [the residence] on
Tanning Hollow Road on June 24, 2018, as the affidavit of
probable cause contained material omissions/misstatements of
fact relied upon by the magisterial district judge in making a
finding of probable cause and approving the warrant.
Specifically, Lisa McCall did not know when she arrived at [the
subject residence] on June 24, 2018, and Lisa McCall was under
the influence of methamphetamines and heroin when she
spoke to the Pennsylvania State Police Trooper on June 24,
2018. This information was omitted by the affiant of the search
warrant.
2. Whether the [t]rial [c]ourt erred in not suppressing
[Appellant’s] custodial statement given to the police on June
25, 2018, as [Appellant’s] Miranda waiver was not intelligent,
knowing and voluntary. Specifically, [Appellant] shook his
head in the negative when the police asked him whether he
wished to answer questions. Moreover, [Appellant] told the
police after Miranda warnings were given and he was asked
whether he wished to answer questions, he responded “no, I
haven’t thought about it” and references the word lawyer. In
response to these verbal and body responses, Trooper Richartz
did not engage in clarification questions but immediately
proceeded with the custodial interrogation. This was done in
violation of Article I, Section 9 of the Pennsylvania Constitution
and the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Appellant’s Brief at 4.
____________________________________________
4 Appellant filed a notice of appeal on July 18, 2019 and a concise statement
of errors complained of on appeal pursuant to Pa.R.A.P. 1925(b) on August 5,
2019. The trial court filed an opinion pursuant to Pa.R.A.P. 1925(a) on August
28, 2019.
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J-S67015-19
This Court's well-settled standard of review of a denial of a motion to
suppress evidence is as follows:
An appellate court's standard of review in addressing a challenge
to the denial of a suppression motion is limited to determining
whether the suppression court's factual findings are supported by
the record and whether the legal conclusions drawn from those
facts are correct. Because the Commonwealth prevailed before the
suppression court, we may consider only the evidence of the
Commonwealth and so much of the evidence for the defense as
remains uncontradicted when read in the context of the record as
a whole. Where the suppression court's factual findings are
supported by the record, the appellate court is bound by those
findings and may reverse only if the court's legal conclusions are
erroneous. Where the appeal of the determination of the
suppression court turns on allegations of legal error, the
suppression court's legal conclusions are not binding on an
appellate court, whose duty it is to determine if the suppression
court properly applied the law to the facts. Thus, the conclusions
of law of the courts below are subject to plenary review.
Commonwealth v. Jones, 121 A.3d 524, 526–527 (Pa. Super. 2015)
(internal citation, original brackets, and ellipsis omitted).
We have carefully reviewed the certified record, the submissions of the
parties, and the thorough opinion issued by the trial court on August 28, 2019.
Based upon our review, we are satisfied that the affidavit of probable cause
did not contain material omissions to invalidate the search warrant at issue.
Here, the trial court determined that a minor discrepancy regarding McCall’s
arrival time at the subject residence was not a material fact. Additionally, the
trial court determined that McCall did not appear intoxicated when making
statements to police, but even if she had been, it was not material to whether
there were illegal items located inside Appellant’s residence. Moreover, the
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J-S67015-19
affidavit of probable cause, introduced into evidence at the suppression
hearing, specifically states that McCall and Appellant used drugs together prior
to McCall’s interview with police. Thus, the trial court determined that the
police properly apprised the issuing authority of all of the material facts of this
case before authorization of the search warrant. We discern no error.
Regarding Appellant’s subsequent statements to police, the trial court
noted that while Appellant was not prepared to make a full statement to police,
he was willing to answer their questions. Furthermore, police verbally
explained Appellant’s Miranda rights to him and provided him with a copy of
written Miranda rights prior to interviewing him. Appellant reviewed the
written copy and signed the document, thereby waiving his Miranda rights,
before answering police questions. Moreover, the trial court credited Trooper
Richartz testimony that despite receiving Miranda warnings, Appellant never
invoked his right to an attorney. Finally, we note that upon review of the
certified record, the trial court viewed a video and audio recording of the entire
interaction between the police and Appellant before ultimately denying
suppression. Based upon all of the foregoing, the trial court determined that
Appellant knowingly and intelligently waived his right to remain silent and his
right to counsel prior to giving his statement to police. Again, we discern no
error.
Because the trial court's opinion adequately and accurately addresses
the claims Appellant presents on appeal, we adopt the trial court's August 28,
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J-S67015-19
2019 opinion as our own. The parties are hereafter directed to include a copy
of the trial court's August 28, 2019 opinion with all future filings pertaining to
our disposition of this appeal.
Judgment of sentence affirmed.
Judgment Entered.
Joseph D. Seletyn, Esq.
Prothonotary
Date: 1/07/2020
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f 1_up1n1on
Circulated 12/16/2019 11:20 AM
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA ..
•
1200MDA 2019
VS.
·CP-36-CR-00.03989.:20 18 ·�·:,,
,;r
RONALD. LEE POE
i>A R.A.f>� l92S OPINION
BY.TOTARO,J.
. Presently before the. Superior Court of Pennsylvania is an appeal filed by Ronald �e P.qe
(�'Appellant'') from thejudgment of sentence imposed on June 18;2019. For the-reasons stated
herein, the· appeal should be denied.
On June. 24, 2018;. Trooper Timothy Richartz .("Ri(:ha11z") of'the Pennsylvania· State
Polic.et'PSP'�l exeeuted.a search warrant at Appellant's residence located al 1237 Tanning Yard
Hollow Road;Dr.um:oretownship,;LancasterCounty, Pennsylvania. (Notes of Testimony,
Suppression Hearing at 5"6) C'N:T�S.H;"); Based ()n evidence found in ihe.residence, Appellant
was charged with. person not to possess a firearm, possession wijh intent.io deliver heroin and
merhamphctaniine, conspiracy to possess with intent to. deliver a controlled substance, possession
ofa small amount.of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. See Criminal
Information.'
On October 19� 2018, Appellant filed a motion to suppress evidence obtained pursuant.to
the search warrant by claiming the affidavit of probable cause contained material omissions, See
Omnibus Pretrial Motion. Appellant-also soughtto suppress the statement he gave to police: by
1
l8 Pa.CS.A. 6 IOS;JSP:S. § 780-113(�)(30); 18.Pa.C.S�A. § 903; 35 P.S. § 780�1 IJ(a){3l)�
und 35 .P,S, ij 780-1 I 3(tt}(32} respcc�iv.ely, ·· · · · · ·
·-------··--------
2�0pinion
alleging he invoked his Miranda rightto remainsilent, Id. In an amended motion filed on
NovemberS, 2018,.AppeJlanf further claimed his statement to poficeshouldbesuppressed
because he invoked his right to an attorney. See Amended Omnibus Pretrial Motion.
Following a suppression hearingheld on NovernberS; 2018, the court entered an order
denying the suppression moiions. 'See Order. 2/8/ 19;, · Thereafter. on April to. 2.0 rs, the parties
proceeded to aj ury trial onthe charge of person not to possess a firearm, at which time Appellant
was found guilty, (Notes
. of Testimony,. Trial at 177)
. ("'N.T."),
. On June 18; 2019;. the court
.
imposed a standard range guidel ine sentence of five to ten years Incarceratiorr, (Notes of
Testimony, Sentencing, at.7, 23)t�N.T:S/').2
On July 18, 2019� Appellant filed a Notice of Appeal to the Superior Court. On August
5,2019, Appellant filed a Statement of Errors C0.n1plained ·Of on. Appeal {''Statement") alleging.
the trial court erred. in: (1) not suppressing 'the. fruits of the search warrant because the affidavit of
probable cause contained material omissions.or misstatements ofmaterial fact; and (2) not
Suppressing Appellant'-s statement.to police because his Mira1.14Cl waiver was not.intelligent;
.knowing and voluntary. See Statement "Thisoplnion.is written pursuantto Rule 1925(a) ofthe
Pennsylvania Rules or Appellate Procedure..
-. DISClISSION
When a motion to suppress has been.filed.jhe burdenis orrthe-Commonwealth to
establish by a. preponderance..of the evidence· that.the.challenged evidence is. admissible.
Cv,m>wnweallh v. Bowmaster, .1 OJ A3d 789, 792 (Pa. Super.2014). When the Commonwealth
prevails on a motion to suppress eviden¢¢before>the t.r.ial 'court, an, appellate court may consider.
2
Prior. to sentencing.the Commonwealth.nol-prossed the re1nairiing counts. (N.T;s. at2).
2
i_upm1on
only the Commonwealth's evidence and so much of'the evidence for the defense as remains
uncontradicted when read in the context of the record as a whole, Commonwealth v, Edwards,
194 A.3d 625, 631 (Pa. St1per.2018).
"It is within the.suppression courr's.sole province as factfindertq:p�sson the.credibility
of witnesses and the weight to be given their testimony," Commonwealth v, Dutrteville, 932.
A.2d 240, 242 (Pa; Super:
. . Commcnwealth v: . Elmobtiy, 823 A2d 18.0, 18J(Pa'.
2007) (quoting
.
Super; 200])). Furthermore.where tile record supports the factual findings of the trial court, tlw
appellate court is bound by those facts and may reverse- only if the legal.conel usions drawn
therefrom are in error, Commonwealth. v: Wilmer, 194 A.3d 564, 567 (Pa. 2018).
In the present case, T roo.per Richartz testified at the suppression hearing. that.on June J4;
2018,.at approximately 4�90 p.m., he. and other troopers arrived at T23 7 Tanning Yard Hollow
Road iii Drumore Township for service ofa warrant on Lisa McCall e·McCall''). (N.T.S.H. at9-
l .l ). When Appellantcame out of the. house, Richartz asked hint if McCall was at the residence.
kl. at 12; (nitia.tly� Appellant stated h,ejust' woke. up and did not know where she was. Id When
Richartz informed.Appellant.that PSPreceived a tip McCall was at his residence; Appellant
Invited Richartz into the house where McCall was located, Id at l2-i3. Once McCall wasin
custodys - troopersleftthe residence. Id at J3.;
During.a subsequent interview, McCall told Richartz she arrived at Appellant's residence
at 4:30JJ;i11. (N,T.S.H; at 16);. When Richartz.notedtharwas not possible because troopers
arrived at 4:00 p.m., McC.all stated she arrived at 3 :3.Q p.m. _ Id. McCall told Richartzthat she
bought three bags of heroin Irom Appellant for. $30, and.he gave hersome methamphetarnine for
free. Id at 14. McCall said they-then used some of.the narcotics in.Appellant's room, Id.
3_
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 2_0pinion
McCall further stated the heroin was.in three white bagswith a money syinboL9n them, and.she
threw. the etnpty bags. into the: trash can in Appellant's room. Id at L8.
Based on information provided by McCall) Richartz obtained a-search warrant for the
residence. (N;T$.H. at t8\ Corii.S.H. Exh. 1.5 During a subsequent search of the.residence,
Richartz located a black bag containing·. heroin, methamphetarnine and drug..paraphernalia just
.
outside Appellant's room in a stack of brown boxes. (N.T.SJJ, at 2 I), A .32 caliber gun was
located ina green b�gi11sideAppellarifs.bedroofu behind the door. 'Id, At the completion of the
search, Appellant was taken.into custody· and transported to the Tro�p J Barracks. Id. at21 �22 .
At the police station, Richartz used.a written form to. read Appellanthis;i\1irai1datights,
and he gave Appellant a copy to follow alo11g. (N.J:S:H. a:t25:.�7);: C::9I11; S.R Exh'.. 2. After
reading Appellant.his Mirqnda rights.Richartz asked, ''[dJo you understand your rights I've
expfa11Jt!� to you?" (N.T.S.JI. at 26.). Appellant.responciett. "yes." Id. Richartz thenaskea
whether Appellant wished to make a statement. Id. Appel lant responded by shaking his head no
and stating, .. no, Ihaven't thought about it." Id Richartz then clarified.by asking "do you want.
to answer some questions? I f'you don't want. to, that's.fine," . Id at .34. Richartz testified. that he
interpreted Appellant' s response as him shrugging yes. Id. at 26. Richartz further testified that at
no time.did Appellant mention the word lawyer. Id. ai34.
3
. According to thesearch warrant, McCall told Richartzthat while they were in Appellant's.
bedroom she.suw beroin in raw form which Appellant placed into three bags for her. See Aftidavitof
Probable Calise, at, 2, M.�Call also saw rn�tl)amph�tamine the size of a golf b�II from which Appellant
removed a smal I piece and gave to her; Id. McCal I forth er stated that Appetlantkeeps his narcotics in a
black bag ii1 his. bedroom next tothe aresser, she has observed Appe] 1a,1fhide ntir¢citics in. vehicles on his
property to � vo iGI po I ice detect ion, she be I ieved he cooks meth am phetam ine ill his basement; and she was
told he: may have a Ilreann. Id: at 111 J.,:4, The �ffidavit.also states tllarApp.ella11t has three prior feloil.9
drug convictions. Ii.I. all S. .
4
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Thereafter, Appellant wrote his initials beside each "yes" mark that, Richartz had checked
on the. Miranda rig�ts form, acl<:n()wledging he understood his -rights and he wanted to give a
statement. (N.T.S;H.. at '26'."11.);. Com. S.H. .Exh. 2 .. Richartz testified that atno time during the
interview did Appellant say he wantedto stop the interview or get alawyer. (N,T.S.H. at 31).
Richartz noted 'that because Appellant appeared to answer all of his questions willingly. he never
thouglJ,i
. Appellant
.
did no.t. wanttc speak with him, Id
While.they were.together, Richartz did not. threaten Appellant, engage in a show of force,
or yell at him. (N. T:SJI. at 24). Appellant-was not handcuffed during the interview• ld; at. JR.
Richartz believed Appellant's demeanor was normal during the interview based on their prior
interactions. Id at23�24, Appellant
.
was alert;. coherent, did not appear intoxicated, understood
what was happening, and his.decision-to talk-with Richartz appeared to be made freely and
voluntarify. Id at24-2S. lf'R.ichartz 1:!eli¢v�d t�arAppeJl�nt did.no; understand what was
happening, Richartz would have discontinued the, interview. Jd. at25.
In his first issue, Appellant alleges the affidavit ofprobable cause for the search warrant
contained material omissions or n1iss{ate:;n1ents of'the facts which were relied upon tiY the
magisterial district judge in making a.flnding of probable cause and appr:oving the warrant. S�E?
Statement,. Specifically<;
. . . Appellant avers
. the
. affiant of the search. wartant
. omitted
. the factthat
.
MtCaU didnotknow \Vhen,slie�rriye.d.atAppeBanf sresidence on the day in.question, Iii.
Appellant further claims the affidavit of.probable cause.failed to explain that McCall was under
the influence of'drugs at.the.time ofher police interview. /•,·
"Probable cause exists where the facts and eircumstances within the affiant'sknowledge
arid of which. he has reasonably trust\Yorthy. information.are sufficient inthemsel yes to warrant a.
5
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2_0pinion
man of reasonable. caution. in the beliefthat a. search should be conducted." Commonwealth v:
Leed,186 A.3d 405.
. 413 (Pa, 2018)(quoting Co11111ionwea.llh
. v. Johnson. :42 A,3d 1017,.1031
(Pa. 2012)), In deciding whether there is sufficient probable cause, theissuing authority must
apply the totality ofthe circumstances test, "which requires her to make a practical,
common-sense decision whether, giVen .all of the circumstances set.forth in th.� affidavitj.]
including the veracityand basis of knowledge ofpersons suppl yin� hearsay. information, there is
.a fair probability that.contraband or evidence ofa crime .Will be found.in a particular place."
John:Wri,42 A. 3dat 1031 (internal quotation marks orniued).
111 reviewing-a search warrant. the reviewing court need.only determine whether "a
substantial basis existed for the [issuing authority] to find probable cause." Johnson, 42. A.3d at
1031. Moreover, "[iJn analyzing whether a warrant was' supported by probable cause.judicial.
review Js confined tothe follr comers of the affidavit." CiJinmonweq/ih v. Cole1.nan, 830 A2d
5.54� 560 (Pa, 20QJ), The· standard for addressing an alleged omission ofmaterial facts is as
follows:
Where a defendant alleg�fth�t material facls, were omitted from ap affidavit, we.
conslderj l}whetherthe officerwithhelda hfghly relevantfact.within hisknowledge,
where any reasonable person would have known that this was the kind of thing. the
judge would wish to know and (�) whether· th�, affidavit · would have provided
probable cause if it had contained a disclosure of'theomitted information. This. type.
of challenge typically applies where the omission: of facts tended to mislead. the
magistrate as' to the ve:r�city ofthe facts iqqluqed. Th� p;rtinent anal ysis is· whether
inclusion of the omitted material facts would have undermined the other facts inthe
affidavit that gave rise. to probable cause.
C01i1111tmwe£1/th v. Gould,. . 187 A.3d 927, 94.0. ( .Pa. Super. 20.18}. (internal citations and 'quotations
omitted). Courts.have held that, even where an.officer'sstatements inan a:ffjd�vitwere.
"misleading. by omission," arid where the omission was deliberate.Jnvalidation offhe warrant
6
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was not necessary because the omission was '(not an attempt to create probable cause where none
existed" and because the affidavit stillY'oulq have presented.probable cause ff the full
information had been included. Cmnmomt;ealih "· Taylor, 850 A.2d 68,4� 689 (Pa. Super. 2004)
(quoting Commonwealth )>. Yer.get, 482 A.2d 984, 990-9 I (Pa. Super. 1984)).
hi response to Appellant's claim that fyfcCa.11 's confusion asto whenis.he arrived at the
residence was amaterial omission, Riehartztestifled that in his experience people sometimes
tend to "be off; when trying to remember the timing.ofincidents, (�t TS;H. at J 6); .He did not
include McCall's. confusion in the.affidavit becauseshe corrected her arrival time.after being told
she could not have arrived at4:3.0 p.m. .ld. As such, this omission does hot appear to be an
attempt by Richartz to .create probable cause where 119ne existed. Moreover, the discrepancy in
arrival time of one hour does not appear. to. be a.material fact.
As to AppelJant's claim that the; affidavit of probal:!l!:?causefailed.to.explainMcCfillwas
under the influence ofdrugs at the time.of" her police interview. there is- no evidence to suggest
McCall was tinder the influence of'drugs at the time of the interview. Rather, Richartz testified
that McCall was alert, coherent, and .did not appear to be intoxicated during the interview.
(N. TS.H. at· 14. J 5). Riehartz knows what-signs to look for in someone who· is intoxicated, and
he would have stopped the.interview if he believed McCall was intoxicated, Id. Furthermore,
the.affidavit specifically stated that McCall and.Appellant "shot up some.of.the.heroin/meth
together'; after Appellant sold the drugs to McCall. See. Affidavit of Probable Cause at 1 2.
Thus, the issuing authority was informed that McCall had used drugs prior to Iler interview,
Assuming, arguendi), this information should have. been included in the affidavit,
invalidation ofthe warrant is not appropriate because theaffidavit still would have presented
7
,
_
.. ..,, .._, ,, , , __,, __ __
, ,
. _
probable cause if'the full information had peen included. According to the affidavit, McCall
informed Richartz that Appellant provided her with heroin and methamphetamine inside
Appellant's .bedroom earlier that day, the .small piece of'methamphetamine he gave her was taken
from a larger piece the size of.a golf ball, Appellant keeps his narcotics in his bedroom, she has
observed him hide.narcotics-in-vehicles on the.property to avoid confiscation.by police, she was
told Appellant may have a firearm, she believed he cooked methamphetamine in the basement,
she saw empty boxes of Suda:fed inside the residence, and she knew of two other residents at .the
house whosold and consumed narcotics in her presence. Ser: Affidavit of Probable.Cause.
Additionally, Richartz stated he knows Sudafed is. a precursor used to manufacture
methamphetamine based on his training and.experience..a-check of AppellanJ'scrirninal.hisiory
indicated he had three prior felony drug convictions (35 P.S, § 780:. i l3(a)(30)), and within the
past two months individuals arrested by Richartzfor possession of narcotics or paraphernalia told
him · that.Appellant sells methamphetamine Cr,001 his-residence. See Affidavit ofProbable Cause,
Based on all. ofthe. above: the court concluded that the omissions referenced by Appellant
were not material, they were not an attempt to create probable cause where none existed.they did
not tend Io.mislead the niagisfraie:as to the veracity of the facts included· in the search warrant
affidavit, and the affidavit would.have provided probable. cause even if it had contained a
disclosure of the omitted information, Therefore, the court denied the suppr.essionjnotion:'
" Appellant also alleged in his pre-lrial motion thatthere.were material omisslons because the
aiTidavit of probable cause did notstate McCall was 011 parole for recklessly endangering another person
or pro ba tion for possess io11 of drlig paraphe11falia at the iiiHe of the warran r, See' Orrin i bus Pre-Trial
Motion. Furthermore, AppeUant argued there w.a$,,�l material omission.because the a:fficiav.k did noi state
McCall would not be. charged with possession 'Of a controlled substance eveJJ though she. admitted-to
police she. used drugs at Appellai1t 's house .thatday, Id. Because Appellant did riot raise these sp��ific
issues in his Statement they are deemed waived. 8ee Commo,�w,mlt.l.lv. Eord, 719 A2d l06; 309 (Pa.
2_0pinion
In his second issue; Appellant.argues the trial court erred in not suppressing the statement
he gave to police because his· Mtranda Waiver was not intelligent, knowing, and voluntary. See.
Statement More specifically, Appellant claimshe shook his head in the negative when police
asked him whether he wished to answer questions, he responded ":J don't think so," and police
did riot seek to clarityAppellant' � verbal or body responses. ld.5
A police officer must administer Mii'anda warnings prior to. custodial-interrogation,
Commonwealth v. Biikei,.24 A.Jd 1006, I Dl 9 (Pa. Supet.2011). Custodial interrogation means
"questioning initiated by law enforcement officers after a person bas been taken i{ito custody or
otherwise deprived of his freedom of action in any signi ficant, way�'' Miranda v. Arizona, 384
U:S. 43'6; 444 (1966). In determiningwhether.an individual.is in custody for purposes of
Mitanda, the "ultimate.inquiry .... iswhetherthere [was] a 'formal arrest or restraint on freedom
ofmovement' of the degree associated with a formal arrest." Cpmmonwia�lh.:v; Cooliy, 118
A.3.d 370,376 (Pa. 20lS)(quotit:1g:St�nsburyv. California, 511 U.S. 31'8,322 (1994)).
Presently, Appellant was questioned by police officers. after. being taken into custody.
l 998), Ass:..11ning;wgu(?nd.o, these issuesare'not waived, the affidavit.clearly states thattfooperstook
McCall 111to custody for a·�warrantserv.ice" because she was entered into .CLEAN! NCIC as befog.
wanted· by the L�1tca�ter County$h�riff's Office; S¢e Affidavit of Probable Cause at 1 1. There(dr¢, the
a
issuing authority was 'inforined that McCall was taken i11to police custody pursuant to. warrant. Even· if
the charges or reason for the warraiit were not specified, such · inforniadbi1 would not have undermined
the odwr. fitcls listed in the affidavi]. As to drug use.Richartz testified he d id not find any drugs or drug
paraphernalia on. Mc.Call before obtaining the warrailt and there was no evidence Jct corroborate her
adntission. (N�T:S.H. at4T}. Thus, Richartz concluded he could not charge McCall wifha crime prior to
a. search of.the residence based on.her statement.alone, Id. at J 8; 42. See CQ1m11onwea/1b v.Taylor, 831
A.2d. 587.. 590. (Pa. ·20mna confession is not evidence in the absence of'proofofthe corpus delicti).
s in a pre-trial motion, Appellant also-alleged he .told pol ice ••No, .not wiihouta lawyer; no" in
response to Whether he would answer questibns; See. Amended Omnibus Pre-trial Motion. However, this.
issue is deemed waived because itwas not raised iii Appellant's Statement, See Lord; 719 A ..2d at 309 ..
Assuming, arguendo, Jhe issue is not waived, Trooper Richartz testifi�d that at no time did Appellant use
the word lawyer or ask.for alawyer, (N.T:S;J'l. a(Jl, 34).
9
2_:0pinion
Once a suspect is subjected to custodial inierrogatien, any statements made are admissible
if the Commonwealth, can prove the suspect "knowingly and intelligently waived his privilege
against.selfeincriminarion and his right to counsel." Commonwealth v, Sem�bQrough,42.1 A.2.d
147, l53{Pa. 1980). Adetermination of whether a suspect has made-a knowingand intelligent
waiver is based on the totality of the circumstances. Commonwealthv. Barry, 454 A2d 985, 9'88
(Pa. 1.982). The Commonwealth mus.t prove by a preponderance of'the evidence thatthe
statement was voluntary and the waiver was. intelligent anti knowing. Commonwealth v..
Ed,1 C1rd\·,555 A.2d .8.18,: 826 (Pa. 1989).
1
AU interrogation musrccaseif'an individual.stateshe wishes to exercise any of his rights
after being advised qfMirandC1wa..rnings. Commonwealth v... Lukach, 19.5 A.3d 176, 185 (Pa.
2018). However, "if-a suspect-makes a reference to.an .attorney that is .arnbigpous or equivocal. in
that a: reasonable officerin light.of the circumstances would haveundersiood onlytha! the.
suspeclh1ight.beir1yokiugtherighJ to counsel, our precedents d9 not require the cessation of
questioning." Davis v: UnitedSuuss, 512 U.S. 452,459 (f994){emphasis in original). "The
inquiry into whether or not.a suspect has invoked the. right to counsel is an objective one."
Commonwealthv. Chamimev, 161A.3d2651273(Pa. Super. 2017). Invocation of'the rightto
remain silent in response to Miranda warnings must also beunambiguous and objectively clear;
See Be11:huis v. ThoiiipfId. at 26-::27. Appellant then voluntarily answered
questions and ar no time did he stop to invoke his right to remain silent. Id: at .3 1.
As noted, invocation of the right to remain silent in response to Miranda warnings must
be unambiguous and objectively clear. For example, the.Pennsylvania Supreme Court found in
Lukach that the appellant. had unani pigµpusJy invoked his rigllt \O remain silent whenhe said he
was done talking •. The present case is dearly distinguishable, Appellant never said he did not
want to talk. to. police,
. Rather;. Appellantshook.
. his head in the negative arrd �aid he had not
thought about whether he wanted to makea.statement. AP.pell�nt's statement tlwJ he; hadn't.
thought about it is similar to the phrase ·t don 'l know," and indicates Appellant was unsure of
how to proceed. Viewing the.interaction asa-whole,J1 r¢a�ptlable officer would norhave
concluded that Appellant unambiguously invoked his right to remain silent. Therefore, the court
did not suppress Appellant's statement to police.'
7
At triai, the.courr instructed thej ury that.the Commonwealth must prove the stafemeht was.
vofontary and there was no violationof'A,/irimda rights by.apreponderance of the evidence-before. the
jury could consider the statementas evidence agains; Appellant. (NS. at I 5.6.; 162) .
. ll
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·CONCI.USION
Based on the. foregoing, the suppression court did not err when it denied Appellant's
motions to suppress. The omissions from the-affidavit.referenced by Appellant were not
material, they were not.an attemptto create probable.cause where none existed, and they did not
tend to mislead the magistrate as to the veracity of the facts included in the search warrant
affidavit, Furthermore, the affidavit would have provided probable cause even ifit had contained
a disclosure of'the omitted information. As to his statement, the court properly found that
Appellant did not invoke his right to remain.silent. Therefore, this appeal should be denied.
BY THE COURT:
August 2�L 20 I 9 �,2.
·.· TrlC:
.. DATE. DONALD R. TOT ARb •.JlJDGE
ATTEST:
Copies: Travis S, Anderson, Esquire, Assis tam Qi strict Attorney
Randall L Miller� Esquire; C::otinsel for. AppeH�rit
1:2.
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