Bobby Ray Deloach v. State of Mississippi

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF MISSISSIPPI
NO. 97-KA-00685-SCT
BOBBY RAY DELOACH
v.
STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
DATE OF JUDGMENT: 05/27/97
TRIAL JUDGE: HON. BILLY JOE LANDRUM
COURT FROM WHICH APPEALED: JONES COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT
ATTORNEY FOR APPELLANT: ANTHONY J. BUCKLEY
ATTORNEY FOR APPELLEE: OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
BY: W. GLENN WATTS
DISTRICT ATTORNEY: JEANNENE T. PACIFIC
NATURE OF THE CASE: CRIMINAL - FELONY
DISPOSITION: AFFIRMED - 10/08/98
MOTION FOR REHEARING FILED:
MANDATE ISSUED: 10/29/98
BEFORE PRATHER, C.J., ROBERTS AND MILLS, JJ.
ROBERTS, JUSTICE, FOR THE COURT:
STATEMENT OF THE CASE
¶1. On July 10, 1995, the Grand Jury of the Second Judicial District of Jones County, Mississippi,
indicted Bobby Ray DeLoach (hereinafter "DeLoach") for the crime of possession of cocaine
pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 41-29-139. After presentation of preliminary discovery and
preliminary motions from the defense and prosecution, the DeLoach trial commenced with a jury on
May 27, 1997 with the Honorable Billy Joe Landrum presiding. The trial concluded the same day
with a guilty verdict of possession of cocaine being returned. The lower court sentenced DeLoach to
three (3) years with the M.D.O.C. with one (1) year suspended and two (2) to serve. DeLoach was
also sentenced to pay a fine of $10,000.00 with $5,000.00 suspended. DeLoach timely filed his
Motion for a New Trial which was denied by the trial court. It is from the foregoing events that
DeLoach brings this timely appeal asserting the following issues:
I. WHETHER THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN OVERRULING, WITHOUT
ARTICULATION, THE DEFENDANT'S MOTION TO DISMISS ON GROUNDS OF A
VIOLATION OF THE DEFENDANT'S SIXTH AMENDMENT SPEEDY TRIAL
RIGHTS AND WITHOUT EVEN REQUIRING THE STATE TO RESPOND?
II. WHETHER A UNIFORMED PRIVATE SECURITY GUARD, EMPLOYED AND
ACTING UNDER AUTHORITY OF A PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITY, SHOULD
BE REQUIRED TO MIRANDIZE AN INDIVIDUAL UPON PROBABLE CAUSE
THAT A CRIME IS BEING COMMITTED?
III. WHETHER THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN ALLOWING THE STATE TO ASK
THE DEFENDANT, OVER DEFENSE OBJECTION, IF HE HAD EVER BEEN
CONVICTED OF A PRIOR FELONY AND IN NOT CONDUCTING A WEIGHING
TEST?
STATEMENT OF THE FACTS
¶2. DeLoach was arrested at the Laurel Housing Authority property for possession of cocaine on
February 6, 1995. He filed a motion for a speedy trial on September 18, 1996, while he was
incarcerated at Parchman on a burglary charge. DeLoach was released from Parchman on February
17, 1997. He was arraigned a week after his release from Parchman for the crime of possession of
cocaine and then tried on May 27, 1997. There is record evidence that DeLoach's court appointed
attorney accepted a trial date as well as refused earlier trial dates because of scheduling conflicts with
other cases he was trying. He presented a speedy trial motion prior to trial which the trial court
denied prior to the State providing reasons for the delay. Neither DeLoach nor his attorney stated any
prejudice to DeLoach as a result of the delay in trying him or that the state had attempted to gain any
tactical advantage over him by delaying the case for trial.
¶3. After opening statements from the State, Patrick Paige, a private security officer assigned to
patrol the Laurel Housing Authority was called to testify. He testified to receiving a call concerning a
speeding vehicle on the road near the Housing Authority property. When he went to investigate, he
saw a car parked on Housing Authority property on Park Street. After the people got out of the car,
Paige recognized DeLoach who was a passenger of the car. Paige knew that DeLoach was not
allowed on the property as a result of a ban that had occurred a few months prior to this incident.
¶4. Paige further testified that he told DeLoach that he was not supposed to be on Laurel Housing
property. He patted DeLoach down and asked him whether he had anything else on him. DeLoach
responded that he did have some drugs on him and proceeded to take some drugs out of his shoe. A
Laurel police officer was called on the dispatcher. After the alleged drugs had been placed on the top
of the car, Officer Kevin Jackson with the Laurel Police Department took DeLoach into custody.
¶5. The second State's witness was John L. Smith, also employed as security for the Laurel Housing
Authority. He testified that DeLoach was banned from the Laurel Housing Authority on December
19, 1994. This notice was hand delivered to him by Smith. He also testified that he was working on
the night in question with Paige. He testified about getting a call about a car speeding and upon
investigating found a car parked at 630 Park Street which was on Housing Authority property. He
stated that Paige told DeLoach that he was not supposed to be on housing property. After patting
him down, Paige asked him if he had anything on him. Smith testified that it was at this time that he
saw DeLoach reach in his shoe and pull out some cocaine. The Laurel police were called and
DeLoach was given his Miranda rights and placed in a police car. On cross-examination, Smith
denied that Paige had asked DeLoach for drugs when DeLoach handed him the cocaine. He also
testified that the guard on the housing authority property had the power to detain people for
trespassing until the Laurel police arrive.
¶6. The next State's witness was Officer Earl Reed of the Laurel Police Department. His testimony
was of his response to the call to assist the security officers. He also testified that Paige had placed
DeLoach under arrest for trespass, and that Paige located the drugs on DeLoach. He further testified
that Officer Kevin Jackson arrived on the scene and took possession of the cocaine. Reed testified
that he transported DeLoach to the Laurel Police Department.
¶7. Kevin Jackson was the fourth witness on behalf of the State. He testified as to his field test and to
the positive results of the substances found in possession of DeLoach. He also testified that he was
the officer that actually placed DeLoach under arrest and read DeLoach his Miranda rights.
¶8. The State's fifth and final witness was Patricia Barnes of the State Crime Laboratory in Jackson,
Mississippi. Her testimony was expert testimony in her capacity as a forensic scientist specializing in
drug analysis. She testified as to her conclusions in testing the substance found on DeLoach. She
determined that the sample contained cocaine. Upon conclusion of Barnes' testimony, the State
rested.
¶9. After the defense 's Motion for a Directed Verdict, which was overruled, the defense called
DeLoach to testify on his own behalf. DeLoach testified that he went to the Laurel Housing
Authority to visit a friend, and that he was never notified that he was banned from the area. He
testified that Paige approached the vehicle and he got out of the vehicle to greet him. He also said
that Paige told him if he had any drugs on his person, he needed to give them to Paige because drug
dogs were coming to the scene. He was searched for weapons and detained until the police came. He
claimed the cocaine was for his personal use and that he was a drug addict at the time of the incident.
¶10. On cross examination, DeLoach admitted that he used cocaine on the night in question and that
he gave what he had left to security officer Paige. He admitted that he was not employed and that the
cocaine he possessed was "found" rather than purchased. He also admitted to buying cocaine in the
past and to having previously been convicted of a felony. After DeLoach's testimony, the defense
rested.
¶11. After the usual deliberation as to the appropriateness of certain jury instructions, closing
arguments were delivered to the jury. The jury returned a verdict of guilty of possession of cocaine.
DISCUSSION OF THE ISSUES
I. WHETHER THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN OVERRULING, WITHOUT
ARTICULATION, THE DEFENDANT'S MOTION TO DISMISS ON GROUNDS OF A
VIOLATION OF THE DEFENDANT'S SIXTH AMENDMENT SPEEDY TRIAL
RIGHTS AND WITHOUT EVEN REQUIRING THE STATE TO RESPOND?
¶12. DeLoach argues that his speedy trial rights were violated because the State did not try him until
some two years after his arrest. He further argues that the trial court erred by not requiring the State
to give "good cause" for the delay and by its failure to articulate a reason for the denial of the motion.
Review of a speedy trial claim encompasses the fact question of whether the trial delay rose from
good cause. Under this Court's standard of review, this Court will uphold a decision based on
substantial, credible evidence. Folk v. State, 576 So. 2d 1243, 1247 (Miss. 1991). If no probative
evidence supports the trial court's finding of good cause, this Court will ordinarily reverse. Folk v.
State, 576 So.2d at 1247. The state bears the burden of proving good cause for a speedy trial delay,
and thus bears the risk of non-persuasion. Flores v. State, 574 So. 2d 1314, 1318 (Miss. 1990).
¶13. The facts pertinent for consideration of DeLoach's allegation of constitutional violation of his
right to a speedy trial are necessarily recited.
CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS
DATE AND CORRESPONDING EVENTS
2/6/95 DeLoach arrested.
7/17/95 DeLoach indicted.
9/18/96 DeLoach filed speedy trial motion while in the Mississippi State Penitentiary on a
burglary charge.
2/17/97 DeLoach released from prison concerning the burglary charge.
2/24/97 DeLoach arraigned and trial date set for 3/25/97.
3/6/97 DeLoach's motion to dismiss and motion for continuance filed.
3/24/97 DeLoach's motion for continuance and additional time within which to enter into plea
negotiations filed.
3/28/97 Order continuing case entered and motion to dismiss overruled.
5/9/97 Motion for court to reconsider filed.
5/19/97 Order overruling Motion to reconsider entered.
5/25/97 Trial began. (838 days since arrest; 91 days since arraignment)
¶14. The right to a speedy trial attaches at the time of the accused's arrest, indictment, or information.
Smith v. State, 550 So. 2d 406, 408 (Miss. 1989). If the Court finds a constitutional speedy trial
violation, the sole remedy is to reverse the trial court's decision and dismiss the charges. DeLoach's
constitutional right to a speedy trial is considered under the factors established by the United States
Supreme Court in Barker v. Wingo, 407 U.S. 514 (1972). The balancing test of Barker are as
follows: (1) length of delay; (2) reason for the delay; (3) whether the defendant has asserted his right
to a speedy trial; and (4) whether defendant was prejudiced by the delay. Noe v. State, 616 So. 2d
298, 300 (Miss. 1993). In considering this issue, it is important to note what this Court pronounced
in State v. Magnusen, 646 So. 2d 1275, 1278 (Miss. 1994):
This Court recognized in Beavers v. State:
No mathematical formula exists according to which the Barker weighing and balancing process
must be performed. The weight to be given each factor necessarily turns on the quality of
evidence available on each and, in the absence of evidence, identification of the party with the
risk of nonpersuasion. In the end, no one factor is dispositive. The totality of the circumstances
must be considered.
498 So.2d at 790.
¶15. In the instant case, the trial court did not require the State to respond and did not articulate its
findings and views regarding the Barker factors when it denied DeLoach's motion to dismiss. In
similar cases, this Court has acted de novo in performing the Barker analysis. Furthermore, this
Court has noted that it would be extremely helpful if the Circuit Courts, in considering these matters,
would provide an articulated statement of their findings of evidentiary fact and the reasons for the
decision to grant or deny the motion to dismiss. State v. Ferguson, 576 So. 2d 1252, 1255 (Miss.
1991). See also Folk v. State, 576 So. 2d 1243, 1247 (Miss. 1991); and Gavin v. State, 473 So. 2d
952, 955 (Miss. 1985). Under the circumstances, the writer will proceed with a de novo standard of
review.
LENGTH OF DELAY
¶16. For consideration of the Barker factors, the relevant time begins to run from the date of arrest.
From DeLoach's arrest until trial, 838 days elapsed. This is sufficient to trigger the Barker balancing
test and require an examination of the other factors. Under Mississippi law, a delay of eight months is
presumptively prejudicial. Smith v. State, 550 So. 2d 406, 408 (Miss. 1989). However, "[t]his factor
alone, is insufficient for reversal, but requires a close examination of the remaining factors." Handley
v. State, 574 So. 2d 671, 676 (Miss. 1990). This factor favors DeLoach, necessitating scrutiny of the
remaining Barker factors.
REASON FOR DELAY
¶17. Once there is a finding that the delay is presumptively prejudicial, the burden shifts to the
prosecution to produce evidence justifying the delay and to persuade the trier of fact of the legitimacy
of these reasons. Wiley v. State, 582 So. 2d 1008, 1012 (Miss. 1991). In the case at bar, the
prosecution provided no excuse for the delay. "Where the defendant has not caused the delay, and
where the prosecution has declined to show good cause for the delay, we must weigh this factor
against the prosecution. It is the burden of the state to see that a defendant receives a speedy trial."
Smith v. State, 550 So. 2d 406, 409 (Miss. 1989) (quoting Perry v. State, 419 So. 2d 194, 199 (Miss.
1982)).
¶18. The most critical period of delay is the 748 day prearraignment delay between DeLoach's arrest
on February 6, 1995, and his arraignment on February 24, 1997. There is no indication in the record
that this delay was intentional on the part of the State. Nor is there a showing by DeLoach that the
State gained any tactical advantage from the delay. Ross v. State, 605 So. 2d 17, 22 (Miss. 1992).
However, it is important to note that DeLoach was incarcerated during this time period on a burglary
charge and was arraigned 7 days after he was released from prison. This portion of the delay is
weighed against the State, but not as heavily.
¶19. However, the 91 day period of delay between the arraingment and the trial on May 25, 1997, is
almost wholly attributed to the defendant who requested two continuances and additional time in
which to enter into plea negotiations. A delay attributable to the defendant tolls the constitutional
speedy trial clock. Ross v. State, 605 So.2d at 22. Thus, continuances requested and then granted to
the defendant toll the running of the constitutional speedy trial clock. State V. Magnusen, 646 So. 2d
1275, 1282 (Miss. 1994). Furthermore, where a defendant is involved in plea negotiations with the
state prior to trial, this cannot be counted against the state in a speedy trial analysis. Winder v. State,
640 So. 2d 893, 894 (Miss. 1994) (citing Reed v. State, 506 So. 2d 277, 281 (Miss. 1987)). It is clear
that DeLoach acquiesced in and initiated much of the plea bargaining that caused the resulting delay.
"If the defendant is the cause of the delay, he cannot complain thereafter." Reed v. State, 506 So.2d
at 281. Thus, the length of the delay not attributable to either DeLoach or his lawyer is approximately
80 days.
ASSERTION OF RIGHT
¶20. In his motion to dismiss, DeLoach charges that on September 18, 1996, he filed with the trial
court a written demand for a fast and speedy trial. In McGhee v. State, 657 So. 2d 799, 804 (Miss.
1995), this Court stated:
It is not the duty of the accused to bring himself to trial. Kinzey v. State, 498 So. 2d 814, 823
(Miss. 1986). It is the State, of course, that bears the burden of bringing an accused to trial in a
speedy manner. Magnusen, at 1283 (citing Vickery v. State, 535 So. 2d 1371, 1377 (Miss.
1988)).
Thus, while DeLoach has some responsibility to assert a speedy trial claim, the primary burden is on
the courts and the prosecutors to assure that they bring cases to trial.
¶21. However, in Simmons v. State, 678 So. 2d 683 (Miss. 1996), this Court noted that the
defendant's constitutional right to speedy trial was not violated, although 21- month delay between
arrest and trial was presumptively prejudicial, where significant portion of delay was due to
defendant's request for psychological evaluation, defendant did not bring motion to dismiss on speedy
trial grounds for over a year, and defendant did not demonstrate any prejudice. In the case sub judice,
DeLoach failed to file a motion to dismiss until after one year and seven months from the date of his
arrest. "Thus, this factor favors the State, but only slightly because the "primary" burden is upon the
State." Simmons, 678 So.2d at 687.
PREJUDICE
¶22. DeLoach demonstrated no actual prejudice. The delay was clearly attributed to his incarceration
on a burglary charge. There was presumptive prejudice only. In DeLoach's case, he was tried 838
days after his arrest. However, he was serving time for a burglary charge until February 17, 1997, at
which time he was released from prison. He was arraigned the next week and was tried 91 days later.
"Where a defendant is serving a prison term in the state penitentiary or is imprisoned on totally
unrelated charges, there is no resulting prejudice based solely on continued incarceration." Winder v.
State, 640 So. 2d 893, 895 (Miss. 1994). This Court has further opined that "[a] defendant's assertion
of prejudice attributable solely to incarceration, with no other harm, typically is not sufficient to
warrant reversal." Ross v. State, 605 So. 2d 17, 23 (Miss. 1992).
¶23. DeLoach does not allege any prejudice to this Court whatsoever. Without a showing of
prejudice, DeLoach cannot make out a claim of due process violation. Simmons v. State, 678 So. 2d
683, 687 (Miss. 1996). This factor weighs heavily against DeLoach and in favor of the State.
Furthermore, there is no argument that DeLoach's defense has been curtailed or impaired because of
any delay. This Court has stated that "we will not infer prejudice to the defense out of the 'clear
blue.'" State v. Magnusen, 646 So.2d at 1285. Having reviewed all the Barker factors, based on the
facts in this case, and considering the totality of the circumstances, we conclude that DeLoach was
not denied his constitutional right to a speedy trial. This issue is without merit.
II. WHETHER A UNIFORMED PRIVATE SECURITY GUARD, EMPLOYED AND
ACTING UNDER AUTHORITY OF A PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITY, SHOULD
BE REQUIRED TO MIRANDIZE AN INDIVIDUAL UPON PROBABLE CAUSE
THAT A CRIME IS BEING COMMITTED?
¶24. The issue raised by DeLoach appears to be one of first impression in the State of Mississippi.
The issue boils down to the question of whether a security guard working for a private security
company employed by public housing authority should be under the same constitutional constraints as
a police officer. It is DeLoach's contention that a private security guard should be and thus, Miranda
warnings should have been read to him on the night in question. He asserts that the security officers'
failure to do so required the trial court to suppress any statements or evidence seized.
¶25. This issue presents a question of law, for which the standard of review is de novo. Rose v. State,
586 So. 2d 746, 751 (Miss. 1991) (citing Harrison County v. City of Gulfport, 557 So. 2d 780, 784
(Miss. 1990)).
¶26. The Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination which Miranda warnings are designed
to protect has never been held to apply where private security personnel have questioned a defendant
without any participation from the government. The purpose of the Miranda warnings is to protect
the individual's constitutional rights against illegal government intrusion. Miranda v. Arizona, 384
U.S. 436, 444 (1966). In a private investigation though, Miranda warnings need not be given.
However, private conduct may become so pervaded by governmental action as to pierce the shield of
private investigation into public constitutional scrutiny. "The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals stated in
Roberts v. Louisiana Downs, Inc., 742 F.2d 221 (1984), that there is state action where there is a
close connection between the state and the conduct of the actor. A determination is made by
weighing the circumstances to see if there is a sufficient nexus. Id. at 224." Bankston v. Pass Rd.
Tire Ctr., Inc., 611 So. 2d 998, 1008 (Miss. 1992). Thus, for private conduct to be turned into state
action, there must be a clear nexus between the state or law enforcement and a private investigation.
¶27. DeLoach asserts that because the property is owned by the Laurel Housing Authority it is
actually city owned property. He further asserts that the City of Laurel, which is a sovereign power,
through the Laurel Housing Authority, is using public funds to hire private security guards to carry
out police duties and as such, are clothed with law enforcement powers. Thus, DeLoach is
maintaining that because police powers are traditionally exclusively reserved to the states, these
security guards were state actors. However, this Court finds that there is wanting evidence of public
involvement in the private investigation and detainment of DeLoach.
¶28. The mere fact that the security guards performed their duties on public or city property, or for
the public's benefit, does not make them state actors necessitating Miranda warnings being given to
DeLoach. Rendell-Baker v. Kohn, 457 U.S. 830, 842 (1982). Gallagher v. "Neil Young Freedom
Concert", 49 F.3d 1442, 1457 (10th Cir. 1995) (finding that providing security at building leased
from government was not exclusive state function). Furthermore, the Supreme Court has stated that
the fact that a private entity contracts with the government or receives governmental funds or other
kinds of governmental assistance does not automatically transform the conduct of that entity into
state action. Rendell-Baker v. Kohn, 457 U.S. at 842-43 (1982); San Francisco Arts & Athletics,
Inc. v. United States Olympic Comm., 483 U.S. 522, 544 (1987) ("[t]he Government may subsidize
private entities without assuming constitutional responsibility for their actions."). Additionally, the
private surveillance, apprehension and questioning of DeLoach was in no way instigated by a police
officer or undertaken upon the official instruction of a law enforcement agency.
¶29. Accordingly, because the facts of the instant case do not establish a sufficiently close nexus
between the Laurel Housing Authority and the actions taken by the private security guards, there is
no showing of state action. Therefore, these private security guards were no more subject to the
restrictions dictated by the Fifth Amendment and Miranda requirements than any other private
individual. These security guards, operating in a private capacity, are completely distinguishable for
Fifth Amendment purposes from those who have an obvious nexus to governmental police
enforcement or are otherwise obviously working with the police or an agency of the state.
¶30. Thus, the private security guards were not required to give Miranda warnings to DeLoach and
the trial court properly admitted the contraband found at the time of the incident. This issue is
without merit.
III. WHETHER THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN ALLOWING THE STATE TO ASK
THE DEFENDANT, OVER DEFENSE OBJECTION, IF HE HAD EVER BEEN
CONVICTED OF A PRIOR FELONY AND IN NOT CONDUCTING A WEIGHING
TEST?
¶31. DeLoach argues that the Court erred in allowing the State to impeach him on cross-examination,
with evidence of a prior conviction, without first conducting an on-the-record determination that the
probative value outweighed the prejudicial effect of such evidence. Therefore, Rule 609 controls.
M.R.E. 609(a) provides:
General Rule. For the purpose of attacking the credibility of a witness, evidence that he has
been convicted of a crime shall be admitted if elicited from him or established by public record
during cross-examination but only if the crime (1) was punishable by death or imprisonment in
excess of one year under the law under which he was convicted, and the court determines that
the probative value of admitting this evidence outweighs its prejudicial effect on a party or (2)
involved dishonesty or false statement, regardless of the punishment.
The trial court found DeLoach's conviction of a felony admissible pursuant to M.R.E. 609(a)(1),
therefore, this Court must determine whether the trial court abused its discretion in granting
admissibility of a prior conviction for impeachment purposes under M.R.E. 609(a)(1). McGee v.
State, 569 So. 2d 1191, 1195 (Miss. 1990) (citing Johnson v. State, 525 So. 2d 809, 812 (Miss.
1988)). Where admission of evidence of a prior conviction is manifestly prejudicial, this Court will
reverse and remand or remand for a finding pursuant to M.R.E. 609(a)(1) if none has been made.
Jordan v. State, 592 So. 2d 522, 523 (Miss. 1991).
¶32. In Peterson v. State, 518 So. 2d 632 (Miss. 1987), the defendant argued that the trial court erred
in allowing the prosecution to impeach his testimony with a prior felony conviction without first
making an on-the-record determination that its probative value outweighed its prejudicial effect. On
appeal, the Court held that M.R.E. 609(a)(1) requires the trial court to make an on-the-record
determination that the probative value of the prior conviction outweighs its prejudicial effect before
admitting any evidence of a prior conviction. Peterson, 518 So.2d at 636. The Court listed several
factors that should be considered by the trial court when weighing the probative value against the
prejudicial effect:
(1) The impeachment value of the prior crime.
(2) The point in time of the conviction and the witness' subsequent history.
(3) The similarity between the past crime and the charged crime.
(4) The importance of the defendant's testimony.
(5) The centrality of the credibility issue.
Id. at 636. However, the State first has a threshold burden of establishing prima facie that the prior
conviction has probative value. Johnson, 604 So.2d at 310.
¶33. In the case sub judice, the holding of Peterson was clearly not met. That is, the trial judge failed
to utilize the Peterson factors in determining the admissibility of DeLoach's prior conviction. The
only statement made by the judge concerning this matter was, "[i]f they know that he has been
convicted of a felony, then they have a right to use it for impeachment purposes if they feel like he
has given perjured testimony." There was no finding on the record that the probative value
outweighed the prejudicial effect of allowing the prior conviction into evidence. Hickson v. State,
697 So. 2d 391, 396 (Miss. 1997).
¶34. This Court finds that the admission of DeLoach's previous conviction into evidence without a
determination on the record under Rule 609(a)(1), that the probative value of the evidence
outweighed its prejudicial effect, was erroneous. However, the contested testimony constitutes
harmless error in the instant case because of the overwhelming evidence of guilt. This Court has held
that the basic test for harmless error in the federal constitutional realm goes back to Chapman v.
California, 386 U.S. 18 (1967). The Chapman test is whether it appears "'beyond a reasonable
doubt that the error complained of did not contribute to the verdict obtained.'" (Yates v. Evatt, 500
U.S. 391, 403 (1991)(quoting Chapman, 386 U.S. at 24)).. The Yates Court further clarified that
the inquiry is not whether the jury considered the improper evidence or law at all, but rather, whether
that error was "unimportant in relation to everything else the jury considered on the issue in question,
as revealed in the record." Yates, 500 U.S. at 403. See also Wilcher v. State, 635 So. 2d 789, 798
(Miss.1993). In the instant case, the evidence of DeLoach's guilt was indeed overwhelming. Thus,
regardless of the fact that the admission of the 609(a)(1) impeachment evidence was error, such was
harmless. Thus, this assignment of error is without merit.
CONCLUSION
¶35. This Court finds that DeLoach's constitutional right to a speedy trial was not violated and thus,
his first assignment of error is without merit.
¶36. Furthermore, we find that a private security officer is not considered government police
enforcement merely because he is hired and paid by a housing authority and patrols the housing
authority's property. Consequently, the private security guards involved in the present case were not
subject to the restrictions of the Fifth Amendment and Miranda requirements. This assignment of
error is without merit.
¶37. This Court does recognize that the trial court's admission of DeLoach's prior felony conviction
was in conflict with the Peterson case and its progeny. The trial judge failed to give an on-the-record
determination that the prior conviction's probative value outweighed its prejudicial effect as required
under Rule 609(a)(1). However, any error made by the trial judge was harmless error in light of the
overwhelming weight of the evidence of DeLoach's guilt. Therefore, this issue is meritless.
¶38. CONVICTION OF POSSESSION OF COCAINE AND SENTENCE OF THREE (3)
YEARS IN THE CUSTODY OF THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS,
WITH ONE (1) YEAR SUSPENDED LEAVING TWO (2) YEARS TO SERVE, AND
PAYMENT OF A FINE OF $10,000.00, WITH $5,000.00 BEING SUSPENDED, LEAVING A
BALANCE OF $5,000.00 FINE TO BE PAID FOR THE USE AND BENEFIT OF JONES
COUNTY, TOGETHER WITH ALL COURT COSTS, WITH CONDITIONS, AFFIRMED.
APPELLANT IS GIVEN CREDIT FOR JAIL TIME SERVED.
PRATHER, C.J., PITTMAN, P.J., SMITH AND MILLS, JJ., CONCUR. WALLER, J.,
CONCURS IN RESULT ONLY. SULLIVAN, P.J., DISSENTS WITH SEPARATE WRITTEN
OPINION JOINED BY BANKS AND McRAE, JJ.
SULLIVAN, PRESIDING JUSTICE, DISSENTING:
¶39. I disagree with the majority's conclusion that the 839-day delay between DeLoach's arrest and
trial was not a violation of his constitutional right to a speedy trial. Therefore, I must respectfully
dissent. Examining the four factors set out in Barker v. Wingo, 407 U.S. 514 (1972), I find that this
case requires reversal.
LENGTH OF DELAY
¶40. I agree with the majority's statement that the delay here of 839 days between DeLoach's arrest
and trial is presumptively prejudicial. Smith v. State, 550 So. 2d 406, 408 (Miss. 1989). "This Court
has held that a delay of 423 days would result in reversal absent the State's strength in the other
factors." Jasso v. State, 655 So. 2d 30, 33 (Miss. 1995). This factor weighs heavily against the State,
and requires further analysis of the remaining Barker factors.
REASON FOR THE DELAY
¶41. I agree with the majority that the most critical portion of the delay here was the 749-day period
between DeLoach's arrest and his arraignment. The majority states that this portion of the delay is
attributable to the State, but does not weigh as heavily against the State since DeLoach was
incarcerated at Parchman on a burglary charge during this time. However, it is the duty of the State,
not the defendant himself, to bring the criminal defendant to trial. Vickery v. State, 535 So. 2d 1371,
1377 (Miss. 1988). I see no reason why DeLoach could not have been arraigned at some earlier date,
even though incarcerated. The State certainly had full access to the defendant during his time at
Parchman, and the delay until his release unreasonably prevented DeLoach from being informed of
the charges against him and beginning trial preparation. Only a portion of the 90-day delay between
DeLoach's arraignment and his trial are attributable to him for requesting continuances and entering
plea negotiations. "[W]here the defendant has not caused the delay, and where the prosecution has
declined to show good cause for the delay we must weigh this factor against the prosecution."
Vickery, 535 So.2d at 1377. Contrary to the majority's analysis, since the State cannot show good
cause for a majority of the 839-day delay between DeLoach's arrest and trial, this factor must weigh
against the State.
DEFENDANT'S ASSERTION OF HIS RIGHT
¶42. DeLoach asserted his right on September 18, 1996, in his Motion for a Fast and Speedy Trial,
590 days after his arrest. He reasserted his right by presenting his motion to dismiss based upon
violation of his speedy trial right on March 27, 1997. The fact that DeLoach did not make any motion
asserting his right to a speedy trial prior to that date does not weigh against him, because "[i]t is the
burden of the State to see that a defendant receives a speedy trial." Vickery, 535 So.2d at 1377. The
State must assume that the defendant wants a speedy trial and not presume that he is waiving that
right. Id. Even after DeLoach asserted his right to a speedy trial, the State waited another 249 days
before bringing him to trial. DeLoach effectively asserted his right to a speedy trial, so this factor also
weighs against the State.
PREJUDICE TO THE DEFENDANT
¶43. "The accused is not required to put forth an affirmative showing of prejudice to prove his right
to a speedy trial was violated." Atterberry v. State, 667 So. 2d 622, 627 (Miss. 1995). "This Court
has stated that the State actually has to show lack of prejudice in order to prevail in this factor."
Jasso, 655 So.2d at 35.
The final Barker factor is prejudice to the defendant. Here again the burden of production and
persuasion are critical. Where the delay has been presumptively prejudicial, the burden falls
upon the prosecution. Prince v. State of Alabama, 507 F.2d 693, 707 (5th Cir.1975). Moore
v. Arizona , 414 U.S. 25, 94 S. Ct. 188, 38 L. Ed. 2d 183 (1973) states,
Barker v. Wingo expressly rejected the notion that an affirmative demonstration of prejudice
was necessary to prove a denial of the constitutional right to a speedy trial.
Moore, 414 U.S. at 26, 94 S.Ct. at 189, 38 L.Ed.2d at 185; see Trotter v. State, 554 So. 2d
313, 318 (Miss.1989). Intimations otherwise in our opinions, e.g., Hughey v. State, 512 So. 2d
4, 8 (Miss.1987); Beavers v. State, 498 So. 2d 788, 791-92 (Miss.1986) fade in the face of
Moore's clear expression.
State v. Ferguson, 576 So. 2d 1252, 1255 (Miss. 1991). Even though DeLoach has made no showing
of prejudice, he is not precluded from bringing an effective denial of speedy trial claim. See Burgess
v. State, 473 So. 2d 432 (Miss. 1985).
CONCLUSION
¶44. Three of the four Barker factors weigh in favor of DeLoach, with the fourth factor relating to
prejudice weighing only slightly against him. Applying the balancing test set out in Barker, I find that
Hull's constitutional right to a speedy trial was violated. I would reverse DeLoach's conviction and
sentence and remand the case to the Jones County Circuit Court.
BANKS AND McRAE, JJ., JOIN THIS OPINION.