State v. Wilson

[Cite as State v. Wilson, 2018-Ohio-5167.]
COURT OF APPEALS
DELAWARE COUNTY, OHIO
FIFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
JUDGES:
STATE OF OHIO : Hon. W. Scott Gwin, P.J.
: Hon. Patricia A. Delaney, J.
Plaintiff-Appellee : Hon. Craig R. Baldwin, J.
:
-vs- :
: Case No. 18CAA040035
F. LEON WILSON :
:
Defendant-Appellant : OPINION
CHARACTER OF PROCEEDING: Appeal from the Delaware County Court of
Common Pleas, Case No.15CRI-07-0319
JUDGMENT: Affirmed
DATE OF JUDGMENT ENTRY: December 20, 2018
APPEARANCES:
For Plaintiff-Appellee For Defendant-Appellant
DOUGLAS DUMOLT DENNIS BELLI
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney 536 South High St. Fl. 2
140 North Sandusky St., 3rd Floor Columbus, OH 43215-5785
Box 8006
Delaware, OH 43015-8006
[Cite as State v. Wilson, 2018-Ohio-5167.]
Gwin, P.J.
{¶1} Appellant F. Leon Wilson [“Wilson”] appeals from the April 3, 2018 judgment
entry of the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas overruling his petition for post-
conviction relief.
Facts and Procedural History
{¶2} On July 17, 2015, the Delaware County Grand Jury indicted Wilson on three
counts of gross sexual imposition in violation of R.C. 2907.05. Counts 1 and 2 pertained
to E.C., four years old, and Count 3 pertained to K.P., seven years old. Each count
included a school safety zone specification (R.C. 2941.143). The charges arose from
separate incidents between Wilson and E.C. and Wilson and K.P. while at school. Wilson
was their chess teacher.
{¶3} On April 9, 2015, E.C. told her parents her chess teacher touched her,
demonstrating the touch by placing her hand on top of her clothes between her legs and
moving her hand up and down. E.C. told her forensic interviewer the same story.
{¶4} Following Wilson’s arrest, which was publicized in the press, K.P.’s father,
asked K.P. if anything had happened to her since she had been a student in Wilson’s
chess class in February and March 2015. K.P. stated it happened once. K.P. told her
forensic interviewer that Wilson asked her for permission to touch her vagina and when
she gave him permission, he rubbed her vagina over her clothing.
{¶5} On August 31, 2015, Wilson filed a motion to sever Counts 1 and 2 from
Count 3. A hearing was held on September 21, 2015. By judgment entry filed September
24, 2015, the trial court denied the motion.
Delaware County, Case No. 18CAA040035 3
{¶6} On December 5, 2015, Wilson filed a motion for competency hearings of
E.C. and K.P. prior to either being permitted to testify. A hearing was held on January 4,
2016. The state indicated it would not be calling E.C. as a witness. The trial court
conducted an examination of K.P. and determined K.P. to be competent to testify.
{¶7} On January 4, 2016, Wilson filed a motion to compel confrontation,
objecting to the playing of E.C.’s videotaped forensic interview during the trial. A hearing
was held on February 11, 2016.
{¶8} On January 21, 2016, Wilson filed a supplemental motion on the issuance
of severance. By judgment entry filed February 22, 2016, the trial court again denied the
motion to sever, and denied Wilson’s motion to compel confrontation, finding E.C.’s out-
of-court statements were admissible as pertaining to medical diagnosis or treatment.
{¶9} A jury trial commenced on February 23, 2016, but the jury could not reach
a verdict on any of the counts and a mistrial was declared. Wilson did not object to the
trial court’s supplemental instruction referred to as a Howard charge. See State v.
Howard, 42 Ohio St. 3d 18, 537 N.E.2d 188(1998), paragraph two of the syllabus. Wilson
did not object to the declaration of a mistrial because the jury was deadlocked.
Thereafter, a different judge was assigned to the case.
{¶10} On May 27, 2016, Wilson reasserted his motion to exclude E.C.’s
videotaped interview, claiming it violated his right to confrontation and it did not fit the
medical diagnosis or treatment exception to the hearsay rule. Again, the trial court denied
the motion.
Delaware County, Case No. 18CAA040035 4
{¶11} A second jury trial commenced on June 6, 2016. The jury found appellant
guilty of Counts 1 and 3, and not guilty of Count 2. The jury also found the offenses were
committed in a school safety zone.
{¶12} On June 24, 2016, Wilson filed a motion for judgment of acquittal and
motion for new trial. By judgment entry filed July 21, 2016, the trial court denied the
motions.
{¶13} By judgment entry filed August 2, 2016, the trial court sentenced Wilson to
an aggregate term of eight and one-half years in prison. This Court affirmed Wilson’s
convictions and sentence. State v. Wilson, 5th Dist. Delaware No. 16-CAA-08-0035,
2017-Ohio-5724 [“Wilson, I”]. The Ohio Supreme Court declined to review Wilson’s case.
State v. Wilson, 151 Ohio St. 3d 1511, 2018-Ohio-365, 90 N.E.3d 950.
{¶14} On October 2, 2017, Wilson filed an application to reopen his direct appeal
alleging that his Appellate counsel was ineffective for failing to raise a number of specific
arguments relating to trial counsel's alleged deficiencies. On January 19, 2018, this Court
denied Wilson’s application to reopen his direct appeal. On February 21, 2018, the Ohio
Supreme Court declined to accept jurisdiction in this matter. State v. Wilson, 152 Ohio
St.3d 1467, 2018-Ohio-1795, 97.N.E. 3d 502.
{¶15} On September 13, 2017, Wilson filed a Petition for Post-Conviction Relief
[“PCR”]. In support of the motion, Wilson attached affidavits purportedly from several
jurors who participated in his first trial that resulted in a mistrial. Additionally, he submitted
affidavits from his trial counsels and their private investigators.
{¶16} In an entry filed April 3, 2018, the trial court denied the petition for post-
conviction relief.
Delaware County, Case No. 18CAA040035 5
Assignments of Error
{¶17} “I. THE DISMISSAL OF THE PETITION FOR POST-CONVICTION RELIEF
WITHOUT A HEARING VIOLATED R.C. 2953.21(D) AND DEPRIVED DEFENDANT-
APPELLANT OF HIS RIGHT TO MEANINGFUL REVIEW OF HIS CONSTITUTIONAL
CLAIMS FOR RELIEF.
{¶18} “II. POST-CONVICTION COUNSEL'S FAILURE TO RAISE ADDITIONAL
INSTANCES OF INEFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE OF TRIAL COUNSEL (RELATING TO A
DEFECTIVE INDICTMENT, THE FIRST JURY'S NOT GUILTY VERDICT, AND DOUBLE
JEOPARDY) DEPRIVED DEFENDANT-APPELLANT OF HIS SIXTH AND
FOURTEENTH AMENDMENT RIGHT TO THE EFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE OF
COUNSEL.”
Standard of Appellate Review - Post-conviction relief.
{¶19} R.C. 2953.21(A) states in part,
(A)(1)(a) Any person who has been convicted of a criminal offense
or adjudicated a delinquent child and who claims that there was such a
denial or infringement of the person’s rights as to render the judgment void
or voidable under the Ohio Constitution or the Constitution of the United
States… may file a petition in the court that imposed sentence, stating the
grounds for relief relied upon, and asking the court to vacate or set aside
the judgment or sentence or to grant other appropriate relief. The petitioner
may file a supporting affidavit and other documentary evidence in support
of the claim for relief.
Delaware County, Case No. 18CAA040035 6
{¶20} A petition for post-conviction relief is a means to reach constitutional issues
that would otherwise be impossible to reach because the evidence supporting those
issues is not contained in the record of the petitioner's criminal conviction. State v.
Murphy, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 00AP-233, 2000 WL 1877526(Dec. 26, 2000); Accord,
State v. Zich, 6th Dist. Lucas No. L-15-1263, 2017-Ohio-414, ¶9. Although designed to
address claimed constitutional violations, the post-conviction relief process is a civil
collateral attack on a criminal judgment, not an appeal of that judgment. State v. Calhoun,
86 Ohio St. 3d 279, 281, 714 N.E.2d 905(1999); State v. Steffen, 70 Ohio St. 3d 399, 410,
639 N.E.2d 67(1994). A petition for post-conviction relief, thus, does not provide a
petitioner a second opportunity to litigate his or her conviction, nor is the petitioner
automatically entitled to an evidentiary hearing on the petition. State v. Jackson, 64 Ohio
St.2d 107, 110, 413 N.E.2d 819(1980). State v. Lewis, 5th Dist. Stark No. 2007CA00358,
2008-Ohio-3113 at ¶ 8.
{¶21} In post-conviction cases, a trial court has a gatekeeping role as to whether
a defendant will receive a hearing. In State v. Calhoun, the Ohio Supreme Court held
that a trial court could dismiss a petition for post-conviction relief without a hearing “where
the petition, the supporting affidavits, the documentary evidence, the files, and the records
do not demonstrate that petitioner set forth sufficient operative facts to establish
substantive grounds for relief.” 86 Ohio St. 3d 279, 714 N.E.2d 905(1999), paragraph two
of the syllabus.
{¶22} In State v. Phillips, 9th Dist. Summit No. 20292, 2002-Ohio-823, the court
noted,
Delaware County, Case No. 18CAA040035 7
Significantly, evidence outside the record alone will not guarantee
the right to an evidentiary hearing. State v. Combs (1994), 100 Ohio App. 3d
90, 97, 652 N.E.2d 205. Such evidence “‘must meet some threshold
standard of cogency; otherwise it would be too easy to defeat the holding
of [State v. Perry (1967), 10 Ohio St. 2d 175] by simply attaching as exhibits
evidence which is only marginally significant and does not advance the
petitioner's claim beyond mere hypothesis and a desire for further
discovery.’” (Citation omitted.) State v. Lawson (1995), 103 Ohio App. 3d
307, 315, 659 N.E.2d 362. Thus, the evidence must not be merely
cumulative of or alternative to evidence presented at trial. Combs, 100 Ohio
App.3d at 98, 652 N.E.2d 205.
{¶23} In State v. Gondor, the Ohio Supreme Court held that a trial court's decision
granting or denying a post-conviction petition filed pursuant to R.C. 2953.21 should be
upheld absent an abuse of discretion; a reviewing court should not overrule the trial
court's finding on a petition for post-conviction relief that is supported by competent and
credible evidence.” 112 Ohio St. 3d 377, 2006-Ohio-6679, 860 N.E.2d 77(2006), ¶ 58.
{¶24} An abuse of discretion exists where the reasons given by the court for its
action are clearly untenable, legally incorrect, or amount to a denial of justice, or where
the judgment reaches an end or purpose not justified by reason and the evidence.
Tennant v. Gallick, 9th Dist. Summit No. 26827, 2014-Ohio-477, ¶35; In re Guardianship
of S .H., 9th Dist. Medina No. 13CA0066–M, 2013–Ohio–4380, ¶ 9; State v. Firouzmandi,
5th Dist. Licking No.2006–CA–41, 2006–Ohio–5823, ¶54.
Delaware County, Case No. 18CAA040035 8
ISSUES FOR APPEAL
A. Whether the trial court abused its discretion in denying Wilson’s petition for
post-conviction relief. [Appellant’s First Assignment of Error].
1. Affidavits of jurors, attorney and private investigator.
{¶25} Many of Wilson’s arguments rely upon affidavits that he submitted in
support of his PCR petition allegedly from three of the jurors from Wilson’s first jury trial,
an unsworn statement from a fourth juror, his trial counsels and private investigators.
a. Evid. R. 606, the Aliunde Rule.
{¶26} Evid.R. 606(B) governs the competency of a juror to testify,
(B) Inquiry Into Validity of Verdict or Indictment. Upon an inquiry into
the validity of a verdict or indictment, a juror may not testify as to any matter
or statement occurring during the course of the jury’s deliberations or to the
effect of anything upon that or any other juror’s mind or emotions as
influencing the juror to assent to or dissent from the verdict or indictment or
concerning the juror’s mental processes in connection therewith. A juror
may testify on the question whether extraneous prejudicial information was
improperly brought to the jury’s attention or whether any outside influence
was improperly brought to bear on any juror, only after some outside
evidence of that act or event has been presented. However a juror may
testify without the presentation of any outside evidence concerning any
threat, any bribe, any attempted threat or bribe, or any improprieties of any
officer of the court. A juror’s affidavit or evidence of any statement by the
juror concerning a matter about which the juror would be precluded from
Delaware County, Case No. 18CAA040035 9
testifying will not be received for these purposes. Upon an inquiry into the
validity of a verdict or indictment, a juror may not testify as to any matter or
statement occurring during the course of the jury’s deliberations or to the
effect of anything upon his or any other juror’s mind or emotions as
influencing him to assent to or dissent from the verdict * * * or concerning
his mental processes in connection therewith. * * * His affidavit or evidence
of any statement by him concerning a matter about which he would be
precluded from testifying will not be received for these purposes.
{¶27} Evid.R. 606(B) is subject to the exception embodied in the aliunde rule,
which permits a juror to offer testimony impeaching his verdict upon the presentation of
impeachment evidence from a competent source other than a juror. See State v. Kehn,
50 Ohio St. 2d 11, 18, 361 N.E.2d 1330(1977), certiorari denied, 434 U.S. 858, 98 S. Ct.
180, 54 L.Ed.2d 130(1977).
{¶28} The purpose of the aliunde rule is to maintain the sanctity of the jury room
and the deliberations therein. State v. Reiner, 89 Ohio St. 3d 342, 350, 2000-Ohio-190,
731 N.E.2d 662, reversed on other grounds, Ohio v. Reiner, 532 U.S. 17, 121 S. Ct. 1252,
149 L.Ed.2d 158(2001). The rule is designed to ensure the finality of jury verdicts and to
protect jurors from being harassed by defeated parties. Id. The rule requires a foundation
from non-juror sources. Thus, the Ohio Supreme Court has held that “the information
[alleging misconduct] must be from a source which possesses firsthand knowledge of the
improper conduct. One juror’s affidavit alleging misconduct of another juror may not be
considered without evidence aliunde being introduced first.” State v. Schiebel, 55 Ohio
St.3d 71, 75, 564 N.E.2d 54, 61 (1990).
Delaware County, Case No. 18CAA040035 10
{¶29} A juror cannot impeach his verdict by way of affidavit in an attempt to prove
that it was rendered with an intention different from that disclosed by his vote in the
verdict. Cleveland Electric Illuminating Co. v. Astorhurst, 18 Ohio St. 3d 268, 480 N.E.2d
794(1985); Long v. Cassiero, 105 Ohio St. 123, 136 N.E. 888 (1922); Sedgwick v.
Kawasaki Cycleworks, Inc., 71 Ohio App. 3d 117, 136, 593 N.E.2d 69(10th Dist. 1991);
State v. Rowe, 92 Ohio App. 3d 652, 674-75, 637 N.E.2d 29(10th Dist. 1993).
{¶30} The dangers inherent in vacating a jury verdict without extrinsic evidence of
misconduct were recognized in the leading case of Long v. Cassiero,
It would be a dangerous precedent to establish in this state were we
to announce the principle that jurors, after their separation, should be
allowed to change their verdict to conform to their real intention * * *.
105 Ohio St. 123, 126, 136 N.E. 888.
{¶31} The Long holding was followed in Cleveland Electric Illum. Co. v. Astorhurst,
18 Ohio St. 3d 268, 480 N.E.2d 794(1985). In Cleveland Elec. Illum. Co., the trial court
erroneously instructed the jury that eight rather than nine members of a 12–member jury
needed to agree upon the verdict. Although nine jurors signed the verdict form, one of
those nine later averred that he had not agreed with the verdict but had signed the form
because he believed that his vote was purely academic. Id. at 273–274. The Supreme
Court rejected the argument that the trial court’s erroneous instruction necessarily
rendered the verdict invalid. Instead, the Court held that the question was whether the
instruction itself was so misleading that it could have directly induced an erroneous
verdict. 18 Ohio St.3d. at 274, 480 N.E.2d 794, quoting Long v. Cassiero, 105 Ohio St.
123, 136 N.E. 888 (1922). The Supreme Court noted that the trial court had instructed
Delaware County, Case No. 18CAA040035 11
the jurors to sign the form only if they concurred in the verdict and had not indicated that
any juror should sign the form “(a) after eight other jurors had signed it, or (b) when it
became ‘academic’ for him to refuse to do so.” Id. at 275, 480 N.E.2d 794. Because the
inaccurate instruction could not have induced the ninth juror to vote against his true intent,
there was no showing of prejudicial error. Id. The Court held that a juror was not allowed
to impeach his verdict by way of affidavit in an attempt to prove it was different from that
disclosed by his vote in the verdict. In Long v. Cassiero the Ohio Supreme Court stated
“[i]f the erroneous verdict was brought about by the charge of the court, error should be
predicated, not upon affidavits that the jury misunderstood the charge, but upon the
ground that the charge was so misleading and prejudicial as to induce the erroneous
verdict.” Id. at 128, 136 N.E. 888. See also, Cleveland Elec. III. Co. v. Astorhurst Land
Co., 18 Ohio St. 3d 268, 274, 480 N.E.2d 794, 800(1985).
{¶32} In Warger v. Shauers, the United States Supreme Court held that Rule 606
(b) of the Federal Rules of Evidence, which precludes evidence from being offered “about
any statement made or incident that occurred during the jury's deliberations,” bars the
admission of “juror testimony during a proceeding in which a party seeks to secure a new
trial on the ground that a juror lied during voir dire [in order to conceal bias].” (Internal
quotation marks omitted.) 135 S. Ct. 521, 525,190 L.Ed.2d 422(2014). The court
reasoned that the plain text of the rule reflected the “federal approach” to impeachment
of jury verdicts in that it “prohibits[s] the use of any evidence of juror deliberations, subject
only to the express exceptions for extraneous information and outside influences.”
(Emphasis in original.) Warger, 135 S. Ct. at 527. Extraneous information, the court
explained, consists of information “derive[d] from a source ‘external’ to the jury,” such as
Delaware County, Case No. 18CAA040035 12
“publicity and information related specifically to the case the jurors are meant to decide,
while ‘internal’ matters include the general body of experiences that jurors are understood
to bring with them to the jury room.” Id., at 529. The petitioner in Warger sought to admit
an affidavit averring that a juror made statements during deliberations suggesting that
she had lied during voir dire about her impartiality and ability to award damages for
negligence in an automobile crash. Warger, 135 S. Ct. at 524. The court concluded that
the affidavit contained “‘internal’” information, and was therefore inadmissible, because it
contained information that may have informed the juror's “general views about negligence
liability for car crashes,” but no information providing her or the rest of the jury with
information about the specific car crash at issue in the case. Warger, at 529.
{¶33} The Warger noted,
For those who consider legislative history relevant, here it confirms
that this choice of language was no accident. Congress rejected a prior
version of the Rule that, in accordance with the Iowa approach1, would have
prohibited juror testimony only as to the “effect of anything upon ... [any]
juror’s mind or emotions ... or concerning his mental processes.”
Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure of the Judicial Conference
of the United States, Revised Draft of Proposed Rules of Evidence for the
United States Courts and Magistrates, 51 F.R.D. 315, 387 (1971); see
Tanner v. United States, 483 U.S. 107, 123–125, 107 S. Ct. 2739, 97
1 “The Iowa rule derived from Wright v. Illinois & Miss. Tel. Co., 20 Iowa 195 (1866), in which the Iowa Supreme Court
held that a trial court considering a motion for a new trial should have accepted the affidavits of four jurors who claimed
that their damages verdict had been determined by taking the average of the sums each juror thought proper (a
“quotient” verdict). Id., at 212–213. The Wright court reasoned that, unlike evidence of a juror’s subjective intentions in
reaching a verdict, whether the verdict had been obtained in this fashion was an “independent fact” and thus could and
should be proved by any available evidence. Id., at 211.” Warger, 135 S. Ct. 521, at note 2.
Delaware County, Case No. 18CAA040035 13
L. Ed. 2d 90 (1987) (detailing the legislative history of the Rule). Thus
Congress “specifically understood, considered, and rejected a version of
Rule 606(b)” that would have likely permitted the introduction of evidence
of deliberations to show dishonesty during voir dire. Id., at 125, 107 S. Ct.
2739.
***
Warger, it seems, would restrict Rule 606(b)’s application to those
claims of error for which a court must examine the manner in which the jury
reached its verdict—claims, one might say, involving an inquiry into the
jury’s verdict. But the “inquiry” to which the Rule refers is one into the
“validity of the verdict,” not into the verdict itself. The Rule does not focus
on the means by which deliberations evidence might be used to invalidate
a verdict. It does not say “during an inquiry into jury deliberations,” or
prohibit the introduction of evidence of deliberations “for use in determining
whether an asserted error affected the jury’s verdict.” It simply applies
“[d]uring an inquiry into the validity of the verdict”—that is, during a
proceeding in which the verdict may be rendered invalid. Whether or not a
juror’s alleged misconduct during voir dire had a direct effect on the jury’s
verdict, the motion for a new trial requires a court to determine whether the
verdict can stand.
Warger, 135 S. Ct. 521, 527-528. Accord, State v. Reiner, 89 Ohio St. 3d 342, 350,
2000-Ohio-190, 731 N.E.2d 662, reversed on other grounds, Ohio v. Reiner, 532 U.S.
17, 121 S. Ct. 1252, 149 L.Ed.2d 158(2001).
Delaware County, Case No. 18CAA040035 14
{¶34} The only exception that the Supreme Court has made to Rule 606(b)(1)’s
prohibitions is “when, after the jury is discharged, a juror comes forward with compelling
evidence that another juror made clear and explicit statements indicating that racial
animus was a significant motivating factor in his or her vote to convict.” Pena-Rodriguez
v. Colorado, __ U.S. __, 137 S. Ct. 855, 869, 197 L. Ed. 2d 107 (Mar. 6, 2017).
{¶35} The affidavit of the attorneys and the investigators merely relay the jurors’
statements. This evidence is also barred by Evid.R. 606,
In order to permit juror testimony to impeach the verdict, a foundation
of extraneous, independent evidence must first be established. This
foundation must consist of information from sources other than the jurors
themselves, Wicker v. Cleveland, 150 Ohio St. 434, 38 Ohio Op. 299, 83 N.E.2d
56(1948), and the information must be from a source which possesses
firsthand knowledge of the improper conduct ... Similarly, where an attorney
is told by a juror about another juror’s possible misconduct, the attorney’s
testimony is incompetent and may not be received for the purposes of
impeaching the verdict or for laying a foundation of evidence aliunde. See
Tasin v. SIFCO Industries, Inc. (1990), 50 Ohio St. 3d 102, 553 N.E.2d 257;
Dodd v. McCammon (1920), 14 Ohio App. 160, 32 Ohio C.C. (N.S.) 68”.
State v. Schiebel, 55 Ohio St. 3d 71, 75-76, 564 N.E.2d 54, 61(1990).
b. A jury in a criminal case cannot be reassembled nearly 18 months after
discharged to correct an alleged error in the verdict.
{¶36} Recently, in Dietz v. Bouldin, ––– U.S. ––––, 136 S. Ct. 1885, 1891, 195
L. Ed. 2d 161 (2016), a civil case, the Supreme Court held “that a federal district court has
Delaware County, Case No. 18CAA040035 15
the inherent power to rescind a jury discharge order and recall a jury for further
deliberations after identifying an error in the [ ] verdict[s].” In Dietz, the Supreme Court
expressly refrained from addressing a trial court's ability to recall discharged jurors in a
criminal case,
Finally, we caution that our recognition here of a court’s inherent
power to recall a jury is limited to civil cases only. Given additional concerns
in criminal cases, such as attachment of the double jeopardy bar, we do not
address here whether it would be appropriate to recall a jury after discharge
in a criminal case. See Smith v. Massachusetts, 543 U.S. 462, 473–474,
125 S. Ct. 1129, 160 L. Ed. 2d 914 (2005).
136 S. Ct. at 1895.
{¶37} In Dietz, a jury reached a verdict; the trial court discharged the jury; and the
jurors left the courtroom. “A few minutes later, the [trial] court ordered the [courtroom]
clerk to bring the jurors back.” 136 S. Ct. at 1890. Outside the jurors' presence, the trial
court explained to the parties' counsel that the trial court had just realized that the verdict
was legally impermissible. 136 S. Ct. at 1890. The jurors returned to the courtroom, and
the trial court questioned them and confirmed that they had not discussed the case with
anyone else. 136 S. Ct. at 1891. The trial court re-instructed the jurors and ordered them
to begin deliberating again. 136 S. Ct. at 1891. The jurors did so, and reached a new,
legally permissible verdict. The losing party appealed and contended that the trial court
erred in recalling the jury. The Supreme Court disagreed and explained:
[T]wo principles—an inherent power must be a reasonable
response to a specific problem[,] and the power cannot contradict any
Delaware County, Case No. 18CAA040035 16
express rule or statute—support the conclusion that a [trial court] has a
limited inherent power to rescind a discharge order and recall a jury in a civil
case where the [trial] court discovers an error in the [ ] verdict.
136 S. Ct. at 1892. In Dietz, the Supreme Court adopted instead a multi-factored
“inquiry focused on potential prejudice.” Dietz, 136 S. Ct. at 1896. But Dietz cautioned
that its “recognition ... of a court’s inherent power to recall a jury is limited to civil cases
only. It is thus unclear whether Dietz meant to leave in place the common law rule in
criminal cases, or whether, absent double-jeopardy concerns, Dietz’s potential prejudice
rule should apply. Under either test, we have no difficulty concluding that there was no
error here.” United States v. McShan, S.D. Ohio Nos. 17-3935/4075, 2018 WL 6271645
(Nov. 30, 2018).
{¶38} The common law rule was that once the judge discharged a jury, the jury
could not be re-called to amend its verdict. Dietz, 136 S. Ct. at 1897 (Thomas, J.,
dissenting) (describing the common law rule).
{¶39} In Dietz, the Supreme Court set forth the following factors that a trial court
should address in the decision to re-assemble a jury in a civil case,
Any suggestion of prejudice in recalling a discharged jury should
counsel a district court not to exercise its inherent power. A district court
that is considering whether it should rescind a discharge order and recall a
jury to correct an error or instead order a new trial should, of course,
determine whether any juror has been directly tainted—for example, if a
juror discusses the strength of the evidence with nonjurors or overhears
others talking about the strength of the evidence. But the court should also
Delaware County, Case No. 18CAA040035 17
take into account at least the following additional factors that can indirectly
create prejudice in this context, any of which standing alone could be
dispositive in a particular case.
First, the length of delay between discharge and recall. The longer
the jury has been discharged, the greater the likelihood of prejudice. Freed
from the crucible of the jury’s group decision-making enterprise, discharged
jurors may begin to forget key facts, arguments, or instructions from the
court. In taking off their juror “hats” and returning to their lives, they may
lose sight of the vital collective role they played in the impartial
administration of justice. And they are more likely to be exposed to
potentially prejudicial sources of information or discuss the case with others,
even if they do not realize they have done so or forget when questioned
after being recalled by the court. How long is too long is left to the discretion
of the district court, but it could be as short as even a few minutes,
depending on the case.
Second, whether the jurors have spoken to anyone about the case
after discharge. This could include court staff, attorneys and litigants, press
and sketch artists, witnesses, spouses, friends, and so on. Even apparently
innocuous comments about the case from someone like a courtroom deputy
such as “job well done” may be sufficient to taint a discharged juror who
might then resist reconsidering her decision.
Third, the reaction to the verdict. Trials are society’s way of
channeling disputes into fair and impartial resolutions. But these disputes
Delaware County, Case No. 18CAA040035 18
can be bitter and emotional. And, depending on the case, those emotions
may be broadcasted to the jury in response to their verdict. Shock, gasps,
crying, cheers, and yelling are common reactions to a jury verdict—whether
as a verdict is announced in the courtroom or seen in the corridors after
discharge.
In such a case, there is a high risk that emotional reactions will cause
jurors to begin to reconsider their decision and ask themselves, “Did I make
the right call?” Of course, this concern would be present even in a decision
to reinstruct the jury to fix an error after the verdict is announced but before
they are discharged. See Fed. Rule Civ. Proc. 51(b)(3). Even so, after
discharging jurors from their obligations and the passage of time, a judge
should be reluctant to re-empanel a jury that has witnessed emotional
reactions to its verdict.
In considering these and any other relevant factors, courts should
also ask to what extent just-dismissed jurors accessed their smartphones
or the internet, which provide other avenues for potential prejudice. It is a
now-ingrained instinct to check our phones whenever possible.
Immediately after discharge, a juror could text something about the case
to a spouse, research an aspect of the evidence on Google, or read
reactions to a verdict on Twitter. Prejudice can come through a whisper or
a byte.
136 S. Ct. at 1894 (emphasis added).
Delaware County, Case No. 18CAA040035 19
c. The trial court did not err in excluding the affidavits of the jurors, the private
investigators and the trial attorneys from consideration.
{¶40} In the case at bar, we have little trouble concluding that, assuming arguendo
the trial court had the power to recall the jury, it was appropriate not to do so under the
facts of this case.
{¶41} The first jury in this case was discharged February 29, 2016. Wilson
presented only three of the twelve juror’s affidavits. The juror affidavits were executed in
August – September of 2017, nearly one and one-half years after the jury in the first trial
was discharged. The affidavits are identically worded. Wilson’s attorney indicated that he
only contacted eight of the twelve jurors from Wilson’s first jury trial. [Affidavit of Paul
Giorgianni, Appendix 4 to the Petition for Post-Conviction Relief at ¶2, Docket No. 226].
A second jury was empaneled, heard the evidence, and retuned its verdicts finding Wilson
guilty of two of the three charges.
{¶42} We find no error in the trial court’s decision to order a new trial. We find no
error in the trial court’s decision to reject consideration of the juror affidavits, counsels’
affidavits and the private investigators’ affidavits. The petition, the supporting affidavits,
the documentary evidence, the files, and the records do not demonstrate that appellant
set forth sufficient operative facts to establish substantive grounds for relief. Calhoun, 86
Ohio St.3d at paragraph two of the syllabus; see R.C. 2953.21(C).
{¶43} Accordingly, Wilson’s argument that he was entitled to a hearing to
determine whether his retrial on Count 3 was barred on Double Jeopardy grounds is
overruled in its entirety. [Appellant’s Brief at 6 -13].
2. The spillover effect.
Delaware County, Case No. 18CAA040035 20
{¶44} Wilson next contends that if Count 3 was not retried because it was barred
by Double Jeopardy, the evidence concerning KP would not have been admissible in the
second trial.
{¶45} Wilson’s argument that the erroneous retrial on Count 3 prejudiced his
defense to Count 1 of the indictment due to the spillover effect is moot in light of our
holding that the affidavits were not admissible and the trial court did not err in ordering a
new trial. [Appellant’s Brief at 13-14].
{¶46} The petition, the supporting affidavits, the documentary evidence, the files,
and the records do not demonstrate that appellant set forth sufficient operative facts to
establish substantive grounds for relief. Calhoun, 86 Ohio St.3d at paragraph two of the
syllabus; see R.C. 2953.21(C).
3. The state did not withhold exculpatory evidence.
{¶47} Wilson next argues that his rights were violated because the state withheld
information that EC had no memory of Wilson or the events. [Appellant’s Brief at 15-18].
{¶48} In Wilson’s direct appeal we noted,
In assignments of error one and two, appellant claims he was denied
due process because the state failed to disclose that E.C. could not
remember him or the incident. In the alternative, appellant claims he was
denied the effective assistance of counsel because his trial attorneys failed
to present evidence that E.C. could not remember him or the incident. We
disagree.
Wilson I, 2017-Ohio-5724, ¶20 (emphasis added). We further noted,
Delaware County, Case No. 18CAA040035 21
During the competency hearing held on January 4, 2016, appellee
informed the trial court it would not be calling E.C., age five at the time, as
a witness, stating, “[h]er ability to recall events from during the summer even
is very limited, and getting her to sit still for more than about five to ten
minutes at a time is rather—rather difficult.” January 4, 2016 T. at 3. The
indictment filed July 17, 2015 indicated the incident with E.C. occurred
between March 31, 2015, through April 7, 2015 when she was four years
old. Defense counsel was put on notice in January 2016 that E.C.’s recall
ability was limited. This was nine months after the dates in the indictment.
If five year old E.C. had limited recall after nine months, it was not a surprise
that she could not recall appellant and/or the incident sixteen months
(sentencing) or seventeen months (memorandum contra) after the dates
listed in the indictment. We do not find appellee withheld evidence.
Wilson I, 2017-Ohio-5724, 25.
{¶49} We further note that Wilson was on notice as early as October 1, 2015
that the state was “unsure if she [E.C.] is going to be called at this point.” Motion
Hearing, Oct. 1, 2015 at 26-27.
{¶50} In Wilson I this Court stated,
Appellant argues in the alternative, his trial counsel was ineffective
by failing to present evidence of E.C.’s lack of memory to the jury.
***
Whether to call a five year old witness to the stand in a sexual abuse
case is a strategic choice of counsel. Based on her limited recall ability, her
Delaware County, Case No. 18CAA040035 22
testimony could have gone either way. As argued by appellee, placing a
five year old child on the witness stand to answer questions sexual in nature
could have very well alienated the jury. Whether to call a certain witness at
trial falls within the realm of trial tactics and generally will not constitute
ineffective assistance of counsel. See State v. Coulter, 75 Ohio App. 3d
219, 598 N.E.2d 1324 (1992). This court must accord deference to defense
counsel’s strategic choices made during trial and “requires us to eliminate
the distorting effect of hindsight.” State v. Post, 32 Ohio St. 3d 380, 388,
513 N.E.2d 754 (1987). See State v. Clayton, 62 Ohio St. 2d 45, 49, 402
N.E.2d 1189 (1980).
Appellant does not list any potential witnesses that could have been
called “to whom E.C. made statements concerning her lack of memory.”
Defense counsel cannot be expected to call witnesses that do not exist.
Appellant also does not suggest what kind of “stipulation” defense counsel
should have offered.
Upon review, we do not find any deficiency by defense counsel and
therefore no prejudice to appellant.
Wilson I, 2017-Ohio-5724, ¶26; 29-31.
{¶51} The affidavit of one of Wilson’s original trial counsel states that he was not
aware until during the second jury trial in June 2016 that E.C. had no memory of Wilson
or the events. [Affidavit of Brad Koffell, Appendix 25 to the Petition for Post-Conviction
Relief at ¶3-¶4; Docket No. 226]. However, as we have discussed, this information was
Delaware County, Case No. 18CAA040035 23
disclosed during the January 4, 2016 evidentiary hearing. Wilson has presented no
evidence that E.C. would have been found competent to testify during his jury trial.
{¶52} We find that in assessing the evidence based on the above-mentioned
factors, the trial court did not abuse its discretion in assessing the credibility of these
affidavits. In State v. Calhoun, the Ohio Supreme Court noted,
[I]n reviewing a petition for post-conviction relief filed pursuant to
R.C. 2953.21, a trial court should give due deference to affidavits sworn to
under oath and filed in support of the petition, but may, in the sound exercise
of discretion, judge their credibility in determining whether to accept the
affidavits as true statements of fact. To hold otherwise would require a
hearing for every post-conviction relief petition. Because the statute clearly
calls for discretion in determining whether to grant a hearing, accepting all
supporting affidavits as true is certainly not what the statute intended. “[I]f
we would allow any open-ended allegation or conclusory statement
concerning competency of counsel without a further showing of prejudice to
the defendant to automatically mandate a hearing, division (D) of R.C.
2953.21 would be effectively negated and useless.” Jackson, 64 Ohio St. 2d
at 112, 18 O.O.3d at 351, 413 N.E.2d at 823.
86 Ohio St. 3d 279, 284, 1999-Ohio-102, 714 N.E.2d 905.
{¶53} Accordingly, Wilson’s claim that the state withheld exculpatory evidence is
barred by res judicata. [Appellant’s Brief at 16-18]. Further Wilson’s claim that his trial
Delaware County, Case No. 18CAA040035 24
attorney rendered ineffective assistance by failing to raise or preserve this issue is also
barred by res judicata. [Appellant’s Brief at 23-24]2.
{¶54} Wilson has failed to sustain his burden of demonstrating that an error
affected his substantial rights. United States v. Olano, 507 U.S. at 725, 734, 113 S. Ct.
1770, 123 L.Ed.2d 508(1993); State v. Perry, 101 Ohio St. 3d 118, 120 802 N.E.2d 643,
646(2004). We find no manifest miscarriage of justice occurred in this case. State v.
Barnes, 94 Ohio St. 3d 21, 27, 759 N.E.2d 1240(2002), quoting State v. Long, 53 Ohio
St.2d 91, 372 N.E.2d 804(1978), paragraph three of the syllabus.
{¶55} The petition, the supporting documentary evidence, the files, and the
records do not demonstrate that appellant set forth sufficient operative facts to establish
substantive grounds for relief. Calhoun, 86 Ohio St.3d at paragraph two of the syllabus;
see R.C. 2953.21(C).
4. Ineffective assistance of counsel.
{¶56} Wilson presents multiple arguments contending that his trial counsels
rendered ineffective assistance.
{¶57} In order for a petitioner to be entitled to an evidentiary hearing in a post-
conviction relief proceeding on a claim that he was denied effective assistance of counsel,
the two-part Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 104 S. Ct. 838, 122 L.Ed.2d (1984)
test is to be applied. Lockhart v. Fretwell, 506 U.S. 364, 113 S. Ct. 838, 122 L.Ed.2d
180(1993); State v. Bradley, 42 Ohio St. 3d 136, 538 N.E.2d 373(1989).
{¶58} The petitioner must therefore prove that: 1). counsel’s performance fell
below an objective standard of reasonable representation; and 2). there exists a
2 We note Wilson also raised this issue in his App.R. 26(B) motion to re-open his direct appeal.
Delaware County, Case No. 18CAA040035 25
reasonable probability that, were it not for counsel's errors, the petitioner would have been
found not guilty. Hill v. Lockhart, 474 U.S. 52, 59, 106 S. Ct. 366, 88 L.Ed.2d 203(1985).
{¶59} Furthermore, before a hearing is granted in proceedings for post-conviction
relief upon a claim of ineffective assistance of trial counsel, the petitioner bears the initial
burden to submit evidentiary material containing sufficient operative facts that
demonstrate a substantial violation of any of defense counsel's essential duties to his
client and prejudice arising from counsel's ineffectiveness. Calhoun, 86 Ohio St. 3d at
289, 714 N.E.2d 905; State v. Jackson, 64 Ohio St. 2d 107, 413 N.E.2d 819(1980),
syllabus; see, also Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 687, 104 S. Ct. 2052, 80
L. Ed. 2d 674, 693(1984).
{¶60} Regarding claims of ineffective assistance of trial counsel in post-conviction
proceedings, the Ohio Supreme Court has stated that where a defendant, represented by
different counsel on direct appeal, “fails to raise [in the direct appeal] the issue of
competent trial counsel and said issue could fairly have been determined without resort
to evidence dehors the record, res judicata is a proper basis for dismissing defendant's
petition for post-conviction relief.” State v. Cole, 2 Ohio St. 3d 112, 443 N.E.2d 169(1982),
syllabus; see, also, State v. Lentz, 70 Ohio St. 3d 527, 530, 1994–Ohio–532, 639 N.E.2d
784. A trial court may dismiss a petition seeking post-conviction relief if it determines that
the doctrine of res judicata applies. State v. Szefcyk, 77 Ohio St. 3d 93, 1996–Ohio–337,
671 N.E.2d 233. Accord, State v. Church, 5th Dist. Stark No. 2017CA00216, 2018-Ohio-
368, ¶ 43, appeal not allowed, 152 Ohio St. 3d 1483, 2018-Ohio-1990, 98 N.E.3d 296, ¶
43 (2018).
Delaware County, Case No. 18CAA040035 26
{¶61} Under the doctrine of res judicata, a final judgment of conviction bars a
convicted defendant who was represented by counsel from raising and litigating in any
proceeding, except an appeal from that judgment, any defense or any claimed lack of due
process that was raised or could have been raised by the defendant at the trial, which
resulted in that judgment of conviction, or on an appeal from that judgment. State v.
Szefcyk, 77 Ohio St. 3d 93, syllabus, approving and following State v. Perry, 10 Ohio St. 2d
175, 226 N.E.2d 104(1967), paragraph nine of the syllabus.
a. Failing to object to hearsay statements made by EC and KP.
{¶62} Wilson contends that his trial attorneys were ineffective because they did
not object to hearsay statements made by E.C. and K.P. to their parents. [Appellant’s
Brief at 20].
{¶63} Initially we note that evidence offered de hors the record must be more than
evidence which was in existence and available to the appellant at the time of the trial and
which could and should have been submitted at trial if the appellant wished to make use
of it. Simply put, the purpose of post-conviction proceedings is not to afford one convicted
of a crime a chance to retry his case.
{¶64} “Under the doctrine of res judicata, a final judgment of conviction bars a
convicted defendant who was represented by counsel from raising and litigating in any
proceeding [,] except an appeal from that judgment, any defense or any claimed lack of
due process that was raised or could have been raised by the defendant at the trial [that]
resulted in that judgment of conviction or on an appeal from that judgment.” (Emphasis
sic.) State v. Perry, 10 Ohio St. 2d 175, 39 O.O.2d 189, 226 N.E.2d 104(1967), paragraph
nine of the syllabus. Thus, a common pleas court may apply the doctrine of res judicata
Delaware County, Case No. 18CAA040035 27
to dismiss a post-conviction claim, when the claim presents a matter that could fairly have
been determined without resort to evidence dehors the record. Id.; State v. Cole, 2 Ohio
St.3d 112, 114, 2 OBR 661, 443 N.E.2d 169(1982).
{¶65} In the case at bar, Wilson presents no evidence outside the record to
support his claim. Accordingly, the claim presents a matter that could fairly have been
determined without resort to evidence dehors the record.
{¶66} As Wilson was able to raise and fully litigate this issue on direct appeal, this
Court concludes Wilson has failed to sustain his burden of demonstrating that an error
affected his substantial rights. United States v. Olano, 507 U.S. at 725, 734, 113 S. Ct.
1770, 123 L.Ed.2d 508(1993); State v. Perry, 101 Ohio St. 3d 118, 120 802 N.E.2d 643,
646(2004). We find no manifest miscarriage of justice occurred in this case. State v.
Barnes, 94 Ohio St. 3d 21, 27, 759 N.E.2d 1240 (2002), quoting State v. Long, 53 Ohio
St.2d 91, 372 N.E.2d 804(1978), paragraph three of the syllabus.
{¶67} The petition, the documentary evidence, the files, and the records do not
demonstrate that appellant set forth sufficient operative facts to establish substantive
grounds for relief. Calhoun, 86 Ohio St.3d at paragraph two of the syllabus; see R.C.
2953.21(C).
b. Statements made to the forensic interviewer.
{¶68} Wilson next contends that his trial counsel rendered ineffective assistance
by failing to object to the children’s statements to the forensic interviewer. [Appellant’s
Brief at 20-21].
{¶69} In Wilson I this Court noted,
Delaware County, Case No. 18CAA040035 28
In his May 27, 2016 motion in limine to exclude videotape evidence
of E.C., appellant sought to exclude E.C.’s forensic interview with the
Children’s Advocacy Center within Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
Appellant argued the interviewers “were acting as if they were part of the
police department, yet holding on to the veneer of being physician’s
assistants in order to get the video testimony of the alleged victim admitted
into evidence under Evid.R. 803(4).” Prior to jury selection, the trial court
entertained argument on the motion. Appellee presented redacted copies
of the videotaped interviews of both E.C. and K.P., editing out possible
statements not covered under a hearsay exception. T. at 43–44. The trial
court denied appellant’s motion in limine without comment. T. at 56. The
next day, the parties agreed both videotaped interviews could be played in
their entirety in exchange for appellant being able to play portions of his own
videotaped interview. T. at 688–690.
Wilson I, 2017-Ohio-5724, ¶37 (emphasis added). In reviewing this claim under the
plain-error doctrine, we held,
Upon review, we find the statements made by E.C. to Ms. Combs
and by K.P. to Ms. Wilkinson were for the purposes of medical diagnosis or
treatment, and the trial court did not err in admitting the videotapes under
Evid.R. 803(4). We find the playing of E.C.’s videotape did not violate
appellant’s rights under the Confrontation Clause.
Wilson I, 2017-Ohio-5724, ¶41 (emphasis added).
Delaware County, Case No. 18CAA040035 29
{¶70} In the case at bar, Wilson presents no evidence outside the record to
support his claim. Accordingly, the claim presents a matter that could fairly have been
determined without resort to evidence dehors the record.
{¶71} As Wilson was able to raise and fully litigate this issue on direct appeal, this
Court concludes Wilson has failed to sustain his burden of demonstrating that an error
affected his substantial rights. United States v. Olano, 507 U.S. at 725, 734, 113 S. Ct.
1770, 123 L.Ed.2d 508(1993); State v. Perry, 101 Ohio St. 3d 118, 120 802 N.E.2d 643,
646(2004). We find no manifest miscarriage of justice occurred in this case. State v.
Barnes, 94 Ohio St. 3d 21, 27, 759 N.E.2d 1240(2002), quoting State v. Long, 53 Ohio
St.2d 91, 372 N.E.2d 804(1978), paragraph three of the syllabus.
{¶72} The petition, the supporting affidavits, the documentary evidence, the files,
and the records do not demonstrate that appellant set forth sufficient operative facts to
establish substantive grounds for relief. Calhoun, 86 Ohio St.3d at paragraph two of the
syllabus; see R.C. 2953.21(C).
c. Failure to impeach.
{¶73} Wilson next argues that trial counsel was ineffective because he did not
impeach K.P. with contradictory statements she made regarding the number of times she
was inappropriately touched. [Appellant’s Brief at 21-22].
{¶74} In the case at bar, Wilson presents no evidence outside the record to
support his claim. Accordingly, the claim presents a matter that could fairly have been
determined without resort to evidence dehors the record.
{¶75} As Wilson was able to raise and fully litigate this issue on direct appeal, this
Court concludes Wilson has failed to sustain his burden of demonstrating that an error
Delaware County, Case No. 18CAA040035 30
affected his substantial rights. United States v. Olano, 507 U.S. at 725, 734, 113 S. Ct.
1770, 123 L.Ed.2d 508(1993); State v. Perry, 101 Ohio St. 3d 118, 120 802 N.E.2d 643,
646(2004). We find no manifest miscarriage of justice occurred in this case. State v.
Barnes, 94 Ohio St. 3d 21, 27, 759 N.E.2d 1240(2002), quoting State v. Long, 53 Ohio
St.2d 91, 372 N.E.2d 804(1978), paragraph three of the syllabus.
{¶76} The petition, the supporting affidavits, the documentary evidence, the files,
and the records do not demonstrate that appellant set forth sufficient operative facts to
establish substantive grounds for relief. Calhoun, 86 Ohio St.3d at paragraph two of the
syllabus; see R.C. 2953.21(C).
d. Failure to call witnesses.
{¶77} Wilson next argues that trial counsel was ineffective in failing to call Michael
Price as a witness. Wilson asserts that Price would testify that K.P.’s parents were
habitually late in picking her up from chess class. Wilson contends that this would have
contradicted the state’s theory that he isolated K.P. in order to have sexual contact with
her. [Appellant’s Brief at 22]. Wilson submitted the un-signed, un-executed “affidavit” of
Price and his own affidavit in support of his petition. [Affidavit of Michael Price, Appendix
12 to the Petition for Post-Conviction Relief, Docket No. 226; [Affidavit of F. Leon Wilson,
Appendix 14 to the Petition for Post-Conviction Relief, Docket No. 226].
{¶78} As self-serving testimony, the trial court could give little or no weight to
Wilson’s affidavit. See, State v. Calhoun, 86 Ohio St. 3d 279, 281, 714 N.E.2d 905
(1999);State v. Kapper, 5 Ohio St. 3d 36, 38, 448 N.E.2d 823 (1983) (letter or affidavit
from the court, prosecutors, or defense counsel alleging a defect in the plea process might
be sufficient to warrant a hearing, although defendant's own affidavit alleging same defect
Delaware County, Case No. 18CAA040035 31
would not, because the former are not self-serving declarations);State v. Elmore, 5th Dist.
No. 2005-CA-32, 2005-Ohio-5740, ¶109.
{¶79} Wilson himself testified that K.P.’s father had been late in picking her up “a
couple times....” 9T. Jury trial June 10, 2016 at 1398. He further testified, “At no time was
I ever alone with [K.P.], period.” 9T. Jury trial June 10, 2016 at 1419. However, Wilson
also indicated that he did spend “extra time” with K.P. after class,
So to be very specific about the question, the rapid development is
because she would work harder to be better and that's why she did stay and
do the extra problems because she wanted to make sure that nobody knew
as much as she did.
Now, as a coach, that's perfect and that's why we had that
relationship that was so good, because I spent the extra time. And I don't
want to make it seem like, you know, at 5:00, 5:30 I didn't really have
anything else to do on a Thursday, I live five minutes away, and it wasn't
that type of thing where I had to get out and I didn't want to, because this is
developing my program. This is proving that what I'm doing is successful.
So I didn't mind spending the extra couple minutes, and she loved it. She
just absorbed it, shew [sic] and that was it. So that's why she developed
so quickly, in my opinion.
9T. Jury Trial June 10, 2016 at 1472-1473 (emphasis added). Wilson also testified,
I had no way of knowing what time any of the parents picked up,
particularly Stacey and -- Stacey and Jamie, because the way that it
worked, Ms. Kat would bring the kids up and the 4:30 -- 3:45 to 4:30 group,
Delaware County, Case No. 18CAA040035 32
she would pick up the 4:30 group and she’s also delivering the -- excuse
me, she picked up the 3:45 group and she'd be delivering the 4:30 group.
So that early group would leave and they would go back to their respective
preschool, Pre-K classes. I would never see them again.
And then at 5:30 she would come and pick the 5:30 kids up and I
would never see them again. So I don't know whose parents, who was
picking up who when.
I was not privy to that because at that particular point in time I'm
packing up to get out of there. There were never any children, never any
children in the classroom with me alone because I'm packing up, I'm
thinking about getting to Hilliard, I'm readjusting my thinking for my next
group of kids that were a little bit more advanced.
So I have no way of knowing who picked up who. Sometimes coming
down the steps checking out I'll see parents with kids and would wave but,
other than that, I would have no way – no knowledge of that.
9T. Jury Trial June 10, 2016 at 1473-1474.
{¶80} Whether to call a certain witness at trial falls within the realm of trial tactics
and generally will not constitute ineffective assistance of counsel. See State v. Coulter,
75 Ohio App. 3d 219, 598 N.E.2d 1324 (1992). This court must accord deference to
defense counsel's strategic choices made during trial and “requires us to eliminate the
distorting effect of hindsight.” State v. Post, 32 Ohio St. 3d 380, 388, 513 N.E.2d 754
(1987). See State v. Clayton, 62 Ohio St. 2d 45, 49, 402 N.E.2d 1189 (1980).
Delaware County, Case No. 18CAA040035 33
{¶81} It is highly speculative that Price’s testimony would have made any
difference in the outcome of the case.
{¶82} This Court concludes Wilson has failed to sustain his burden of
demonstrating that an error affected his substantial rights. United States v. Olano, 507
U.S. at 725, 734, 113 S. Ct. 1770, 123 L.Ed.2d 508(1993); State v. Perry, 101 Ohio St. 3d
118, 120 802 N.E.2d 643, 646(2004). We find no manifest miscarriage of justice occurred
in this case. State v. Barnes, 94 Ohio St. 3d 21, 27, 759 N.E.2d 1240(2002), quoting State
v. Long, 53 Ohio St. 2d 91, 372 N.E.2d 804(1978), paragraph three of the syllabus.
{¶83} The petition, the supporting affidavits, the documentary evidence, the files,
and the records do not demonstrate that appellant set forth sufficient operative facts to
establish substantive grounds for relief. Calhoun, 86 Ohio St.3d at paragraph two of the
syllabus; see R.C. 2953.21(C).
e. Trial court’s expression of appreciation.
{¶84} Wilson next argues that his trial attorney’s failure to object to KP's “witness-
stand valediction and the judge's expression of appreciation to KP. The trial record
discloses that after KP was excused from the witness stand, she thanked Price for
‘helping my mom’ and ‘paying for my therapist's appointments.’ The trial judge told her,
‘[t]hank you for saying that.’ (Tr. 1294) The judge's findings of fact do not address this
omission by counsel. A hearing is needed to determine whether defense counsel's failure
to object was objectively reasonable.” [Appellant’s Brief at 22].
{¶85} In the case at bar, Wilson presents no evidence outside the record to
support his claim. Accordingly, the claim presents a matter that could fairly have been
Delaware County, Case No. 18CAA040035 34
determined without resort to evidence dehors the record. Accordingly, this claim is barred
by res judicata.
{¶86} As Wilson was able to raise and fully litigate this issue on direct appeal, this
Court concludes that Wilson has failed to sustain his burden of demonstrating that an
error affected his substantial rights. United States v. Olano, 507 U.S. at 725, 734, 113
S. Ct. 1770, 123 L.Ed.2d 508(1993); State v. Perry, 101 Ohio St. 3d 118, 120 802 N.E.2d
643, 646(2004). We find no manifest miscarriage of justice occurred in this case. State
v. Barnes, 94 Ohio St. 3d 21, 27, 759 N.E.2d 1240(2002), quoting State v. Long, 53 Ohio
St.2d 91, 372 N.E.2d 804(1978), paragraph three of the syllabus.
{¶87} The petition, the supporting affidavits, the documentary evidence, the files,
and the records do not demonstrate that appellant set forth sufficient operative facts to
establish substantive grounds for relief. Calhoun, 86 Ohio St.3d at paragraph two of the
syllabus; see R.C. 2953.21(C).
f. Failure to call a DNA expert.
{¶88} Wilson next asserted that defense counsel rendered deficient performance
by failing to present a DNA expert.
{¶89} A decision regarding which defense to pursue at trial is a matter of trial
strategy “within the exclusive province of defense counsel to make after consultation with
his client.” State v. Murphy, 91 Ohio St. 3d 516, 524, 2001–Ohio–0112. This court can
only find that counsel’s performance regarding matters of trial strategy is deficient if
counsel’s strategy was so “outside the realm of legitimate trial strategy so as ‘to make
ordinary counsel scoff.” State v. Woullard, 158 Ohio App. 3d 31, 813 N.E .2d 964, 2004–
Ohio–3395, ¶ 39(2nd Dist.), quoting State v. Yarber, 102 Ohio App. 3d 185, 188, 656
Delaware County, Case No. 18CAA040035 35
N.E.2d 1322(12th Dist.1995). Further, the Ohio Supreme Court has recognized that if
counsel, for strategic reasons, decides not to pursue every possible trial strategy,
defendant is not denied effective assistance of counsel. State v. Brown, 38 Ohio St. 3d
305, 319, 528 N.E.2d 523(1988). When there is no demonstration that counsel failed to
research the facts or the law or that counsel was ignorant of a crucial defense, a reviewing
court defers to counsel’s judgment in the matter. State v. Clayton, 62 Ohio St. 2d 45, 49,
402 N.E.2d 1189(1980), citing People v. Miller, 7 Cal. 3d 562, 573–574, 102 Cal. Rptr. 841,
498 P.2d 1089(1972); State v. Wiley, 10th Dist. No. 03AP–340, 2004–Ohio–1008, ¶ 21.
{¶90} “As an initial matter, the failure to call an expert and instead rely on cross-
examination does not constitute ineffective assistance of counsel. State v. Thompson
(1987), 33 Ohio St. 3d 1, 10-11, 514 N.E.2d 407, 417.” State v. Nicholas, 66 Ohio St. 3d
431, 436, 613 N.E.2d 225(1993).
{¶91} Debatable trial tactics do not establish ineffective assistance of counsel.”
State v. Hoffner, 102 Ohio St. 3d 358, 365, 2004–Ohio–3430(2004), ¶ 45. Trial counsel’s
failure to request an expert is a “debatable trial tactic,” and does not amount to ineffective
assistance of counsel. See State v. Thompson (1987), 33 Ohio St. 3d 1, 9, 514 N.E.2d
407 (trial counsel’s failure to obtain a forensic pathologist to “rebut” issue of rape was not
ineffective assistance of counsel); State v. Foust, 105 Ohio St. 3d 137, 153–154, 2004–
Ohio–7006, 823 N.E.2d 836, ¶¶ 97–99 (trial counsel’s failure to request funds for a DNA
expert, an alcohol and substance-abuse expert, a fingerprint expert, and an arson expert
did not amount to ineffective assistance of counsel because appellant’s need for experts
was “highly speculative” and counsel’s choice “to rely on cross-examination” of
prosecution’s expert was a “legitimate tactical decision”); State v. Yarger, 6th Dist. No.
Delaware County, Case No. 18CAA040035 36
H–97–014, 1998 WL 230648 (May 1, 1998) (trial counsel’s failure to hire an expert
medical doctor to rebut state’s expert witness was not ineffective assistance of trial
counsel); State v. Rutter, 4th Dist. No. 02CA17, 2003–Ohio–373, ¶ 19, 28 (trial counsel’s
failure to hire an accident reconstructionist did not amount to ineffective assistance of
counsel).
{¶92} Assuming that the advocacy of counsel was somehow deficient, such
deficiency constitutes reversible error only where it prejudices the rights of the criminal
defendant. No such showing has been made in this case. Nicholas, 66 Ohio St. 3d at
436.
{¶93} The affidavit of Wilson’s expert is highly speculative as to whether any DNA
could be recovered from the jumpers. The clothing was not immediately collected, having
been placed in a laundry hamper and intermingled with other clothing. 4T. Jury trial June
10, 2016 at 641-642). Of the five articles tested, Wilson was excluded as a contributor.
(Three pairs of underwear and two pairs of leggings). This evidence was presented to
the jury. 4T. Jury trial June 10, 2016 at 625; 626; 627; 638-639; 644-645.
{¶94} In the instant cause, Wilson’s counsels were not ineffective so as to have
precluded a fair trial or to have created an unreliable result. Wilson was represented by
two experienced trial attorneys who presumably were aware of the issues involving the
evidence of gross sexual imposition. Wilson’s retained trial counsels decided not to hire
or to request the appointment of a DNA expert, choosing instead to rely on their cross-
examination of the state’s expert in order to rebut the evidence of gross sexual imposition.
In light of these circumstances, the errors alleged by Wilson were neither so serious that
his counsels were not functioning as the “counsel” guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment,
Delaware County, Case No. 18CAA040035 37
nor so serious that the result of his trial was rendered unreliable. See, State v. Thompson,
33 Ohio St. 3d 1, 10-11, 514 N.E.2d 407(1987).
{¶95} Accordingly, we will not second-guess the judgment of Wilson’s counsels.
Wilson has failed to sustain his burden of demonstrating that an error affected his
substantial rights. United States v. Olano, 507 U.S. at 725, 734, 113 S. Ct. 1770, 123
L.Ed.2d 508(1993); State v. Perry, 101 Ohio St. 3d 118, 120 802 N.E.2d 643, 646(2004).
We find no manifest miscarriage of justice occurred in this case. State v. Barnes, 94 Ohio
St.3d 21, 27, 759 N.E.2d 1240(2002), quoting State v. Long, 53 Ohio St. 2d 91, 372 N.E.2d
804(1978), paragraph three of the syllabus.
{¶96} The petition, the supporting affidavits, the documentary evidence, the files,
and the records do not demonstrate that appellant set forth sufficient operative facts to
establish substantive grounds for relief. Calhoun, 86 Ohio St.3d at paragraph two of the
syllabus; see R.C. 2953.21(C).
g. Failure to show animosity of KP toward Wilson.
{¶97} Wilson asserts that defense counsel rendered deficient performance by
failing to argue to the jury that KP had a grudge against Wilson for naming another girl as
captain of the chess team and letting her take home a tournament trophy.
{¶98} In the case at bar, Wilson presents no evidence outside the record other
than his own affidavit to support his claim. As self-serving testimony, the trial court could
give little or no weight to Wilson’s affidavit. See, State v. Calhoun, 86 Ohio St. 3d 279,
281, 714 N.E.2d 905 (1999);State v. Kapper, 5 Ohio St. 3d 36, 38, 448 N.E.2d 823 (1983)
(letter or affidavit from the court, prosecutors, or defense counsel alleging a defect in the
plea process might be sufficient to warrant a hearing, although defendant's own affidavit
Delaware County, Case No. 18CAA040035 38
alleging same defect would not, because the former are not self-serving
declarations);State v. Elmore, 5th Dist. No. 2005-CA-32, 2005-Ohio-5740, ¶109.
{¶99} In any event, Wilson has failed to demonstrate that had the evidence been
presented, the result of his trial would have been different. See, State v. Conway, 109
Ohio St. 3d 412, 2006-Ohio-2815, 848N.E.2d 810, ¶108.
{¶100} This Court concludes that Wilson has failed to sustain his burden of
demonstrating that an error affected his substantial rights. United States v. Olano, 507
U.S. at 725, 734, 113 S. Ct. 1770, 123 L.Ed.2d 508(1993); State v. Perry, 101 Ohio St. 3d
118, 120 802 N.E.2d 643, 646(2004). We find no manifest miscarriage of justice occurred
in this case. State v. Barnes, 94 Ohio St. 3d 21, 27, 759 N.E.2d 1240(2002), quoting State
v. Long, 53 Ohio St. 2d 91, 372 N.E.2d 804(1978), paragraph three of the syllabus.
{¶101} The petition, the supporting affidavits, the documentary evidence, the files,
and the records do not demonstrate that appellant set forth sufficient operative facts to
establish substantive grounds for relief. Calhoun, 86 Ohio St.3d at paragraph two of the
syllabus; see R.C. 2953.21(C).
h. Cumulative effect.
{¶102} Wilson next argues that the cumulative effect of counsels’ numerous errors
warrants a hearing on his PCR petition. [Appellant’s Brief at 25-26].
{¶103} In State v. Brown, 100 Ohio St. 3d 51, 2003–Ohio–5059, 796 N.E.2d 506,
the Ohio Supreme Court recognized the doctrine of cumulative error. However, as
explained in State v. Bethel, 110 Ohio St. 3d 416, 2006–Ohio–4853, 854 N.E.2d 150,
¶197, it is simply not enough to intone the phrase “cumulative error.” State v. Sapp, 105
Ohio St. 3d 104, 2004–Ohio–7008, 822 N.E.2d 1239, ¶103.
Delaware County, Case No. 18CAA040035 39
{¶104} Where we have found that the trial court did not err, cumulative error is
simply inapplicable. State v. Carter, 5th Dist. Stark No.2002CA00125, 2003–Ohio-1313
at ¶37. In the case at bar, to the extent that we have found that any claimed error of the
trial court was harmless, or that claimed error did not rise to the level of plain error, we
conclude that the cumulative effect of such claimed errors is also harmless because taken
together, they did not materially affect the verdict. State v. Leonard, 104 Ohio St. 3d 54,
89–90, 2004–Ohio–6235, 818 N.E.2d 229, 270 at ¶ 185.
{¶105} As this case does not involve multiple instances of error, this Court
concludes that Wilson has failed to sustain his burden of demonstrating that an error
affected his substantial rights. United States v. Olano, 507 U.S. at 725, 734, 113 S. Ct.
1770, 123 L.Ed.2d 508(1993); State v. Perry, 101 Ohio St. 3d 118, 120 802 N.E.2d 643,
646(2004). We find no manifest miscarriage of justice occurred in this case. State v.
Barnes, 94 Ohio St. 3d 21, 27, 759 N.E.2d 1240(2002), quoting State v. Long, 53 Ohio
St.2d 91, 372 N.E.2d 804(1978), paragraph three of the syllabus.
{¶106} The petition, the supporting affidavits, the documentary evidence, the files,
and the records do not demonstrate that appellant set forth sufficient operative facts to
establish substantive grounds for relief. Calhoun, 86 Ohio St.3d at paragraph two of the
syllabus; see R.C. 2953.21(C).
{¶107} Based on the foregoing, Wilson’s First Assignment of Error is overruled in
its entirety.
B. Whether the trial court abused its discretion in denying Wilson’s petition for
post-conviction relief. [Appellant’s Second Assignment of Error].
Delaware County, Case No. 18CAA040035 40
{¶108} In his second assignment of error, Wilson contends that the attorney that
filed his PCR petition rendered ineffective assistance of counsel in areas in addition to
those set forth in his First Assignment of Error. [Appellant’s Brief at 26].
1. Trial Counsel's Failure to Challenge the Identical Wording of Counts 1 and 2 of
the Indictment on Federal and State Constitutional Grounds is barred by res judicata.
{¶109} Wilson argues that his indictment was defective because the counts are
framed in identical terms. [Appellant’s Brief at 27].
{¶110} To the extent that appellant argues the indictment was defective, he waived
that argument by failing to raise it before trial. See Crim. R. 12(C)(2); State v. Schultz, 96
Ohio St. 114, 117 N.E. 30(1917); State v. Blalock, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga Nos. 80419 and
80420, 2002-Ohio-4580; State v. Kenney (May 10, 2000), 5th Dist. Holmes No. CA93-
480A, 2000 WL 699673; State v. Avery, 126 Ohio App. 3d 36, 709 N.E.2d 875 (3rd Dist.
1998); State v. Biros, 78 Ohio St. 3d 426, 436, 678 N.E.2d 891, 901-902(1997), citing
State v. Joseph, 73 Ohio St. 3d 450, 455, 653 N.E.2d 285, 290-291(1995); and State v.
Mills, 62 Ohio St. 3d 357, 363, 582 N.E.2d 972, 980(1992) (Under Crim. R. 12(B) and
12(G), alleged defects in an indictment must be asserted before trial or they are waived");
see, also, State v. Williams, 51 Ohio St. 2d 112, 117, 98, 101, 364 N.E. 2d 1364(1977),
1367-1368, death penalty vacated, 438 U.S. 911, 98 S. Ct. 3137, 57 L. Ed. 2d 1156 (1977).
{¶111} In addition, in the case at bar, in response to two questions, the jury was
instructed that Count One of the Indictment concerned touching the vagina of E.C. and
Count Two of the Indictment concerned touching the buttocks of E.C. 10T., Jury trial June
10, 2016 at 1617-1625. Wilsons two retained trial attorneys did not object to this
instruction. Id. In addition, the jury acquitted Wilson of Count 2 of the Indictment. Wilson
Delaware County, Case No. 18CAA040035 41
has failed to sustain his burden of demonstrating that the error affected his substantial
rights.
{¶112} In the case at bar, Wilson presents no evidence outside the record to
support his claim. Accordingly, the claim presents a matter that could fairly have been
determined without resort to evidence dehors the record. Accordingly, this claim is barred
by res judicata.
{¶113} As Wilson was able to raise and fully litigate this issue on direct appeal, this
Court concludes that Wilson has failed to sustain his burden of demonstrating that an
error affected his substantial rights. United States v. Olano, 507 U.S. at 725, 734, 113
S. Ct. 1770, 123 L.Ed.2d 508(1993); State v. Perry, 101 Ohio St. 3d 118, 120 802 N.E.2d
643, 646(2004). We find no manifest miscarriage of justice occurred in this case. State
v. Barnes, 94 Ohio St. 3d 21, 27, 759 N.E.2d 1240(2002), quoting State v. Long, 53 Ohio
St.2d 91, 372 N.E.2d 804(1978), paragraph three of the syllabus.
{¶114} The petition, the supporting affidavits, the documentary evidence, the files,
and the records do not demonstrate that appellant set forth sufficient operative facts to
establish substantive grounds for relief. Calhoun, 86 Ohio St.3d at paragraph two of the
syllabus; see R.C. 2953.21(C).
2. Trial Counsel's Failure to Request that the First Jury be Informed of Its
Authority to Return a Partial Verdict, Failure to Request a Poll of the First Jury, Failure
to Request the Trial Judge to Reconvene the First Jury and Conduct an Inquiry as to a
Verdict on Count 3, and Failure to File a Motion to Dismiss Count 3 on Double Jeopardy
Grounds Do Not Present a Substantial Ineffective Assistance Claim That Should Have
Been Included in Wilson's Petition for Post-Conviction Relief.
Delaware County, Case No. 18CAA040035 42
{¶115} As we discussed in our disposition of Wilson’s First Assignment of Error,
the affidavits of the jurors, trial counsels and the private investigators are not admissible
to impeach the first jury’s verdict. Therefore, any failure by counsel to assert claims based
upon the affidavits have not prejudiced Wilson. [Appellant’s Brief at 29].
{¶116} Wilson has failed to sustain his burden of demonstrating that an error
affected his substantial rights. United States v. Olano, 507 U.S. at 725, 734, 113 S. Ct.
1770, 123 L.Ed.2d 508(1993); State v. Perry, 101 Ohio St. 3d 118, 120 802 N.E.2d 643,
646(2004). We find no manifest miscarriage of justice occurred in this case. State v.
Barnes, 94 Ohio St. 3d 21, 27, 759 N.E.2d 1240(2002), quoting State v. Long, 53 Ohio
St.2d 91, 372 N.E.2d 804(1978), paragraph three of the syllabus.
{¶117} The petition, the supporting affidavits, the documentary evidence, the files,
and the records do not demonstrate that appellant set forth sufficient operative facts to
establish substantive grounds for relief. Calhoun, 86 Ohio St.3d at paragraph two of the
syllabus; see R.C. 2953.21(C).
3. The Omission of the Cited Instances of Trial Counsel's Ineffective Assistance
from the Petition did not prejudice Wilson and therefore he has failed to demonstrate that
an error affected his substantial rights.
{¶118} Wilson finally argues, “Wilson's post-conviction attorney raised eight
instances of deficient performance by trial counsel. The two omitted instances described
above are especially compelling and stronger than some of those that were raised in the
petition. This omission on the part of post-conviction counsel amounted to deficient
performance.” [Appellant’s Brief at 29-30].
Delaware County, Case No. 18CAA040035 43
{¶119} Any failure by counsel to assert claims based upon the affidavits has not
prejudiced Wilson. [Appellant’s Brief at 29].
{¶120} To the extent that appellant argues the indictment was defective, he waived
that argument by failing to raise it before trial. See Crim. R. 12(C)(2); State v. Schultz, 96
Ohio St. 114, 117 N.E. 30(1917); State v. Blalock, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga Nos. 80419 and
80420, 2002-Ohio-4580; State v. Kenney (May 10, 2000), 5th Dist. Holmes No. CA93-
480A, 2000 WL 699673; State v. Avery, 126 Ohio App. 3d 36, 709 N.E.2d 875 (3rd Dist.
1998); State v. Biros, 78 Ohio St. 3d 426, 436, 678 N.E.2d 891, 901-902(1997), citing
State v. Joseph, 73 Ohio St. 3d 450, 455, 653 N.E.2d 285, 290-291(1995); and State v.
Mills, 62 Ohio St. 3d 357, 363, 582 N.E.2d 972, 980(1992) (Under Crim. R. 12(B) and
12(G), alleged defects in an indictment must be asserted before trial or they are waived");
see, also, State v. Williams, 51 Ohio St. 2d 112, 117, 98, 101, 364 N.E. 2d 1364(1977),
1367-1368, death penalty vacated, 438 U.S. 911, 98 S. Ct. 3137, 57 L. Ed. 2d 1156 (1977).
{¶121} In addition, in the case at bar, in response to two questions, the jury was
instructed that Count One of the Indictment concerned touching the vagina of E.C. and
Count Two of the Indictment concerned touching the buttocks of E.C. 10T., Jury trial June
10, 2016 at 1617-1625. Wilsons two retained trial attorneys did not object to this
instruction. Id. The jury acquitted Wilson of Count 2 of the Indictment.
{¶122} Accordingly, res judicata bars consideration of claims based upon a defect
in the indictment.
{¶123} Wilson has failed to demonstrate a substantial violation of any counsel’s
essential duties with respect to the filing of the petition for PCR and has failed to
Delaware County, Case No. 18CAA040035 44
demonstrate prejudice arising from counsel's alleged ineffectiveness in the filing of the
PCR petition.
{¶124} Accordingly, this Court finds that Wilson has failed to sustain his burden of
demonstrating that an error affected his substantial rights. United States v. Olano, 507
U.S. at 725, 734, 113 S. Ct. 1770, 123 L.Ed.2d 508(1993); State v. Perry, 101 Ohio St. 3d
118, 120 802 N.E.2d 643, 646(2004). We find no manifest miscarriage of justice occurred
in this case. State v. Barnes, 94 Ohio St. 3d 21, 27, 759 N.E.2d 1240(2002), quoting State
v. Long, 53 Ohio St. 2d 91, 372 N.E.2d 804(1978), paragraph three of the syllabus.
{¶125} The petition, the supporting affidavits, the documentary evidence, the files,
and the records do not demonstrate that appellant set forth sufficient operative facts to
establish substantive grounds for relief. Calhoun, 86 Ohio St.3d at paragraph two of the
syllabus; see R.C. 2953.21(C).
Delaware County, Case No. 18CAA040035 45
{¶126} Wilson’s Second Assignment of Error is overruled in its entirety.
{¶127} The judgment of the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas is affirmed.
By Gwin, P.J.,
Delaney, J., and
Baldwin, J., concur