State v. Short

[Cite as State v. Short, 2015-Ohio-3183.]
COURT OF APPEALS
RICHLAND COUNTY, OHIO
FIFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
JUDGES:
STATE OF OHIO : Hon. W. Scott Gwin, P.J.
: Hon. John W. Wise, J.
Plaintiff-Appellant : Hon. Patricia A. Delaney, J.
:
-vs- :
: Case No. 14CA67
CHRISTOPHER L. SHORT :
:
Defendant-Appellee : OPINION
CHARACTER OF PROCEEDING: Criminal appeal from the Richland County
Court of Common Pleas, Case No.
2012CR0429 R
JUDGMENT: Affirmed
DATE OF JUDGMENT ENTRY: August 6, 2015
APPEARANCES:
For Plaintiff-Appellee For Defendant-Appellant
JOHN NIEFT RANDALL FRY
38 South Park Street 10 West Newlon Place
Mansfield, OH 44902 Mansfield, OH 44902
[Cite as State v. Short, 2015-Ohio-3183.]
Gwin, P.J.
{¶1} Defendant-appellant Christopher Short [“Short”] appeals from his
convictions and sentences after a jury trial in the Richland County Court of Common
Pleas on one count of rape and four counts of domestic violence.
FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY
INTRODUCTION.
{¶2} Short was indicted in two cases. Upon motion of the state, which the
defense did not oppose, on July 3, 2014 the Court ordered in the interest of Judicial
Economy, Case No; 2012-CR-0429 and Case No: 2014-CR-0200 be joined and tried
together.
{¶3} On August 13, 2012, Short, was indicted by the Richland County Grand
Jury for his criminal acts against A.S. on July 1, 2012. In Case No: 2012-CR-0429,
Short was charged on two counts. The first count is Rape a felony of the second degree
pursuant to R.C. 2907.02(A)(2). In Count 2, Short was charged with Domestic Violence,
a felony of the fourth degree pursuant to R. C. 2919.25(A)(D)(3). The victim in this case
was A. S. The jury found Short guilty on both counts.
{¶4} On April 4, 2014, Short was indicted by the Richland County Grand Jury for
criminal acts against B.S. In Case No: 2014-CR-0200, Short was charged with seven
counts of Domestic Violence.
{¶5} For his acts on January 1 to January 31, 2013, Short was indicted in Count
1 or Domestic Violence in violation of R.C. 2919.25(A), with two prior Domestic Violence
convictions, a felony of the third degree. For his acts between June 1 and June 30,
2013, Short was indicted in Count 2 with Domestic Violence in violation of R.C.
Richland County, Case No. 14CA67 3
2919.25(A), with two prior Domestic Violence convictions, a felony of the third degree.
For his acts on March 2, 2014, Short was indicted with three counts, Counts 3, 4, and 5
with Domestic Violence in violation of R.C. 2919.25(A), with two prior Domestic Violence
convictions, felonies of the third degree. Counts 6 and 7 Short was indicted with
Domestic Violence Threats in violation of R.C. 2919.25(C), with two prior offenses,
misdemeanors of the first degree. In Counts 8 and 9 Short was indicted with Rape in
violation of R.C. 2907.02(02), felonies of the first degree. In Count 10 Short was indicted
for Abduction in violation of R.C. 2905.02(A)(2), a felony of the third degree.
{¶6} The jury found Short “Not Guilty” on Counts 1, 2, 3, and 4 all Domestic
Violence, felonies of the third degree. The jury found Short “Guilty” on Count 5,
Domestic Violence, a felony of the third degree. On Count 6, the jury found the Short
“Guilty” of Domestic Violence, a misdemeanor of the first degree. On Count 7, the jury
found Short “Guilty” of Domestic Violence a misdemeanor of the first degree. The jury
found Short “Not Guilty” on Counts 8 and 9, both counts being Rape, a felony of the first
degree. The jury found Short “Not Guilty” on Count 10, Abduction, a felony of the third
degree
{¶7} The trial court sentenced Short on July 15, 2014. He was found to be a tier
III sex offender and ordered to serve a total of 13.5 years of incarceration.
CASE NO. 2012-CR-0429 – JULY 1, 2012 – A.S.
{¶8} Short was married to A.S. in 2008. In February 2010, Short had a domestic
violence incident with A.S. Short eventually pleaded guilty to this as a misdemeanor
domestic violence.
Richland County, Case No. 14CA67 4
{¶9} During 2009 and 2010, B.S. worked with Short and A.S. at School
Specialty, a factory making school supplies. B.S. was friends with the couple during her
employment there. However, they grew apart when Short asked B.S. for nude photos
one night during drinking. Shortly after that, Short and B.S. were laid off and A.S. took
another job.
{¶10} In May of 2012, Short found B.S. on Facebook and contacted her. Things
developed and they began to have an extramarital affair. This affair was discovered by
A.S. Short and A.S. separated in mid-June. The two began sharing the house on
alternating days. One night, A.S. would be home at night with their daughter, the next
night A.S. would leave and Short would be home with their daughter. During this period,
Short continued his affair with B.S.
{¶11} On June 30, 2012, Short and B.S. devised a plan to see if A.S. had B.S.'s
car keyed. Short planned to text A.S. and eventually meet with her and convince A.S.
that he had broken up with B.S. After that, Short would attempt to get A.S. to admit to
having someone key B.S.'s vehicle.
{¶12} On July 1, 2012, Short texted A.S. asking to come to the house. A.S. told
him not to come to their home. Nonetheless, after A.S. had put their child to bed, Short
arrived knocking at the back glass door. A.S. opened the door and spoke to Short. She
found him to be drunk but in a good mood, so she let him in to talk. Short stated that he
had broken up with B.S. and wanted to get back together with A.S. Short then called
B.S. and purported to break up with B.S. in front of A.S. A.S. took the phone from Short
and yelled at B.S. that she had succeeded in keeping her husband.
Richland County, Case No. 14CA67 5
{¶13} After hanging up the phone, A.S. told Short that she was not back with him
and she was not going to have sex with him. A.S. merely wanted to hurt B.S. and
wanted Short to choose her; she had no interest in patching up her relationship with
Short.
{¶14} Short came over to the couch A.S. was sitting on and told her they would
have sex. A.S. refused and Short yanked off A.S.'s pajama pants and began to stick
fingers in her vagina. A.S. began to kick Short and tried to push him off, but he held her
down. Short then attempted to perform oral sex on A.S., but she pulled away and fell to
the floor. A.S. attempted to stand, but Short was behind her and put his arms around
her neck, choking her. A.S. began to black out and heard a popping sound in her neck.
Short stated that he would kill A.S. if she did not have sex with him. A.S. then stopped
fighting back, but still told Short to stop. Short forced A.S. to perform oral sex on him,
stated that he is raping A.S. and will ejaculate in her mouth to not leave any evidence.
A.S. was gagging and could not breathe. Short then vaginally penetrated A.S.
{¶15} Short wanted to go to the bedroom and complete copulation. A.S. initially
denied but agreed to go for fear of her life. On the way there, A.S. asked to get a glass
of water from the kitchen. When A.S. had gotten far enough away from Short, she fled
out the sliding glass doors in only a shirt.
{¶16} The next-door neighbor was not home, so A.S. fled to the next neighbor
over, David Willis. A.S. knocked on the door until Mr. Willis answered. A.S. was
hysterical and wearing nothing but a grey shirt. A.S.'s hair was messed up, she was
crying, and her face was red. A.S. requested that Mr. Willis call 9-1-1 because Short
had just hit her, choked her, and potentially raped her. He did so and gave her
Richland County, Case No. 14CA67 6
sweatpants to wear. A.S. reported that she was abused and raped on the 9-1-1 call.
During this time, Short got into his vehicle and fled.
{¶17} A.S. went back to her house accompanied by Mr. Willis. Officers Jeffrey
Gillis and Larry Schacherer from the Mansfield Police Department arrived on the scene
within 10 minutes. They took statements from A.S. and Mr. Willis. They collected a
domestic violence packet from A.S., which included an affidavit where A.S. told them
that Short choked her and raped her. They did not notice any visible injuries during this
interview.
{¶18} A.S. reported to SANE Nurse Elaine Siewert similar information that she
had provided to the police officers. A SANE exam was performed and Nurse Siewert
noted injuries to A.S.'s neck and back. She further noted A.S. reported pain in her neck,
back, left wrist, and left cheek. Redness was seen in and around the vagina, which
showed blunt force trauma in that area. DNA swabs were collected from the vaginal
region of A.S. There were no bruises noted at the time. Officer Gillis took photographs
of the injuries of A.S. at the hospital.
{¶19} Short was arrested by Lexington Police Department in the home of his
mother that night. When being transported to the jail Short commented to Officer
Schacherer that, "I [Short] read where a lot of people have been charged with rape but
nobody ever gets convicted with it.” Short initially told officers that he was not at A.S.'s
house that day, then he changed his story to having been there earlier in the day and no
sex occurred. Short then he changed his story to he and A.S. had consensual sex at
around 4:00 p.m. Short’s injuries were photographed by Office Schacherer. Short had
Richland County, Case No. 14CA67 7
bite marks on his arm. Short explained these marks as rough play with his friends at the
lake. When Short ultimately testified at trial, he stated that all of these were lies.
{¶20} The following day, A.S. texted B.S. In these texts, A.S. told B.S. what had
occurred, namely that the Short had choked her until she blacked out and forced her to
have sex with him with threats of death.
{¶21} The DNA collected for the SANE exam was analyzed. There was no
semen present on the oral, anal, or vaginal swab. However, on the swab of A.S.'s right
breast, there was DNA of Short and A.S.
{¶22} Short was released on bond and began living at his mother's house in
Lexington, Ohio. He continued to see B.S. Short was divorced from A.S. and he
became engaged to B.S. on December 4, 2012.
CASE NO. 2014-CR-0200 – JANUARY 2013 THROUGH MARCH 2014 – B.S.
{¶23} In January 2013, Short became violent with B.S. during a sexual encounter
in his vehicle. B.S. was performing oral sex on Short when he struck her in the back of
her head and he grabbed her hair very roughly, stating that she would be bald when he
was done with her. He eventually threw her glasses out of the vehicle. B.S. did not
originally report this incident because she loved Short at the time and believed him
when he apologized later.
{¶24} In June 2013, Short again became abusive with B.S. Short requested sex
from B.S. and she declined. Short took her glasses and started hitting her. B.S. ran to
the kitchen and she grabbed what she thought was a knife, but was really an icing
spatula. Short came at her, took the spatula, and began hitting her on the top of the
head with a closed fist. Short’s mother then came downstairs and told Short to stop.
Richland County, Case No. 14CA67 8
B.S. fled to a gas station. B.S. did not report this incident because of Short’s pending
charge involving A.S.
{¶25} B.S. testified that the abusive relationship with Short grew over time and
she became more and more afraid of him. She stated that she made three statements
over the pendency of the 2012 case to attempt to assist Short in his defense. Each of
these statements were at Short’s direction and were made to appease him. These
statements were largely based solely on what Short told B.S. and were untrue as far as
she knew.
{¶26} On March 1, 2014, B.S. was driving to Wal-Mart with Short. Short became
angry with B.S., took out the car keys, and began sawing at her fingers with the keys.
Later that night, while B.S. was staying the night with Short, Short wanted sex from B.S.
and she refused. Short, grabbed her stomach and twisted it painfully. Both then fell
asleep for a short time. About two hours later, Short awakened B.S. demanding sex.
B.S. again refused and Short wrenched B.S.'s legs apart and stated she was his wife
and he could have sex with her whether she wanted to or not. B.S. began crying but
decided to allow the intercourse. Short went from vaginal sex to penetrating B.S. anally.
When he did so, B.S. screamed out in pain. Short covered B.S.'s mouth and began
choking her to gag her screams so his mother would not hear. Short told B.S. that she
was dead when he was choking her. Short eventually ejaculated in B.S.'s anus and then
went to sleep. B.S. lay awake crying, but eventually fell asleep.
{¶27} The next morning, B.S. wanted to leave but could not find a time to escape.
Short requested sex from B.S. again, which she again denied. Short then proceeded to
hit her on the hip five to seven times, causing injuries to B.S. Short claimed he would
Richland County, Case No. 14CA67 9
stop hitting B.S. when she is right. Short then went to the bathroom. B.S. took the
opportunity to flee the house. She initially went to the Lexington Police Department, but
decided not to wait to be helped for fear that Short would find her, so she left.
{¶28} Short proceeded over the next two days to text and call B.S. He was
begging B.S. to talk to him and that he was very sorry. B.S. met with Short in public.
She spoke to Short from her vehicle with the doors locked and the window cracked.
B.S. recorded the conversation with her phone, which was played for the jury. That
conversation had Short apologize profusely and guaranteeing that he will change.
{¶29} On Monday morning, B.S. went to get a civil protection order, which she
secured by noon. B.S. then went to Lexington Police Station, met with officers, and
reported the recent incident. B.S. saw a doctor because her organs were tender, and he
noted some injuries. B.S. was not informed to do a SANE exam until later, which she
completed that Wednesday.
{¶30} At the SANE exam, some bruising was noted and recorded. There was
diffuse redness on her cervical os and scant bloody drainage noted. Following the
SANE exam, B.S. met with another Lexington Police Officer to report the rape, as they
had not noticed she complained of both domestic violence and rape previously.
SHORT TESTIFIES AT TRIAL.
{¶31} Short testified in this case. He admitted to both of his prior domestic
violence convictions in 2004 and 2010. Short claimed, regarding the 2012 incident with
A.S., that A.S. let him in the front door and that they had consensual sex after the phone
call with B.S. During the sex, when they were going to the bedroom, A.S. went to the
glass door, smiled at him mischievously, and left. Smith then drove to his mother's
Richland County, Case No. 14CA67 10
house. Short denied the allegations of domestic violence and rape that night. Short did
state that he was scared when he was arrested that night, so he lied in his statement to
officers.
{¶32} Short denied the allegations of physical and sexual abuse against B.S.
Short denied that he and B.S. had sex the night of March 1 to March 2, 2014. Short
stated that she smacked B.S.'s thigh playfully on March 2, 2014.
{¶33} Generally, Short testified at trial that both A.S. and B.S. injured themselves
so that they could create false charges of domestic violence and rape against him.
SENTENCE.
{¶34} On July 15, 2014, Short was sentenced in Case No: 2012-CR-0429, to the
Ohio State prison system on Count 1 for a mandatory nine years and Count 2, eighteen
months. The trial court ordered the sentences to be served consecutive to each other
and also consecutive to his sentence in Case No. 2014-CR-0200. Short was also found
to be a tier three sex offender.
{¶35} In Case No. 2014-CR-0200, Short was sentenced to the Ohio State prison
system on Count 5 for three years, and on Count 6 for 6 months in the Richland County
Jail, the Court merged Count 7 with Count 6.
{¶36} The Court in the Sentencing Entry shows that Counts 5 and 6 are to run
concurrent to each other. Count 5 is to run consecutively with Case No: 2012-CR-0429
for a total sentence of thirteen and one-half years in prison. This Sentencing includes
three years of mandatory post release control.
Assignment of Error
{¶37} Short raises one assignment of error,
Richland County, Case No. 14CA67 11
{¶38} “I. THE APPELLANT WAS DEPRIVED OF HIS SIXTH AMENDMENT
RIGHT TO EFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL AS THE TRIAL COUNSEL DID
NOT OBJECT TO THE MOTION OF JOINDER FILED BY THE APPELLEE.”
Analysis
{¶39} In his sole assignment of error, Short argues that his trial counsel was
ineffective for failing to object to the state's motion for joinder of Case No. 2012-CR-
0429 involving A.S. that had occurred in 2012 and Case No. 2014-CR-0200 that
involved B.S. and had occurred in 2013-2014.
{¶40} A claim of ineffective assistance of counsel requires a two-prong analysis.
The first inquiry is whether counsel's performance fell below an objective standard of
reasonable representation involving a substantial violation of any of defense counsel's
essential duties to appellant. The second prong is whether the appellant was prejudiced
by counsel's ineffectiveness. Lockhart v. Fretwell, 506 U.S. 364, 113 S.Ct. 838, 122
L.Ed.2d 180(1993); Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 104 S.Ct. 2052, 80 L.Ed.2d
674(1984); State v. Bradley, 42 Ohio St.3d 136, 538 N.E.2d 373(1989).
{¶41} In order to warrant a finding that trial counsel was ineffective, the petitioner
must meet both the deficient performance and prejudice prongs of Strickland and
Bradley. Knowles v. Mirzayance, 556 U.S. 111, 129 S.Ct. 1411, 1419, 173 L.Ed.2d
251(2009).
{¶42} Recently, the United States Supreme Court discussed the prejudice prong
of the Strickland test,
With respect to prejudice, a challenger must demonstrate “a
reasonable probability that, but for counsel’s unprofessional errors, the
Richland County, Case No. 14CA67 12
result of the proceeding would have been different. A reasonable
probability is a probability sufficient to undermine confidence in the
outcome.” Id., at 694, 104 S.Ct. 2052. It is not enough “to show that the
errors had some conceivable effect on the outcome of the proceeding.”
Id., at 693, 104 S.Ct. 2052. Counsel’s errors must be “so serious as to
deprive the defendant of a fair trial, a trial whose result is reliable.” Id., at
687, 104 S.Ct. 2052.
“Surmounting Strickland’s high bar is never an easy task.” Padilla v.
Kentucky, 559 U.S. ––––, ––––, 130 S.Ct. 1473, 1485, 176 L.Ed.2d 284(2010). An ineffective-assistance claim can function as a way to escape
rules of waiver and forfeiture and raise issues not presented at trial, and
so the Strickland standard must be applied with scrupulous care, lest
“intrusive post-trial inquiry” threaten the integrity of the very adversary
process the right to counsel is meant to serve. Strickland, 466 U.S., at
689–690, 104 S.Ct. 2052. Even under de novo review, the standard for
judging counsel’s representation is a most deferential one. Unlike a later
reviewing court, the attorney observed the relevant proceedings, knew of
materials outside the record, and interacted with the client, with opposing
counsel, and with the judge. It is “all too tempting” to “second-guess
counsel’s assistance after conviction or adverse sentence.” Id., at 689,
104 S.Ct. 2052; see also Bell v. Cone, 535 U.S. 685, 702, 122 S.Ct. 1843,
152 L.Ed.2d 914 (2002); Lockhart v. Fretwell, 506 U.S. 364, 372, 113
S.Ct. 838, 122 L.Ed.2d 180 (1993). The question is whether an attorney’s
Richland County, Case No. 14CA67 13
representation amounted to incompetence under “prevailing professional
norms,” not whether it deviated from best practices or most common
custom. Strickland, 466 U.S., at 690, 104 S.Ct. 2052.
Harrington v. Richter, __U.S.__, 131 S.Ct. 770, 777-778, 178 L.Ed.2d 624(2011).
{¶43} In cases involving a failure to make a motion on behalf of the defendant or
oppose a motion by the state, a defendant is required to: (1) show that the motion or
opposition thereto was meritorious, and (2) show that there was a reasonable
probability that the verdict would have been different had the motion been made or
opposed. State v. Santana, 90 Ohio St.3d 513, 739 N.E.2d 798(2001); State v. Lott, 51
Ohio St.3d 160, 555 N.E.2d 293(1990).
Joinder.
{¶44} Joinder is appropriate where the evidence is interlocking and the jury is
capable of segregating the proof required for each offense. State v. Czajka, 101 Ohio
App.3d 564, 577-578, 656 N.E.2d 9 (8th Dist. 1995). Nonetheless, if it appears that a
criminal defendant would be prejudiced by such joinder, then the trial court is required to
order separate trials. Crim.R. 14.
{¶45} When a defendant claims that he or she was prejudiced by the joinder of
multiple offenses, the court must determine (1) whether evidence of the other crimes
would be admissible even if the counts were severed; and (2) if not, whether the
evidence of each crime is simple and distinct. State v. Schaim, 65 Ohio St.3d 51, 59,
600 N.E.2d 661(1992), citing State v. Hamblin, 37 Ohio St.3d 153, 158-159, 524 N.E.2d
476(1988) and Drew v. United States, 331 F.2d 85(D.C.Cir. 1964). "If the evidence of
other crimes would be admissible at separate trials, any 'prejudice that might result from
Richland County, Case No. 14CA67 14
the jury's hearing the evidence of the other crime in a joint trial would be no different
from that possible in separate trials,' and a court need not inquire further." Schaim,
supra, quoting Drew v. United States, 331 F.2d at 90.
{¶46} In the case at bar, the state argues the evidence of each offense would
have been admissible at separate trials pursuant to Evid.R. 404(B). Accordingly, we
must determine the extent to which evidence of each of these crimes would be
admissible in other trials if the counts were severed.
Other Acts.
{¶47} In discussing the dangers associated with admitting other acts evidence in
a case where the offenses included several counts of rape and gross sexual imposition,
the Schaim court stated:
The admissibility of other acts evidence is carefully limited because
of the substantial danger that the jury will convict the defendant solely
because it assumes that the defendant has a propensity to commit
criminal acts, or deserves punishment regardless of whether he or she
committed the crime charged in the indictment. * * * This danger is
particularly high when the other acts are very similar to the charged
offense, or of an inflammatory nature, as is certainly true in this case. The
legislature has recognized the problems raised by the admission of other
acts evidence in prosecutions for sexual offenses, and has carefully
limited the circumstances in which evidence of the defendant's other
sexual activity is admissible. The forcible rape statute and the gross
sexual imposition statute both contain subsections that address the
Richland County, Case No. 14CA67 15
admissibility of evidence of other sexual activity by either the victim or the
defendant. * * *
65 Ohio St.3d at 59-60, 600 N.E.2d 661.
{¶48} The legislature has recognized the problems raised by the admission of
other acts evidence in prosecutions for sexual offenses, and has carefully limited the
circumstances in which evidence of the defendant's other sexual activity is admissible.
The rape statute and the gross sexual imposition statute both contain subsections that
address the admissibility of evidence of other sexual activity by either the victim or the
defendant. Schaim, supra. (Footnotes omitted). Because of the severe social stigma
attached to crimes of sexual assault and child molestation, evidence of these past acts
poses a higher risk, on the whole, of influencing the jury to punish the defendant for the
similar act rather than the charged act. Accordingly, the state may not “parade past the
jury a litany of potentially prejudicial similar acts that have been established or
connected to the defendant only by unsubstantiated innuendo.” Huddleston v. United
States, 485 U.S. 681, 689, 108 S.Ct. 1496, 99 L.Ed.2d 771(1988).
{¶49} Evidence of other acts is admissible if (1) there is substantial proof that the
alleged other acts were committed by the defendant, and (2) the evidence tends to
prove motive, opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, identity, or absence of
mistake or accident. State v. Carter, 26 Ohio St.2d 79, 83, 269 N.E.2d 115, 117(1971);
State v. Lowe, 69 Ohio St.3d 527, 530, 1994-Ohio-345, 634 N.E.2d 616, 619. (Citing
State v. Broom, 40 Ohio St.3d 277, 282-283, 533 N.E.2d 682, 690-691(1988); Evid.R.
404(B); R.C. 2945.59.
Richland County, Case No. 14CA67 16
{¶50} Further, the prior act must not be too remote and must be closely related in
nature, time, and place to the offense charged. Schaim, 65 Ohio St.3d at 60, 600
N.E.2d at 669. A prior act which is “ * * * too distant in time or too removed in method or
type has no permissible probative value.” State v. Snowden, 49 Ohio App.2d 7, 10, 359
N.E.2d 87, 91(1st Dist. 1976); State v. Burson, 38 Ohio St.2d 157, 159, 67 O.O.2d 174,
175, 311 N.E.2d 526, 529(1974).
{¶51} Whether Short committed a crime is the crux of the dispute. If a crime did in
fact occur, no dispute exists that Short was the perpetrator. In other words, no dispute
exists as to identity. As the identity of the person who raped and abused A.S. and B.S.
was not an issue at trial, the other acts are not properly admitted to prove the Short’s
scheme, plan, or system in committing the crimes charged. See, State v. Curry, 43 Ohio
St.2d 66, 330 N.E.2d 720(1975); State v. Miley, 5th Dist. Richland Nos. 2005-CA-67,
2006-CA-14, 2006-Ohio-4670, ¶73. However, the Supreme Court has subsequently
limited this holding,
Pursuant to Evid.R. 404(B), * * * evidence of other crimes, wrongs,
or acts of an accused may be admissible to prove intent or plan, even if
the identity of an accused or the immediate background of a crime is not
at issue.
State v. Williams, 134 Ohio St.3d 521, 522, 2012-Ohio-5695, 983 N.E.2d 1278, 1280, ¶
2 (2012).
{¶52} Williams gives us a framework within which to evaluate the other-acts
evidence:
Richland County, Case No. 14CA67 17
The first step is to consider whether the other acts evidence is relevant
to making any fact that is of consequence to the determination of the
action more or less probable than it would be without the evidence.
Evid.R. 401. The next step is to consider whether evidence of the other
crimes, wrongs, or acts is presented to prove the character of the accused
in order to show activity in conformity therewith or whether the other acts
evidence is presented for a legitimate purpose, such as those stated in
Evid.R. 404(B). The third step is to consider whether the probative value
of the other acts evidence is substantially outweighed by the danger of
unfair prejudice. See Evid.R. 403.
State v. Williams, 134 Ohio St.3d 521, 526, 2012-Ohio-5695, 983 N.E.2d 1278, 1283, ¶
20 (2012).
{¶53} The circumstances surrounding each rape and each incident of domestic
violence in this case are relevant in making it more likely Short had sex with an unwilling
victim by using physical violence and or threats. The evidence pertaining to each
offense does have the tendency to prove Short engaged in a similar plan or method of
conduct with both victims and to prove his motive, intent, or plan. The immediate
similarity between the charges in both cases is a request for sex that is denied,
violence, threats of violence and forced sexual conduct. Both assaults have further
similarities: Short held his hand over the victims’ mouths, chocked them and later
apologized to them.
{¶54} The third step in the analysis is whether the probative value of each
incident is outweighed by the prejudice risked in its admission. Unfair prejudice is that
Richland County, Case No. 14CA67 18
quality of evidence that might result in an improper basis for a jury decision. State v.
Crotts, 104 Ohio St.3d 432, 2004-Ohio-6550, 820 N.E.2d 302 ¶ 24. Because fairness is
subjective, the determination whether evidence is unfairly prejudicial is left to the sound
discretion of the trial court and will be overturned only if the discretion is abused. Id.,citing State v. Robb, 88 Ohio St.3d 59, 68, 723 N.E.2d 1019 (2000).
{¶55} We note the trial court gave a limiting instruction that each of the offenses
charged in this case constitutes a separate and distinct matter and that the jury must
consider each charge and the evidence applicable to each charge separately, and then
state their finding as to each charge uninfluenced by your verdict as to any other charge
We presume the jury followed those instructions. See, Williams, supra, 134 Ohio St.3d
521, 2012-Ohio-5695, 983 N.E.2d 1278, at ¶ 23, citing State v. Garner, 74 Ohio St.3d
49, 59, 656 N.E.2d 623 (1995) and Pang v. Minch, 53 Ohio St.3d 186, 195, 559 N.E.2d
1313 (1990). Indeed, in B.S.’s case, Case No 2014-CR-0200, the jury found Short “Not
Guility” on Counts 1, 2, 3, and 4 all Domestic Violence, felonies of the third degree; “Not
Guilty” on Counts 8 and 9, both counts being Rape, a felony of the first degree. The jury
further found Short “Not Guilty” on Count 10, Abduction, a felony of the third degree.
{¶56} Assuming, arguendo, that the evidence did not fit the "other acts"
exception, it nevertheless fits the second prong of the Schaim test which requires the
evidence of the crime under each indictment to be simple and distinct. 65 Ohio St.3d at
59. In State v. Decker, 88 Ohio App.3d 544, 624 N.E.2d 350(1st Dist. 1993), the court
found that the evidence was simple and distinct. The evidence achieved these
characteristics in part because the crimes involved contained different victims and
Richland County, Case No. 14CA67 19
different witnesses, and therefore, the jury was able to segregate the facts that
constituted each crime. Decker, 88 Ohio App.3d at 549.
{¶57} In this case, the prosecution introduced evidence of each distinct crime.
Both A.S. and B.S. testified at length and in specific detail about how the abuse
occurred, when it began, and how long it continued. The issues were clearly laid out for
the jury, and the jury was instructed that each count and victim should be considered
from its own evidence. As previously noted, the jury found Short “Not Guility” of seven
counts in the case involving B.S.
{¶58} Thus, as in Decker, the evidence was simple and distinct because the facts
surrounding each crime were capable of segregation.
{¶59} Accordingly, because Short was not able to demonstrate that he was
prejudiced by the joinder of the cases, he cannot meet the first element of the Schaim
test. Therefore, we do not need to address the remaining elements of the test.
{¶60} Given the facts sub judice, we find that counsel was not ineffective in failing
to file a motion to sever the cases.
{¶61} Short’s sole assignment of error is overruled.
Richland County, Case No. 14CA67 20
{¶62} The judgment of the Richland County Court of Common Pleas is affirmed.
By Gwin, P.J.,
Wise, J., and
Delaney, J., concur