United States v. Rodriguez

U NITED S TATES AIR F ORCE
C OURT OF C RIMINAL APPEALS
________________________
No. ACM 38519 (reh)
________________________
UNITED STATES
Appellee
v.
Jaime R. RODRIGUEZ
Technical Sergeant (E-6), U.S. Air Force, Appellant
________________________
Appeal from the United States Air Force Trial Judiciary
Decided 30 January 2019
________________________
Military Judge: Andrew Kalavanos.
Approved sentence: Dishonorable discharge, confinement for 6 years,
forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and reduction to E-1. Sentence ad-
judged 29 March 2017 by GCM convened at Joint Base San Antonio–
Lackland, Texas.
For Appellant: Major Allen S. Abrams, USAF.
For Appellee: Colonel Julie L. Pitvorec, USAF; Lieutenant Colonel Jo-
seph J. Kubler, USAF; Lieutenant Colonel G. Matt Osborn, USAF; Ma-
jor Tyler B. Musselman, USAF; Mary Ellen Payne, Esquire.
Before MAYBERRY, JOHNSON, and LEWIS, Appellate Military
Judges.
Chief Judge MAYBERRY delivered the opinion of the court, in which
Senior Judge JOHNSON joined. Senior Judge Johnson filed a separate
concurring opinion. Judge LEWIS filed a separate opinion concurring in
part and dissenting in part.
________________________
This is an unpublished opinion and, as such, does not serve as
precedent under AFCCA Rule of Practice and Procedure 18.4.
________________________
United States v. Rodriguez, No. ACM 38519 (reh)
MAYBERRY, Chief Judge:
This case is before us for the third time. In June 2013, Appellant pleaded
guilty to 15 specifications of violating a lawful general regulation by wrongfully
attempting to develop and maintain personal and intimate relationships with
various Air Force applicants, recruits, and recruiter assistants; one specifica-
tion of violating a lawful general regulation by using his grade or position,
threats, pressure, or promise of return of favors or favorable treatment in an
attempt to gain sexual favors from an applicant;1 one specification of violating
a lawful order (no-contact order); one specification of making a false official
statement; one specification of consensual sodomy; two specifications of ob-
structing justice by wrongfully endeavoring to impede an investigation; and
two specifications of adultery in violation of Articles 92, 107, 125 and 134, Uni-
form Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), 10 U.S.C. §§ 892, 907, 925, 934.2 Addi-
tionally, the court-martial composed of officer members convicted Appellant,
contrary to his pleas, of one specification of aggravated sexual assault by caus-
ing bodily harm;3 one specification of abusive sexual contact by causing bodily
harm; 4 one specification of consensual sodomy;5 one specification of aggravated
sexual contact by using strength; one specification of wrongful sexual contact;
and one specification of indecent exposure in violation of Articles 120 and 125,
UCMJ, 10 U.S.C. §§ 920,6 925.7 The court-martial sentenced Appellant to a
dishonorable discharge, confinement for 27 years, forfeiture of all pay and al-
lowances, and reduction to E-1. The convening authority (CA) disapproved the
adjudged forfeitures, but otherwise approved the sentence as adjudged.
1The lawful general regulation was Air Education and Training Command Instruction
(AETCI) 36-2909, Professional and Unprofessional Relationships (2 A.K. Marsh. 2007).
2 The military judge found Appellant guilty of 17 specifications of violating Article 92,
but, prior to informing the members of the charges to which Appellant had pleaded
guilty, the military judge merged Specifications 14 and 15 into a single specification
renumbered Specification 14. There was ultimately a total of 16 specifications of vio-
lating Article 92, UCMJ, for sentencing purposes.
3 The members acquitted Appellant of the charged greater offense of rape by using
strength and power.
4The members acquitted Appellant of the charged greater offense of aggravated sexual
contact by using strength, power, and restraint.
5 The members acquitted Appellant of the charged greater offense of forcible sodomy.
6The specifications all use the version of Article 120, UCMJ, applicable to offenses
between 1 October 2007 and 27 June 2012. See Manual for Courts-Martial, United
States (2012 ed.), App. 28, at A28–1.
7The members acquitted Appellant of one specification of assault consummated by a
battery in violation of Article 128, UCMJ, 10 U.S.C. § 928.
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United States v. Rodriguez, No. ACM 38519 (reh)
Appellant initially raised 15 assignments of error (AOEs) covering several
rulings by the military judge, the sufficiency of the evidence concerning his
conviction of certain offenses, the providence of his guilty plea to violating a
lawful general regulation, the performance of his trial defense counsel, the
post-trial processing of his case, the actions of one member of the court-martial,
and errors in the staff judge advocate’s recommendation (SJAR).
In our original opinion, United States v. Rodriguez (Rodriguez I), ACM
38519, 2015 CCA LEXIS 143 (A.F. Ct. Crim. App. 14 Apr. 2015) (unpub. op.),
we addressed only the issues concerning the SJAR errors and ordered new
post-trial processing. The record was remanded to the CA and new post-trial
processing occurred. The CA again did not approve the adjudged forfeitures
but otherwise approved the sentence as adjudged.
When the case was returned to this court for further review, Appellant
raised two additional AOEs alleging that the CA did not review Appellant’s
submissions before taking action and excessive delay in post-trial processing
warranted relief. In United States v. Rodriguez (Rodriguez II), ACM 38519 (f
rev), 2016 CCA LEXIS 416 (A.F. Ct. Crim. App. 13 Jul. 2016) (unpub. op.), we
set aside and dismissed the findings for five of the six litigated offenses,8 af-
firmed the remaining findings, and returned the record to The Judge Advocate
General (TJAG) for remand to the CA, authorizing a sentence rehearing on the
affirmed charges and specifications.9
The CA ordered a rehearing, which was held on 15 December 2016 and 27–
29 March 2017. The court-martial composed of officer members sentenced Ap-
pellant to a dishonorable discharge, confinement for six years, forfeiture of all
pay and allowances, and reduction to E-1. The CA approved the sentence as
adjudged.
8 The findings included aggravated sexual contact by using force charged as Specifica-
tion 2 of Second Additional Charge I on the basis that it was the same act charged in
Specification 1 of the Second Additional Charge, and therefore dismissal was appro-
priate where they were both charged for exigencies of proof; indecent exposure charged
as Specification 3 of Second Additional Charge I on the basis of unreasonable multipli-
cation of charges; Charge III and its Specifications of aggravated sexual assault by
causing bodily harm and abusive sexual contact by causing bodily harm on the basis
of factual insufficiency; and nonforcible sodomy charged in Specification 1 of Charge
IV on the basis of both legal and factual insufficiency. Chief Judge Allred dissented as
to the factual sufficiency of Charge III and its Specifications but otherwise concurred
with the majority.
9We deferred the issue of whether post-trial processing delays warranted relief until
after the sentencing rehearing. We address that in this opinion.
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United States v. Rodriguez, No. ACM 38519 (reh)
Appellant now asserts ten AOEs: (1) Whether Appellant’s pleas of guilty to
violating a lawful general order were improvident; (2) Whether Appellant’s
pleas of guilty to adultery were improvident; (3) Whether Appellant is entitled
to confinement credit because his continued confinement hearing was held 28
days after the record was returned to the CA; (4) Whether Appellant was im-
properly held in continued confinement; (5) Whether the military judge abused
his discretion when he declined to take judicial notice of sex offender registra-
tion requirements; (6) Whether the military judge erred in admitting evidence
of Appellant’s sexual conduct with a recruiter assistant (arising from a charge
for which his conviction was set aside by the appellate court) as evidence in
aggravation of his conviction for violation of a lawful general order; (7) Whether
the military judge erred by separating two specifications that had been merged
for sentencing at the original trial, thereby increasing the maximum punish-
ment; (8) Whether the military judge erred by erroneously instructing the
members as to the maximum sentence;10 (9) Whether the military judge erred
by not providing an instruction as to the impact of a missing performance re-
port; and (10) Whether Appellant is entitled to new post-trial processing as a
result of errors in the current SJAR and CA action. We will also consider the
previously deferred issue of whether the excessive post-trial delays warrant
relief. We find that an affirmed combined specification was improperly sepa-
rated into two distinct specifications, leading to an incorrect calculation as to
the maximum punishment, and as a result, the military judge erroneously in-
structed the members as to that maximum punishment; however, we find no
prejudicial error and affirm. We also find the military judge abused his discre-
tion in not granting confinement credit and grant relief. We direct a corrected
court-martial order (CMO) to reflect the consolidated Specification 14 of
Charge I (incorporating the original Specifications 14 and 15) that we affirmed
in Rodriguez II, and to account for the additional confinement credit ordered
by this opinion.
I. BACKGROUND
Appellant was an Air Force Recruiter who was found guilty of various types
of improper conduct, including sexual conduct, involving Air Force applicants,
recruits, and recruiter assistants (RAPpers). When this conduct came to light
and was being investigated, Appellant lied about his activities and took actions
to impede the investigation. Further facts are discussed as necessary to ad-
dress the AOEs.
10 We resolve the AOEs dealing with the maximum punishment as a single issue.
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United States v. Rodriguez, No. ACM 38519 (reh)
II. DISCUSSION
A. Providence of Guilty Pleas
1. Additional Background
Appellant pleaded guilty to 16 specifications of violating Air Education and
Training Command Instruction (AETCI) 36-2909, Professional and Unprofes-
sional Relationships (2 A.K. Marsh. 2007), involving 15 different females. This in-
struction prohibited recruiters from establishing, developing or attempting to
develop, or conducting a personal, intimate, or sexual relationship with a re-
cruit, applicant, or RAPper and using their grade or position, threats, pressure,
or promise of return of favors or favorable treatment in an attempt to gain
sexual favors from a recruit, applicant, or RAPper. AETCI 36-2909 ¶¶ 4.5.3,
4.5.5.
Additionally, Appellant pleaded guilty to two specifications of adultery for
having sex with two women who were not his wife, which under the circum-
stances was prejudicial to good order and discipline, and/or of a nature to bring
discredit upon the armed forces. 11
Previously on appeal, Appellant challenged his guilty pleas as to the viola-
tion of AETCI 36-2909 on the basis that the instruction was not punitive. We
affirmed all of the offenses to which Appellant pleaded guilty. Rodriguez II,
unpub. op. at *35–36, *45.
Appellant now challenges the providence of his pleas to violating AETCI
36-2909 and adultery on the basis that the military judge did not address mens
rea during Appellant’s plea. Appellant asserts that this failure creates a sub-
stantial basis in law and fact to question his pleas. We disagree.
2. Law
We review a military judge’s acceptance of a guilty plea for abuse of discre-
tion. United States v. Eberle, 44 M.J. 374, 375 (C.A.A.F. 1996) (citations omit-
ted). The proper mens rea for a charge is a question of law, which we review de
novo. United States v Gifford, 75 M.J. 140, 142 (C.A.A.F. 2016) (citation omit-
ted). The military judge is required to “accurately inform Appellant of the na-
ture of his offense and elicit from him a factual basis to support the plea.”
United States v. Negron, 60 M.J. 136, 141 (C.A.A.F. 2004) (citation omitted).
Additionally, an “essential aspect of informing Appellant of the nature of the
offense is a correct definition of legal concepts.” Id.
11Neither of the women was named in any other charge. The specification involving
AR was charged as both prejudicial to good order and discipline and service discredit-
ing while the specification involving MR was only charged as prejudicial to good order
and discipline.
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United States v. Rodriguez, No. ACM 38519 (reh)
“Although there are exceptions, the ‘general rule’ is that a guilty mind is a
‘necessary element in the indictment and proof of every crime.’” United States
v. Haverty, 76 M.J. 199, 203 (C.A.A.F. 2017) (quoting Elonis v. United States,
135 S. Ct. 2001, 2009 (2015)). Silence in a statute or order does not prevent
mens rea from being inferred. Gifford, 75 M.J. at 142. “[T]he Supreme Court
has repeatedly inferred a mens rea requirement in instances where it was nec-
essary to separate wrongful conduct from otherwise innocent conduct.” Id. at
143 (citing Elonis, 135 S. Ct. at 2010) (internal quotation marks omitted). The
levels of mens rea are general intent, negligence, reckless, knowing, or inten-
tional. Haverty, 76 M.J. at 204 (citation omitted).
“The wrongfulness of [an] act obviously relates to mens rea . . . and lack of
a defense, such as excuse or justification.” United States v. Rapert, 75 M.J. 164,
175 (C.A.A.F. 2016) (quoting United States v. King, 34 M.J. 95, 97 (C.M.A.
1992)). One element of adultery requires wrongful sexual intercourse; a sepa-
rate element requires that at least one of the parties be married. Manual for
Courts-Martial, United States (2012 ed.) (2012 MCM), pt. IV, ¶ 62.b. Thus, an
allegation of the wrongfulness of the intercourse is independent, not redun-
dant, of marital status. “The wrongfulness of the act obviously relates to mens
rea (not elsewhere specified amongst the elements) . . . .” King, 34 M.J. at 97.
“An attempt requires ‘specific intent to commit [the] offense,’ Article 80(a),
UCMJ, 10 U.S.C. § 880(a) (2012).” United States v. Gutierrez, 74 M.J. 61, 67
(C.A.A.F. 2015).
The elements of Article 92, UCMJ, violation of a lawful regulation, are (1)
that there was in effect a certain lawful general regulation; (2) the accused had
a duty to obey it; and (3) the accused violated or failed to obey the regulation.
2012 MCM, pt. IV, ¶ 16b.(1).
The elements of Article 134, UCMJ, adultery, are (1) that the accused
wrongfully had sexual intercourse with a certain person; (2) that at the time,
the accused or the other person was married to someone else; and (3) that un-
der the circumstances, the conduct of the accused was to the prejudice of good
order and discipline in the armed forces and/or was of a nature to bring dis-
credit upon the armed forces. 2012 MCM, pt. IV, ¶ 62b.
3. Analysis
a. AETCI 36-2909 offenses
With regard to the 15 specifications of violating AETCI 36-2909 by wrong-
fully attempting to develop and maintain personal and intimate relationships
with Air Force applicants, recruits, and RAPpers, Appellant’s plea inquiry left
no doubt that his conduct with each of these young women was specifically
done for the purpose of establishing or maintaining a personal and intimate
relationship. Appellant clearly stated that he was aware the AETCI prohibited
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United States v. Rodriguez, No. ACM 38519 (reh)
such conduct but he repeatedly engaged in said conduct. Appellant’s responses
to the military judge establish that he was aware his conduct was wrongful,
not innocent, and done with the specific intent to establish a prohibited rela-
tionship. The pleas were provident.
Appellant’s plea inquiry responses addressing the single specification of vi-
olating AETCI 36-2909 by using his grade or position, threats, pressure, or
promise of return of favors or favorable treatment in an attempt to gain sexual
favors were similarly sufficient to establish the requisite mens rea. The plea
was provident.
b. Adultery offenses
Appellant’s adultery involved two different women, one (AR) he met when
she was an applicant but she was later determined to be medically disqualified
and the other (MR) he met at the gym. AR’s sister was aware of their conduct
and knew that Appellant was a married Air Force recruiter. Appellant told
another recruit who later enlisted in the Air Force about his relationship with
MR.
On appeal, Appellant now asserts that, because the military judge did not
address the mens rea of the adultery offenses as it related to the terminal ele-
ment of conduct that was service-discrediting and prejudicial to good order and
discipline, his pleas were not provident. Appellant’s position erroneously ap-
plies the mens rea requirement to the third element of the offense. As a married
man, having sexual intercourse with women not his wife makes that conduct
wrongful and therefore establishes the mens rea of the first two elements of
the offense. If that sexual intercourse is also service-discrediting and/or preju-
dicial to good order and discipline, it is criminal under Article 134, UCMJ.
Appellant’s plea inquiry established that his sexual intercourse with AR
and MR was both wrongful and prejudicial to good order and discipline, ser-
vice-discrediting, or both. The pleas were provident.
B. Confinement Credit
1. Additional Background
The following timeline is essential to resolving the issue of confinement
credit:
13 July 2016 Rodriguez II issued, setting aside and dismissing
Specifications 2 and 3 of Second Additional
Charge I, Charge III and its Specifications, Speci-
fication 1 of Charge IV, and the sentence.
12 August 2016 The Government requested this court reconsider
its decision.
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United States v. Rodriguez, No. ACM 38519 (reh)
16 September 2016 Reconsideration request denied by this court.
20 September 2016 TJAG returns the case to the CA “who may order
a rehearing on the sentence.”
4 October 2016 The CA refers the case for a rehearing on the sen-
tence.
6 October 2016 The CA orders a “continued confinement” hearing
under R.C.M. 305.
12 October 2016 Appellant was provided detailed trial defense
counsel.
18 October 2016 Confinement hearing held. Appellant ordered to
remain confined.
1 November 2016 Trial defense counsel requests Appellant be trans-
ferred from the United States Disciplinary Bar-
racks (USDB), Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, to San
Antonio, Texas.
11 November 2016 Docketing conference. Motions hearing scheduled
for 14 December 2016 and sentence rehearing
docketed for 27 March 2017.
7 December 2016 Trial defense counsel filed Motion for Appropriate
Relief seeking Appellant’s release from pretrial
confinement and confinement credit under Article
13, UCMJ, and R.C.M. 305.
13 December 2016 Appellant transferred from the USDB to Medina
confinement facility near Joint Base San Antonio-
Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.
14 December 2016 The Government files response to Motion for Ap-
propriate Relief.
15 December 2016 Motions hearing. Military judge determines Ap-
pellant’s continued confinement is appropriate
and denies additional confinement credit.
At trial, Appellant filed a motion for additional pretrial confinement credit
for the time he spent in confinement after this court’s decision on 13 July 2016
and asserted violations of R.C.M. 305. Additionally, Appellant alleged illegal
pretrial confinement as a violation of Article 13, UCMJ, because he was housed
with post-trial prisoners and the conditions of confinement at the USDB were
more rigorous than necessary to ensure his presence at trial, relying on United
States v. Kruetzer, 70 M.J. 444 (C.A.A.F. 2012), United States v. Combs, 47 M.J.
330 (C.A.A.F. 1997), and Miller, 47 M.J. 352.
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United States v. Rodriguez, No. ACM 38519 (reh)
The Government opposed the motion. First, the Government asserted that
the 48-hour and seven-day review requirements of R.C.M. 305(i)(1) and (2) did
not apply to continued confinement hearings, citing Kruetzer and Combs. Ad-
ditionally the Government argued that, even if R.C.M. 305(i)(1) and (2) were
violated, “it doesn’t matter” if confinement was appropriate; therefore, Appel-
lant was not entitled to additional confinement credit under R.C.M. 305. Fi-
nally, the Government argued that, because Appellant was not in pretrial con-
finement, Article 13, UCMJ, did not apply, again citing Kruetzer.
The military judge denied the motion for additional confinement credit, re-
lying on the holding in Kruetzer that R.C.M. 305 and Article 13, UCMJ, were
not available remedies to Appellant because he was not in pretrial confine-
ment. The military judge further held the determination that confinement was
appropriate was supported by the facts and that the conditions of confinement
were not unduly rigorous or excessive and therefore did not amount to pretrial
punishment.
On appeal, Appellant asserts the military judge erred in denying additional
confinement credit as a result of the untimely confinement hearing. Citing
Kruetzer and United States v. Katso (Katso III), 76 M.J. 704 (A.F. Ct. Crim.
App. 2017), rev’d in part, United States v. Katso (Katso IV), 77 M.J. 247
(C.A.A.F. 2018),12 Appellant requests 21 days of additional confinement credit.
The Government asserts Appellant is not entitled to relief for two reasons: first
his claim is moot because he was resentenced to confinement for six years; and
second Kruetzer is controlling and Appellant was not entitled to a continued
confinement hearing, he never requested one, and he has shown no prejudice.
2. Law
This court reviews a military judge’s denial of relief for pretrial confine-
ment in violation of Rule for Courts-Martial (R.C.M.) 305 for an abuse of dis-
cretion. United States v. Adcock, 65 M.J. 18, 24 (C.A.A.F. 2007) (citation omit-
ted).
“No person, while being held for trial, may be subjected to punishment or
penalty other than arrest or confinement upon the charges pending against
12 Subsequent to Appellant’s pleading in this case, the CAAF affirmed in part and re-
versed in part Katso III. See Katso IV, 77 M.J. 247. In United States v. Katso (Katso I),
73 M.J. 630 (A.F. Ct. Crim. App. 2014), this court set aside the findings and sentence.
In United States v. Katso (Katso II), 74 M.J. 273 (C.A.A.F. 2015), the CAAF reversed
our decision in Katso I and remanded the case to this court for further proceedings
under Article 66, UCMJ. As will be discussed infra, Katso III and Katso IV address the
applicability of Article 13 and R.C.M. 305 to confinement review hearings when a case
is pending appellate review at the CAAF and thus are distinguishable from the facts
of this case.
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United States v. Rodriguez, No. ACM 38519 (reh)
him, nor shall the arrest or confinement imposed upon him be any more rigor-
ous than the circumstances required to insure his presence . . . .” Article 13,
UCMJ, 10 U.S.C. § 813.
An individual may be ordered into pretrial confinement when “(1) An of-
fense triable by court-martial has been committed; (2) The person confined
committed it; and (3) Confinement is required by the circumstances.” R.C.M.
305(d).
In R.C.M. 305(f), (h), (i), and (j), the President established a set of proce-
dural rules for the imposition and review of pretrial confinement. See 2016
MCM, App. 21, at A21–17 to A21–21. To ensure the procedural rules are fol-
lowed, the President ordered that an accused be granted day-for-day credit for
noncompliance. R.C.M. 305(k).
Pretrial confinement is “necessary because it is foreseeable that: (a) [t]he
prisoner will not appear at trial, pretrial hearing, preliminary hearing, or in-
vestigation, or (b) [t]he prisoner will engage in serious criminal misconduct;”
and “[l]ess severe forms of restraint are inadequate.” R.C.M. 305(h)(2)(B)(iii),
(iv).
TJAG “shall, unless there is to be further action by the President, the Sec-
retary concerned, the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces [CAAF], or the
Supreme Court, instruct the [CA] to take action in accordance with the decision
of the Court of Criminal Appeals.” Article 66(e), UCMJ, 10 U.S.C. § 866(e). If
TJAG immediately decides not to pursue a case any further, there must be
immediate notice to the CA of the opinion of the Court of Criminal Appeals
(CCA) and “immediate direction to release an accused or conduct a hearing
under RCM 305 . . . on pretrial confinement.” United States v. Miller, 47 M.J.
352, 361 (C.A.A.F. 1997) (citation omitted).
3. Analysis
This issue is not new to this court and, as we have stated in previous opin-
ions, the facts of each case must be considered in determining Appellant’s sta-
tus and the available confinement relief options available, if any.
When Appellant’s case was returned to the CA on 20 September 2016, both
our decision setting aside the findings as to Specifications 2 and 3 of Second
Additional Charge I, Charge III and its Specifications, Specification 1 of
Charge IV, and the sentence were no longer inchoate. Consequently, Appellant
was no longer an adjudged prisoner and any decision to confine him was sub-
ject to R.C.M. 305. See Miller, 47 M.J. at 361; United States v. Mancini, No.
ACM 38783 (reh), 2018 CCA LEXIS 495 (A.F. Ct. Crim. App. 16 Oct. 2018)
(unpub. op.); cf. Katso IV, 77 M.J. 247; Kruetzer, 70 M.J. 444; Moore v. Akins,
30 M.J. 249 (C.A.A.F 1990).
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United States v. Rodriguez, No. ACM 38519 (reh)
The Katso IV decision held that Miller was not controlling where appellate
review is pending at the CAAF, pointing out that Miller was decided after Ar-
ticle 57a, UCMJ, 10 U.S.C. § 57a, was enacted but “failed to address Article
57a, UCMJ, let alone its statutory primacy on the question of deferral of sen-
tence, including confinement” during an appeal pending at the CAAF pursuant
to Article 67. Katso IV, 77 M.J. at 251. As was the case in Mancini, Article 57a,
UCMJ, does not apply in Appellant’s case because no certification to the CAAF
occurred.
While the military judge found Appellant’s case “much more like Kruetzer13
than Miller,” we disagree. First, Kreutzer, like Katso IV and unlike Mancini or
this case, dealt with confinement during the pendency of an appeal to the
CAAF pursuant to Article 67, UCMJ, 10 U.S.C. § 867. Second, as the dissent
in Kruetzer correctly pointed out, it was “important to note what this case is
not about. It is not about whether Kruetzer should have been released from
confinement after the CCA set aside his convictions for the contested findings
. . . and the sentence. Kruetzer . . . only requested that he be transferred from
death row . . . .” Kruetzer, 70 M.J. at 449 n.3.
Moreover, the CAAF decision in Kruetzer is distinguishable in that it is
primarily focused on Article 13, UCMJ, not R.C.M. 305. The Kruetzer majority
held that Article 13, UCMJ, only applies to persons “held for trial,” 70 M.J. at
447 (footnote omitted), and relied on United States v. Inong, 58 M.J. 460, 463
(C.A.A.F. 2003), to establish that “held for trial” ends after guilt is established
at trial. Unlike Article 13, UCMJ, R.C.M. 305(a) clearly states that pretrial
confinement is imposed “pending disposition of charges.” The CAAF has ad-
dressed the application of R.C.M. 305 in cases where a court-martial has made
findings but there is no adjudged sentence.
In United States v. Tilghman, 44 M.J. 493 (C.A.A.F. 1996), the CAAF up-
held the trial judge’s decision to grant ten-for-one illegal pretrial confinement
credit pursuant to R.C.M. 305(k) for the time Tilghman was confined between
the announcement of findings and the announcement of sentence after the Gov-
ernment ignored the trial judge’s decision that pretrial confinement was not
warranted. “The purpose of pretrial confinement is to ensure the person is pre-
sent for trial; thus, we hold that pretrial confinement includes any period prior
to completion of the trial.” Tilghman, 44 M.J. at 495 (citing R.C.M. 304(g)).
Additionally, in United States v. Simoy, 50 M.J. 1 (C.A.A.F. 1998), the CAAF
affirmed this court’s original decision as to the findings but reversed as to the
sentence. On further review after the rehearing on sentence, this court ad-
dressed Simoy’s allegation that the military judge erred by failing to grant re-
lief for illegal pretrial confinement with regard to his confinement between the
13 United States v. Kreutzer, 70 M.J. 444 (C.A.A.F. 2012).
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United States v. Rodriguez, No. ACM 38519 (reh)
CAAF’s decision and the sentence rehearing. This court held there had been
no “disposition” of the charged offenses, found Simoy’s trial was not complete,
and determined his continued restraint from the time of the CAAF’s mandate
until sentence announcement was pretrial confinement. United States v. Si-
moy, ACM 30496, 2000 CCA LEXIS 183, at *3–5 (A.F. Ct. Crim. App. 7 Jul.
2000) (unpub. op.), aff‘d, United States v. Simoy, 54 M.J. 407 (C.A.A.F. 2001)
(mem.).14
These distinctions are significant regarding the applicability of R.C.M. 305
and Article 13, UCMJ. The military judge’s mistaken reliance on the holding
in Kruetzer, thereby excluding any application of R.C.M. 305 in this case, and
his subsequent denial of illegal pretrial confinement credit was an abuse of
discretion. Furthermore, the military judge’s supplemental ruling, which
stated “as the accused remains lawfully confined awaiting a sentence rehear-
ing the Government is not required to meet the requirements of RCM 305(i)(1)
and (2),” is erroneous.
Article 66(e), UCMJ, requires the CA to take action in accordance with the
decision of the CCA when no further review is pending. The Government
acknowledges that Article 66(e), UCMJ, controls in this case but asserts that
Kruetzer stands for the proposition that an appellant who remains convicted of
an offense but is facing a rehearing is not a pretrial confinee and therefore is
not entitled to the protections of R.C.M. 305 and Article 13, UCMJ. For the
reasons stated above, the Government’s interpretation of Kruetzer is errone-
ous. When further appellate review is pending, as in Kruetzer, Article 57(a),
UCMJ, controls. In cases where no further appellate review is pending, Article
66(e), UCMJ, controls.
Lawful confinement at this stage would be pursuant to being held for trial
and therefore subject to Article 13, UCMJ, and R.C.M. 305. The fact that Ap-
pellant remained convicted of some offenses did not independently justify his
confinement pending a sentencing rehearing. While his affirmed convictions
would provide evidence that he had committed offenses triable under the
UCMJ, that evidence only satisfies two of the three requirements for pretrial
confinement under R.C.M. 305(h)(2)(B). There must also be a finding that con-
finement is necessary because it is foreseeable that Appellant would not ap-
pear for trial or that Appellant would engage in serious criminal misconduct
and that less severe forms of restraint are inadequate.
14See also United States v. Saintude, Army 9801647, 2003 CCA LEXIS 418 (A. Ct.
Crim. App. 15 Oct. 2003) (unpub. op.), aff’d, 61 M.J. 175 (C.A.A.F. 2005) (affirming
sentence after rehearing where “illegal presentence confinement” credit pursuant to
Article 13 was awarded for confinement imposed pending the sentencing rehearing).
12
United States v. Rodriguez, No. ACM 38519 (reh)
The 6 October 2016 Continued Confinement Hearing Order directs that
the hearing be held in accordance with Miller, and the Appointment Letter
refers to Miller and R.C.M. 305. The Government’s brief on appeal repeatedly
relies on the notion that Appellant was not entitled to a continued confine-
ment hearing. We agree with regards to continued confinement hearing as
defined by Katso IV because a continued confinement hearing requires that
the case be pending further appellate review. However, Appellant was enti-
tled to a pretrial confinement review hearing pursuant to R.C.M. 305(i)(2),
required to be held within seven days of the imposition of confinement.
The Government argues that Appellant’s claim for additional confinement
credit is moot and that, if there was any error associated with the confinement
hearings, Appellant was not prejudiced because the sentence adjudged at the
rehearing exceeded the amount of time he had spent in confinement. Again,
this analysis misses the point. There is no question that Appellant was entitled
to credit for the entire time he spent in confinement.15 The issue is whether he
was entitled to additional credit for illegal pretrial confinement and, if so, for
what period of time. The Analysis of R.C.M. 305(k) states:
The requirement for administrative credit for violations of sub-
section . . . (i) . . . of this rule is based on United States v. Larner,
1 M.J. 371 (C.M.A. 1976). This credit is the sole remedy for vio-
lation of these provisions. See United States v. Nelson, 18
U.S.C.M.A. 177, 39 C.M.R. 177 (1969). Violations of other provi-
sions would not render confinement illegal and hence would not
trigger the sentence relief requirements. Such violations would
be tested for specific prejudice, and, where such was found,
would trigger a requirement to grant relief appropriate to cure
the prejudice suffered.
2016 MCM, App. 21, at A21–20.
TJAG returned the case to the CA on 20 September 2016. Sixteen days
later, the CA ordered the confinement hearing, which was held on 18 October
2016. Pretrial confinement started on 20 September 2016. There was no 48-
hour probable cause determination or 72-hour review pursuant to R.C.M.
305(h)(2)(A) and (i)(1). While there was a review of continued pretrial confine-
ment, it was not done until 18 October 2016, 28 days after the determination
to keep Appellant confined—not in compliance with the seven-day review man-
dated by R.C.M. 305(i)(2).
Despite acknowledging the unambiguous language of Article 66(e), UCMJ,
the Government on appeal adopts the military judge’s erroneous view that
15 United States v. Allen, 17 M.J. 126 (C.M.A. 1984).
13
United States v. Rodriguez, No. ACM 38519 (reh)
R.C.M. 305(i) is not applicable if Appellant is lawfully confined awaiting a sen-
tence rehearing, cites Kruetzer, and argues that, as a result of the lawfulness
of confinement, the Government is not required to meet the requirements of
R.C.M. 305(i).16 This is based on the erroneous interpretation that Kruetzer
applies to cases not pending further appellate review and that in such cases
the member “remains subject to lawful confinement as a prisoner found guilty
of a number of offenses” as confinement is a result of a punishment ordered
executed. However, one cannot be an “adjudged prisoner” without a lawful and
executable sentence. Contrary to the dissent’s position that the sentence was
not extinguished when no further appellate review was pursued, Appellant had
no executable sentence after we set it aside and TJAG chose not to pursue fur-
ther appellate review in this case. As such, Appellant was a pretrial confinee
not subject to post-trial or illegal pretrial punishment. Article 13, UCMJ. Con-
sequently, pursuant to R.C.M. 305(k), the appropriate remedy for noncompli-
ance with subsections (h) and (i) is administrative day-for-day credit, with no
prejudice analysis required.
We do not marginalize the logistical difficulties the Government may en-
counter in complying with R.C.M. 305 in such circumstances. However, we can-
not strip away important protections the rules provide servicemembers such
as Appellant who remain confined without a sentence pending disposition of
the charges against them. The dissent suggests the Air Force should establish
a policy on rehearings when an individual remains in confinement. While we
do not disagree, we assert that the existing rules must be the basis for such a
policy. Appellant is entitled to illegal pretrial confinement credit of 21 days,
and should be included in the corrected CMO.
C. Appropriateness of Confinement Pending Rehearing on Sentence
Appellant asserts that the military judge abused his discretion when he
determined that the pretrial confinement review officer (PCRO) did not abuse
his discretion when he determined that Appellant should be confined pending
resentencing. The Government argues that (1) Appellant’s subsequent sen-
tence to confinement “moots” the issue as to the legality of his continued con-
finement; and (2) even if the issue is not moot, neither the PCRO nor the mili-
tary judge abused his discretion by determining that confinement was neces-
sary. We agree that the military judge did not abuse his discretion as to the
PCRO’s determination.
16We note that, after CAAF affirmed the CCA decision in Kruetzer, the appellant was
ultimately ordered into pretrial confinement despite the fact that he still faced the
possibility of life in prison at the rehearing. Kruetzer, 70 M.J. at 449.
14
United States v. Rodriguez, No. ACM 38519 (reh)
1. Additional Facts
The PCRO’s decision stated that he found by a preponderance of the evi-
dence that continued confinement was required under the criteria set forth un-
der R.C.M. 305(h)(2)(B) for the following reasons:
a. Offenses triable by court-martial were committed [by Appel-
lant].
b. Confinement is necessary because it is foreseeable that [Ap-
pellant] will engage in serious criminal misconduct.
....
3. Taking into account his repeated sexual misconduct cou-
pled with repeated endeavors to impede an investigation, it is
foreseeable that [Appellant] will engage in serious misconduct if
released.
c. Given the nature of the crimes for which he was convicted, less
severe forms of restraint are inadequate.
The military judge’s ruling stated:
[Appellant’s] command generally followed the procedures and
criteria outlined in RCM 305 (regarding pretrial confinement) to
determine whether continued confinement was appropriate. The
confinement reviewing official was neutral and detached, his de-
cision is supported by the record and he did not abuse his discre-
tion in determining that continued confinement was appropri-
ate.
During the continued confinement hearing, the reviewing of-
ficer, [COL L], properly considered the requirements to keep an
individual in continued confinement. Specifically, he addressed
the four factors from RCM 305(h)(2)(B). [COL L] determined
that multiple offenses triable by court-martial had been commit-
ted and that [Appellant] had committed those offenses. He made
this determination based on [Appellant’s] confirmed convictions.
Further, he determined that, based on [Appellant’s] repeated se-
rious misconduct it was likely he would continue to commit fur-
ther misconduct if he is not maintained in continued confine-
ment and determined that lesser forms of restraint were not ad-
equate.
2. Law
A military judge’s decision on the legality of confinement is reviewed for an
abuse of discretion. United States v. Wardle, 58 M.J. 156 (C.A.A.F. 2003) (citing
15
United States v. Rodriguez, No. ACM 38519 (reh)
United States v. Gaither, 45 M.J. 349, 351–52 (C.A.A.F. 1996)). “[A]n appellate
court should limit its review to the facts before the deciding official.” Gaither,
45 M.J. at 351. Reliance on clearly erroneous facts or an erroneous view of the
law will amount to an abuse of discretion. United States v. Dooley, 61 M.J. 258,
262 (C.A.A.F. 2005) (footnote omitted).
Pretrial confinement is warranted when it has been demonstrated by a pre-
ponderance of the evidence that an offense triable by court-martial has been
committed, that it is foreseeable that the accused will not appear at trial or
will engage in serious misconduct, and that lesser forms of restraint are inad-
equate. R.C.M. 305(h)(2)(B).
3. Analysis
The sole issues Appellant challenges are whether or not the PCRO erred by
determining that lesser forms of restraint were not adequate, and whether the
military judge abused his discretion when he upheld the decision to confine
Appellant pending the resentencing hearing.
Appellant relies on the premise that his misconduct ceased long before he
was tried and sentenced, without being placed in pretrial confinement. Appel-
lant asserts that this evidence, not fully considered by the PCRO or the mili-
tary judge, is sufficient justification that he did not need to be in confinement
pending sentencing, and therefore the military judge abused his discretion by
determining otherwise. This argument does not rise to the level of abuse of
discretion—the facts are not erroneous, nor was there any error of law. It is
not a question of whether we agree with the decision by the military judge that
confinement was required; we are limited to assessing whether his decision
was reached improperly. There was no abuse of discretion.
D. Sex Offender Registration
On appeal, Appellant asserts the military judge abused his discretion when
he declined to take judicial notice of the Texas sex offender registration re-
quirements and asks this court to set aside the sentence. Appellant asserts the
judge erred because he erroneously applied United States v. Talkington, 73
M.J. 212, 217 (C.A.A.F. 2014) (holding that sex offender registration operates
independently of the sentence adjudged and remains a collateral consequence),
and erroneously applied the law by “holding trial defense counsel to a burden
of preponderance of the evidence” on their request for judicial notice. We disa-
gree.
Appellant asserts there is no burden required under Mil. R. Evid. 202 and
that Appellant’s case can be distinguished from Talkington due to Appellant
presenting “undisputed, detailed evidence showing where Appellant would reg-
ister, the duration of the registration, and the laws governing the restrictions
resulting from the registration.” Appellant goes on to assert that the military
16
United States v. Rodriguez, No. ACM 38519 (reh)
judge’s failure to take judicial notice impeded trial defense counsel’s argument.
Specifically, that the punitive requirements of Texas’ sex offender registration
meant that fewer restrictions on Appellant’s liberty were required to protect
society and that the “collateral consequences of the conviction alone were suf-
ficient to satisfy the goals of sentencing such that the years of confinement
sought by the prosecution and ultimately adjudged were excessive.”
1. Additional Facts
At the rehearing, trial defense counsel filed a motion for judicial notice per-
taining to sentencing matters, including a request for judicial notice of Texas
state law regarding sex offender registration. Defense counsel argued that
Texas law was “a fact of consequence for the members” to consider during their
sentencing deliberations, specifically as to confinement. Attached to the motion
was a memorandum asserting that, if Appellant was to reside in Texas, he
would have a 15-year duty to register as a sex offender. The Government op-
posed the motion on the basis that sex offender registration was a collateral
consequence.
The military judge denied the motion, relying on Talkington, and further
held that an instruction on sex offender registration would confuse the mem-
bers in determining an appropriate sentence. Appellant later asked the mili-
tary judge to reconsider his ruling, citing Doe v. Snyder, 834 F.3d 696, 705 (6th
Cir. 2016), for the proposition that the United States Court of Appeals for the
Sixth Circuit had ruled that Michigan’s sex offender registration requirement
constituted punishment. The Defense also requested that the military judge
give an instruction consistent with the one Chief Judge Baker proposed in his
Talkington concurring opinion.
The military judge again denied the motion to take judicial notice but
agreed to give “the standard Talkington and collateral consequences instruc-
tion” regarding sex offender registration if raised by the evidence. Appellant’s
verbal and written unsworn statements included the fact that he was a con-
victed sex offender. His written unsworn statement also included that he would
be required to register as a sex offender in the state of Texas for 15 years after
he was released from confinement. The military judge ultimately instructed
the members regarding sex offender registration, which included the following
language:
The accused’s unsworn statement included the accused’s per-
sonal thoughts and statements about sex offender registration
requirements. . . . An unsworn statement is a proper means to
bring information to your attention, and you must give it appro-
priate consideration. Your deliberations should focus on an ap-
propriate sentence for the accused for the offenses of which the
17
United States v. Rodriguez, No. ACM 38519 (reh)
accused stands convicted. . . . [W]hen convicted of certain of-
fenses . . . the accused must register as a sex offender with the
appropriate authorities in the jurisdiction in which he resides,
works, or goes to school. Such registration is required in all 50
states; though requirements may differ between jurisdictions.
Thus, specific requirements are not predictable.
It is not your duty to attempt to predict sex offender registration
requirements, or the consequences thereof. . . .
While the accused is permitted to address these matters in an
unsworn statement, these possible collateral consequences
should not be part of your deliberations in arriving at a sentence.
Your duty is to adjudge an appropriate sentence for this accused
based upon the offenses for which he has been found guilty, that
you regard as fair and just when it is imposed, and not one whose
fairness depends upon . . . possible requirements of sex offender
registration, and the consequences thereof, at certain locations
in the future.
2. Law
This court reviews a military judge’s decision to take judicial notice for an
abuse of discretion. United States v. Lutes, 72 M.J. 530, 533 (A.F. Ct. Crim.
App. 2013) (citations omitted).
Mil. R. Evid. 201 authorizes judicial notice of “adjudicative facts” defined
as “simply the facts of the particular case.” See 2016 MCM, App. 22, at A22–4
(hereinafter “Drafters’ Analysis”). Mil. R. Evid. 201(b) limits an adjudicative
fact that may be judicially noticed to one “not subject to reasonable dispute
because it: (1) is generally known universally, locally, or in the area pertinent
to the event, or (2) can be accurately and readily determined from sources
whose accuracy cannot reasonably be questioned.”
Mil. R. Evid. 202(a) allows a military judge to take judicial notice of domes-
tic law “if it is a fact that is of consequence to the determination of the action.”
Mil. R. Evid. 401 states that “[e]vidence is relevant if: (a) it has any ten-
dency to make a fact more or less probable than it would be without the evi-
dence; and (b) the fact is of consequence in determining the action.”
R.C.M. 1001(c)(1) allows the Defense to submit matters in extenuation and
mitigation during sentencing. The collateral consequences of a court-martial
do not constitute R.C.M. 1001 material and they should not be considered for
sentencing. United States v. McNutt, 62 M.J. 16, 19–20 (C.A.A.F. 2005). “The
general rule concerning collateral consequences of a sentence is that “courts-
martial [are] to concern themselves with the appropriateness of a particular
18
United States v. Rodriguez, No. ACM 38519 (reh)
sentence for an accused and his offense, without regard to the collateral ad-
ministrative effects of the penalty under consideration.’” United States v. Grif-
fin, 25 M.J. 423, 424 (C.M.A. 1988) (alteration in original) (quoting United
States v. Quesinberry, 31 C.M.R. 195, 198 (C.M.A. 1962)).
3. Analysis
Appellant’s understanding of Mil. R. Evid. 202 ignores the basic premise
that, for judicial notice of a domestic law to be appropriate, the law must be a
fact that is of consequence to the determination of the action. Simply stated, it
must be relevant. The burden of proof on any factual issue for which resolution
is necessary to decide a motion shall be by a preponderance of the evidence,
and the burden is on the moving party. See R.C.M. 905(c)(1), (2). The burden
was Appellant’s to bear, and the military judge did not abuse his discretion in
so holding.
Furthermore, the military judge appropriately applied the holding in Talk-
ington, and, despite the fact that the United States Court of Appeals for the
Sixth Circuit had ruled a state sex offender registration law to be punishment,
the law in Doe v. Snyder was not the Texas law at issue in this case. The CAAF
in Talkington very clearly stated that an accused is permitted to mention sex
offender registration in his unsworn statement, and the military judge is au-
thorized to place sex offender registration in its proper context by informing
the members that it is permissible for an accused to address sex offender reg-
istration in an unsworn statement, while also informing them that possible
collateral consequences should not be part of their deliberations. 73 M.J. at
218. The military judge did not abuse his discretion in denying the motion to
take judicial notice of the Texas sex offender registration requirement.
E. Aggravation Evidence
Appellant asserts that the military judge erred in admitting as evidence in
aggravation the portions of Airman First Class (A1C) BS’s trial testimony that
referred to Appellant penetrating her vagina with his finger and placing her
hand on his penis. Appellant acknowledges that A1C BS was a victim of Ap-
pellant’s offenses of attempting to establish or maintain a personal or intimate
relationship while she was a RAPper but asserts that, because Appellant’s con-
victions for the Article 120 offenses involving A1C BS were set aside and dis-
missed on appeal, the evidence was improper evidence in aggravation. Appel-
lant again requests that we set aside the sentence. We decline to do so.
1. Additional Facts
At trial, Appellant pleaded guilty to the offense of attempting to establish
or maintain a personal or intimate relationship with A1C BS and admitted
that he engaged in “consensual sexual touching” with A1C BS. Specifically,
Appellant pleaded not guilty to rape (digital penetration of A1C BS’s vagina by
19
United States v. Rodriguez, No. ACM 38519 (reh)
using strength and power that she could not avoid or escape the sexual act) but
was found guilty of the lesser-included offense of aggravated sexual assault by
causing bodily harm. Additionally, Appellant pleaded not guilty to aggravated
sexual assault (causing A1C BS to touch his penis with her hand, using
strength, power, and restraint by grabbing her hand and rubbing it on his pe-
nis) but was found guilty of the lesser-included offense of abusive sexual con-
tact by causing bodily harm. Finally, Appellant pleaded not guilty to forcible
sodomy of A1C BS (oral sodomy by force and without consent) but was found
guilty of the lesser-included offense of nonforcible sodomy.
In Rodriguez II, we found the nonforcible sodomy conviction to be both le-
gally and factually insufficient because A1C BS stated only that Appellant per-
formed oral sex on her, never explicitly indicating the required penetration oc-
curred. We found the aggravated sexual assault and abusive sexual contact
offenses (digital penetration and Appellant placing her hand on his penis) to
be factually insufficient. Specifically, we found the Government failed to prove
beyond a reasonable doubt that Appellant did not raise a defense of mistake of
fact as to consent. Thus, while the convictions were set aside, there was no
determination by this court that the events did not happen; they were merely
not proven beyond a reasonable doubt to be criminal offenses.
Six days prior to the scheduled Article 39(a), UCMJ, hearing, the Govern-
ment filed a motion to pre-admit a number of exhibits, to include the audio
testimony of 17 witnesses from the original trial. The Government proposed
redacting certain sections of A1C BS’s trial testimony that directly related to
the offenses that were dismissed on appeal but “leaving the portions of the
testimony which are relevant to the Article 92 offenses.” At the Article 39(a)
hearing on 15 December 2016, the Defense indicated they had not yet had the
opportunity to file a response to the motion but planned to do so. On 20 De-
cember 2016, the Defense filed its written response, objecting only to specific
portions of the audio of A1C BS’s testimony17 regarding offenses that were dis-
missed on appeal and expressly stating, “The Defense has no objections to
those pages that are already redacted.” On 30 December 2016, the Government
filed a written response to the Defense objections, asserting that the portions
of testimony to which Appellant was objecting amounted to facts and circum-
stances related to the offenses of which Appellant was convicted, but continued
to redact certain portions of each audio recording. On 15 March 2017, ten days
before the scheduled rehearing, the Defense filed a supplemental objection as-
serting the proffered audio evidence was offered in the presentencing phase of
17Appellant objected to portions of another witness’s testimony as well but does not
raise that objection on appeal.
20
United States v. Rodriguez, No. ACM 38519 (reh)
the original trial and did not qualify as “testimony on the merits” under R.C.M.
810(a)(2)(A), which objection was withdrawn seven days later.
On 26 March 2017, the day before the resentencing hearing was scheduled
to start, the military judge issued a written ruling on the motion to pre-admit
the audio excerpts from the original trial. Specifically, the military judge ruled
with regard to the disputed portions of the testimony of A1C BS as follows:
This testimony is relevant to the Article 92 violation as it de-
scribes sexual activity the accused engaged in with A1C [BS] and
is relevant in demonstrating how the accused violated para-
graph 4.5.3 of the AETCI. Furthermore, this evidence is appro-
priate aggravation evidence as it relates to adverse impact on
the mission and discipline. Furthermore, in conducting a [Mil.
R. Evid.] 403 balancing test, this testimony does not unfairly
prejudice the accused. Of note, the testimony explicitly states “I
allowed him to do that.”
Similarly, for the reasons stated in the paragraph above, this
testimony is admissible in proving the violation of paragraph
4.5.3 of the AETCI. A1C [BS] is discussing sexual activity which
occurred between her and the accused during the recruiter’s as-
sistance program at the workplace. Again, this evidence is ap-
propriate aggravation evidence as it relates to adverse impact on
the mission and discipline. Furthermore, in conducting a [Mil.
R. Evid] 403 balancing test, this testimony does not unfairly
prejudice the accused.
The military judge overruled the objection and indicated that he would
consider limiting instructions submitted by the parties. No limiting instruc-
tions were requested or given.
The next day, on the first scheduled day of the resentencing hearing, the
Government indicated it was also requesting to pre-admit the written tran-
scripts of the testimony from the 17 witnesses, relying on United States v.
Craig, 60 M.J. 156 (C.A.A.F. 2004). The Defense objected to the admission of
the written transcripts. Ultimately the parties agreed to mark the written
transcripts as Appellate Exhibits and allowed the members to have only one
exhibit at a time to follow along as the audio was being played but not to take
into the deliberation room with them. Additionally, the parties agreed to not
21
United States v. Rodriguez, No. ACM 38519 (reh)
allow the members to take the audio evidence into the deliberation room. If a
member wanted to re-hear any testimony, it would be re-played in open court.18
On appeal now, Appellant asserts not only that portions of the audio testi-
mony of A1C BS were improperly admitted but also that additional testimony
not previously objected to and relating to Appellant placing A1C BS’s hand on
his penis was also erroneously admitted and constituted plain error. Appellant
asserts that this evidence did not constitute matters in aggravation, and, even
if it did, it should have been excluded under Mil. R. Evid. 403.
2. Law
We review a military judge’s decision to admit or exclude evidence for an
abuse of discretion. United States v. Eslinger, 70 M.J. 193, 197 (C.A.A.F. 2011)
(citation omitted). Whether Appellant has waived an issue is a question of law
that we review de novo. United States v. Ahern, 76 M.J. 194, 197 (C.A.A.F.
2017) (citation omitted).
R.C.M. 1001(b)(4) allows the Government to admit evidence in aggravation
“directly relating to or resulting from the offenses of which the accused has
been found guilty.” Furthermore, the Government may present evidence “di-
rectly related to the offense . . . so that the circumstances surrounding that
offense or its repercussions may be understood by the sentencing authority.”
United States v. Irwin, 42 M.J. 479, 483 (C.A.A.F. 1995) (quoting United States
v. Vickers, 13 M.J. 403, 406 (CMA 1982)).
Aggravation evidence is subject to Mil. R. Evid. 403, and, even if relevant,
it may be excluded if its probative value is substantially outweighed by the
danger of unfair prejudice, confusion of the issues, or misleading the members
or by considerations of undue delay, waste of time, or needless presentation of
cumulative evidence. When a military judge conducts a proper balancing test
under Mil. R. Evid. 403 on the record, the ruling will not be overturned absent
a clear abuse of discretion. See United States v. Asby, 68 M.J. 108, 120 (C.A.A.F.
2009) (citation omitted).
R.C.M. 810(a)(2)(A) states,
The contents of the record of the original trial consisting of evi-
dence properly admitted on the merits relating to each offense of
which the accused stands convicted but not sentenced may be
established by any party whether or not testimony so read is
otherwise admissible under Mil. R. Evid. 804(b)(1).
18We note that the record of trial (ROT) for the sentence rehearing does not contain a
transcript of the audio that was played in court. Rather, the ROT refers to the Appel-
late Exhibits, which consist of redacted transcripts from the original ROT.
22
United States v. Rodriguez, No. ACM 38519 (reh)
Failure to object to the admission of sentencing evidence forfeits review of
the issues absent plain error. Eslinger, 70 M.J. at 197–98 (citations omitted).
Whereas forfeiture is a failure to assert a right in a timely fashion, waiver is
“the intentional relinquishment or abandonment of a known right.” United
States v. Gladue, 67 M.J. 311, 313 (C.A.A.F. 2009) (citation omitted). The test
for whether the erroneous admission of evidence during sentencing amounted
to prejudice is whether the error “substantially influenced the adjudged sen-
tence.” United States v. Griggs, 61 M.J. 402, 410 (C.A.A.F. 2005) (citation omit-
ted).
CCAs are empowered to consider claims even when those claims have been
waived. See Article 66(c), 10 U.S.C. §866(c); United States v. Chin, 75 M.J. 220,
222 (C.A.A.F. 2016).
3. Analysis
With regard to the “new” matters Appellant did not object to at trial but
now asserts were improperly admitted, we find that he waived this issue when
his counsel affirmatively stated on the record that the Defense had no addi-
tional objections to the proposed redactions other than those already raised.
Understanding that we have the authority under Article 66 and Chin to con-
sider Appellant’s waived claim, we find the underlying facts are such that we
leave Appellant’s waiver intact. See Chin, 75 M.J. at 223.
Assuming arguendo this testimony was improperly admitted, Appellant
has not demonstrated prejudice. A1C BS’s testimony involved evidence of Ap-
pellant kissing her, hugging her, touching her, and sending her sexually
charged texts and emails. While the touching of his penis was more egregious
than some of the other conduct, Appellant acknowledged he engaged in sexual
conduct with A1C BS.
With regard to the portions of A1C BS’s testimony that were admitted over
Defense objection, we find the military judge did not abuse his discretion in
determining that the testimony described the sexual activity Appellant en-
gaged in with A1C BS and was therefore relevant to demonstrate the extent to
which Appellant violated AETCI 36-2909. Appellant admitted that he engaged
in sexual behavior with A1C BS in his guilty plea inquiry but did not describe
that conduct. The Government was not limited to the evidence provided by Ap-
pellant and A1C BS’s testimony was properly admitted. Additionally, we find
the military judge conducted a proper Mil. R. Evid. 403 balancing test and de-
termine there is no basis to overturn his decision. The admitted testimony in-
cluded A1C BS’s acknowledgement that she allowed Appellant to touch her
vaginal area, so there was no implication that the touching was not consensual.
While Appellant asserts he may have been more harshly sentenced because
of the details included in A1C BS’s testimony, there is no evidence to support
23
United States v. Rodriguez, No. ACM 38519 (reh)
that assertion. Appellant’s convictions involved attempting to develop or main-
tain inappropriate relationships with a total of 15 Air Force applicants, re-
cruits, and RAPpers; violating a no-contact order; false official statement; con-
sensual sodomy; obstruction of justice; and adultery with two women. A1C BS
was one of 17 witnesses whose testimony was provided to the members. A1C
BS’s testimony was de minimis with regards to the totality of information pro-
vided to the members. The details she provided as to the nature of the sexual
conduct between herself and Appellant was accurate. We are confident this did
not substantially influence the adjudged sentence.
F. Maximum Punishment
Appellant asserts that the military judge incorrectly separated two specifi-
cations that had been merged at the original trial for sentencing (and affirmed
on appeal), which then resulted in a miscalculation of the maximum punish-
ment (74 years and six months) and corresponding erroneous instruction to the
members as to the maximum punishment. Appellant requests that we reassess
his sentence. We agree that the military judge erred in calculating the maxi-
mum punishment and instructing the members as to that maximum punish-
ment but find no colorable showing of prejudice. The error in separating the
previously affirmed consolidated specification, leading to the erroneous maxi-
mum punishment calculation, was done not by the military judge but by the
Government with no involvement of the military judge or Defense.
1. Additional Facts
The decision of this court in Rodriguez II affirmed the findings of guilty as
to 16 specifications in violation of Article 92, UCMJ, 15 of which authorized a
two-year maximum confinement for each and one of which authorized six
months confinement. We stated, “The military judge merged both specifica-
tions [14 and 15] into one specification (the now renumbered specification 14).
We find no error in the military judge’s ruling to consolidate the specifications.
Appellant, thus, only faced sentencing and stands convicted of the consolidated
specification 14 . . . . No further relief is warranted.” Rodriguez II, unpub. op.
at *13–14 (internal citation omitted).
The Government asserts that we review this issue as a decision by the mil-
itary judge regarding the unreasonable multiplication of charges (UMC). Rely-
ing on the concurring opinion in United States v. Ruppel, 49 M.J. 247, 254
(C.A.A.F. 1998) (Effron, J., concurring in part and in the result), the Govern-
ment further asserts that the original trial judge only found UMC for sentenc-
ing purposes and, because this court ordered a new sentencing hearing, this
court “effectively vacated that ruling.”
24
United States v. Rodriguez, No. ACM 38519 (reh)
2. Law
“The maximum punishment authorized for an offense is a question of law,
which we review de novo.” United States v. Beaty, 70 M.J. 39, 41 (C.A.A.F.
2011) (citations omitted).
“A finding or sentence of court-martial may not be held incorrect on the
ground of an error of law unless the error materially prejudices the substantial
rights of the accused.” Article 59(a), UCMJ, 10 U.S.C. § 859(a).
A CCA “may affirm only such findings of guilty, and the sentence or such
part or amount of the sentence, as it finds correct in law and fact and deter-
mines, on the basis of the entire record, should be approved.” See Article 66(c),
UCMJ, 10 U.S.C. § 866(c); United States v. Swift, 76 M.J. 210, 216 (C.A.A.F.
2017).
3. Analysis
At the initial session in Appellant’s rehearing, the military judge informed
Appellant that he had not reviewed the record of the case, only “the charge and
the convening order . . . the appellate decision and the motions that have been
filed by counsel.” The military judge made no ruling regarding alleged UMC
because there was no motion for UMC raised at the sentencing rehearing.
In Ruppel, the CA ordered a fact-finding hearing on some of the offenses
for which Ruppel had been convicted. Ultimately, that hearing resulted in the
CA disapproving some, but not all, of the findings from the original trial and
ordering a rehearing on those offenses as well as a sentencing hearing. Ruppel,
47 M.J. at 248–49. Upon appellate review, the CAAF held that the rehearing
judge did not violate Ruppel’s due process rights or the “law-of-the-case” doc-
trine in denying a motion for sentencing credit that the original trial judge had
granted. Id. at 251. The CAAF analysis started by recognizing there was a split
among the federal circuits as to whether the law-of-the-case doctrine applied
only to final rulings. The majority in Ruppel applied the language in R.C.M.
905(f) providing that a military judge has the authority to reconsider and re-
verse a ruling any time prior to authentication of the record and held “law of
the case only applies to final rulings and does not restrict a military judge’s
authority or discretion to reconsider and correct an earlier trial ruling.” Id. at
253.
While the Government relies on the “law of the case” analysis in Ruppel,
the specific language from the concurring opinion cited states that “an appel-
late decision remanding the case for further sentencing proceedings renders
the earlier decision a nullity, thereby permitting reconsideration of the earlier
ruling concerning sentence credit.” Id. at 254–55. However, the cited language
omits language appearing earlier in that concurring opinion: “if an appellate-
level decision is not appealed by the party adversely affected by the decision,
25
United States v. Rodriguez, No. ACM 38519 (reh)
that decision is binding for purposes of subsequent proceedings in that case.”
Id. at 254 (citation omitted).
The Government’s position ignores the fact that our earlier opinion author-
izing a resentencing hearing included the affirmance of the consolidated spec-
ification. The Government did not appeal the prior decision of this court. Even
applying the analysis in the Ruppel concurring opinion, our affirmance as to
the combined findings is binding for purposes of subsequent proceedings.
The decision to separate these specifications for sentencing purposes was
neither made by this court’s prior decision nor made by the military judge pre-
siding at the sentencing rehearing. From the record before us, we conclude it
was unilaterally made by the Government when it created the flyer for the
rehearing. After the original trial, there were no longer separate specifications.
All parties were privy to the complete record of trial (ROT) from the original
trial, and the military judge indicated he had reviewed the original CMO.
There could have been a more thorough discussion on the record, but there was
not. The record is devoid of any legal authority the Government believed au-
thorized separating the affirmed, consolidated specification for the purpose of
the rehearing. Its efforts to justify that action now are based on an erroneous
application of the law. We are equally disturbed by the fact that the Defense
did not object to the flyer submitted on the record, which on its face appears to
waive the error. However, we need not determine forfeiture or waiver. Our de-
cision affirming the consolidated specification was binding on the sentence re-
hearing. Accordingly, we direct a correction of the error. See United States v.
Hardy, 77 M.J. 438, 443 (C.A.A.F. 2018). Although we order a new CMO rein-
stating the previously affirmed consolidated specification, we are able to assess
any impact on the sentence with the record before us.
The maximum punishment for the affirmed offenses was 72 years and six
months. Consequently, the maximum punishment of 74 years and six months
calculated by the military judge and subsequent instruction to the members
were erroneous. We now analyze whether the combination of errors regarding
the maximum punishment materially prejudiced a substantial right of Appel-
lant. Given the two-year disparity between the maximum sentence calculated
by the military judge and the actual maximum punishment authorized and the
fact that the members sentenced Appellant to only six years of confinement—
half of what the Government requested and only two years more than Defense
counsel proffered—we are confident that the error did not substantially influ-
ence the sentence and materially prejudice Appellant’s substantial rights.
G. Failure to Instruct as to Missing Enlisted Performance Report
Appellant asserts that the failure by the military judge to instruct the
members as to how they should treat a missing enlisted performance report
26
United States v. Rodriguez, No. ACM 38519 (reh)
(EPR) constituted plain error. Appellant asserts that he suffered prejudice as
a result because the members were left to “infer the worst in the rehearing due
to the missing record and the absence of an instruction.” Appellant further as-
serts the appropriate remedy is a new resentencing hearing. We disagree.
1. Additional Facts
Appellant’s performance reports are found at Prosecution Exhibit 3. At
both the original trial and the resentencing hearing, the EPR for the reporting
period of 2009 to 2010 was missing. Some of the offenses resulting in findings
of guilty occurred during the reporting period.
At the request of trial defense counsel in Appellant’s original sentence hear-
ing, the military judge addressed this omission with an instruction, reminding
the members of the Government’s “obligation to maintain these types of re-
ports” and directing them to “infer that [Appellant]’s performance during that
reporting period was truly among the best.”
The instruction was not requested or given in Appellant’s rehearing. Spe-
cifically, defense counsel affirmatively stated at the rehearing he had no objec-
tion to Prosecution Exhibit 3, which consisted of all Appellant’s EPRs except
for the missing one.
2. Law
In United States v. Campos, the CAAF held Appellant waived his right to
challenge the admissibility of a stipulation of expected testimony when defense
counsel, at trial, had affirmatively responded that he had no objection to the
stipulation; had advance notice of the stipulation; had considered the impact
of the stipulation on the appellant's case; and when the appellant, on appeal,
had not alleged ineffective assistance of counsel. 67 M.J. 330, 332–33 (C.A.A.F.
2009).
Failure to request an evidentiary instruction results in review for plain er-
ror. United States v. Guthrie, 53 M.J. 103, 106 (C.A.A.F. 2000) (citation omit-
ted). To prevail under plain error analysis, an appellant must show “(1) there
was an error; (2) it was plain or obvious; and (3) the error materially prejudiced
a substantial right.” United States v. Harcrow, 66 M.J. 154, 158 (C.A.A.F. 2008)
(citation and internal quotation marks omitted).
“If the accused objects to a particular document as inaccurate or incom-
plete in a specified respect, or as containing matter that is not admissible un-
der the Military Rules of Evidence, the matter shall be determined by the mil-
itary judge. Objections not asserted are waived.” R.C.M. 1001(b)(2); see Swift,
76 M.J. 210.
27
United States v. Rodriguez, No. ACM 38519 (reh)
3. Analysis
Appellant and his counsel had the original ROT that identified both the
missing EPR and the fact that an instruction has been given. Nevertheless,
there was no objection to the admission of Prosecution Exhibit 3. Furthermore,
in the defense sentencing argument, defense counsel stated,
[Appellant] is an airman who gave more than a decade of good
time, not even accounting for the time that’s reflected on the
Charge Sheet, to the Air Force. But we’re not going to focus on
that. We're not going to go throw a bunch of citations and awards
in front of you, because, in all honesty, the things he did, out-
weighed the good that he did in the Air Force. And we’re not
going to try to manipulate you in that way, but it’s absolutely
something that you should consider.
Like in Campos, Appellant made a known relinquishment of his right to
challenge the content of Prosecution Exhibit 3 as incomplete. There was no
objection or request for an instruction. The defense counsel’s theory explicitly
relied on not trying to attempt to overcome the gravity of the offenses for which
Appellant was being sentenced. Appellant does not raise ineffective assistance
of counsel before us on appeal. Appellant waived this issue.
Even if Appellant did not waive this issue, he has not demonstrated plain
error. Appellant’s reliance on Ruppel for the notion that the military judge has
the authority to reconsider and correct an earlier trial ruling is inapt. At the
rehearing, the Government was required to reoffer the exhibits. This mandated
a new ruling by the military judge to admit the exhibits, at which time Appel-
lant’s counsel did not object. Appellant does not assert any other authority for
mandating that the military judge sua sponte instruct on the missing EPR.
Accordingly, he has not demonstrated that the military judge committed plain
error by not sua sponte giving an instruction on the issue. Even assuming Ap-
pellant has shown plain error in this case, Appellant has not demonstrated
prejudice. Appellant is not entitled to relief.
H. SJAR and CA errors
1. Additional Facts
Appellant, conceding the plain error standard applies, argues that three
post-trial errors entitle him to new post-trial processing. First, Appellant ar-
gues that he was prejudiced by the CA separating Specifications 14 and 15 of
Charge I in the CMO. Second, he identifies that the CMO cites the wrong par-
agraphs of AETCI 36-2909 for Specifications 5 and 15 of Charge I. Lastly, Ap-
pellant asserts that the CMO improperly Specification 1 of Charge III where
only a single specification exists.
28
United States v. Rodriguez, No. ACM 38519 (reh)
Additionally, Appellant alleges the CA “approved a sentence that she
lacked authority to approve,” proffering that, because the original CA disap-
proved the adjudged forfeiture of pay, forfeitures could not be approved upon
the conclusion of the rehearing. Appellant contends that such error was preju-
dicial and asks this court to order new post-trial processing and defer its deci-
sion on whether relief is warranted.
2. Law
Whether post-trial processing was completed correctly is a question re-
viewed de novo. United States v. Leblanc, 74 M.J. 650, 660 (A.F. Ct. Crim. App.
2015) (citing United States v. Sheffield, 60 M.J. 591, 593 (A.F. Ct. Crim. App.
2004)). Failure to comment on alleged errors in an SJAR forfeits any claim for
relief absent plain error. Leblanc, 74 M.J. at 660 (citing R.C.M. 1106(f)(6);
United States v. Scalo, 60 M.J. 435, 436 (C.A.A.F. 2005)).
Article 63, UCMJ, states that upon a sentencing rehearing “no sentence in
excess of or more severe than the original sentence may be approved. . . .” 10
U.S.C. § 863. R.C.M. 810(d)(1) states that “offenses on which a rehearing . . .
has been ordered shall not be the basis for an approved sentence in excess of
or more severe than the sentence ultimately approved by the convening . . .
authority. . . following the previous trial. . . . ”
The discussion accompanying R.C.M. 1107(f)(5) clarifies:
[A] convening authority is prohibited from approving a dishon-
orable discharge if a bad conduct discharge had formerly been
approved. Otherwise, in approving a sentence not in excess of or
more severe than one previously imposed, a convening authority
is not limited to approving the same or lesser type of “other pun-
ishments” formerly approved.
See United States v. Altier, 71 M.J. 427 (C.A.A.F. 2012) (question is not
whether any individual component of a sentence is more severe than that ap-
proved initially but whether the overall sentence is in excess of, or more severe
than, the sentence approved after the original court-martial).
3. Analysis
We agree that Specifications 14 and 15 of Charge I should be consolidated
as they were in the CMO that we affirmed in Rodriguez II. Making that cor-
rection will also resolve the mistaken paragraphs of AETCI 36-2909. Finally,
a corrected CMO will eliminate the “1” after “Specification” in Charge III. None
of these errors requires new post-trial processing.
Appellant’s assertion that the CA could not approve the sentence adjudged
at the rehearing because it included forfeiture of pay that had been disap-
proved in the original sentence is a misapplication of Article 63, UCMJ, and
29
United States v. Rodriguez, No. ACM 38519 (reh)
R.C.M. 1107(f). Appellant did not object to the the SJAR and only requested
clemency in the form of reduced confinement. Assuming arguendo the SJAR
constituted error, Appellant has not demonstrated the error materially preju-
diced a substantial right. Appellant has not identified any error that mandates
new post-trial processing in this case.
We direct a corrected CMO to reflect the language contained in Specifica-
tion 14 of Charge I of the original CMO; to appropriately title the Specification
of Charge III; and to correct the language of Specification 5 of Charge I, which
erroneously includes the words “or maintain” and “intimate.”
I. Post-Trial Processing Delay
1. Additional Facts
Appellant’s court-martial concluded on 14 June 2013. On 19 December
2013, the CA took action on the case, 188 days after Appellant’s trial ended.
The record contains an explanation that it took 101 days to transcribe the rec-
ord and another 15 days to serve the SJAR and ROT on Appellant. Appellant
then requested a delay to submit his clemency matters, and a second delay to
consider additional matters after he received the SJAR addendum. Ultimately,
no additional matters were submitted and action was taken two days later.
Additionally, the case was not initially docketed with this court until 28 Janu-
ary 2014, 39 days after the CA took action. The record contains no explanation
for the delay in docketing Appellant’s case. On 14 April 2015, this court issued
Rodriguez I, addressing only the errors in the SJAR and remanding the case
for new post-trial processing.
The CA signed the new action on 8 July 2015, the CMO is dated the same
day, and the case was re-docketed with this court on 10 August 2015, 33 days
after the new action. On 13 July 2016, this court issued Rodriguez II, affirming
some offenses, setting aside some offenses, and authorizing a rehearing. We
deferred ruling on the timeliness of post-trial processing.
The rehearing concluded on 29 March 2017. The CA took action on 17 July
2017, the CMO is dated the same day, and the case was again re-docketed with
the court on 1 August 2017.
Appellant initially requested relief in the form of a reduction of four years
from his sentence to confinement. After the July 2015 post-trial processing,
Appellant requested relief in the form of a reduction of five years from his sen-
tence to confinement. Now, because Appellant requests we further delay our
final review, he did not modify his requested relief. Based on our denial of Ap-
pellant’s request for new-post trial processing, we address the post-trial pro-
cessing delay.
30
United States v. Rodriguez, No. ACM 38519 (reh)
2. Law
In United States v. Moreno, 63 M.J. 129, 142 (C.A.A.F. 2006), the CAAF
established a presumption of a facially unreasonable delay “where the action
of the convening authority is not taken within 120 days of the completion of
trial[,]” when “the record of trial is not docketed by the service Court of Crimi-
nal Appeals within thirty days of the convening authority’s action[,]” and when
“appellate review is not completed and a decision is not rendered within eight-
een months of docketing the case before the Court of Criminal Appeals.”
Where there is such a delay, we examine the four factors set forth in Barker
v. Wingo, 407 U.S. 514, 530 (1972): “(1) the length of the delay; (2) the reasons
for the delay; (3) the appellant’s assertion of his right to a timely review and
appeal; and (4) prejudice.” Moreno, 63 M.J. at 135 (citations omitted). “No sin-
gle factor is required for finding a due process violation and the absence of a
given factor will not prevent such a finding.” Id. at 136 (citing Barker, 407 U.S.
at 533).
In Moreno, the CAAF identified three types of cognizable prejudice arising
from post-trial processing delay: (1) oppressive incarceration; (2) anxiety and
concern; and (3) impairment of the appellant’s ability to present a defense at a
rehearing. 63 M.J. at 138–40 (citations omitted).
In United States v. Tardif, 57 M.J. 219, 224 (C.A.A.F. 2002), the CAAF rec-
ognized this court has the de novo power and responsibility to disapprove any
portion of a sentence that it determines, on the basis of the entire record,
should not be approved, even absent any actual prejudice.
3. Analysis
In this case, there was a facially unreasonable 68-day delay from sentence
to action as well as a facially unreasonable nine-day delay from action to dock-
eting prior to the issuance of Rodriguez I. With regard to the delay in CA ac-
tion, Defense delays accounted for 26 days, making 42 days attributable to the
Government. Appellant’s requested relief of a four-year reduction of his sen-
tence to confinement relied only on Tardif and proffered no evidence of preju-
dice. After Rodriguez I, there was an additional facially unreasonable three-
day delay from action to docketing. Appellant’s revised request for a five-year
reduction of his sentence to confinement relied only on Tardif and again prof-
fered no evidence of prejudice. Finally, there is the issue of whether appellate
review has exceeded the Moreno standard.
a. Base-level delay
The initial base-level delays attributable to the Government total 51 days.
The delay compiling the ROT, consisting of over 1400 pages and 10 volumes as
31
United States v. Rodriguez, No. ACM 38519 (reh)
well as the two delays, totaling 24 days, by Appellant during the clemency pro-
cess are understandable. The facially unreasonable nine-day delay from initial
action to docketing is not excessive, but “the least defensible of all and worthy
of the least patience.” See United States v. Dunbar, 31 M.J. 70, 73 (C.M.A.
1990). Appellant did not request timely review at the base level.
After Rodriguez I, there was another delay between the new action and
docketing. While the delay only exceeded the Moreno standard by three days,
we note that the new action and CMO are dated 8 July 2015, yet the legal office
did not transmit the ROT for the case to be docketed for almost a month. The
Government attributes this delay to the new staff judge advocate’s “commend-
abl[e] desire[ ] to thoroughly review this case . . . since it [was] remanded to
the base for post-trial processing errors,” yet it created another presumptively
unreasonable delay as a result. This delay appears to have been totally avoid-
able and weighs against the Government in light of it being a repeat violation.
Appellant consequently modified his requested relief to a five-year reduction
of his sentence to confinement, again relying only on Tardif and again proffer-
ing no evidence of prejudice.
Although Appellant prevailed on the substantive grounds of his appeal in
Rodriguez II, he remained convicted. Similarly, because Appellant’s substan-
tive appeal resulted in a sentencing rehearing only, there is no evidence his
ability to present a sentencing case at the rehearing was impaired. While his
confinement was reduced from 27 years to six years, this newly adjudged con-
finement exceeded that which he had served. Therefore, there is no oppressive
incarceration. As for anxiety and concern, the CAAF has explained “the appro-
priate test for the military justice system is to require an appellant to show
particularized anxiety or concern that is distinguishable from the normal anx-
iety experienced by prisoners awaiting an appellate decision.” Moreno, 63 M.J.
at 140. There is no assertion by Appellant of any particularized anxiety or con-
cern caused by the base-level delays.
Appellant asserts no prejudice, we find no prejudice, and we find no viola-
tion of Appellant’s due process rights under Moreno. Recognizing our authority
under Article 66(c), UCMJ, we have also considered whether relief for exces-
sive post-trial delay is appropriate in this case even in the absence of a due
process violation. See Tardif, 57 M.J. at 223–25. We conclude that such an ex-
ercise of our authority is not appropriate in this case.
b. Appellate review delay
We are mindful of the total length of time this case has taken to complete
appellate review at the CCA level. Each of the opinions issued by this court
were within the 18-month docket-to-opinion Moreno standard. We remanded
32
United States v. Rodriguez, No. ACM 38519 (reh)
the case for new post-trial processing, addressed 14 AOEs, held an oral argu-
ment, addressed another ten AOEs, set aside findings, and authorized a sen-
tencing rehearing. The total record in this case exceeds 2300 pages of tran-
script and comprises 19 total volumes. The relief we grant in this opinion is
based solely on independent actions arising from the remand authorizing a re-
sentencing proceeding.
III. CONCLUSION
The previously-affirmed findings and newly-approved sentence are correct
in law and fact, and no error materially prejudicial to the substantial rights of
Appellant occurred. Articles 59(a) and 66(c), UCMJ, 10 U.S.C. §§ 859(a), 866(c).
Accordingly, the findings previously affirmed in United States v. Rodriguez
(Rodriguez II), ACM 38519 (f rev), 2016 CCA LEXIS 416 (A.F. Ct. Crim. App.
13 Jul. 2016) (unpub. op.) and the sentence are AFFIRMED.19
JOHNSON, Senior Judge (concurring):
I concur. Specifically with regard to Section II.B., addressing confinement
credit for the Government’s noncompliance with Rule for Courts-Martial
(R.C.M.) 305, I agree with the Chief Judge that the military judge erred in
failing to appreciate the essential distinction between Appellant’s situation
and that in United States v. Kreutzer, 70 M.J. 444 (C.A.A.F. 2012). Like the
CAAF’s subsequent opinion in United States v. Katso (Katso IV), 77 M.J. 247
(C.A.A.F. 2018), Kreutzer addressed a situation where an inchoate sentence
and opinion of the service court was pending review at the CAAF. Kreutzer, 70
M.J. at 445–46. As described above, in Appellant’s case, this court’s decision
setting aside his sentence ceased to be inchoate and his adjudged term of con-
finement was extinguished when TJAG elected not to certify the case to the
CAAF and returned it to the CA.
I write separately to clarify my understanding that, although I agree with
the Chief Judge that R.C.M. 305 applied in Appellant’s situation, it is not be-
cause the result is controlled by the CAAF’s decision in United States v. Miller,
47 M.J. 352 (C.A.A.F. 1997). References to Miller in the opinion above might
be construed to mean our analysis depends on Miller’s holding that if TJAG
19 We order a corrected CMO to reflect the consolidated Specification 14 of Charge I
(incorporating the original Specifications 14 and 15) that we affirmed in Rodriguez II,
eliminate the “1” after “Specification” in Charge III, correct the language of Specifica-
tion 5 of Charge I, which erroneously includes the words “or maintain” and “intimate”,
and to account for the additional confinement credit ordered by this opinion.
33
United States v. Rodriguez, No. ACM 38519 (reh)
“immediately decides not to pursue a case any further, there must be immedi-
ate notice to the convening authority of the opinion of the Court of Criminal
Appeals and immediate direction to release an accused or conduct a hearing
under RCM 305 . . . on pretrial confinement.” Id. at 361 (citation omitted).
However, Miller must be understood in light of the analysis in Kreutzer, which
specifically noted the service court in Miller had “reduced the appellant’s sen-
tence to a period of time which the appellant had already served.” Kreutzer, 70
M.J. at 446 (citing Miller, 47 M.J. at 360)). Thus, Kreutzer effectively limited
the holding of Miller to the circumstances of that case, that is, where the ap-
pellant was no longer subject to being adjudged additional confinement for the
offenses of which he stood convicted beyond the confinement already served.
In my view, the outcome of Appellant’s case is dictated not by Kreutzer or
Miller but by the fact that, once his case was returned to the CA, Appellant
was no longer under any sentence to confinement and was held “pending dis-
position of charges.” R.C.M. 305(a). Accordingly, under existing law, his con-
finement was subject to R.C.M. 305. It may be that the rule in its current form
is in some ways poorly fitted to a post-return situation, but I agree with the
Chief Judge that we may not disregard important procedural rights of an ac-
cused because of the logistical challenges they may impose on the Government.
LEWIS, Judge (concurring in the result in part and dissenting in part):
I agree with my esteemed colleagues in the majority that the previously
affirmed findings and newly approved sentence are correct in law and fact and
no error materially prejudicial to the substantial rights of Appellant occurred.
Articles 59(a) and 66(c), UCMJ, 10 U.S.C. §§ 859(a), 866(c). I also join the ma-
jority’s finding that a corrected court-martial order is required for the reasons
set forth in the majority’s opinion. However, I respectfully dissent from the
portion of the majority’s opinion that ultimately concludes Appellant must re-
ceive 21 days of confinement credit under Rule for Courts-Martial (R.C.M.)
305(k) for noncompliance with R.C.M. 305(h) and (i).
Article 66(e), UCMJ, required The Judge Advocate General (TJAG) to in-
struct the convening authority to take action in accordance with this court’s
decision in United States v. Rodriguez (Rodriguez II), ACM 38519 (f rev), 2016
CCA LEXIS 416 (A.F. Ct. Crim. App. 13 Jul. 2016) (unpub. op.), and to make a
decision on whether a rehearing was impracticable pursuant to Article 66(e).
However, Article 66(e) does not set forth any particular timeline for the con-
vening authority to make the decision on rehearing. Further, Article 66(e) con-
tains no specific requirement for the convening authority to take action on the
post-trial confinement of an appellant whose sentence has been set aside and
is pending a rehearing. I note that an opinion of a court of criminal appeals
34
United States v. Rodriguez, No. ACM 38519 (reh)
(CCA) could require the convening authority or lower officials to make a spe-
cific determination on confinement at the point in time when the case is re-
turned to the convening authority to determine the practicality for a rehearing.
In my opinion, incorporating such language in a decretal paragraph would re-
quire the convening authority to take action consistent with that language un-
der Article 66(e). But I see no such direction from this court in Rodriguez II.
Therefore, I believe the convening authority did all that was required under
Article 66(e) when she convened a general court-martial on 4 October 2016 to
conduct a rehearing on sentence. Any additional requirement to address Ap-
pellant’s confinement must originate from a different source of legal authority.
Similarly, I find nothing in the plain language of the definition of pretrial
confinement under R.C.M. 305(a) that would apply the multiple provisions of
that rule to someone with an approved sentence to confinement subsequently
set aside on appeal. Quite simply, when TJAG returned Appellant’s case to the
convening authority on 20 September 2016 for a decision on rehearing, there
was no “order of competent authority” imposing physical restraint pending dis-
position of charges. Assuming arguendo that the disposition of the charges was
“pending” a convening authority decision on rehearing, Appellant still re-
mained in confinement only because of the original post-trial confinement or-
der. Therefore, I decline to find Appellant was in pretrial confinement, as de-
fined by R.C.M. 305(a), as of 20 September 2016 by operation of law.
There are certainly times where our superior court has looked to R.C.M.
305 for a procedure to address an appellant who remains in confinement pend-
ing completion of appellate review. In Moore v. Akins, the court found no basis
for “continued confinement” in granting a petition for a writ of habeas corpus.
30 M.J. 249, 254 (C.M.A. 1990). I find Moore distinguishable as it involved a
dismissal of all charges and specifications, and a recommendation of the Clem-
ency and Parole Board to return Moore to duty. Additionally, it involved certi-
fication of the case to our superior court under Article 67, UCMJ, 10 U.S.C. §
867. None of these facts is present in Appellant’s case; most notably, he has
affirmed findings of guilty and did not petition for a writ of habeas corpus. Our
superior court did recognize the Government could have legitimate concerns
about release from confinement pending Government appeal. It noted:
If the situation is one in which the Government could establish
a basis for pretrial confinement, then it should have the oppor-
tunity to show why the accused should be kept in confinement
pending the conclusion of appellate review. This can be best han-
dled by ordering a hearing before a military judge or a special
master who can make the type of determination that would be
made by a military magistrate in connection with pretrial con-
finement.
35
United States v. Rodriguez, No. ACM 38519 (reh)
Id. at 253 (internal citation omitted). Our superior court certainly did not call
for a 48-hour probable cause memorandum or a 72-hour review, and they did
not set an exact timeline for the hearing when they described how this situa-
tion could be best handled. Here, the convening authority referred Appellant’s
case to the rehearing on 4 October 2016, at which time Appellant had the abil-
ity to seek relief from a military judge to be released from confinement under
R.C.M. 305(j). Such a motion was not filed until 7 December 2016, more than
two months after the convening authority ordered a review of Appellant’s con-
finement, almost two months after trial defense counsel was detailed, and al-
most a month after the rehearing was docketed for arraignment and motions.
United States v. Miller, 47 M.J. 352, 361 (C.A.A.F. 1997), also references
R.C.M. 305 use during appellate processing of a case. In Miller, the court noted
several earlier court opinions when it wrote that decisions of a CCA are “not
self-executing [as the] court issues no mandate, but its decision is forwarded to
the convening authority for further action.” Id. (quoting United States v.
Kraffa, 11 M.J. 453, 455 (C.M.A. 1981).
Miller also provided explicit instructions for TJAG to take on the issue of
post-trial confinement but again in a set of particular circumstances. Id. at
361–62. Miller’s approved sentence was ultimately reassessed from eight years
to 48 months of confinement by this court. United States v. Miller, M.J. 549,
566 (A.F. Ct. Crim. App. 1996). The United States Disciplinary Barracks
(USDB) then adjusted Miller’s minimum release date based on the reassessed
sentence even though TJAG had certified the case to the CAAF. Our superior
court described Miller’s circumstances in a later case and stated that, because
he “had clearly served his full term of confinement for the offenses of which he
stood convicted, he could no longer be subject to punishment.” United States v.
Kreutzer, 70 M.J. 444, 446 (C.A.A.F. 2012) (citation omitted). The CAAF previ-
ously explained that under these circumstances,
[i]f the Judge Advocate General immediately decides not to pur-
sue a case any further, there must be immediate notice to the
convening authority of the opinion of the Court of Criminal Ap-
peals and immediate direction to release an accused or conduct
a hearing under R.C.M. 305 . . . on pretrial confinement.
Miller, 47 M.J. at 361 (citation omitted). In Appellant’s case, the 20 September
2016 memorandum signed by TJAG’s designee did not provide the convening
authority any direction to release Appellant or conduct a pretrial confinement
hearing under R.C.M. 305.
After careful consideration, I do not find Miller’s holding applicable to this
case. First, Appellant did not have a reassessed sentence and the USDB did
not adjust his release date. More critically, Appellant was facing up to 72 years
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United States v. Rodriguez, No. ACM 38519 (reh)
and 6 months of confinement at his rehearing. The convening authority, at ac-
tion, could not approve a sentence “in excess of or more severe” than the origi-
nal approved sentence of a dishonorable discharge, confinement for 27 years,
and reduction to E-1. See Article 63, UCMJ, 10 U.S.C. § 863; R.C.M. 810(d)(1),
1107(f)(5). The confinement that could be adjudged and approved upon rehear-
ing in this case was well beyond the confinement he had served at the time the
rehearing was ordered. Appellant was ultimately sentenced to six years con-
finement at the rehearing.
At the rehearing, the military judge relied heavily on the CAAF’s decision
in Kreutzer. The majority distinguishes Kreutzer because the Government in
that case appealed the CCA’s decision to set aside all of the contested findings
pursuant to Article 67, and Kreutzer only requested credit under Article 13,
UCMJ, 10 U.S.C. § 813, and R.C.M. 305 for the time he spent on death row
after the CCA set aside his sentence to death. There was undoubtedly no Gov-
ernment appeal in Appellant’s case. But the CAAF does describe Kreutzer as
“a prisoner convicted of very serious offenses with a temporarily inchoate sen-
tence.” Kreutzer, 70 M.J at 447. The CAAF did not state Kreutzer’s previously
adjudged sentence was extinguished, as if it never existed. Instead, in a foot-
note, the CAAF stated “[a]s noted above, that temporarily inchoate sentence
was ultimately resolved to confinement for life . . . .” Id. at 447 n.3.
The majority opinion finds that our decision in Rodriguez II was no longer
inchoate as of 20 September 2016. “Inchoate” means “partially completed.” In-
choate, BLACK’S LAW DICTIONARY (7th ed. 1999). It is true that Appellant’s ap-
pellate decision was complete for purposes of requiring the convening authority
to act and make a rehearing determination. However, “[t]he Judicial Branch is
not an executive arm but depends on the Judge Advocate General and lower
officials to execute its orders.” Miller, 47 M.J. at 361. So while a phase of Ap-
pellant’s appeal was final, I am unable to conclude the sentence was extin-
guished on 20 September 2016, at a time when the convening authority’s re-
hearing determination had not been made and transmittal of the original rec-
ord of trial back to the convening authority had yet to be completed.
Under the circumstances of Appellant’s case, I would not grant confinement
credit under R.C.M. 305(k). I acknowledge this court’s recent decision in United
States v. Mancini, No. ACM 38783 (reh), 2018 CCA LEXIS 495 (A.F. Ct. Crim.
App. 16 Oct. 2018) (unpub. op.), involved identical post-trial confinement is-
sues on rehearing and confinement credit under R.C.M. 305(k). I did not par-
ticipate in that case on appeal in any capacity due to my prior involvement in
the case. As Mancini is an unpublished opinion, it is not binding precedent. I
am also mindful of our superior court’s words less than a year ago in overturn-
ing our decision to impose the “entirety of R.C.M. 305 procedures and penalties,
crafted for pretrial confinement, on the Government in a completely different
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United States v. Rodriguez, No. ACM 38519 (reh)
context.” United States v. Katso (Katso IV), 77 M.J. 247, 250 (C.A.A.F. 2018)
(citations omitted). While Appellant is not similarly situated to Katso as Ap-
pellant’s appeal was no longer pending a certification decision by TJAG on 20
September 2016, and Article 57a(c), UCMJ, 10 U.S.C. § 857a(c), did not apply
to him, the words of our superior court warrant caution in applying R.C.M.
305’s penalties in any different context. Further, the CAAF found Katso suf-
fered no prejudice even if the “Government should have held a continued con-
finement hearing sua sponte, within seven days or otherwise . . . .” Katso IV,
77 M.J. at 251 (citing Article 59(a), UCMJ, 10 U.S.C. 859(a)) (additional cita-
tion omitted). While the majority believes no prejudice analysis is required for
Appellant to receive additional confinement credit, I would test for prejudice
and find none under these circumstances. The convening authority ordered a
hearing to review confinement in a reasonable time, 16 days after the 20 Sep-
tember 2016 memorandum was signed returning the case and a mere two days
after the decision to refer the case for a rehearing. The review was conducted
by a neutral and detached reviewing officer six days after new defense counsel
was detailed to Appellant’s case, and the reviewing officer determined Appel-
lant should remain in confinement using the standards in R.C.M. 305(h)(2)(B).
The military judge heard and denied a motion for release from confinement.
Finally, the members on rehearing ultimately sentenced Appellant to six years
of confinement, more than he had already served.
While not important to the above analysis, I also note the record of trial
shows the convening authority’s staff judge advocate did not necessarily be-
lieve that the TJAG certification decision was made on 20 September 2016.
Specifically, on 6 October 2016, the staff judge advocate advised the convening
authority in writing, “[o]n 3 October 2016, the Air Force Legal Operations
Agency’s Appellate Government office informed 502 ABW/JA that it would not
appeal the case to a higher court.” Ultimately, the military judge found as fact
that TJAG did return the case on 20 September 2016. That finding was not
clearly erroneous. But this confusion, as shown by the staff judge advocate’s
advice, along with the circumstances above, demonstrates a need for specific
provisions in Air Force military justice policy on rehearings when an individual
remains in confinement after a sentence is set aside. I intentionally do not call
for any specific rule in this opinion. Those responsible for drafting policy and
instituting procedures have more insight into current Air Force and joint rule
38
United States v. Rodriguez, No. ACM 38519 (reh)
making proposals. However, from my vantage point, I am confident that addi-
tional policy or procedures would greatly improve the administration of mili-
tary justice in cases involving a rehearing.
FOR THE COURT
CAROL K. JOYCE
Clerk of the Court
39