State v. Cooper

[Cite as State v. Cooper, 2016-Ohio-5064.]
COURT OF APPEALS
ASHLAND COUNTY, OHIO
FIFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
STATE OF OHIO JUDGES:
Hon. Sheila G. Farmer, P.J.
Plaintiff-Appellee Hon. William B. Hoffman, J.
Hon. John W. Wise, J.
-vs-
Case No. 14-COA-039
DANIEL SEAN COOPER
Defendant-Appellant OPINION
CHARACTER OF PROCEEDING: Appeal from the Court of Common
Pleas, Case No. 13-CRI-055
JUDGMENT: Affirmed in Part, Sentence Vacated,
and Remanded
DATE OF JUDGMENT ENTRY: July 22, 2016
APPEARANCES:
For Plaintiff-Appellee For Defendant-Appellant
CHRISTOPHER E. BALLARD BRIAN J. HALLIGAN
110 Cottage Street 1105 Broad Street
Third Floor P.O. Box 455
Ashland, OH 44805 Ashland, OH 44805
Ashland County, Case No. 14-COA-039 2
Farmer, P.J.
{¶1} In June 2009, appellant, Daniel Sean Cooper, pled guilty in a Summit
County, Ohio case to one count of pandering obscenity involving a minor in violation of
R.C. 2907.321. The Summit County trial court sentenced appellant to three years in
prison, imposed five years of post-release control, and ordered him to register as a Tier I
sex offender. Appellant's competency had been raised, but after evaluation, the trial court
found appellant was competent to stand trial.
{¶2} On May 14, 2013, a search warrant was executed on the Ashland, Ohio
residence of appellant's mother and stepfather based on suspected downloads of child
pornography to a computer located within the residence between April 27, and 29, 2013.
The computer was seized and child pornography files were discovered. Appellant lived
in Medina, Ohio, but frequently visited his mother, staying for two to three days at a time,
and was found at the residence during the execution of the search warrant.
{¶3} On May 24, 2013, a complaint was filed charging appellant with five counts
of pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor in violation of R.C.2907.322. A
bond hearing was held on May 29, 2013, wherein appellant indicated he may want to
represent himself. The trial court found appellant indigent and appointed Attorney Rolf
Whitney to represent appellant.
{¶4} On May 30, 2013, the Ashland County Grand Jury indicted appellant on
thirteen counts of pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor in violation of
R.C.2907.322. Appellant was arraigned on May 31, 2013, via iVisit wherein appellant,
through counsel, pled not guilty to the charges. On July 1, 2013, appellant appeared in
Ashland County, Case No. 14-COA-039 3
open court and again entered pleas of not guilty and indicated he wanted to represent
himself.
{¶5} On September 13, 2013, the state filed a motion for hearing to lay a
foundation for appellant's waiver of counsel. A hearing was held on October 7, 2013,
wherein appellant again indicated he wanted to represent himself.
{¶6} On December 9, 2013, appellant filed a motion for the appointment of
counsel specifically, Attorney Andrew Hyde. A hearing was held on December 26, 2013,
and Attorney Whitney was present for the hearing. By judgment entry filed December 27,
2013, the trial court vacated the prior appointment of Attorney Whitney and appointed
Attorney Hyde to represent appellant per appellant's request.
{¶7} On March 27, 2014, appellant filed a motion to fire Attorney Hyde and
proceed pro se. A hearing was held on April 2, 2014, wherein appellant indicated he
wanted to withdraw the motion.
{¶8} On April 16, and 28, 2014, appellant again filed motions to fire Attorney
Hyde. A pretrial was held on April 28, 2014, one week prior to the scheduled trial date,
wherein the trial court denied appellant's requests.
{¶9} On April 30, 2014, Attorney Hyde filed a request for a competency
evaluation. A hearing was held on June 5, 2014. By judgment entry filed June 23, 2014,
the trial court found appellant was competent to stand trial. The trial court also granted
appellant's oral request to proceed pro se, but required Attorney Hyde to remain as
standby counsel.
{¶10} On July 9, 2014, appellant filed a motion to remove Attorney Hyde from his
case. By judgment entry filed September 30, 2014, the trial court denied the motion.
Ashland County, Case No. 14-COA-039 4
{¶11} On November 5, 2014, the state filed an Evid.R. 404(B) notice of intention
to use appellant's prior conviction for pandering obscenity involving a minor to prove
identity.
{¶12} A jury trial commenced on November 18, 2014. Appellant represented
himself with Attorney Hyde present as standby counsel. The jury found appellant guilty
as charged.
{¶13} A sentencing hearing was held on November 25, 2014. By judgment entry
filed same date, the trial court sentenced appellant to two years on each of the thirteen
counts, to be served consecutively, for an aggregate term of twenty-six years in prison.
The trial court also found appellant had violated his post-release control from Summit
County and therefore sentenced appellant to an additional twenty-four months, to be
served consecutively to the twenty-six year sentence.
{¶14} Appellant filed an appeal and this matter is now before this court for
consideration. Assignments of error are as follows:
I
{¶15} "APPELLANT DID NOT KNOWINGLY, INTELLIGENTLY, AND
VOLUNTARILY WAIVE HIS RIGHT TO COUNSEL IN WRITING AS THE TRIAL COURT
FAILED TO FULLY ADVISE THE APPELLANT OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF
PROCEEDING PRO SE."
II
{¶16} "THE TRIAL COURT ABUSED ITS DISCRETION WHEN IT SENTENCED
APPELLANT TO CONSECUTIVE 2 YEAR SENTENCES FOR AN AGGREGATE 28
YEARS IN PRISON."
Ashland County, Case No. 14-COA-039 5
III
{¶17} "THE TRIAL COURT COMMITTED PLAIN ERROR IN ALLOWING
APPELLANT'S PRIOR FELONY CONVICTION FOR THE SAME CHARGE INTO
EVIDENCE DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE APPELLANT DID NOT TESTIFY."
I
{¶18} Appellant claims the trial court erred in failing to ensure his waiver of trial
counsel was knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily waived in writing pursuant to Crim.R.
44(C). We disagree.
{¶19} Crim.R. 44(C) states: "Waiver of counsel shall be in open court and the
advice and waiver shall be recorded as provided in Rule 22. In addition, in serious offense
cases the waiver shall be in writing."
{¶20} The state concedes a written waiver of counsel was not obtained in this
case. However, if substantial compliance with the rule is demonstrated, the failure to file
a written waiver is harmless error. State v. Martin, 103 Ohio St. 3d 385, 2004-Ohio-5471.
"A valid waiver of counsel can be either express or implied from the circumstances of the
case." State v. Weiss, 92 Ohio App. 3d 681, 684 (9th Dist.1993). Once a defendant has
waived his or her right to counsel, the trial court is free to appoint standby counsel, even
over the objection of the accused. Martin, supra.
{¶21} In State v. Gibson, 45 Ohio St. 2d 366 (1976), syllabus, the Supreme Court
of Ohio held the following:
1. The Sixth Amendment, as made applicable to the states by the
Fourteenth Amendment, guarantees that a defendant in a state criminal trial
Ashland County, Case No. 14-COA-039 6
has an independent constitutional right of self-representation and that he
may proceed to defend himself without counsel when he voluntarily, and
knowingly and intelligently elects to do so. Faretta v. California (1975), 422
U.S. 806, 95 S. Ct. 2525, 45 L. Ed. 2d 562.
2. In order to establish an effective waiver of right to counsel, the trial
court must make sufficient inquiry to determine whether defendant fully
understands and intelligently relinquishes that right.
{¶22} As explained by the United States Supreme Court in Von Moltke v. Gillies,
332 U.S. 708, 723-724 (1948):
To discharge this duty properly in light of the strong presumption
against waiver of the constitutional right to counsel, a judge must investigate
as long and as thoroughly as the circumstances of the case before him
demand. The fact that an accused may tell him that he is informed of his
right to counsel and desires to waive this right does not automatically end
the judge's responsibility.
{¶23} In Iowa v. Tovar, 541 U.S. 77, 88-89 (2004), the United States Supreme
Court acknowledged the following:
We have not, however, prescribed any formula or script to be read
to a defendant who states that he elects to proceed without counsel. The
Ashland County, Case No. 14-COA-039 7
information a defendant must possess in order to make an intelligent
election, our decisions indicate, will depend on a range of case-specific
factors, including the defendant's education or sophistication, the complex
or easily grasped nature of the charge, and the stage of the proceeding.
As to waiver of trial counsel, we have said that before a defendant
may be allowed to proceed pro se, he must be warned specifically of the
hazards ahead. Faretta v. California, 422 U.S. 806, 95 S. Ct. 2525, 45
L. Ed. 2d 562 (1975), is instructive. The defendant in Faretta resisted
counsel's aid, preferring to represent himself. The Court held that he had a
constitutional right to self-representation. In recognizing that right, however,
we cautioned: "Although a defendant need not himself have the skill and
experience of a lawyer in order competently and intelligently to choose self-
representation, he should be made aware of the dangers and
disadvantages of self-representation, so that the record will establish that
he knows what he is doing…" Id., at 835, 95 S. Ct. 2525 (internal quotation
marks omitted).
{¶24} As stated by this court in State v. Horn, 5th Dist. Delaware No. 08 CAA 11
0069, 2009-Ohio-5983, ¶ 10:
We have recognized that although some requests for self-
representation "often test the patience of trial courts and prosecutors ready
to proceed, the colloquy requirements of Gibson must apply." State v.
Ashland County, Case No. 14-COA-039 8
Blankenship, Perry App. No. 06 CA 17, 2007-Ohio-3541, ¶ 46. Appellant
herein maintains that precedent from this Court has "vigorously enforced"
the Von Moltke factors set forth in Gibson. Appellant's Brief at 8. However,
we agree with the State that Ohio law does not require a mechanistic
checklist of factors. See, e.g., State v. Doyle, Pickaway App. No. 04CA23,
2005-Ohio-4072, ¶ 11. We have not abrogated a "totality of the
circumstances" approach on issues of waiver of counsel, as appellant
seems to suggest. See, e.g., State v. Drake (May 22, 2001), Perry App.
No. 00CA10, 2001 WL 575123.
{¶25} During his May 29, 2013 bond hearing, appellant indicated he may want to
represent himself, and the trial court appointed Attorney Whitney to represent appellant.
T. at 7-9.
{¶26} On July 1, 2013, appellant appeared in open court and the following
exchange occurred (T. at 5-6):
THE COURT: And it's still your intention to represent yourself in this
matter, Mr. Cooper?
MR. COOPER: Yes, sir, the way that I see it is, it's not that I don't
feel he's sincere, I believe that - - I believe that I might be just better off to
represent myself.
THE COURT: Do you understand Mr. Whitney is going to be there to
advice (sic) you and give you - -
Ashland County, Case No. 14-COA-039 9
MR. COOPER: Absolutely.
THE COURT: - - give you whatever assistance that you need?
MR. COOPER: Yes, honestly, the intent was to get materials, and
you know, maybe come to a compromise before I have to defend myself,
but obtain the materials to realize what the Court proceeding is and how to
go about defending myself.
THE COURT: For purposes of negotiations, are you going to be
utilizing Mr. Whitney to negotiate on your behalf with the State, because you
understand that you have a right not to make any statement that could in
the future be used against you?
MR. COOPER: I mean, I mean, with given the understanding that if
a deal was offered or something, then I would have to say, yes, you know
what I mean? I don't want him to be able to say yes for me because me
saying yes.
THE COURT: Well, Mr. Whitney can not (sic) say yes without your
consent.
MR. COOPER: Okay.
THE COURT: And if there was any deal, you would be brought into
court and we would make sure that you understand the nature of the
agreement and whether or not you agree to that voluntarily, so I just want
to make sure that we are all on the same page. Anything else, Mr. Whitney?
MR. WHITNEY: No, sir, Dan and I had that discussion, Judge, so he
understands that.
Ashland County, Case No. 14-COA-039 10
{¶27} On September 13, 2013, the state filed a motion for hearing to lay a
foundation for appellant's waiver of counsel. A hearing was held on October 7, 2013, and
the following exchange occurred (T. at 6-7):
THE COURT: I am not addressing what has been happening in the
case, I am asking if you understand the way that the case will proceed if
you advise the Court today that you wish to represent yourself. Mr. Whitney
will no longer be made available to you unless this matter goes to trial. My
prior Order denying you access to the law library would be rescinded, and
we will make arrangements for you to have access to the law library, but
then you would no longer have the services of Attorney Whitney, and you
would be held to the same standards in terms of Notice upon the
Prosecuting Attorney of anything that you file with the Court, and basically
be held in the same standard as any other attorney.
Do you understand all of that?
MR. COOPER: Yeah, I understand that, yes, absolutely.
THE COURT: Okay, is it your desire to represent yourself in this
matter, and to forgo court appointed counsel except as to advise you as to
the procedure at trial?
MR. COOOPER: Yes, sir.
THE COURT: Okay. That being the case, Mr. Whitney, you are
excused until trial.
Ashland County, Case No. 14-COA-039 11
{¶28} The following exchange then occurred (T. at 9-14):
MS. ROGERS: Judge, the only thing that I might suggest is, I don't
know if the Court has Gibson in front of it, and I do if the Court wanted to
follow some of the language, but in addition to representing himself, you
know, I think that he has to be told if his questions are improper and they
don't (inaudible) you are not here to serve as his lawyer. That he may not
be able to ask any questions. I am intending to object if he doesn't know
the argument and (inaudible) to my objections, et cetera, I think maybe the
court needs to go into a little bit more detail of what is going to happen if he
falls on his face during trial.
THE COURT: I can certainly do that. I just did not understand what
you wanted the scope of this hearing to be since you referenced the Gibson
matter (inaudible) applying that at this point, but that was before he stated
that he wanted to represent himself. So that is where I got confused.
Mr. Cooper, do you understand that as the Prosecuting Attorney has
indicated, you will be held to the same standard of any other attorney that
would be practicing in the courtroom?
You have a Constitutional right to represent yourself, we will proceed
without Counsel but you need to understand that Mr. Whitney is only going
to be here to advise you as to procedures that there are, rules that govern
conducting a trial as to the questioning and admission of evidence, and you
Ashland County, Case No. 14-COA-039 12
will be expected to follow these rules if evidence is offered in a manner that
violates the rules of evidence, then the Prosecutor objects to that evidence,
it won't be admitted, and if you ask improper questions and the Prosecution
objects, your questions will be stricken from the Record and the jury will be
advised to disregard that question.
The fact that you represent yourself, as well, does not give you
unfettered discretion to be disruptive in the courtroom either, and you must
show proper respect for the Court and proceedings during the course of the
trial, or you could be removed from the courtroom. Do you understand that?
MR. COOPER: Yes, sir, I just wondered, so Mr. Whitney is
completely excused, I can't - -
THE COURT: He's completely excused until trial. He will be here at
trial to advise you as to procedures, as to any questions.
MR. COOPER: Any motions that I want - -
THE COURT: You have to file those yourself and serve the
Prosecuting Attorney a copy of anything that you file with the Court.
MR. COOPER: Okay. All right. I guess.
THE COURT: And he's not going to be discussing the motion with
you. If the Prosecutor files a motion, you will be responsible for responding
to any pretrial motions filed by the State, and Mr. Whitney will not be
assisting you and preparing any response to those motions.
MR. COOPER: Okay. One last question, how often would I have
access to the law library, if I might.
Ashland County, Case No. 14-COA-039 13
THE COURT: I am granting you access, so it's a question of what
you need and what the Sheriff's office can provide in terms of getting you
here and back.
MR. COOPER: I mean, do you think that once every two weeks
would be - - I mean, would be doable?
THE COURT: I would prefer not to put a specific time schedule on
that because if I say once every two weeks and you need to look something
up in response to a State's motion and you already had your one for the two
weeks, that would limit your access.
MR. COOPER: Well, that is kind of what I am getting at. I am kind
of leery that they might further restrict me by saying, Ohio Revised Code we
cannot do it today, Ohio Revised Code we cannot do it today, well, we
cannot do it today.
THE COURT: If that happens then you are representing yourself, you
can file a motion with the Court and give the Prosecuting Attorney a chance
to respond to the motion and we will address the issue.
MR. COOPER: All right.
THE COURT: And if it became a problem, we will try to correct the
problem.
MR. COOPER: Okay. I would appreciate that. Then, yeah, I am fine
with that, absolutely, I mean, I hate to say it, but I think that I feel, Mr.
Whitney probably would do a fairly good, but I think that, you know, the
Prosecution has too much support and it would overpower him. I think that
Ashland County, Case No. 14-COA-039 14
I have to defend myself. I have to represent myself. I have to represent
myself, there is no way around it.
THE COURT: And you fully understand the consequences of
proceedings on your own?
MR. COOPER: Yes, sir.
THE COURT: And you understand the limitations that will be on Mr.
Whitney subject to the terms of his attorney?
MR. COOPER: Yes, sir.
THE COURT: Anything else that you feel that the Court needs to
advise the Defendant on?
MS. ROGERS: No, thank you, Judge.
{¶29} On December 9, 2013, appellant filed a motion for the appointment of
counsel specifically, Attorney Hyde. A hearing was held on December 26, 2013, and
Attorney Whitney was present for the hearing. By judgment entry filed December 27,
2013, the trial court vacated the prior appointment of Attorney Whitney and appointed
Attorney Hyde to represent appellant as appellant requested. Thereafter, appellant filed
several motions to fire Attorney Hyde which the trial court denied.
{¶30} During the competency hearing held on June 5, 2014, the trial court found
appellant competent to stand trial and appellant again indicated he wanted to proceed
pro se. The following exchange occurred (T. at 7-11):
Ashland County, Case No. 14-COA-039 15
THE COURT: Thank you, Mr. Hyde. Mr. Cooper, you have been
afforded the service of two of the better, if not the best criminal defense
attorneys that do work in Ashland County on an appointed basis, that being
Mr. Whitney and Mr. Hyde. You have previously requested that you be
entitled to represent yourself when Mr. Whitney was representing you and
appointed to represent you, and the Court even made available an
opportunity for you to utilize the law library. And then got to a point where
trial was imminent, and you requested appointed Counsel again. And you
did not want Mr. Whitney, so we appointed Mr. Hyde, and then here we
proceeded along, and a day before trial we have something that kicks the
can down the road again, and now here we are again, with you requesting
that you be permitted to represent yourself, and that you don't want Mr.
Hyde as standby Counsel.
Well, Number 1, even if I let you represent yourself you are having
standby Counsel because I am not going to give you an argument on appeal
purposes if you are subsequently convicted in representing yourself, that
you did not have an opportunity to consult with Counsel, and I think that you
are entitled to that right, and at a bear (sic) minimum, the Court has to afford
you an opportunity to when you find yourself in the midst of trial to have the
opportunity to consult with Counsel, if you feel the need once you get into
the process or that procedure, and Mr. Hyde, as a minimum, is going to be
there to provide you with that support or answer your questions.
Ashland County, Case No. 14-COA-039 16
If you decide to proceed to represent yourself at trial, which I certainly
would advice (sic) strongly against you at trial, I think that would place you
at a significant disadvantage with a jury, but it's ultimately your choice.
Previously, under previous administration, the State took the position
that your standby Counsel could not assist you with legal research, you
were either standby there for trial and afforded you no assistance
whatsoever in trial preparation and we went down that road, and I don't
know, Mr. Tunnell, if you have the same position. I am quite frankly willing
to have Mr. Hyde assist in legal research so we don't have to trouble with
the jail staff with bringing Mr. Cooper up here afterhours and babysitting him
while he rifles through documents and books in the law library, sometimes
knowing what he wants and sometimes having no idea what he's looking
for.
And at least provide that assistance in the Court of his trial
preparation where at least if he could identify specific materials where he
wanted them, Mr. Hyde could upon being compensated by the County, at
least obtain those material or that information for Mr. Cooper to facilitate his
defense preparation if he's going to represent himself. I don't know how
you feel about that, Mr. Hyde, but I think I am not asking you to do the
research yourself, but he has got, if you are to assist him, he has to focus
to pretty much tell you what he's looking for.
MR. HYDE: I saw that as the second part of our request today, I
was going to request that the Court allow me to assist Mr. Cooper preparing,
Ashland County, Case No. 14-COA-039 17
to try his own case and obtain the materials, he told me that the Deputy
would sit there for four hours at a time in the law library, I would prefer that
the court allow me to bring what books he needs to him at jail and assist
him at the pretrial, but that - -
THE COURT: Well, that is the position that I took before, the State
objected to that, and that was fine. But like I said, we have new
administration at the Prosecutor's office so Mr. Tunnell, what would be your
position in that regard?
MR. TUNNELL: Judge, I never thought it proper to take a position on
the status of representation of a criminal Defendant or insert myself in that
way. My opinion is, if someone is Pro Se and has a legal advisor, they are
an advisor in all respects, not just at trial, but throughout the process.
THE COURT: Okay.
MR. TUNNELL: And additionally, having Counsel and paying a
deputy for four hours doesn't make sense.
THE COURT: It doesn't make a whole lot of sense.
MR. TUNNELL: It doesn't get you anywhere, and it doesn't make for
a descent (sic) record, and is at a big enough disadvantage being Pro Se
without that. And if there were some change of heart down the line and
would flip flop and Mr. Hyde is back in the first chair, I would prefer that he
be ready to go at a moment's notice if that happens and we don't have to
continue this again.
So no objection to that request, Your Honor.
Ashland County, Case No. 14-COA-039 18
THE COURT: Then that would be the Order of the Court, Mr. Hyde,
you may assist Mr. Cooper. Mr. Cooper, I am going to go ahead and let
you represent yourself, in this matter, Mr. Hyde will be designated as
standby Counsel.
{¶31} During a November 13, 2014 pretrial, the trial court notified appellant of the
following (T. at 6-7):
THE COURT: ***and just so you are aware, Mr. Cooper, we are also
making arrangements if you became disruptive during the point of the trial
that we cannot proceed properly with the trial, the Court will at that time
consider removing you from the courtroom and allowing your standby
Counsel to proceed on your behalf, and we would have a camera set up so
you can watch the proceedings from another location.
That is if you became too disruptive, you would be warned before
that would ever happen, but you just need to be aware that would be a
possibility if you became too disruptive.
{¶32} The following exchange then occurred (T. at 7-8):
MR. COOPER: I mean as far as that goes, if that were to happen
and I was represented by counsel, whatever, if I was on camera, does that
mean that I am still making the decisions or does he automatically make all
the decisions?
Ashland County, Case No. 14-COA-039 19
THE COURT: Well, we would basically have a Bailiff back with you
and you are watching a video, and if there is something that you needed to
communicate with your attorney on, we would have one Bailiff radio the
Bailiff in the courtroom, it would not be disruptive because they have ear
pieces, at which point the Bailiff would advice (sic) the Court that we needed
to possibly pause to allow you to consult with Mr. Hyde, so, yes, you would
be in control.
MR. COOPER: All right, I think that I understand how that is
supposed to go.
THE COURT: Okay.
MR. COOPER: I guess that is good.
{¶33} The trial commenced on November 18, 2014, and appellant represented
himself with Attorney Hyde seated beside him at the defense table as standby counsel.
T. at 6.
{¶34} Based on the numerous pretrial proceedings, we find the trial court
thoroughly investigated appellant's desire to represent himself and sufficiently advised
him of the consequences of his waiver of the right to counsel. Appellant was informed of
the charges against him and was advised that during trial, he would be held to the same
procedural standards as an attorney. The record demonstrates that appellant was
literate, competent, understanding of the consequences of self-representation, and
exercised free will. The trial court even provided standby counsel to aid appellant at all
times.
Ashland County, Case No. 14-COA-039 20
{¶35} Despite the lack of a written waiver of counsel, we find the trial court
substantially complied with Crim.R. 44(C), and appellant had sufficient understanding of
the proceedings and the consequences of representing himself to make a voluntary,
knowing, and intelligent waiver of the right to counsel and proceed pro se with the aid of
standby counsel.
{¶36} Assignment of Error I is denied.
II
{¶37} Appellant claims the trial court abused its discretion in imposing consecutive
sentences for an aggregate twenty-eight year prison term.
{¶38} Pursuant to the Supreme Court of Ohio's recent holding in State v. Marcum,
___ Ohio St.3d ___, 2016-Ohio-1002, ¶ 7, this court will review a felony sentence using
the standard set forth in R.C. 2953.08, and will no longer apply the abuse of discretion
standard under State v. Kalish, 120 Ohio St. 3d 23, 2008-Ohio-4912. R.C. 2953.08
governs appeals based on felony sentencing guidelines. Subsection (G)(2) sets forth this
court's standard of review as follows:
(2) The court hearing an appeal under division (A), (B), or (C) of this
section shall review the record, including the findings underlying the
sentence or modification given by the sentencing court.
The appellate court may increase, reduce, or otherwise modify a
sentence that is appealed under this section or may vacate the sentence
and remand the matter to the sentencing court for resentencing. The
appellate court's standard for review is not whether the sentencing court
Ashland County, Case No. 14-COA-039 21
abused its discretion. The appellate court may take any action authorized
by this division if it clearly and convincingly finds either of the following:
(a) That the record does not support the sentencing court's findings
under division (B) or (D) of section 2929.13, division (B)(2)(e) or (C)(4) of
section 2929.14, or division (I) of section 2929.20 of the Revised Code,
whichever, if any, is relevant;
(b) That the sentence is otherwise contrary to law.
{¶39} "Clear and convincing evidence is that measure or degree of proof which is
more than a mere 'preponderance of the evidence,' but not to the extent of such certainty
as is required 'beyond a reasonable doubt' in criminal cases, and which will produce in
the mind of the trier of facts a firm belief or conviction as to the facts sought to be
established." Cross v. Ledford, 161 Ohio St. 469 (1954), paragraph three of the syllabus.
{¶40} R.C. 2929.11 governs overriding purposes of felony sentences and states
the following:
(A) A court that sentences an offender for a felony shall be guided by
the overriding purposes of felony sentencing. The overriding purposes of
felony sentencing are to protect the public from future crime by the offender
and others and to punish the offender using the minimum sanctions that the
court determines accomplish those purposes without imposing an
unnecessary burden on state or local government resources. To achieve
those purposes, the sentencing court shall consider the need for
Ashland County, Case No. 14-COA-039 22
incapacitating the offender, deterring the offender and others from future
crime, rehabilitating the offender, and making restitution to the victim of the
offense, the public, or both.
(B) A sentence imposed for a felony shall be reasonably calculated
to achieve the two overriding purposes of felony sentencing set forth in
division (A) of this section, commensurate with and not demeaning to the
seriousness of the offender's conduct and its impact upon the victim, and
consistent with sentences imposed for similar crimes committed by similar
offenders.
(C) A court that imposes a sentence upon an offender for a felony
shall not base the sentence upon the race, ethnic background, gender, or
religion of the offender.
{¶41} R.C. 2929.14(C)(4) governs consecutive sentences and states the
following:
(4) If multiple prison terms are imposed on an offender for convictions
of multiple offenses, the court may require the offender to serve the prison
terms consecutively if the court finds that the consecutive service is
necessary to protect the public from future crime or to punish the offender
and that consecutive sentences are not disproportionate to the seriousness
of the offender's conduct and to the danger the offender poses to the public,
and if the court also finds any of the following:
Ashland County, Case No. 14-COA-039 23
(a) The offender committed one or more of the multiple offenses
while the offender was awaiting trial or sentencing, was under a sanction
imposed pursuant to section 2929.16, 2929.17, or 2929.18 of the Revised
Code, or was under post-release control for a prior offense.
(b) At least two of the multiple offenses were committed as part of
one or more courses of conduct, and the harm caused by two or more of
the multiple offenses so committed was so great or unusual that no single
prison term for any of the offenses committed as part of any of the courses
of conduct adequately reflects the seriousness of the offender's conduct.
(c) The offender's history of criminal conduct demonstrates that
consecutive sentences are necessary to protect the public from future crime
by the offender.
{¶42} In its judgment entry filed November 25, 2014, the trial court sentenced
appellant to two years on each of the thirteen counts, to be served consecutively, for a
total aggregate term of twenty-six years in prison. The trial court also imposed a twenty-
four month sentence for violating post-release control, to be served consecutively to the
twenty-six year term.
{¶43} During the sentencing hearing held on November 25, 2014, the trial court
found the following regarding consecutive sentences (T. at 20-21):
THE COURT: ***I am finding that consecutive service of the
sentence is necessary to protect the public from future crime, and
Ashland County, Case No. 14-COA-039 24
consecutive sentencings are certainly not disproportionate to the
seriousness of your conduct, and the danger that you pose to the public.
And that you committed those offenses while you were subject to Post-
Release Control and you are under specific prohibitions not to do that
conduct over and above what the statute in the State of Ohio required.
I am further finding that you are in violation of that Post-Release
Control Supervision and I am going to impose an additional 24 months of
Post-Release Control time consecutive to the 26 years that I am imposing
on the 13 counts, so your aggregate sentence is going to be 28 years, that
is two years on each of the 13 Counts, both imposed consecutive, and 24
months imposed on the Post-Release Control Violation.
{¶44} The trial court complied with R.C. 2929.14(C)(4) in ordering consecutive
service during the sentencing hearing.
{¶45} In State v. Bonnell, 140 Ohio St. 3d 209, 2014-Ohio-3177, ¶ 29-31, the
Supreme Court of Ohio held the following:
When imposing consecutive sentences, a trial court must state the
required findings as part of the sentencing hearing, and by doing so it
affords notice to the offender and to defense counsel. See Crim.R.
32(A)(4). And because a court speaks through its journal, State v. Brooke,
113 Ohio St. 3d 199, 2007-Ohio-1533, 863 N.E.2d 1024, ¶ 47, the court
should also incorporate its statutory findings into the sentencing entry.
Ashland County, Case No. 14-COA-039 25
However, a word-for-word recitation of the language of the statute is not
required, and as long as the reviewing court can discern that the trial court
engaged in the correct analysis and can determine that the record contains
evidence to support the findings, consecutive sentences should be upheld.
A trial court's inadvertent failure to incorporate the statutory findings
in the sentencing entry after properly making those findings at the
sentencing hearing does not render the sentence contrary to law; rather,
such a clerical mistake may be corrected by the court through a nunc pro
tunc entry to reflect what actually occurred in open court. See State v.
Qualls, 131 Ohio St. 3d 499, 2012-Ohio-1111, 967 N.E.2d 718, ¶ 15 (where
notification of postrelease control was accurately given at the sentencing
hearing, an inadvertent failure to incorporate that notice into the sentence
may be corrected by a nunc pro tunc entry without a new sentencing
hearing). But a nunc pro tunc entry cannot cure the failure to make the
required findings at the time of imposing sentence. See State v. Miller, 127
Ohio St. 3d 407, 2010-Ohio-5705, 940 N.E.2d 924, ¶ 16 ("a nunc pro tunc
order cannot cure the failure of a judge to impose restitution in the first
instance at sentencing").
And a sentencing entry that is corrected by a nunc pro tunc entry
incorporating findings stated on the record at the sentencing hearing does
not extend the time for filing an appeal from the original judgment of
conviction and does not create a new final, appealable order. See State v.
Lester, 130 Ohio St. 3d 303, 2011-Ohio-5204, 958 N.E.2d 142, ¶ 20 ("a nunc
Ashland County, Case No. 14-COA-039 26
pro tunc judgment entry issued for the sole purpose of complying with
Crim.R. 32(C) to correct a clerical omission in a final judgment entry is not
a new final order from which a new appeal may be taken").
{¶46} Although the trial court made the statutorily required findings during the
sentencing hearing, a review of the judgment entry on sentencing reveals it failed to
incorporate these findings into the sentencing entry contrary to Bonnell.
{¶47} Upon review, we vacate the sentence and remand the matter to the trial
court to issue a nunc pro tunc judgment entry on sentencing to include the requisite
findings.
{¶48} We note in his appellate brief at 4, appellant argues his twenty-eight year
sentence is "greatly excessive and manifestly disproportionate to the actual crime."
{¶49} As explained by this court in State v. Ewert, 5th Dist. Muskingum No.
CT2012-0002, 2012-Ohio-2671, ¶ 32-33:
As relevant to this appeal, under R.C. 2929.11(B), a felony sentence
must be "consistent with sentences imposed for similar crimes committed
by similar offenders." "To support a claim that a 'sentence is
disproportionate to sentences imposed upon other offenders, a defendant
must raise this issue before the trial court and present some evidence,
however minimal, in order to provide a starting point for analysis and to
preserve the issue for appeal.' " State v. Searles, 8th Dist. No. 96549,
Ashland County, Case No. 14-COA-039 27
2011-Ohio-6275, ¶ 25, quoting State v. Edwards, 8th Dist. No. 89181,
2007-Ohio-6068, ¶ 11.
A felony sentence should be proportionate to the severity of the
offense committed, so as not to "shock the sense of justice in the
community." State v. Chafin, 30 Ohio St. 2d 13, 17. See also R.C.
2929.11(B). A defendant alleging disproportionality in felony sentencing
has the burden of producing evidence to "indicate that his sentence is
directly disproportionate to sentences given to other offenders with similar
records who have committed these offenses * * *." State v. Breeden, 8th
Dist. No. 84663, 2005-Ohio-510, ¶ 81.
{¶50} Appellant did not raise this issue in the trial court, and has not provided this
court with any explanation or evidence as to why or how his sentence is disproportionate.
{¶51} While the sentence imposed is lengthy, appellant committed thirteen acts
of pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor in violation of R.C. 2907.322. In
2009, appellant pled guilty to one count of pandering obscenity involving a minor in
violation of R.C. 2907.321, and was sentenced to three years in prison and ordered to
register as a Tier I sex offender. After his release from prison, appellant went right back
to engaging in the same behaviors as before.
{¶52} As stated by our brethren from the Eighth District in State v. Duhamel, 8th
Dist. Cuyahoga No. 102346, 2015-Ohio-3145, ¶ 54 and 61, respectively:
Ashland County, Case No. 14-COA-039 28
***In New York v. Ferber, 458 U.S. 747, 102 S. Ct. 3348, 73 L. Ed. 2d
1113 (1982), the U.S. Supreme Court recognized the government's interest
in safeguarding the physical and psychological well-being of children and in
preventing their sexual exploitation. Id. at 756-757. Every video or image
of child pornography on the internet constitutes a permanent record of that
particular child's sexual abuse. The harm caused by these videos is
exacerbated by their circulation. Id.
***
Moreover, the children depicted in the images or videos are the
victims of pandering sexually oriented material involving a minor offenses.
State v. Meadows, 28 Ohio St. 3d 43, 49, 503 N.E.2d 697 (1986). Each
video presents a different child or group of children. Individuals who view
or circulate child pornography harm the child in several ways (1) by
perpetuating the abuse initiated by the creator of the material, (2) by
invading the child's privacy, and (3) by providing an economic motive for
producers of child pornography. U.S. v. Norris, 159 F.3d 926 (5th Cir.1998).
As previously stated, the dissemination of child pornography exacerbates
and continues the exploitation and victimization of the individual child.
Ferber, 458 U.S. 747 at 759, 102 S. Ct. 3348, 73 L. Ed. 2d 1113; See also
U.S. v. Sherman, 268 F.3d 539, 545 (7th Cir.2001) (even a "passive
consumer who merely receives or possesses the images directly
contributes to this continuing victimization.").
Ashland County, Case No. 14-COA-039 29
See also State v. Starcher, 5th Dist. Stark No. 2015CA00058, 2015-Ohio-5250.
{¶53} "Each child pornography file or image that is downloaded is 'a new and
distinct crime.' State v. Eal, 10th Dist. No. 11AP-460, 2012-Ohio-1373, ¶ 93." State v.
Mannarino, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 98727, 2013-Ohio-1795, ¶ 53.
{¶54} The quantity of appellant's offenses, coupled with his prior conviction for a
similar offense, clearly and convincingly support the trial court's sentence. R.C.
2953.08(G)(2).
{¶55} Assignment of Error II is granted as to the sentencing entry and denied as
to the consecutive nature and length of the sentence.
III
{¶56} Appellant claims the trial court committed plain error in admitting into
evidence his prior felony conviction for pandering obscenity involving a minor despite the
fact that he did not testify at trial. We disagree.
{¶57} The admission or exclusion of evidence lies in the trial court's sound
discretion. State v. Sage, 31 Ohio St. 3d 173 (1987). In order to find an abuse of that
discretion, we must determine the trial court's decision was unreasonable, arbitrary or
unconscionable and not merely an error of law or judgment. Blakemore v. Blakemore, 5
Ohio St. 3d 217 (1983).
{¶58} As set forth above, the state filed a pretrial Evid.R. 404(B) notice of intent
to introduce appellant's prior conviction at trial. Evid.R. 404(B) states the following:
Ashland County, Case No. 14-COA-039 30
(B) Other Crimes, Wrongs or Acts. Evidence of other crimes,
wrongs, or acts is not admissible to prove the character of a person in order
to show action in conformity therewith. It may, however, be admissible for
other purposes, such as proof of motive, opportunity, intent, preparation,
plan, knowledge, identity, or absence of mistake or accident. In criminal
cases, the proponent of evidence to be offered under this rule shall provide
reasonable notice in advance of trial, or during trial if the court excuses
pretrial notice on good cause shown, of the general nature of any such
evidence it intends to introduce at trial.
{¶59} Identity was at issue at trial. Appellant was arrested for pandering sexually
oriented matter involving a minor while visiting the home of his mother and stepfather.
During opening statement, appellant stated, "[a]s far as the residence goes, there is two
people that live there, my mom and stepdad, and yeah, I went there sometimes, still, I
mean, so I don't know, it just goes to show that any one of them have an interest, all of
them have knowledge." November 18, 2014 T. at 132-133. Appellant further stated, "as
far as like my mom or stepdad, I don't know what stepdad was into, but I know that my
mom gets porn." Id. at 137-138.
{¶60} During appellant's cross-examination of Detective Dave Rohn, appellant
asked the following: "All right. Aside from the fact that I was at the residence when you
collected the evidence, was there any evidence to suggest or know from your evidence
that proves that I was at the residence, other than any days that you were at the
Ashland County, Case No. 14-COA-039 31
residence, video, phone calls, or pictures that says that I was there any other days at the
residence?" Id. at 163-164. The detective responded in the negative. Id. at 164.
{¶61} Also during opening statement, appellant mentioned his prior conviction for
pandering obscenity. Id. at 135-139. In its case-in-chief, the state moved to admit
appellant's prior conviction into evidence (State's Exhibit 6) and the following exchange
occurred on the record during a sidebar (Id. at 181-182):
MR. LANGE: Your Honor, at this point in time, I move the Court to
accept into evidence the Defendant's prior conviction, pandering
obscenities. He raised the issue of identify and Detective Rohn laid the
foundation, identified the person, gave the date of birth, 11-9-73, and three
people drove to the house and identify is at issue in the case, and the
Defendant raised that issue of identify in the Opening Statement.
THE COURT: Mr. Cooper?
MR. COOPER: I don't mind about that.
THE COURT: You are okay to that? Okay. The Certified copy of the
prior conviction is admitted without objection.
{¶62} Appellant did not object to the admission of the evidence, in fact he
acquiesced when specifically asked. An error not raised in the trial court must be plain
error for an appellate court to reverse. State v. Long, 53 Ohio St. 2d 91 (1978); Crim.R.
52(B). In order to prevail under a plain error analysis, appellant bears the burden of
demonstrating that the outcome of the trial clearly would have been different but for the
Ashland County, Case No. 14-COA-039 32
error. Long. Notice of plain error "is to be taken with the utmost caution, under
exceptional circumstances and only to prevent a manifest miscarriage of justice." Id. at
paragraph three of the syllabus.
{¶63} Appellant has not demonstrated error, let alone plain error. Given that
appellant mentioned his prior conviction during his opening statement, consented to the
introduction of his prior conviction, and placed identity at issue, we find the trial court did
not abuse its discretion in admitting the evidence.
{¶64} Assignment of Error III is denied.
{¶65} The judgment of the Court of Common Pleas of Ashland County, Ohio is
affirmed in part and the sentence is vacated, and the matter is remanded to said court for
the limited purpose of issuing a nunc pro tunc sentencing entry in accordance with the
law and this opinion.
By Farmer, P.J.
Wise, J. concurs.
Hoffman, J. dissents.
SGF/db 76
Ashland County, Case No. 14-COA-039 33
Hoffman, J., concurring in part and dissenting in part
{¶66} I concur in the majority’s analysis and disposition of Appellant’s first and
third assignments of error except for the standard of review utilized in reviewing the trial
court’s admission of Appellant’s prior conviction.1
{¶67} I further concur in that part of the majority’s analysis and disposition of
Appellant’s second assignment of error vacating Appellant’s sentence and remanding the
matter for resentencing pursuant to State v. Bonnell, 140 Ohio St. 3d 209, 2014-Ohio-
3177.
{¶68} However, I respectfully dissent from the majority’s analysis and decision
finding the record clearly and convincingly supports the trial court’s decision to impose all
of Appellant’s sentences consecutively.
{¶69} I believe the majority’s reliance on this Court’s opinion in State v. Ewert, 5th
Dist. Muskingum No. CT2012-0002, 2012-Ohio-2671, is misplaced. I find the pertinent
issue herein is whether the imposition of consecutive sentences is disproportionate to the
seriousness of the offender’s conduct under R.C. 2929.14(C)(4), not whether Appellant’s
sentence on each count is consistent with sentences imposed for similar crimes
committed by similar offenders under R.C. 2929.11(B). Appellant’s sentence on each
offense is not excessive on its own apart from the trial court’s order the sentences run
consecutive for a total of twenty-six years in prison. Accordingly, I find lack of evidence
of sentences given to other offenders with similar records who committed the same
offense as Appellant committed does not end the analysis. I find the record is sufficient
1
For further explanation, see my concurring opinion in State v. Baughman, 5th District
Fairfield App. No. 13-CA-49, 2014-Ohio-1821.
Ashland County, Case No. 14-COA-039 34
to analyze whether the imposition of consecutive sentences is disproportionate to the
seriousness of Appellant’s conduct in this case. The analysis is between Appellant’s
sentence and his conduct in this case, not between Appellant’s sentence on a particular
offense and that of other offenders of that same offense.2
{¶70} The record demonstrates Appellant downloaded [and presumably viewed]
thirteen videos of child pornography on his mother’s computer over a three day period.
Although Appellant committed thirteen separate offenses, it appears to have been one
continuing course of conduct. There is no indication in the record Appellant ever
distributed or attempted to forward any of the videos to anyone else. There is no record
evidence Appellant ever “acted out” on his sexual predilection by contacting or attempting
to contact a juvenile for sexual purposes.
{¶71} I certainly do not mean to suggest the viewing of child pornography is not a
serious offense. It is a morally reprehensible, offensive crime. Material involving the
sexual exploitation of juveniles is both shocking and disgusting.
{¶72} Yet the legal question remains: Is 26 years in prison a proportionate
sentence in light of the seriousness of Appellant’s conduct?
{¶73} There was no direct, immediate harm done to any person (with the possible
exception of Appellant himself) as a result of Appellant downloading the videos.3
{¶74} I offer the following hypothetical for purpose of illustration.
2
R.C. 2929.14(C)(4), “the court may require the offender serve the prison terms
consecutively if the court finds…the consecutive sentences are not disproportionate to
the offense.
3 I acknowledge an indirect harm results in that Appellant and others like him who
download such pornography create a market for the production of such material, thereby
victimizing children.
Ashland County, Case No. 14-COA-039 35
{¶75} Had Appellant downloaded 56 videos of child pornography over those same
three days would 112 years in prison be proportionate to the seriousness of the crime?
Would such justify what would, in effect, constitute a life sentence to prison?
{¶76} An offender who commits gross sexual imposition against a juvenile victim
is subject to a maximum of five years in prison. Should such offender commit gross
sexual imposition against one victim on five separate occasions, or once against five
different victims, the maximum consecutive sentence such offender could receive would
be a total of 25 years in prison. Here, Appellant received 26 years in prison for conduct
which many, if not most or all, would view less serious than the actual direct harm caused
to a juvenile victim(s) by commission of gross sexual imposition.
{¶77} While I do not find it inappropriate to impose an additional 24 months in
prison for violation of his Post-Release Control consecutive to the sentence for the
offenses for which Appellant was convicted in this case, I find the 26 year consecutive
sentence is disproportionate to the seriousness of Appellant’s conduct.