State of Washington v. Daniel Lyle Schrecengost ( 2015 )

FILED
APRIL 23, 2015
In the Office of the Clerk of Court
WA State Court of Appeals, Division III
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
DIVISION THREE
STATE OF WASHINGTON, )
) No. 31678-5-III
Respondent, ) (consolidated with
) No. 32259-9-III)
v. )
)
DANIEL L. SCHRECENGOST, )
)
Appellant. )
-------------------------------------------------- )
In re the Petition for Relief from Personal )
Restraint of: )
)
DANIEL L. SCHRECENGOST, ) UNPUBLISHED OPINION
)
Petitioner. )
SIDDOWAY, C.J. -After admitting to a year-long sexual relationship with a 12- and
later 13-year-old girl, 38-year-old Daniel Schrecengost pleaded guilty to two counts of
second degree child rape, reserving the right to request a Special Sexual Offender
Sentencing Alternative (SSOSA) disposition. Mr. Schrecengost acknowledged his crimes,
voluntarily sought therapy, and was otherwise eligible for the sentencing alternative. The
sentencing court refused to impose a special disposition, however, explaining that it didn't
Nos. 31678-5-III; 32259-9-III
State v. Schrecengost; PRP o/Schrecengost
think a SSOSA was appropriate given a sexual relationship initiated by Mr. Schrecengost
that it characterized as "way outside the bounds." Report of Proceedings (RP) at 95-96.
Mr. Schrecengost argues on appeal that the trial court abused its discretion by
failing to take into account all the factors that weighed in favor of his eligibility for a
SSOSA disposition. He also argues that a sentencing condition imposed by the court-
prohibiting contact with minor females-failed to consider that Mr. Schrecengost has an
adolescent daughter and violated his right to parent. In a timely personal restraint
petition (PRP) consolidated with the appeal, Mr. Schrecengost seeks to withdraw his
guilty plea based on an alleged misunderstanding of mandatory terms of community
custody.
The trial court did not abuse its discretion by basing its refusal to impose a SSOSA
on the extent and circumstances of Mr. Schrecengost's offense. As to the community
custody condition, the record could support an exception in the case of the daughter, and
because there was no express consideration of parent-child contact we remand for
clarification of the condition.
For those reasons, because Mr. Schrecengost's statement of additional grounds
presents no meritorious challenge, and because his PRP fails to demonstrate actual and
substantial prejudice from any misunderstanding of community custody terms, we affirm
the judgment and sentence, remand for the limited purpose of clarifying the community
custody terms as they relate to Mr. Schrecengost's daughter, and dismiss his PRP.
2
Nos. 31678-5-III; 32259-9-III
State v. Schrecengost; PRP ofSchrecengost
FACTS AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND
Between August 2008 and July 2010, Mr. Schrecengost lived in a rental home
with a woman and her two children: a son and a daughter, J.G. Mr. Schrecengost rented
the upstairs of the home and the woman rented the downstairs, but 1.G. slept upstairs on a
couch in the living room.
About a year into the shared rental, Mr. Schrecengost woke 1.G. up one night and
performed digital and oral intercourse on her. J.G. was then 12 years old. Mr.
Schrecengost continued to engage in this sexual activity with 1.G. until October 2009,
when he began engaging in penile/vaginal intercourse with her. He continued to engage
in the several sorts of intercourse with 1.G. at night and after school, until he moved out
of the shared home in early July 2010. After moving out, he continued to call and visit
1.G. and her family, and in late August 2010 came to the home when J.G. was alone and
had penile/vaginal intercourse with her.
In September 2011, J.G. disclosed to her mother that Mr. Schrecengost had
engaged in sexual intercourse with her during the time he lived in the home. J.G.'s
mother filed a police report and broke off contact with Mr. Schrecengost. When he used
a key that he had retained and attempted to enter the home in October 2011, 1.G.'s
mother barred the door, and thereafter filed a burglary report, changed the locks, and
obtained an order of protection on behalf of J.G.
3
Nos. 31678-5-111; 32259-9-111
State v. Schrecengost; PRP o/Schrecengost
On the day the protective order was obtained, Mr. Schrecengost voluntarily went
to the offices of the Spokane Police Department where he waived his Miranda l rights and
participated in an interview, largely corroborating J.G.'s accusations. In a voicemail that
Mr. Schrecengost left for J.G.'s mother thereafter, he stated that he fell in love with a
"beautiful young girl" and that he believed she was his "soul mate" and that he should not
go to prison for falling in love. Clerk's Papers (CP) at 1.
Mr. Schrecengost was charged with four counts of second degree rape of a child. 2
He agreed to plead guilty to two counts with the understanding that he was free to seek a
SSOSA disposition.
The principal issue at the contested sentencing hearing was whether Mr.
Schrecengost should be given a standard range sentence or the sentencing alternative he
was requesting. Substantial evidence was presented by both sides. The court was
presented with a presentence investigation report; letters from treatment providers to Mr.
Schrecengost; a risk assessment by Dr. Paul Wert, to whom Mr. Schrecengost had been
referred by his lawyer; a polygraph test result; and a packet of seven letters delivered in
support of Mr. Schrecengost. The trial court also reviewed the probable cause affidavit.
1 Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436,86 S. Ct. 1602, 16 L. Ed. 2d 694 (1966).
2 "A person is guilty of rape of a child in the second degree when the person has
sexual intercourse with another who is at least twelve years old but less than fourteen
years old and not married to the perpetrator and the perpetrator is at least thirty-six
months older than the victim." RCW 9A.44.076.
4
Nos. 31678-5-111; 32259-9-111
State v. Schrecengost; PRP ofSchrecengost
Four individuals appeared to make statements in opposition to granting the request for a
SSOSA sentence: lG., her mother, her brother, and J.G.'s boyfriend, who had encouraged
her to report the rapes. Mr. Schrecengost's employer, his aunt, friends, a cousin, and his
mother made statements on his behalf. Mr. Schrecengost also called Priscilla Hannon, a
sex offender treatment provider, to testify to Mr. Schrecengost's exemplary record of
attendance and participation ina treatment group that she facilitated.
The trial court denied Mr. Schrecengost's request for a SSOSA sentence,
explaining that what it "came down to" for the court was "fairly long-term" contact
"between someone who is 37 or 38 and someone who is 12 or 13"-something the court
regarded as "way outside the bounds." RP at 95-96. It concluded, "[I]s it appropriate to
sentence to a SSOSA in this type of a situation? My answer is, no." RP at 96.
The court imposed the required indeterminate sentence, with the minimum being
102 months, the low end of the standard range. Among the conditions imposed for the
period of community custody was that Mr. Schrecengost "not have contact with female
minors unless such contact is approved by the therapist and CCO [community custody
officer] in writing." CP at 65. Mr. Schrecengost appeals.
ANALYSIS
Mr. Schrecengost challenges the court's denial ofa SSOSA sentence and the
community custody term that could prevent him from having contact with his daughter,
who was 11 years old at the time of sentencing.
5
Nos. 31678-5-111; 32259-9-111
State v. Schrecengost; PRP ofSchrecengost
Denial ofSSOSA
The Sentencing Reform Act of 1981, chapter 9.94A RCW, generally provides a
standard range of punishment for criminal offenses. The SSOSA, a special provision for
certain qualifying sex offenders, provides an alternative sentence permitting community
supervision and treatment in lieu of incarceration.
At the time of Mr. Schrecengost's offenses in 2009 and 2010, an offender was
eligible for the special sex offender sentencing alternative if
• He or she was convicted of a sex offense that is not a serious violent
offense or rape in the second degree, and
• He or she has no prior convictions for a felony sex offense in this or
any other state; and no adult conviction for a violent offense in the
five years prior to the date the current offense was committed; and
• The offense did not result in substantial bodily harm to the victim;
and
• There was an established relationship/connection to the victim other
than that resulting from the crime; and
• If the conviction results from a guilty plea, the offender must
voluntarily and affirmatively admit to committing all of the elements
of the crime; and
• The standard sentence range for the offense includes the possibility
of confinement of less than 11 years.
Former RCW 9.94A.670(2) (2010).
If a court finds that an offender is eligible for the alternative, it may order an
examination to determine whether the offender is amenable to treatment. RCW
6
Nos. 31678-5-111; 32259-9-II1
State v. Schrecengost; PRP ofSchrecengost
9.94A.670(3). After receiving the reports, the court shall determine whether the
alternative sentence "is appropriate." RCW 9.94A.670(4). The court shall consider
whether the offender and the community will benefit from use of this
alternative, consider whether the alternative is too lenient in light of the
extent and circumstances of the offense, consider whether the offender has
victims in addition to the victim of the offense, consider whether the
offender is amenable to treatment, consider the risk the offender would
present to the community, to the victim, or to persons of similar age and
circumstances as the victim, and consider the victim's opinion whether the
offender should receive a treatment disposition under this section. The
court shall give great weight to the victim's opinion whether the offender
should receive a treatment disposition under this section.
Former RCW 9.94A.670(4). If the sentence is imposed over the victim's objection, the
court must enter written findings stating its reasons for imposing the treatment disposition.
The grant ofa SSOSA is entirely at a trial court's discretion, so long as the court
does not abuse its discretion by denying a SSOSA on an impermissible basis, such as the
defendant's race, sex, or religion. State v. Sims, 171 Wn.2d 436,445,256 P.3d 285
(2011). A defendant may appeal if the trial court fails to comply with the procedural
requirements of the SRA, however, or if the sentence is alleged to be unconstitutional.
State v. Osman, 126 Wash. App. 575, 579, 108 P.3d 1287 (2005). In order for a "procedural
appeal to be allowed ... it must be shown that the sentencing court had a duty to follow
some specific procedure required by the SRA, and that the court failed to do so." Id.
(citing State v. Mail, 121 Wn.2d 707,712,854 P.2d 1042 (1993)).
7
Nos. 31678-5-111; 32259-9-111
State v. Schrecengost; PRP ofSchrecengost
Mr. Schrecengost argues that because the factors to be considered by the court in
determining whether a SSOSA is appropriate are set out in the conjunctive in the statute,
the sentencing court abused its discretion when it elevated the concern that a SSOSA is
"too lenient in light of the extent and the circumstances of the offense" above the others.
RCW 9.94A.670(4). He points out that he met "each and every one of the criteria" for a
SSOSA, and that Dr. Wert found him amenable to treatment. Br. of Appellant at 5-6.
The legislature has required an offender to meet all of the criteria to qualify for a
SSOSA, however, and the plain language ofRCW 9.94A.670(4) permits a sentencing
court to recognize a single factor as especially significant. Mr. Schrecengost does not
demonstrate that the sentencing court failed to consider the other factors and the record
reveals the opposite: it shows that the court reviewed the materials submitted, heard from
supporters of Mr. Schrecengost and the victim, heard Ms. Hannon's testimony and the
argument of counsel, and even commented that "[c]ertainly there is a possibility that Mr.
Schrecengost would do well under a SSOSA .... Again, the issue comes back to what 1
think is the appropriate sentence in this case at this point in time given the statutory
factors." RP at 95. Moreover, the exceptional impropriety of the relationship was
reflected in the opposition of the victim and her family members to Mr. Schrecengost
receiving a SSOSA, and the victim's opposition is entitled to great weight.
Mr. Schrecengost fails to demonstrate a procedural error or abuse of discretion by
the sentencing court.
8
Nos. 31678-5-III; 32259-9-III
State v. Schrecengost; P RP ojSchrecengost
Community custody condition
Mr. Schrecengost's second assignment of error is that the condition prohibiting
him from having contact with female minors violates his fundamental rights as a parent
insofar as it prevents him from having contact with his daughter, A.S.
The SRA authorizes the trial court to impose "crime-related prohibitions" as a
condition of a sentence. RCW 9.94A.505(8). A "crime-related prohibition" prohibits
"conduct that directly relates to the circumstances of the crime for which the offender has
been convicted." RCW 9.94A.030(10). We generally review the imposition of crime-
related prohibitions for abuse of discretion, but we more carefully review conditions that
interfere with fundamental constitutional rights, such as the right to the care, custody, and
companionship of one's children. In re Pers. Restraint ojRainey, 168 Wn.2d 367,374,
229 P.3d 686 (2010). Where there is such interference, the conditions "must be
'sensitively imposed' so that they are 'reasonably necessary to accomplish the essential
needs of the State and public order.'" Id. (quoting State v. Warren, 165 Wash. 2d 17, 32,
195 P.3d 940 (2008».
In State v. Berg, in which Mr. Berg had been convicted of molesting his wife's 14­
year-old daughter, the sentencing court imposed a no-contact order covering all minor
females, thereby extending to Mr. Berg's 2-year-old biological daughter. State v. Berg,
147 Wn. App. 923,941, 198 P.3d 529 (2008), overruled on other grounds by State v.
Mutch, 171 Wash. 2d 646, 254 P.3d 803 (2011). The court upheld the no-contact order as a
9
Nos. 31678-5-III; 32259-9-III
State v. Schrecengost; PRP ofSchrecengost
reasonable crime-related prohibition, stating that the 14-year-old victim had lived in a
home with Berg acting as her parent when the abuse occurred, and "the court reasonably
feared that it would be putting A.B. in the same situation that A.A. was in when Berg
sexually abused her. Thus, the trial court's order restricting contact was reasonably
necessary to protect A.B." Berg, 147 Wash. App. at 942-43.
Other reported cases have found error when a sentencing court imposes a
restriction on parental contact with a child. In State v. Letourneau, 100 Wash. App. 424,
427,997 P.2d 436 (2000), for example, Ms. Letourneau was a teacher and the victim was
a male student with whom she had sex; he was not a family member and did not live in
her home. Ms. Letourneau's evaluators were unanimous that she was not a pedophile and
nothing in the record suggested she posed a threat to her own children. Id. at 428-29.
In State v. Ancira, 107 Wn. App. 650,654-55,27 P.3d 1246 (2001), in which the
defendant had been convicted of violating a domestic violence no-contact order obtained
by his wife, a sentencing condition prohibiting him from all contact with his children was
based solely on their having witnessed domestic violence between their father and
mother. Observing that the parents were in the process of dissolving their marriage and
an existing order prohibited the defendant from contact with his wife, the appellate court
struck the condition prohibiting contact with the children as a matter better addressed by
the family court in the dissolution proceeding.
·10
Nos. 31678-5-111; 32259-9-111
State v. Schrecengost; PRP o/Schrecengost
In support of his argument that his daughter does not need protection from him,
Mr. Schrecengost points to a pretrial order that had allowed him to have telephone
contact with his daughter, A.S., and allowed for supervised visits with the consent of
A.S. 's mother, thereby suggesting that "the State had little fear that Mr. Schrecengost's
continued contact with his daughter would be detrimental to her." Br. of Appellant at 13.
Since there was no specific discussion of A.S. at sentencing, he argues that at a minimum
the sentence needs to be clarified.
The State denies the inference that it was previously unconcerned about Mr.
Schrecengost's contact with A.S., pointing out that the earlier order was a pretrial release
condition, at a time when Mr. Schrecengost enjoyed the presumption of innocence.
In this case, like Letourneau, the court was presented with no expert opinion that
Mr. Schrecengost presents a risk to his daughter. Given the pretrial order, given the risk
assessment, given the absence of any discussion whether A.S. should or should not be
included in the prohibition on contact, and given the liberty interest at stake, we remand
the sentence for the limited purpose of clarifying the intended scope of the prohibition of
contact with female minors.
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL GROUNDS
In a pro se statement of additional grounds (SAG), Mr. Schrecengost complains of
ineffective assistance of counsel and bias on the part of the sentencing court.
11
Nos. 31678-5-III; 32259-9-II1
State v. Schrecengost; PRP a/Schrecengost
Ineffective assistance 0/ counsel. Mr. Schrecengost complains that his lawyer
failed to object during sentencing to a "plethora of false matters," and that his lawyer
failed to investigate or educate himself about Mr. Schrecengost's case. SAG at 6. To
succeed on a claim of ineffective assistance, Mr. Schrecengost must show that counsel's
performance was both deficient and that the deficient performance prejudiced him.
Mr. Schrecengost first points to several instances where his lawyer allegedly
should have objected to statements being made by J.G. and her family members, or
disputed points being made by the State during the sentencing hearing. See SAG at 6-8.
The discrepancies he points out are sometimes inconsequential and sometimes matters
that were more effectively addressed by the affirmative testimony of Ms. Hannon or by
argument. 3 Given the purpose of a sentencing hearing-at which the defendant's guilt is
a given-attempted cross-examination of victims, friends or family who come to court to
express their feelings is a dubious strategy. This was illustrated when the State briefly
tried it below, drawing the court's warning that a sentencing hearing is not a probation
hearing and is not a trial. Mr. Schrecengost's lawyer was wise to forgo it. And Mr.
Schrecengost's suggestion that his lawyer should have characterized J.G. as the aggressor
in their relationship and pointed out the "hundreds" of love letters she sent him illustrates
how important it was that Mr. Schrecengost's lawyer was making the strategic decisions.
3 E.g., by pointing out in argument that Mr. Schrecengost had a G.E.D. RP at 79.
12
Nos. 31678-5-111; 32259-9-111
State v. Schrecengost; PRP o/Schrecengost
To argue that 12-year-old lG. had "enticed" Mr. Schrecengost at the same time he was
requesting a treatment alternative would have been ill-considered, to say the least.
The record reveals an able handling of the sentencing hearing by a well-prepared
lawyer. It is clear from the trial court's announcement of its sentence and its reasons that
denial of the SSOSA would not have been affected by the details touched upon in the
SAG. We find neither deficient representation nor prejudice.
Mr. Schrecengost also argues that his lawyer failed to interview witnesses and
failed to adequately acquaint himself with the facts to be able to properly advocate. But
the record reveals that Mr. Schrecengost's lawyer presented written evidence, called Ms.
Hannon, lodged appropriate objections, and actively and zealously advocated for his
client. Here, too, Mr. Schrecengost shows neither deficient representation nor prejudice.
Judicial bias. Mr. Schrecengost contends that the sentencing judge's statements
revealing his personal attitude toward the underlying offense revealed bias.
In considering whether a SSOSA is appropriate, the trial court is required to
consider whether the alternative is "too lenient in light of the extent and circumstances of
the offense." RCW 9.94A.670(4). Mr. Schrecengost fails to explain how the sentencing
court could have fulfilled its obligation without making a normative judgment about that
factor. In any event, Mr. Schrecengost did not raise a claim of judicial bias or a violation
of the appearance of fairness at the trial court. An appearance of fairness claim is not
13
Nos. 31678-5-III; 32259-9-III
State v. Schrecengost; PRP ofSchrecengost
constitutional in nature and may not be raised for the first time on appeal. RAP 2.5(a);
State v. Morgensen, 148 Wash. App. 81, 90-91,197 P.3d 715 (2008).
PERSONAL RESTRAINT PETITION
In a timely personal restraint petition Mr. Schrecengost argues that his plea
agreement was based upon misinformation, because nowhere in his plea statement was
there any disclosure that he would be subject to mandatory evaluation for treatment for
sexual deviancy, yet it was included as a condition of his community custody. He
contends that because of the misinformation, his guilty plea was involuntary and invalid;
that it thereby constitutes a manifest injustice; and that we are required to allow him to
withdraw his plea. His argument conflates standards and results that do not apply to a
collateral attack such as his PRP.
An involuntary plea constitutes a manifest injustice within the meaning of erR
4.2(f). State v. Walsh, 143 Wash. 2d 1, 6, 17 P.3d 591 (2001). Thus, if a motion to
withdraw the plea is made before judgment, a trial court must allow a defendant to
withdraw it under that criminal rule.
If a motion to withdraw a plea is made after judgment, it is governed by erR
7 .8(b), a potentially higher standard, in addition to erR 4.2(f). In re Pers. Restraint of
Stockwell, 179 Wash. 2d 588, 595, 602, 316 P.3d 1007 (2014). On direct appeal,
misinformation giving rise to an involuntary plea would be presumed prejudicial and,
unless waived, would support a motion to withdraw the plea. Id. at 596.
14
Nos. 31678-5-111; 32259-9-111
State v. Schrecengost; PRP ofSchrecengost
Challenges raised in a PRP are subject to an even more demanding standard. "A
PRP ... is not a substitute for an appeal." Id. "[C]ollateral review is distinct from a
direct appeal because collateral relief 'undermines the principles of finality of litigation,
degrades the prominence of the trial, and sometimes costs society the right to punish
admitted offenders.'" Id. at 597 (quoting In re Pers. Restraint ofHagler, 97 Wash. 2d 818,
824,650 P.2d 1103 (1982)). In Stockwell, addressing a question of first impression, our
Supreme Court clarified prior decisions, holding that a petitioner seeking to withdraw an
allegedly involuntary plea based on misinformation (in Stockwell, a misstatement of the
statutory maximum) "is required to satisfy the actual and substantial prejudice standard
on collateral attack." Id. at 603.
A petitioner must support a PRP with facts or evidence upon which the claims of
unlawful restraint are based; conclusory statements alone are insufficient. RAP
16.7(a)(2)(i); In re Pers. Restraint of Williams, 111 Wn.2d 353,365, 759 P.2d 436
(1988). The evidence must consist of more than speCUlation, conjecture, or inadmissible
hearsay. In re Pers. Restraint ofSpencer, 152 Wash. App. 698, 707, 218 P.3d 924 (2009)
(quoting In re Rice, 118 Wash. 2d 876, 886, 828 P.2d 1086 (1992)).
Mr. Schrecengost assumes that a guilty plea based on misinformation automatically
entitles him to withdraw his guilty plea, quoting In re Hews, 99 Wash. 2d 80, 88, 660 P.2d
263 (1983) as stating "[a]n invalid plea of guilty constitutes actual prejudice." Reply Br.
at 6. He takes the statement out of context. In Hews, the court applied the requirement
15
Nos. 31678-5-III; 32259-9-III
State v. Schrecengost; PRP ofSchrecengost
that a petitioner must show actual prejudice. It identified a clear misunderstanding that
was reflected in the record of the plea hearing and found that it amounted to a prima facie
showing of prejudice, but not proof of prejudice. As the court explained, a petition that
fails to make a threshold showing of actual prejudice should be dismissed; a petition that
makes a convincing showing of actual prejudice should be granted; and a petition that falls
in between-making a prima facie showing of prejudice but on an insufficient record and
therefore not convincing-may be remanded for further hearing. The Hews court
remanded Mr. Hews petition for a hearing but with the admonition, "This being a
collateral review, petitioner has the burden of establishing that, more likely than not, he
was actually prejudiced by the claimed error." [d. at 89.
Mr. Schrecengost has made no effort to identifY facts or evidence showing that he
was actually prejudiced by the error he alleges, evidently because he viewed relief as
automatic. The declaration supporting his PRP offers only that "had I been duly
informed that I would be subject to a mandatory evaluation for treatment for sexual
deviancy as a result of my guilty plea, I would not have entered into such a plea in this
matter." PRP at 28. But "a materiality inquiry, involving a hindsight review of
defendant's motivations, is distinct from consideration of actual and substantial prejudice,
which looks to the practical effects of a sentence." Stockwell, 179 Wash. 2d at 602.
Mr. Schrecengost fails to meet his burden of demonstrating actual and substantial
prejudice.
16
Nos. 31678-5-111; 32259-9-111
State v. Schrecengost; PRP o/Schrecengost
We affinn the judgment and sentence, remand to the trial court for the purpose of
clarifying the community custody provision as it relates to contact with A.S., and dismiss
the personal restraint petition.
WE CONCUR:
Brown, 1.
17