United States v. Jennings

U NITED S TATES A IR F ORCE
C OURT OF C RIMINAL APPEALS
________________________
No. ACM 40282
________________________
UNITED STATES
Appellee
v.
Cody R. JENNINGS
Staff Sergeant (E-5), U.S. Air Force, Appellant
________________________
Appeal from the United States Air Force Trial Judiciary
Decided 13 December 2023 1
________________________
Military Judge: Wesley Braun (Article 30a proceedings); Mark F.
Rosenow.
Sentence: Sentence adjudged on 2 February 2022 by GCM convened at
Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Sentence entered by military judge on
5 April 2022: Dishonorable discharge, confinement for 40 months,
reduction to E-1, and a reprimand.
For Appellant: Major Nicole J. Herbers, USAF (argued); Major Megan
E. Hoffman, USAF; Major Frederick J. Johnson, USAF; Major Spencer
R. Nelson, USAF.
For Appellee: Captain Jocelyn Q. Wright, USAF (argued); Colonel
Matthew D. Talcott, USAF; Lieutenant Colonel Thomas J. Alford,
USAF; Captain Olivia B. Hoff, USAF; Captain Tyler L. Washburn,
USAF; First Lieutenant Deyana F. Unis, USAF; Mary Ellen Payne,
Esquire.
Before JOHNSON, CADOTTE, and MASON, Appellate Military Judges.
Senior Judge CADOTTE delivered the opinion of the court, in which
Chief Judge JOHNSON and Judge MASON joined.
1 The court heard oral argument in this case on 31 October 2023 at the American
University Washington College of Law, Washington, D.C., as part of this court’s Project
Outreach Program.
United States v. Jennings, No. ACM 40282
________________________
This is an unpublished opinion and, as such, does not serve as
precedent under AFCCA Rule of Practice and Procedure 30.4.
________________________
CADOTTE, Senior Judge:
A military judge sitting as a general court-martial at Offutt Air Force Base
(AFB), Nebraska, convicted Appellant in accordance with his pleas and
pursuant to a plea agreement, of four specifications of wrongful broadcast of
intimate visual images,2 four specifications of extortion, and one specification
of assault in violation of Articles 117a, 127, and 128, Uniform Code of Military
Justice (UCMJ), 10 U.S.C. §§ 917a, 927, 928.3 After accepting Appellant’s
pleas, the military judge sentenced Appellant to a dishonorable discharge,
confinement for 40 months, reduction to the grade of E-1, and a reprimand.
Appellant raised one issue on appeal: (1) whether his sentence is
inappropriately severe. Appellant argues that “a dishonorable discharge and
40 months[’] confinement is inappropriately severe given [Appellant’s] record
and the facts and circumstances of the convicted offenses.” We specified and
ordered oral argument on an additional issue: (2) whether Appellant’s pleas of
guilty to Specifications 1 and 2 of Charge V—wrongful broadcasting of intimate
visual images—were provident when the conduct admitted by Appellant
consisted of displaying images on his cellular phone for others to view.4 We also
considered an additional issue, not raised by Appellant, that was identified
during this court’s Article 66(d), UCMJ, 10 U.S.C. § 866(d), review: (3) whether
Appellant is entitled to relief for facially unreasonable appellate delay in
accordance with United States v. Moreno, 63 M.J. 129 (C.A.A.F. 2006), or
United States v. Tardif, 57 M.J. 219 (C.A.A.F. 2002).
We find Appellant’s pleas to Specifications 1 and 2 of Charge V, and Charge
V, were not provident; we set aside the findings of guilty to Specifications 1
and 2 of Charge V, and to Charge V; and we reassess the sentence. We affirm
the remaining findings and sentence as reassessed.
2The four specifications of wrongful broadcast of intimate visual images include
Specifications 1 and 2 of Charge V and Specifications 1 and 2 of the Additional Charge.
3 All references in this opinion to the UCMJ are to the Manual for Courts-Martial,
United States (2019 ed.).
4 The providence of Appellant’s pleas to wrongful broadcasting of intimate visual
images as alleged in the Additional Charge is not at issue.
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I. BACKGROUND
Appellant’s interactions with two female Airmen, BH and CM, resulted in
the charges to which Appellant pleaded guilty. In April 2019, BH invited
Appellant to a bar in downtown Omaha, Nebraska, where Appellant joined BH,
BH’s boyfriend, and others—who were all members from Appellant’s squadron.
While there, BH had a “verbal disagreement” with her boyfriend and then left
the bar. Appellant followed BH out of the bar and found her crying and upset;
Appellant “comforted and reassured” BH. Afterwards, BH started to walk
away from him. The parties stipulated that Appellant then “grabbed [BH] by
her hand or arm, pulled her toward him, pressed his lips against her lips and
may have inserted his tongue into her mouth.” The parties stipulated BH did
not consent to Appellant kissing her and it “was an offensive touching that was
done with force.” Immediately afterwards, BH went back to the bar and
Appellant followed her. They did not talk about the kiss and continued to
socialize at the bar. Eventually they each separately returned to their
respective homes for the evening.
The day after Appellant forcibly kissed BH, Appellant began sending text
messages to BH. When sending the messages, Appellant used an application
with his cell phone which disguised his phone number, a process known as
“spoofing.” The text messages BH received from Appellant did not come from
phone numbers she associated with Appellant. Appellant did not reveal to BH
that he was the person sending the text messages to her from the “spoofed”
phone numbers. Using the “spoofed” numbers, Appellant extorted intimate
images from BH. Appellant later “broadcasted” some of those sexual images of
BH within her unit by text messaging the images.
Appellant’s interactions with CM also resulted in criminal allegations.
Appellant engaged in a romantic relationship with CM from October 2018 until
February 2019. CM was a fellow Airman assigned to Offutt AFB during the
charged timeframe. She was married to another military member who was in
Appellant’s squadron. According to the stipulation of fact, “while deployed
[Appellant] messaged [CM] on Instagram and provided [CM] with information
about [her husband] cheating on her. In exchange for that information,
[Appellant] requested, and [CM] provided [Appellant], nude and intimate
images of herself. [Appellant] and [CM] then started communicating
regularly.” During CM’s relationship with Appellant, she sent him over 200
intimate visual images of herself. Specifications 1 and 2 of Charge V
(hereinafter “Specification 1” and “Specification 2”) alleged Appellant
“broadcast” intimate images of CM.
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On 18 January 2022, Appellant entered into a plea agreement with the
convening authority. Consistent with the plea agreement, Appellant entered
pleas of guilty, to include guilty pleas for Specifications 1 and 2. The military
judge found Appellant’s pleas to Specifications 1 and 2 provident and adjudged
a sentence of four months confinement for each specification, to run concurrent
with each other and consecutive with all other specifications.
A. Visual Images Shown at Deployed Location (Specification 1)
At his court-martial, Appellant entered a plea of guilty to Specification 1,
which alleged Appellant
did, at or near [a deployed location], between on or about 1
August 2018 and on or about 31 December 2018, knowingly,
wrongfully, and without the explicit consent of [CM], broadcast
intimate visual images of [CM], who was at least 18 years of age
when the visual images were created and is identifiable from the
visual images or from information displayed in connection with
the visual images, when he knew or reasonably should have
known that the visual images were made under circumstances
in which [CM] retained a reasonable expectation of privacy
regarding any broadcast of the visual images, and when he knew
or reasonably should have known that the broadcast of the
visual images was likely to cause harm, harassment,
intimidation, emotional distress, or financial loss for [CM], or to
harm substantially [CM] with respect to her health, safety,
business, calling, career, financial condition, reputation, or
personal relationships, which conduct, under the circumstances,
had a reasonably direct and palpable connection to a military
mission or military environment.
In late 2018, while deployed, Appellant showed other Airmen on his shift
intimate visual images of CM whom they recognized as the wife of another
Airman. As indicated supra these images were provided to Appellant by CM
voluntarily. During a colloquy associated with Specification 1, the military
judge informed Appellant of the elements of Article 117a, UCMJ, to include
“that at or near [a deployed location] between on or about 1 August 2018 and
18 on or about 31 December 2018 [Appellant] knowingly and wrongfully
broadcasted visual images of [CM].” The military judge further advised
Appellant that “[t]he term broadcast means to electronically transmit a visual
image with the intent that it be viewed by a person or persons.” With regard
to Specification 1, the military judge questioned Appellant as to the meaning
of “broadcast” as follows:
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[Military Judge (MJ)]: And did you broadcast this to them
through a cell phone?
[Appellant]: Yes, Your Honor. Off of my cell phone.
MJ: What cell phone did you have at the time? What brand, what
model, what size?
[Appellant]: At the time, Your Honor, I had a[n] iPhone 10. The
non-pro model or max model. Just the normal-sized one.
MJ: How was it that you pulled up the image to be able to show
it to them?
[Appellant]: It was on my – saved to my iMessages. Because we
would message each other through iMessage since she also had
an iPhone.
MJ: So it wouldn’t have been some screensaver or something like
that where without your intervention it came up? You
deliberately pulled it up and showed it to them.
[Appellant]: Correct, Your Honor.
MJ: Is it right that you chose the ones to show to them?
[Appellant]: Yes, Your Honor.
MJ: Are you confident that this meets the definitions of
broadcast that I have given to you?
[Appellant]: Yes, Your Honor.
MJ: Have you had time and opportunity to consult with your
attorneys about the idea of broadcasting under this offense of
the UCMJ?
[Appellant]: Yes, Your Honor.
MJ: As I said before the term broadcast means to electronically
transmit a visual image with the intent that it be viewed by a
person or persons. Would you agree that you electronically
transmitted this image by manipulating your device so that it
turned the digital file into a picture that was displayed on the
screen?
[Appellant]: Yes, Your Honor.
MJ: Would that have happened but for your intervention or your
accessing the device?
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[Appellant]: No, Your Honor.
MJ: Was your intent when you pulled up these images that it be
viewed by those three people?
[Appellant]: Yes, Your Honor.
MJ: And did that actually happen as you intended?
[Appellant]: Yes, Your Honor.
B. Visual Images Shown in Omaha, Nebraska (Specification 2)
Except for the dates and location, Specification 2 was worded similarly to
Specification 1. During the providence inquiry for Specification 2 Appellant
explained how he displayed images of CM as follows:
[Appellant]: Yes, Your Honor. On or about 13 to 14 April of 2019,
I was at [a] bar . . . located in Omaha, Nebraska with [BH] and
[CR]. [CM] at the time was at a different bar, and I invited her
to come out [to the bar]. [CM] said she would later, potentially.
So while we were waiting for [CM] to come out, we were just
hanging out drinking at [the bar]. I then showed two - I believe
to be two images of intimate images of [CM] to [CR] and [BH].
[CM] had sent them to me previous to that [time] consensually,
but also it was still under the don’t show other people. I could
have showed the group I was hanging out with different photos
of [CM], rather than the intimate ones. And I know that I caused
[CM] a lot of embarrassment and shame by doing that. I also
realize that it changed the way that they look at [CM] as a
member of the military, and as [a non-commissioned officer]. I
don’t have a legal or reason – excuse for doing it.
MJ: Describe these images for me.
[Appellant]: So one was an underwear clad picture of her
buttocks, and the other was a picture of her in underwear and
topless, exposing her breast.
When addressing “broadcast,” the military judge questioned Appellant as
follows:
MJ: What phone were you using to broadcast these images?
[Appellant]: That was after I got a new phone, so I had a
Samsung Galaxy S9 plus.
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United States v. Jennings, No. ACM 40282
MJ: Like with the iPhone 10, is this something that you had to
actively manage, so as to pull up the image?
[Appellant]: Yes, sir.
MJ: Would it have displayed without your intervention or effort?
[Appellant]: No, Your Honor.
Later, while conducting a guilty plea inquiry for Specification 1 of the
Additional Charge, which alleged another violation of Article 117a, UCMJ, the
military judge again addressed “broadcast.” Unlike Specifications 1 and 2,
Appellant admitted he sent an image via a text message to another person,
rather than merely showing an image to another person. However, at this point
the military judge addressed “broadcast” in the context of case law, which he
had not done during the providence inquiry for Specifications 1 and 2.
MJ: Defense Counsel, one of the things we paused for at the start
of this proceeding yesterday, and we got a little bit of a later
beginning on the record, was so that you had time to consult
again. And to the extent that you require consultation amongst
yourselves or with your client before coming on the record and
entering pleas on behalf of your client, one of the things that I
oriented you to were the definitions available for broadcast
under Article 117a[, UCMJ]. And so the cases that I referred you
to discuss identical terms as are related through Article 120c[,
UCMJ]. This was United States v. Lajoie[, 79 M.J. 723, 727
(N.M. Ct. Crim. App. 2019),] and [United States v.] Davis[, No.
ARMY 20160069, 2018 CCA LEXIS 417, at *24 (A. Ct. Crim.
App. 16 Aug. 2018) (mem.)5], which I have previously described
on the record. We came back in. You all entered those pleas. It’s
clearly implied or suggested if not definitively answered that
having reviewed those you are confident that the definition of
broadcast is capable of capturing [Appellant] showing through
his cellular phone other people images as is captured in Charge
V and its specifications. Is that correct that you are confident
and that you believe that that does meet the requirements of
broadcast?
[Trial Defense Counsel (TDC)]: Correct, Your Honor.
5 During an earlier Rule for Courts-Martial 802 conference, the military judge made
the parties aware of both cases.
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MJ: Thank you. Government, do you agree as well?
[Trial Counsel]: Yes, sir. We do.
The definition of “broadcast” arose again later during the military judge’s
inquiry into the terms of the plea agreement:
MJ: Any other motions that we haven’t discussed yet, [TDC],
that are in your mind potentially affected by this term other
than all waivable motions, understood. But any other ones that
there is a factual predicate that will need to be discussed beyond
the ones that are captured in the notices of ruling?
[TDC]: The one other I would like to raise, Your Honor, is the
issue on broadcasting. Obviously we have discussed [th]is on the
record pretty thoroughly, but just the circuit split, the
discrepancy between the Army court in Davis and the Navy[-
]Marine Corps court in Lajo[ie]. Had this been a litigated trial
there might have been litigation on that given that there is no
binding precedent at this time. But I am trying not to speak out
of both sides of my mouth, of course, Your Honor. But, we do – it
would have nothing to do with the providency of the plea or our
position on the providency of the plea but that would have been
an advocacy tactic that we likely would have pursued had just
got [sic] a different direction.
II. DISCUSSION
A. Providence of Guilty Plea
Appellant’s argument on appeal in response to the specified issue is that
the military judge abused his discretion by accepting Appellant’s guilty pleas
to Specifications 1 and 2.
1. Law
a. Guilty Plea
We review a military judge’s decision to accept an accused’s guilty plea for
an abuse of discretion. United States v. Riley, 72 M.J. 115, 119 (C.A.A.F. 2013)
(citing United States v. Inabinette, 66 M.J. 320, 322 (C.A.A.F. 2008)). However,
this abuse of discretion review still entails de novo review for questions of law
arising from the guilty plea. Inabinette, 66 M.J. at 322. “[W]e apply the
substantial basis test, looking at whether there is something in the record of
trial, with regard to the factual basis or the law, that would raise a substantial
question regarding the appellant’s guilty plea.” Id.8
United States v. Jennings, No. ACM 40282
“The military judge shall not accept a plea of guilty without making such
inquiry of the accused as shall satisfy the military judge that there is a factual
basis for the plea.” Rule for Courts-Martial 910(e).
A military judge “has a duty to accurately inform an appellant of the nature
of his offense and an essential aspect of informing is a correct definition of legal
concepts.” United States v. Murphy, 74 M.J. 302, 308 (C.A.A.F. 2015) (internal
quotation marks, alterations, and citations omitted).
[F]ailure to define correctly a legal concept or explain each and
every element of the charged offense to the accused in a clear
and precise manner is not reversible error if it is clear from the
entire record that the accused knew the elements, admitted
them freely, and pleaded guilty because he was guilty.
Id. (internal quotation marks, alteration, and citations omitted).
“Even if a guilty plea is later determined to be improvident, a reviewing
court may grant relief only if it finds that the military judge’s error in accepting
the plea ‘materially prejudice[d] the substantial rights of the accused.’” United
States v. Mortadella, 82 M.J. 1, 4 (C.A.A.F. 2021) (alteration in original)
(quoting Article 45(c), UCMJ, 10 U.S.C. § 845(c)). In reviewing the providence
of an appellant’s guilty pleas, “we consider his colloquy with the military judge,
as well as any inferences that may reasonably be drawn from it.” United States
v. Timsuren, 72 M.J. 823, 828 (A.F. Ct. Crim. App. 2013) (quoting United States
v. Carr, 65 M.J. 39, 41 (C.A.A.F. 2007)).
b. Statutory Construction
We review interpretation of a statute de novo. United States v. Kohlbek, 78
M.J. 326, 330–31 (C.A.A.F. 2019) (citation omitted). “In conducting this de novo
review, this Court employs principles of statutory construction.” United States
v. Beauge, 82 M.J. 157, 162 (C.A.A.F. 2022) (citing Kohlbek, 78 M.J. at 330).
“As in all statutory construction cases, we begin with the language of the
statute.” United States v. McDonald, 78 M.J. 376, 379 (C.A.A.F. 2019) (quoting
Barnhart v. Sigmon Coal Co., 534 U.S. 438, 450 (2002)). “In the absence of a
statutory definition, the plain language of a statute will control unless it is
ambiguous or leads to an absurd result.” United States v. Cabuhat, __ M.J. __,
No. ACM 40191, 2023 CCA LEXIS 387, at *14 (A.F. Ct. Crim. App. 13 Sep.
2023) (en banc) (citing United States v. Lewis, 65 M.J. 85, 88 (C.A.A.F. 2007)).
“[W]hether the language at issue has a plain and unambiguous meaning with
regard to the particular dispute in the case” is the starting point for
determining the meaning of the statute. Robinson v. Shell Oil Co., 519 U.S.
337, 340 (1997). Such “inquiry must cease if the statutory language is
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unambiguous and ‘the statutory scheme is coherent and consistent.’” Id.(quoting United States v. Ron Pair Enters., 489 U.S. 235, 240 (1989))
(additional citation omitted). “The plainness or ambiguity of statutory
language is determined by reference to the language itself, the specific context
in which that language is used, and the broader context of the statute as a
whole.” Id. at 341 (first citing Estate of Cowart v. Nicklos Drilling Co., 505 U.S.
469, 477 (1992); and then citing McCarthy v. Bronson, 500 U.S. 136, 139
(1991)). When we see a “facial ambiguity . . . , we must interpret it in light of
the broader context of the rule.” Beauge, 82 M.J. at 162 (citation omitted).
“[W]hen a word has an easily graspable definition outside of a legal context,
authoritative lay dictionaries may also be consulted.” Cabuhat, 2023 CCA
LEXIS 387, at *15 (quoting United States v. Schmidt, 82 M.J. 68, 75–76
(C.A.A.F. 2022), cert. denied, 143 S. Ct. 214 (2022)); see also Wooden v. United
States, 142 S. Ct. 1063, 1069 (2022) (utilizing only lay dictionaries to define the
word “occasion”).
Finally, if textual analysis alone of the plain meaning of an ambiguous
statutory term cannot sufficiently resolve its meaning, reviewing courts may
refer to legislative history: “Unclear language can become clear . . . if the
congressional intent behind the legislation is reviewed.” United States v.
Escobar, 73 M.J. 871, 875 (A.F. Ct. Crim. App. 2014) (citations omitted).
c. Wrongful Broadcast of Intimate Visual Images
The relevant portions of Article 117a, UCMJ, state any person subject to
the UCMJ:
(1) who knowingly and wrongfully broadcasts or distributes an
intimate visual image of another person or a visual image of
sexually explicit conduct involving a person who—
(A) is at least 18 years of age at the time the intimate visual
image or visual image of sexually explicit conduct was created;
(B) is identifiable from the intimate visual image or visual image
of sexually explicit conduct itself, or from information displayed
in connection with the intimate visual image or visual image of
sexually explicit conduct; and
(C) does not explicitly consent to the broadcast or distribution of
the intimate visual image or visual image of sexually explicit
conduct;
(2) who knows or reasonably should have known that the
intimate visual image or visual image of sexually explicit
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conduct was made under circumstances in which the person
depicted in the intimate visual image or visual image of sexually
explicit conduct retained a reasonable expectation of privacy
regarding any broadcast or distribution of the intimate visual
image or visual image of sexually explicit conduct;
(3) who knows or reasonably should have known that the
broadcast or distribution of the intimate visual image or visual
image of sexually explicit conduct is likely—
(A) to cause harm, harassment, intimidation, emotional distress,
or financial loss for the person depicted in the intimate visual
image or visual image of sexually explicit conduct; or
(B) to harm substantially the depicted person with respect to
that person’s health, safety, business, calling, career, financial
condition, reputation, or personal relationships; and
(4) whose conduct, under the circumstances, had a reasonably
direct and palpable connection to a military mission or military
environment, is guilty of wrongful distribution of intimate visual
images or visual images of sexually explicit conduct and shall be
punished as a court-martial may direct.
10 U.S.C. § 917a(a).
The statute defines the term “broadcast” as “to electronically transmit a
visual image with the intent that it be viewed by a person or persons.” “The
term ‘distribute’ means to deliver to the actual or constructive possession of
another person, including transmission by mail or electronic means.” 10 U.S.C.
§ 917a(b)(2). “Electronically transmit” is not defined in the statute; however,
“visual image” is defined as:
(A) Any developed or undeveloped photograph, picture, film, or
video.
(B) Any digital or computer image, picture, film, or video made
by any means, including those transmitted by any means,
including streaming media, even if not stored in a permanent
format.
(C) Any digital or electronic data capable of conversion into a
visual image.
10 U.S.C. § 917a(b)(7).
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2. Analysis
The essential question before us is whether Appellant’s display of intimate
images of CM on his phone so that others could see them was a “broadcast”—
that is, an electronic transmission—of a “visual image” for purposes of Article
117a, UCMJ. Before addressing the positions of the parties, we first consider
our sister-courts’ decisions with respect to defining “electronically transmit.”
The statutory definition for “broadcast” contained in Article 117a and Article
120c, UCMJ, are identical and both include a requirement that to “broadcast”
an accused must “electronically transmit” a “visual image.” Our court has not
previously addressed the statutory definition for “broadcast” for either Article
117a or Article 120c, UCMJ. However, two of our sister courts have addressed
the definition of “broadcast” in relation to Article 120c, UCMJ.
In Davis, the United States Army Court of Criminal Appeals (ACCA) found
the appellant’s guilty plea to a violation of Article 120c, UCMJ, improvident—
concluding that “the mere act of playing [a] video recording” on a cellular phone
in front of another person did not constitute “broadcasting.” 2018 CCA LEXIS
417, at *24. In coming to this conclusion, the ACCA considered dictionary
definitions for “electronic” and “transmit.”6 The ACCA found these definitions
taken together “require an electronic device to send the transmission and an
electronic device to receive the transmission.” Id. at *25. The ACCA concluded,
“there [was] no basis for finding that Congress intended the definition of
‘broadcast’ to include the mere physical act of displaying a video.” Id. at *26.
In contrast, the United States Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal
Appeals (NMCCA) held in Lajoie the “prohibition on the broadcast of an
indecent visual recording is violated when an individual uses an electronic
device to display the recording for another to view.” 79 M.J. at 727. The
NMCCA concluded:
[W]e do not find that the involvement of more than one electronic
device is necessary for a broadcast to occur. If the transmission
6 The ACCA determined that:
The pertinent definition of “electronic” is “utilizing devices constructed
or working by the methods or principles of electronics.” The most
relevant definition of “transmit” is “to send out a signal either by radio
waves or over a wire line.” The combination of these two definitions
appears to require an electronic device to send the transmission and
an electronic device to receive the transmission. In this case, there is
only one electronic device – appellant’s cell phone.
Davis, 2018 CCA LEXIS 417, at *24–25 (citations and footnote omitted).
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from one electronic device to another electronic device has the
effect of delivering actual or constructive possession of the image
to another person, then the act constitutes a “distribution” of the
image—a separate offense under Article 120c[, UCMJ].
Id. The NMCCA further concluded that even if the court applied the narrow
interpretation of “electronically transmit” used by the ACCA, “the essence of
their requirement for transmission between electronic devices would be
satisfied by the electronic transmission of an image that takes place from . . .
the phone’s digital storage area or memory card to the phone’s display screen
when played.” Id.Appellant argues, as to the specified issue, that “[t]he plain language of
Article 117a[, UCMJ,] and the ordinary meanings of the words ‘broadcast’ and
‘electronic transmission’ show that the statute does not contemplate the
conduct [Appellant] pleaded guilty to.” Appellant’s position is that “transmit”
requires movement of a signal from one device which is capable of being
received by another device. As Appellant merely showed an image on his
cellular phone and did not send a signal capable of being received by another
device, we should find Appellant’s plea to Charge V and its specifications
improvident. Consequently, Appellant argues we should “dismiss Charge V
and its specifications with prejudice and order his sentence to confinement
reduced by four months.”
The Government argues that a “[a] substantial basis in law or fact does not
exist to question [Appellant’s] plea,” and therefore, “[t]he military judge did
not abuse his discretion and this [c]ourt should uphold Appellant’s plea as
provident.” The Government’s position mirrors that of the NMCCA’s primary
position in Lajoie—that “electronically transmit” means to pass or convey
through a medium (any medium) by an electronic means with no requirement
that another device be involved or able to receive the signal.
Although both parties assert their understanding represents the plain
meaning of the words “electronically transmit,” both draw on other principles
of statutory construction, including reference to lay dictionary definitions.
Relevant definitions of “electronic” include “of, relating to, or utilizing devices
constructed or working by the methods or principles of electronics,” and “of,
relating to, or being a medium (such as television) by which information is
transmitted electronically.” MERRIAM-WEBSTER, Electronic,
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electronic (last visited 4 Dec.
2023). Relevant definitions of “transmit” include “to send or convey from one
person or place to another;” “to cause (something, such as light or force) to pass
or be conveyed through space or a medium;” or “to send out (a signal) either by
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radio waves or over a wire.” MERRIAM-WEBSTER, Transmit,
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transmit (last visited 4 Dec.
2023). Our reading of these definitions taken together, in conjunction with the
statutory definition of “visual image,” leads us to conclude that “electronically
transmit” requires that, in the context of this case, the digital image or picture,
or digital or electronic data capable of conversion into a visual image, be not
merely displayed on the device, but sent out from it.
We depart somewhat from Davis as the ACCA found a requirement that a
transmission not only be sent out, but it must also be received by an electronic
device. Davis, 2018 CCA LEXIS 417, at *25. We find only a requirement that
the visual image be sent out to be “transmitted,” as this understanding is
strictly tethered to the most applicable definition of “transmit”—“to send out
(a signal) either by radio waves or over a wire.” MERRIAM-WEBSTER, Transmit.
In addition, this interpretation solidifies the distinction between “broadcast”
and “distribution,” actions which the statute separately proscribes, consistent
with the “surplusage” canon of statutory interpretation against finding
superfluous language in a statute. See Yates v. United States, 574 U.S. 528,
543 (2015); United States v. Sager, 76 M.J. 158, 162 (C.A.A.F. 2017) (citing
Yates).
We disagree with the Government that the punitive article’s requirement
for an image to be “transmitted” is satisfied by the light from a digital image
reaching the viewer’s eyes. Rather, the text of the statute requires the “visual
image” itself as defined by the statute—to include, inter alia, digital or
electronic data capable of conversion into a visual image—that must be sent
out for there to be a “transmission.” Appellant did not send such a “visual
image” merely by displaying his phone’s screen; instead he converted electronic
data into a visual image. See 10 U.S.C. § 917a(b)(7)(C). We are likewise
unpersuaded that a phone internally accessing a digital storage area to enable
an image to be viewed on the phone’s display screen satisfies the requirement
to “electronically transmit” the image. We find that under these circumstances
the image remained on the originating device, and movement between
components of the phone does not equate to the image being “sent out.”7
7 We find our interpretation of “electronically transmit” consistent with the legislative
history of Article 117a, UCMJ. “Article 117a[,UCMJ,] was first proposed as H.R. 2052.
In House debate, it was described as responding to ‘the offensive Marines United
Facebook page and others like it. On these pages, male [M]arines posted nude or
intimate photos of female servicemembers and veterans without their consent.’”
United States v. Grijalva, 83 M.J. 669, 673 (C.G. Ct. Crim. App. 2023) (second
alteration in original) (quoting RAISING AWARENESS OF MARINES UNITED
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We find the focus of the military judge’s colloquy with Appellant was on the
conduct of “displaying” the images, which the military judge found sufficient
to satisfy the “broadcasting” requirement. As such, the military judge had an
erroneous view of the law. As enacted by Congress, Article 117a, UCMJ, does
not prohibit the mere “display” of an image. Congress could have proscribed
“display” in addition to “broadcast” and "distribute.” However, it did not.
Consequently, we set aside the findings of guilty as to Specifications 1 and
2 of Charge V and Charge V and reassess the sentence as to the remaining
findings of guilty. In doing so, we also find the plea agreement unenforceable
in part because, as a matter of law, Appellant is unable to providently plead
guilty to Specifications 1 and 2 of Charge V as required by the agreement. We
find upholding the remainder of the plea agreement consistent with
Appellant’s requested remedy and in the interests of judicial economy.
B. Sentence Reassessment
1. Law
Under Article 59(a), UCMJ, a court-martial sentence may not be held
incorrect by virtue of legal error “unless the error materially prejudices the
substantial rights of the accused.” 10 U.S.C. § 859(a). If a Court of Criminal
Appeals (CCA) can conclude that an adjudged sentence would have been of at
least a certain severity absent any error, “then a sentence of that severity or
less will be free of the prejudicial effects of error; and the demands of Article
59(a)[, UCMJ,] will be met.” United States v. Sales, 22 M.J. 305, 308 (C.M.A.
1986).
OFFENSIVE FACEBOOK PAGE, 163 Cong. Rec. H3052, 115th Cong. (2017)
(statement of Rep. Frankel)), rev. granted, __ M.J. __, No. 23-0215, 2023 CAAF LEXIS
690, at *1 (C.A.A.F. 3 Oct. 2023). “Thousands and thousands of photos of women were
shared on these Facebook pages.” RAISING AWARENESS OF MARINES UNITED
OFFENSIVE FACEBOOK PAGE, 163 Cong. Rec. H3053, 115th Cong. (2017)
(statement of Rep. Frankel). “No woman should have her private photos exposed on
the [I]nternet, especially not by her fellow servicemembers.” Id.That is why I am pleased to cosponsor Congresswomen Speier’s and
McSally’s bill, H.R. 2052, the PRIVATE Act, which is a bipartisan bill
that would make it illegal within the Uniform Code of Military Justice
to distribute intimate images of a person if that person had a
reasonable expectation of privacy.
Id. “I want to make it clear. Exploiting sexual images of fellow servicemembers online
is unacceptable, and it should be a crime.” Id. Based on the congressional record,
Article 117a, UCMJ, was enacted to address the posting of intimate images on the
Internet without the consent of the victim.
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CCAs have broad discretion first to decide whether to reassess a sentence,
and then to arrive at a reassessed sentence. United States v. Winckelmann, 73
M.J. 11, 12 (C.A.A.F. 2013). In deciding whether to reassess a sentence or
return a case for a rehearing, we consider the totality of the circumstances
including the following factors: (1) “[d]ramatic changes in the penalty
landscape and exposure;” (2) whether the appellant was sentenced by court
members or a military judge; (3) “[w]hether the nature of the remaining
offenses capture[s] the gravamen of criminal conduct included within the
original offenses and . . . whether significant or aggravating circumstances
addressed at the court-martial remain admissible and relevant to the
remaining offenses;” and (4) “[w]hether the remaining offenses are of the type
that judges of the [CCAs] should have the experience and familiarity with to
reliably determine what sentence would have been imposed at trial.” Id. at 15–
16 (citations omitted). These factors are “illustrative, but not dispositive, points
of analysis” to be considered as part of “the totality of the circumstances
presented.” Id. at 15.
We review issues of sentence appropriateness de novo. United States v.
Lane, 64 M.J. 1, 2 (C.A.A.F. 2006) (footnote omitted). This court “may affirm
only . . . the sentence or such part or amount of the sentence, as it finds correct
in law and fact and determines, on the basis of the entire record, should be
approved.” Article 66(d)(1), UCMJ, 10 U.S.C. § 866(d)(1). CCAs “assess
sentence appropriateness by considering the particular appellant, the nature
and seriousness of the offense[s], the appellant’s record of service, and all
matters contained in the record of trial.” United States v. Sauk, 74 M.J. 594,
606 (A.F. Ct. Crim. App. 2015) (en banc) (per curiam) (alteration in original)
(citation omitted). Although this court has broad discretion in determining
whether a particular sentence is appropriate, and Article 66, UCMJ, empowers
us to “do justice,” we have no authority to “grant mercy” by engaging in
exercises of clemency. United States v. Nerad, 69 M.J. 138, 146 (C.A.A.F. 2010)
(citation omitted).
A plea agreement with the convening authority is “some indication of the
fairness and appropriateness of [an appellant’s] sentence.” United States v.
Perez, No. ACM S32637 (f rev), 2021 CCA LEXIS 501, at *7 (A.F. Ct. Crim.
App. 28 Sep. 2021) (unpub. op.) (footnote omitted).
2. Analysis
Pursuant to the terms of the plea agreement the military judge sentenced
Appellant to a term of four months of confinement each for Specifications 1 and
2. These confinement sentences ran currently with each other, and
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consecutively with all other specifications. Appellant contends his sentence
should be reduced by four months. We agree.
All four Winckelmann factors weigh in favor of reassessment: (1) we find
our set-aside of the two indecent broadcasting specifications has not resulted
in a dramatic change to the penalty landscape as the maximum confinement
has been reduced only by four months as a result of the terms of the plea
agreement; (2) Appellant was sentenced by a military judge and as the United
States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces (CAAF) explained “[a]s a matter
of logic, judges of the [CCAs] are more likely to be certain of what a military
judge would have done as opposed to members,” Winckelmann, 73 M.J. at 16;
(3) the remaining seven specifications capture the gravamen of Appellant’s
criminal conduct; and (4) the remaining offenses are of the type that we have
the experience and familiarity with to reliably determine what sentence would
have been imposed at trial. Accordingly, we find sentence reassessment is
appropriate.
Having found reassessment appropriate, we next consider the sentence the
military judge would have imposed had he convicted Appellant of the
remaining charged offenses. See id. at 15 (holding CCAs may reassess a
sentence if it “can determine to its satisfaction that, absent any error, the
sentence adjudged would have been of at least a certain severity” (citation
omitted)). Taking all factors into consideration, the essential nature of
Appellant’s misconduct remains unchanged, and we conclude that the military
judge would have imposed the same sentence for the remaining specifications.
However, we conclude our set-aside undermines the language of the adjudged
reprimand. Accordingly, we reassess the sentence to consist of a dishonorable
discharge, confinement for 36 months, and reduction to the grade of E-1.
In reassessing Appellant’s sentence, we have also given full consideration
to Appellant and to the appropriateness of his sentence. After our careful
consideration of the matters contained in the record, the nature and
seriousness of Appellant’s offenses, and his record of service, we find the
sentence, as reassessed, is not inappropriately severe.
C. Timeliness of Appellate Review
Additionally, we consider whether Appellant is entitled to relief for a
facially unreasonable appellate delay. Moreno, 63 M.J. at 135 (citations
omitted); Tardif, 57 M.J. at 223–24. We decline to grant such relief.
1. Law
We review de novo whether an appellant has been denied the due process
right to speedy appellate review. Moreno, 63 M.J. at 135 (citations omitted). A
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presumption of unreasonable delay arises when appellate review is not
completed and a decision rendered within 18 months of a case being docketed.
Id. at 142. A presumptively unreasonable delay triggers an analysis of the four
factors specified 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 the
right to timely review and appeal; and (4) prejudice.” Moreno, 63 M.J. at 135(citations omitted). A presumptively unreasonable delay satisfies the first
factor, but the Government “can rebut the presumption by showing the delay
was not unreasonable.” Id. at 142. Assessing the fourth factor of prejudice, we
consider the interests of “prevention of oppressive incarceration pending
appeal;” “minimization of anxiety and concern of those convicted awaiting the
outcome of their appeals;” and “limitation of the possibility that . . . grounds
for appeal, and . . . defenses in case of reversal and retrial, might be impaired.”
Id. at 138–39 (citations omitted). In the absence of prejudice as identified in
Moreno, a due process violation exists only when “the delay is so egregious that
tolerating it would adversely affect the public’s perception of the fairness and
integrity of the military justice system.” United States v. Toohey, 63 M.J. 353,
362 (C.A.A.F. 2006).
Furthermore, we are required by Article 66(d), UCMJ, to determine which
findings of guilty and the sentence or part thereof “should be approved.” 10
U.S.C. § 866(d); see also Tardif, 57 M.J. at 224. In Tardif, the CAAF recognized
“a [CCA] has authority under Article 66[ ][, UCMJ,] to grant relief for excessive
post-trial delay without a showing of ‘actual prejudice’ within the meaning of
Article 59(a).” 57 M.J. at 224 (citation omitted). The essential inquiry under
Tardif is whether, given the post-trial delay, the sentence “remains
appropriate[ ] in light of all circumstances.” Toohey, 63 M.J. at 362 (citing
Tardif, 57 M.J. at 224).
2. Analysis
Appellant’s case was docketed with the court on 20 May 2022. The delay in
rendering this decision after 20 November 2023 is considered presumptively
unreasonable. The reasons for the delay include the time required for
Appellant to file his brief on 30 January 2023, and the Government to file its
answer on 1 March 2023.8 On 8 September 2023, we specified issue (2) for
briefing. On 25 September 2023, both Appellant and the Government filed
specified issue briefs. Additionally, on 27 September 2023, we issued an order
for oral argument which was held on 31 October 2023. Appellant has made no
8 Appellant filed six motions for enlargement of time, all of which were opposed by the
Government.
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specific claim of prejudice, and we find none. Because we find no particularized
prejudice, and the delay is not so egregious as to adversely affect the public’s
perception of the fairness and integrity of the military justice system, there is
no due process violation. See Toohey, 63 M.J. at 362.
We also conclude there is no basis for relief under Article 66(d)(2), UCMJ,
or Tardif in the absence of a due process violation. See United States v. Gay,
74 M.J. 736, 744 (A.F. Ct. Crim. App. 2015), aff’d, 75 M.J. 264 (C.A.A.F. 2016).
Considering all the facts and circumstances of Appellant’s case, we decline to
exercise our Article 66(d), UCMJ, authority to grant relief for the delay in
completing appellate review.
III. CONCLUSION
The findings of guilty to Specifications 1 and 2 of Charge V, and Charge V,
are SET ASIDE, and Specifications 1 and 2 of Charge V, and Charge V, are
DISMISSED. We reassess the sentence to a dishonorable discharge,
confinement for 36 months, and reduction to the grade of E-1. The remaining
findings, and the sentence as reassessed, are correct in law and fact, and no
other error materially prejudicial to the substantial rights of Appellant
occurred. Articles 59(a) and 66(d), UCMJ, 10 U.S.C. §§ 859(a), 866(d). The
remaining findings, and the sentence as reassessed, are AFFIRMED.
FOR THE COURT
CAROL K. JOYCE
Clerk of the Court
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