State v. Hayes

[Cite as State v. Hayes, 2019-Ohio-1629.]
COURT OF APPEALS
KNOX COUNTY, OHIO
FIFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
JUDGES:
STATE OF OHIO : Hon. W. Scott Gwin, P.J.
: Hon. John W Wise, J.
Plaintiff-Appellee : Hon. Craig R. Baldwin, J
:
-vs- :
: Case No. 18CA10
ROSE M. HAYES :
:
Defendant-Appellant : OPINION
CHARACTER OF PROCEEDING: Criminal appeal from the Knox County
Court of Common Pleas, Case No. CR08-
0172
JUDGMENT: Affirmed
DATE OF JUDGMENT ENTRY: April 29, 2019
APPEARANCES:
For Plaintiff-Appellee For Defendant-Appellant
CHARLES MCCONVILLE KEVIN GALL
Knox County Prosecutor 33 West Main Street, Ste. 109
117 E. High Street. Suite 234 Newark, OH 43055
Mount Vernon, OH 43050
Knox County, Case No. 18CA10 2
Gwin, P.J.
{¶1} Appellant Rose M. Hayes [“Hayes”] appeals her conviction and sentence
after a jury trial in the Knox County Court of Common Pleas.
Facts and Procedural History
{¶2} On August 2, 2017, the Knox County Grand Jury indicted Hayes on one
count of Permitting Drug Abuse in violation of R.C. 2925.13(B), a felony of the fifth
degree.
{¶3} On September 13, 2017, Pretrial Release Officer Adam Taylor filed a
Bond Violation, stating that Hayes had admitted to use of methamphetamine and
heroin in violation of her bond conditions. On September 15, 2017, the trial court
again set a recognizance bond with pretrial reporting conditions.
{¶4} On January 17, 2018, Officer Adam Taylor filed another Bond Violation,
alleging violations of law by Hayes. A warrant was issued and Hayes was arrested on
February 4, 2018.
{¶5} On February 6, 2018, a bond hearing was held and bond was established
at $2,500 cash or surety with application of the 10 percent provision. Edward Horn
posted Bond on February 6, 2018.
{¶6} A jury trial commenced on March 10, 2018. The following evidence was
presented during Hayes’ jury trial.
{¶7} In the fall of 2016, the Knox County Sheriff's Office and the Mt. Vernon
Police Department combined for a joint investigation into local drug activity. The subjects of
the investigation were known by their street names as "Dot" and "B.” Information was
received that Dot and B were coming from Columbus to the city of Mt. Vernon and selling
Knox County, Case No. 18CA10 3
heroin and cocaine out of an apartment located at 807 North Mulberry Street, Apartment A,
Mt. Vernon, Ohio. This apartment was leased to Hayes.
{¶8} Investigators arranged a series of drug buys from Dot and B, using
confidential informants. Four undercover drug purchases were conducted. After the final
buy on December 15, 2016, members of the Emergency Situation Unit of the Mt. Vernon
Police department executed a search warrant on the apartment.
{¶9} In the course of the investigation, law enforcement officers determined that
Dot's real name is Sabian Chatman. Officers also learned that Chatman was a Columbus
gang member with an extensive criminal history. Chatman was taken into custody, drugs
were recovered in the apartment, and Rose Hayes and her brother Edward Horn were
present. Detective Craig Feeney testified that 41.71 grams of heroin belonging to
Chatman were taken from inside the apartment.
{¶10} In an interview conducted by officers, Rose Hayes admitted to living at the
residence while Dot and B were selling drugs out of her apartment. On December 15, 2016,
Detective Feeney conducted a recorded interview with Hayes that was played at trial
(State’s Exhibit 26). During the interview, Hayes admitted that she knew that Chatman was
selling drugs from the residence, and that she knew his prices were, "60 a half, 120 a gram;
200 a ball.” In the interview, she stated that she knew he was selling '"heroin and meth.”
She stated that he would come up with "quite a bit" of drugs.
{¶11} Edward Horn, Hayes' brother who also lived at 867 N. Mulberry Street, testified
that “Dot” provided drugs to them, and that he and Hayes both used drugs. While he testified
he did not like the drug activity, he admitted he did not contact the police.
Knox County, Case No. 18CA10 4
{¶12} At the conclusion of the evidence, the jury returned a guilty verdict. The trial
court deferred sentencing pending the completion of a Pre-sentence Investigation Report.
{¶13} On November 7, 2018, while the instant case was awaiting trial, Hayes was
indicted in Knox County Case No. 17CR11-0274 for one count Of Aggravated Possession
of Drugs, a felony of the fifth degree in violation of R.C. 2925.11(A), and one count of
Possession of Drug Abuse Instruments, a misdemeanor of the second degree in violation of
R.C. 2925.12(A). Hayes entered a plea of guilty to both counts prior to the sentencing in the
case at bar.
{¶14} On April 27, 2018, the trial court sentenced Hayes on both cases. In 17CR11-
0274, Hayes was sentenced to nine months imprisonment on Count One and two months
imprisonment of Count 2, concurrent. In the case at bar, 17CR08-0172, the trial court
sentenced Hayes to eleven months imprisonment consecutive to Case No. 17CR11-0274.
Assignments of Error
{¶15} Hayes presents three Assignments of Error,
{¶16} “I. THE DEFENDANT-APPELLANT’S CONVICTION WAS NOT
SUPPORTED BY SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE.
{¶17} “II. THE DEFENDANT-APPELLANT'S CONVICTION WAS AGAINST THE
MANIFEST WEIGHT OF THE EVIDENCE.
{¶18} “III. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY SENTENCING THE APPELLANT TO A
PRISON SENTENCE IN VIOLATION OF THE SENTENCING STATUTES.”
Knox County, Case No. 18CA10 5
I & II.
{¶19} In her first assignment of error, Hayes argues that there was insufficient
evidence to convict her of permitting drug abuse. In her second assignment of error, Hayes
contends that the jury’s findings are against the manifest weight of the evidence.
STANDARD OF APPELLATE REVIEW.
Sufficiency of the Evidence.
{¶20} The Sixth Amendment provides: “In all criminal prosecutions, the accused
shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury....” This right, in
conjunction with the Due Process Clause, requires that each of the material elements of
a crime be proved to a jury beyond a reasonable doubt. Alleyne v. United States, 570
U.S. __, 133 S.Ct. 2151, 2156, 186 L.Ed.2d 314 (2013); Hurst v. Florida, 136 S.Ct. 616,
621, 193 L.Ed.2d 504 (2016). The test for the sufficiency of the evidence involves a
question of law for resolution by the appellate court. State v. Walker, 150 Ohio St.3d 409,
2016-Ohio-8295, 82 N.E.3d 1124, ¶30. “This naturally entails a review of the elements
of the charged offense and a review of the state's evidence.” State v. Richardson, 150
Ohio St.3d 554, 2016-Ohio-8448, 84 N.E.3d 993, ¶13.
{¶21} When reviewing the sufficiency of the evidence, an appellate court does not
ask whether the evidence should be believed. State v. Jenks, 61 Ohio St.3d 259, 574
N.E.2d 492 (1991), paragraph two of the syllabus: Walker, at ¶30. “The relevant inquiry
is whether, after viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution, any
rational trier of fact could have found the essential elements of the crime proven beyond
a reasonable doubt.” Jenks at paragraph two of the syllabus. State v. Poutney, Oh. Sup.
Ct. No. 2016-1255, 2018-Ohio-22, 2018 WL 328882 (Jan. 4, 2018), ¶19. Thus, “on review
Knox County, Case No. 18CA10 6
for evidentiary sufficiency we do not second-guess the jury's credibility determinations;
rather, we ask whether, ‘if believed, [the evidence] would convince the average mind of
the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.’” State v. Murphy, 91 Ohio St.3d 516,
543, 747 N.E.2d 765 (2001), quoting Jenks at paragraph two of the syllabus (emphasis
added); Walker at ¶31. We will not “disturb a verdict on appeal on sufficiency grounds
unless ‘reasonable minds could not reach the conclusion reached by the trier-of-fact.’”
State v. Ketterer, 111 Ohio St.3d 70, 2006-Ohio-5283, 855 N.E.2d 48, ¶ 94, quoting State
v. Dennis, 79 Ohio St.3d 421, 430, 683 N.E.2d 1096 (1997); State v. Montgomery, 148
Ohio St.3d 347, 2016-Ohio-5487, 71 N.E.3d 180, ¶74.
ISSUE FOR APPEAL
A. Whether, after viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the
prosecution, the evidence, “if believed, would convince the average mind of the
defendant's guilt on each element of the crimes beyond a reasonable doubt.”
{¶22} Hayes was convicted of permitting drug abuse. R.C. 2925.13 provides, in relevant
part,
(B) No person who is the owner, lessee, or occupant, or who has custody,
control, or supervision, of premises or real estate, including vacant land, shall
knowingly permit the premises or real estate, including vacant land, to be used for
the commission of a felony drug abuse offense by another person.
{¶23} Pursuant to R.C. 2901.22(B), “[a] person acts knowingly, regardless of his purpose,
when he is aware that his conduct will probably cause a certain result or will probably be of a certain
nature.” Further, “[a] person has knowledge of circumstances when he is aware that such
circumstances probably exist.” Id. “Whether a person acts knowingly can only be
Knox County, Case No. 18CA10 7
determined, absent a defendant’s admission, from all the surrounding facts and
circumstances, including the doing of the act itself.” State v. Huff, 145 Ohio App.3d 555,
563, 763 N.E.2d 695(2001). (Footnote omitted.) Thus, “[t]he test for whether a defendant
acted knowingly is a subjective one, but it is decided on objective criteria.” State v.
McDaniel, 2nd Dist. No. 16221, 1998 WL 214606 (May 1, 1998), citing State v. Elliott,
104 Ohio App.3d 812, 663 N.E.2d 412(1995).
{¶24} Hayes does not dispute the fact that Chatman was selling drugs from her home.
Rather, she contends that the state did not present evidence that she was present when drugs
were sold or that she had sold drugs. Further, Hayes argues that she was scared of Chatman
who was a known gang member with a violent history.
{¶25} In the case at bar, evidence was presented that Hayes was the lessee of the
apartment. No other names appeared on the lease. She lived there. Her brother and nephew
also lived there, but were not named as lessees. The evidence established that Hayes knew
Chatman was selling drugs from her apartment, she knew what kinds of drugs were being sold
as well as the prices. Hayes and her brother received drugs in exchange for Chatman staying
at the apartment.
{¶26} Hayes did not testify during her trial. Hayes did not request a jury instruction on
the affirmative defense of duress. State v. Cross, 58 Ohio St.2d 482, 485, 391 N.E.2d 319 (1979).
In State v. Jones, the Court observed,
For a duress defense to be viable, “[t]he force and harm threatened must
be in praesenti; fear of future harm is not a sound basis for the defense of duress.”
State v. Hackley, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 11407, 1990 WL 119292, *5 (Aug. 15,
1990), citing State v. Good, 110 Ohio App. 415, 419, 165 N.E.2d 28 (10th Dist.
Knox County, Case No. 18CA10 8
1960); see also State v. Simes, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 103672, 2016-Ohio-7300,
¶ 40 (“Fear of future harm is not sufficient to prove the affirmative defense of
duress. * * * Appellant’s fear that Towns would ‘make good’ on his threat at some
undetermined time in the future is insufficient to support a duress instruction.”). “
The Ohio Supreme Court has made clear that the defense of duress is ‘strictly
and extremely limited in application and will probably be effective in very rare
occasions.’ ” State v. Zhang, 6th Dist. Wood No. WD-15-018, 2016-Ohio-975, ¶
19, quoting State v. Cross, 58 Ohio St.2d 482, 488, 391 N.E.2d 319, 323 (1979)
2nd Dist. Clark No. 2018-CA-18, 2019-Ohio-239, ¶ 12. There is no such evidence in the
present cause. Hayes never testified. In her statement to the police, Hayes said she was
“afraid at times, because you don’t know.”
{¶27} Viewing the evidence in the case at bar in a light most favorable to the
prosecution, we conclude that a reasonable person could have found beyond a
reasonable doubt that Hayes had committed the crime of Permitting Drug Abuse.
{¶28} We hold, therefore, that the state met its burden of production regarding
each element of the crime of Permitting Drug Abuse and, accordingly, there was sufficient
evidence to submit the charge to the jury and to support Hayes’ conviction.
Manifest weight of the evidence.
{¶29} As to the weight of the evidence, the issue is whether the jury created a
manifest miscarriage of justice in resolving conflicting evidence, even though the
evidence of guilt was legally sufficient. State v. Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d 380, 386–387,
678 N.E.2d 541 (1997), superseded by constitutional amendment on other grounds as
Knox County, Case No. 18CA10 9
stated by State v. Smith, 80 Ohio St.3d 89, 684 N.E.2d 668, 1997–Ohio–355; State v.
Issa, 93 Ohio St.3d 49, 67, 752 N.E.2d 904 (2001).
“[I]n determining whether the judgment below is manifestly against
the weight of the evidence, every reasonable intendment and every
reasonable presumption must be made in favor of the judgment and the
finding of facts.
***
“If the evidence is susceptible of more than one construction, the
reviewing court is bound to give it that interpretation which is consistent with
the verdict and judgment, most favorable to sustaining the verdict and
judgment.”
Seasons Coal Co., Inc. v. Cleveland, 10 Ohio St.3d 77, 80, 461 N.E.2d 1273 (1984), fn.
3, quoting 5 Ohio Jurisprudence 3d, Appellate Review, Section 60, at 191–192 (1978).
{¶30} The reviewing court must bear in mind, however, that credibility generally is
an issue for the trier of fact to resolve. State v. Issa, 93 Ohio St.3d 49, 67, 752 N.E.2d
904 (2001); State v. Murphy, 4th Dist. Ross No. 07CA2953, 2008–Ohio–1744, ¶ 31.
Because the trier of fact sees and hears the witnesses and is particularly competent to
decide whether, and to what extent, to credit the testimony of particular witnesses, the
appellate court must afford substantial deference to its determinations of credibility.
Barberton v. Jenney, 126 Ohio St.3d 5, 2010–Ohio–2420, 929 N.E.2d 1047, ¶ 20. In
other words, “[w]hen there exist two fairly reasonable views of the evidence or two
conflicting versions of events, neither of which is unbelievable, it is not our province to
choose which one we believe.” State v. Dyke, 7th Dist. Mahoning No. 99 CA 149, 2002–
Knox County, Case No. 18CA10 10
Ohio–1152, at ¶ 13, citing State v. Gore, 131 Ohio App.3d 197, 201, 722 N.E.2d 125(7th
Dist. 1999). Thus, an appellate court will leave the issues of weight and credibility of the
evidence to the fact finder, as long as a rational basis exists in the record for its decision.
State v. Picklesimer, 4th Dist. Pickaway No. 11CA9, 2012–Ohio–1282, ¶ 24.
{¶31} Once the reviewing court finishes its examination, an appellate court may
not merely substitute its view for that of the jury, but must find that “ ‘the jury clearly lost
its way and created such a manifest miscarriage of justice that the conviction must be
reversed and a new trial ordered.’” State v. Thompkins, supra, 78 Ohio St.3d at 387,
quoting State v. Martin, 20 Ohio App.3d 172, 175, 485 N.E.2d 717, 720–721(1st Dist.
1983). Accordingly, reversal on manifest weight grounds is reserved for “the exceptional
case in which the evidence weighs heavily against the conviction.” Id.ISSUE FOR APPEAL.
B. Whether the trial court clearly lost their way and created such a manifest
miscarriage of justice that the convictions must be reversed and a new trial ordered.
{¶32} The jury as the trier of fact was free to accept or reject any and all of the
evidence offered by the parties and assess the witness’s credibility. “While the trier of
fact may take note of the inconsistencies and resolve or discount them accordingly * * *
such inconsistencies do not render defendant’s conviction against the manifest weight or
sufficiency of the evidence.” State v. Craig, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 99AP–739, 1999 WL
29752 (Mar 23, 2000) citing State v. Nivens, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 95APA09–1236, 1996
WL 284714 (May 28, 1996). Indeed, the trier of fact need not believe all of a witness’
testimony, but may accept only portions of it as true. State v. Raver, 10th Dist. Franklin
No. 02AP–604, 2003–Ohio–958, ¶ 21, citing State v. Antill, 176 Ohio St. 61, 67, 197
Knox County, Case No. 18CA10 11
N.E.2d 548 (1964); State v. Burke, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 02AP–1238, 2003–Ohio–2889,
citing State v. Caldwell, 79 Ohio App.3d 667, 607 N.E.2d 1096 (4th Dist. 1992). Although
the evidence may have been circumstantial, we note that circumstantial evidence has the
same probative value as direct evidence. State v. Jenks, 61 Ohio St.3d 259, 272, 574
N.E.2d 492 (1991), paragraph one of the syllabus, superseded by State constitutional
amendment on other grounds as stated in State v. Smith, 80 Ohio St.3d 89, 102 at n.4,
684 N.E.2d 668 (1997).
{¶33} In the case at bar, the jury heard the witnesses, viewed the evidence and
heard Hayes’ statement to the police as well as his attorney’s arguments and
explanations about her actions. Thus, a rational basis exists in the record for the jury’s
decision.
{¶34} We find that this is not an “‘exceptional case in which the evidence weighs
heavily against the conviction.’” State v. Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d 380, 386–387, 678
N.E.2d 541 (1997), quoting Martin, 20 Ohio App.3d at 175, 485 N.E.2d 717. Based upon
the foregoing and the entire record in this matter we find Hayes’s conviction is not against
the sufficiency or the manifest weight of the evidence. To the contrary, the jury appears
to have fairly and impartially decided the matters before them. The jury heard the
witnesses, evaluated the evidence, and was convinced of Hayes’ guilt.
{¶35} The jury neither lost his way nor created a miscarriage of justice in
convicting Hayes of Permitting Drug Abuse.
{¶36} Finally, upon careful consideration of the record in its entirety, we find that
there is substantial evidence presented which if believed, proves all the elements of the
crime for which Hayes was convicted.
Knox County, Case No. 18CA10 12
{¶37} Hayes’ First and Second Assignments of Error are overruled.
III.
{¶38} In her Third Assignment of Error, Hayes argues that the trial court did not
properly consider and weight the seriousness and recidivism factors set forth in R.C.
2929.11 and R.C. 2929.12.
Standard of Appellate Review.
{¶39} We review felony sentences using the standard of review set forth in R.C.
2953.08. State v. Marcum, 146 Ohio St.3d 516, 2016–Ohio–1002, 59 N.E.3d 1231, ¶22;
State v. Howell, 5th Dist. Stark No. 2015CA00004, 2015-Ohio-4049, ¶31. R.C.
2953.08(G)(2) provides we may either increase, reduce, modify, or vacate a sentence
and remand for resentencing where we clearly and convincingly find that either the record
does not support the sentencing court’s findings under R.C. 2929.13(B) or (D),
2929.14(B)(2)(e) or (C)(4), or 2929.20(I), or the sentence is otherwise contrary to law.
See, also, State v. Bonnell, 140 Ohio St.3d 209, 2014–Ohio–3177, 16 N.E.2d 659, ¶28.
{¶40} Accordingly, pursuant to Marcum this Court may vacate or modify a felony
sentence on appeal only if it determines by clear and convincing evidence that: (1) the
record does not support the trial court's findings under relevant statutes, or (2) the
sentence is otherwise contrary to law.
{¶41} Clear and convincing evidence is that evidence “which will provide in the
mind of the trier of facts a firm belief or conviction as to the facts sought to be established.”
Cross v. Ledford, 161 Ohio St. 469, 120 N.E.2d 118(1954), paragraph three of the
syllabus. See also, In re Adoption of Holcomb, 18 Ohio St.3d 361 (1985). “Where the
degree of proof required to sustain an issue must be clear and convincing, a reviewing
Knox County, Case No. 18CA10 13
court will examine the record to determine whether the trier of facts had sufficient
evidence before it to satisfy the requisite degree of proof.” Cross, 161 Ohio St. at 477
120 N.E.2d 118.
ISSUE FOR APPEAL.
Whether the trial court properly imposed the prison sentence in Hayes’s case.
(1). R.C. 2929.11 and R.C. 2929.12 and non-maximum sentences.
{¶42} A trial court’s imposition of a prison term for a felony conviction is not
contrary to law as long as the sentence is within the statutory range for the offense, and
the court considers both the purposes and principles of felony sentencing set forth in R.C.
2929.11 and the seriousness and recidivism factors set forth R.C. 2929.12. State v. Keith,
8th Dist. Cuyahoga Nos. 103413 and 103414, 2016–Ohio–5234, ¶ 10, 16; State v. Taylor,
5th Dist. Richland No. 17CA29, 2017-Ohio-8996, ¶16.
{¶43} In State v. Marcum, the Supreme Court observed,
We note that some sentences do not require the findings that R.C.
2953.08(G) specifically addresses. Nevertheless, it is fully consistent for
appellate courts to review those sentences that are imposed solely after
consideration of the factors in R.C. 2929.11 and 2929.12 under a standard
that is equally deferential to the sentencing court. That is, an appellate court
may vacate or modify any sentence that is not clearly and convincingly
contrary to law only if the appellate court finds by clear and convincing
evidence that the record does not support the sentence.
146 Ohio St.3d at ¶ 23, 2016–Ohio–1002, 59 N.E.3d 123.
Knox County, Case No. 18CA10 14
{¶44} R.C. 2929.11(A) governs the purposes and principles of felony sentencing
and provides that a sentence imposed for a felony shall be reasonably calculated to
achieve the two overriding purposes of felony sentencing, which are (1) to protect the
public from future crime by the offender and others, and (2) to punish the offender using
the minimum sanctions that the court determines will accomplish those purposes.
Further, the sentence imposed shall be “commensurate with and not demeaning to the
seriousness of the offender’s conduct and its impact on the victim, and consistent with
sentences imposed for similar crimes by similar offenders.” R.C. 2929.11(B).
{¶45} R.C. 2929.12 sets forth the seriousness and recidivism factors for the
sentencing court to consider in determining the most effective way to comply with the
purposes and principles of sentencing set forth in R.C. 2929.11. R.C. 2929.12 is a
guidance statute that sets forth the seriousness and recidivism criteria that a trial court
“shall consider” in fashioning a felony sentence. Subsections (B) and (C) establish the
factors indicating whether the offender's conduct is more serious or less serious than
conduct normally constituting the offense. These factors include the physical or mental
injury suffered by the victim due to the age of the victim; the physical, psychological, or
economic harm suffered by the victim; whether the offender’s relationship with the victim
facilitated the offense; the defendant’s prior criminal record; whether the defendant was
under a court sanction at the time of the offense; whether the defendant shows any
remorse; and any other relevant factors. R.C. 2929.12(B). The court must also consider
any factors indicating the offender’s conduct is less serious than conduct normally
constituting the offense, including any mitigating factors. R.C. 2929.12(C). Subsections
Knox County, Case No. 18CA10 15
(D) and (E) contain the factors bearing on whether the offender is likely or not likely to
commit future crimes.
{¶46} In State v. Kalish, 120 Ohio St.3d 23, 2008–Ohio–4912, 896 N.E.2d 124,
the court discussed the effect of the State v. Foster, 109 Ohio St.3d 1, 2006–Ohio–856,
845 N.E.2d 470 decision on felony sentencing. The court stated that in Foster the Court
severed the judicial-fact-finding portions of R.C. 2929.14, holding that “trial courts have
full discretion to impose a prison sentence within the statutory range and are no longer
required to make findings or give their reasons for imposing maximum, consecutive, or
more than the minimum sentences.” Kalish at ¶ 1 and ¶ 11, citing Foster at ¶ 100, See
also, State v. Payne, 114 Ohio St.3d 502, 2007–Ohio–4642, 873 N.E.2d 306; State v.
Firouzmandi, 5th Dist. Licking No. 2006–CA–41, 2006–Ohio–5823.
{¶47} “Thus, a record after Foster may be silent as to the judicial findings that
appellate courts were originally meant to review under 2953.08(G)(2).” Kalish at ¶ 12.
However, although Foster eliminated mandatory judicial fact-finding, it left intact R.C.
2929.11 and 2929.12, and the trial court must still consider these statutes. Kalish at ¶
13, see also State v. Mathis, 109 Ohio St.3d 54, 2006–Ohio–855, 846 N.E.2d 1; State v.
Firouzmandi supra at ¶ 29.
{¶48} Thus, post-Foster, “there is no mandate for judicial fact-finding in the
general guidance statutes. The court is merely to ‘consider’ the statutory factors.” Foster
at ¶ 42. State v. Rutter, 5th Dist. No. 2006–CA–0025, 2006–Ohio–4061; State v. Delong,
4th Dist. No. 05CA815, 2006–Ohio–2753 at ¶ 7–8. Therefore, post-Foster, trial courts
are still required to consider the general guidance factors in their sentencing decisions.
Knox County, Case No. 18CA10 16
{¶49} There is no requirement in R.C. 2929.12 that the trial court states on the
record that it has considered the statutory criteria concerning seriousness and recidivism
or even discussed them. State v. Polick, 101 Ohio App.3d 428, 431(4th Dist. 1995); State
v. Gant, 7th Dist. No. 04 MA 252, 2006–Ohio–1469, at ¶ 60 (nothing in R.C. 2929.12 or
the decisions of the Ohio Supreme Court imposes any duty on the trial court to set forth
its findings), citing State v. Cyrus, 63 Ohio St.3d 164, 166, 586 N.E.2d 94(1992); State v.
Hughes, 6th Dist. No. WD–05–024, 2005–Ohio–6405, ¶ 10 (trial court was not required
to address each R.C. 2929.12 factor individually and make a finding as to whether it was
applicable in this case), State v. Woods, 5th Dist. No. 05 CA 46, 2006–Ohio–1342, ¶ 19
(“... R.C. 2929.12 does not require specific language or specific findings on the record in
order to show that the trial court considered the applicable seriousness and recidivism
factors”) (citations omitted); State v. Taylor, 5th Dist. Richland No. 17CA29, 2017-Ohio-
8996, ¶23.
{¶50} In the case at bar, the trial court had the benefit of a pre-sentence
investigation report. At the time of sentencing, Hayes entered a plea in Case No. 17CR11-
0274 to one count of Aggravated Possession of Drugs, a felony of the fifth degree in
violation of R.C. 2925.11(A) and one count of Possession of Drug Abuse Instruments, a
misdemeanor of the second degree in violation of R.C. 2925.12(A).
{¶51} In its entry, the court noted the circumstances of Hayes’s conduct in
connection with the crime “created a serious threat to the safety of the community in which
the Defendant lives, and a threat to the safety of the law enforcement officers who were
involved in her arrest.” At the sentencing hearing the court found that Hayes had allowed
a known drug dealer to move into her house and had created a risk to the neighborhood
Knox County, Case No. 18CA10 17
and to law enforcement in apprehending him. (Sent. Tr. at 17-25). The court also note
that Hayes committed the offense in Case No. 17CR11-0274 while awaiting trial on Case
No. 17CR08-0172. (Sent. Tr. at 17:19-22). The court stated that Hayes was not amenable
to community control and provided reasons. (Sent. Tr, at 16:1-18). The court noted that
Hayes had been screened for treatment at the West Central Community Based
Correctional Facility, but was combative with the Screener and stated that she did not
need the help the CBCF could provide. (Id.) In sentencing the Defendant to prison, the
trial court stated "I just don't know what else to do with you." (Id.)
R.C. 2929.13(B).
{¶52} R.C. 2929.13(B) applies to one convicted of a fourth or fifth degree felony.
Hayes pled guilty to two felonies of the fifth degree. In relevant part the statute provides,
(B)(1)(a) Except as provided in division (B)(1)(b) of this section, if an
offender is convicted of or pleads guilty to a felony of the fourth or fifth
degree that is not an offense of violence or that is a qualifying assault
offense, the court shall sentence the offender to a community control
sanction or combination of community control sanctions if all of the following
apply:
(i) The offender previously has not been convicted of or pleaded
guilty to a felony offense.
(ii) The most serious charge against the offender at the time of
sentencing is a felony of the fourth or fifth degree.
(iii) If the court made a request of the department of rehabilitation and
correction pursuant to division (B)(1)(c) of this section, the department,
Knox County, Case No. 18CA10 18
within the forty-five-day period specified in that division, provided the court
with the names of, contact information for, and program details of one or
more community control sanctions that are available for persons sentenced
by the court.
Emphasis added. R.C. 2929.13(B)(1)(b) further provides,
(b) The court has discretion to impose a prison term upon an offender
who is convicted of or pleads guilty to a felony of the fourth or fifth degree
that is not an offense of violence or that is a qualifying assault offense if any
of the following apply:
(i) The offender committed the offense while having a firearm on or
about the offender’s person or under the offender’s control.
(ii) If the offense is a qualifying assault offense, the offender caused
serious physical harm to another person while committing the offense, and,
if the offense is not a qualifying assault offense, the offender caused
physical harm to another person while committing the offense.
(iii) The offender violated a term of the conditions of bond as set by
the court.
(iv) The court made a request of the department of rehabilitation and
correction pursuant to division (B)(1)(c) of this section, and the department,
within the forty-five-day period specified in that division, did not provide the
court with the name of, contact information for, and program details of any
community control sanction that is available for persons sentenced by the
court.
Knox County, Case No. 18CA10 19
(v) The offense is a sex offense that is a fourth or fifth degree felony
violation of any provision of Chapter 2907. of the Revised Code.
(vi) In committing the offense, the offender attempted to cause or
made an actual threat of physical harm to a person with a deadly weapon.
(vii) In committing the offense, the offender attempted to cause or
made an actual threat of physical harm to a person, and the offender
previously was convicted of an offense that caused physical harm to a
person.
(viii) The offender held a public office or position of trust, and the
offense related to that office or position; the offender’s position obliged the
offender to prevent the offense or to bring those committing it to justice; or
the offender’s professional reputation or position facilitated the offense or
was likely to influence the future conduct of others.
(ix) The offender committed the offense for hire or as part of an
organized criminal activity.
(x) The offender at the time of the offense was serving, or the
offender previously had served, a prison term.
(xi) The offender committed the offense while under a community
control sanction, while on probation, or while released from custody on a
bond or personal recognizance.
Emphasis added.
{¶53} In the case at bar, Hayes was cited for two bond violations in this case while
awaiting trial. Further, Hayes was indicted for two new criminal offenses in Case Number
Knox County, Case No. 18CA10 20
17CR11-0172, while awaiting trial on this case. Accordingly, the court had discretion to
impose a prison term for the fifth degree felonies.
{¶54} Accordingly, the trial court considered the purposes and principles of
sentencing [R.C. 2929.11] as well as the factors that the court must consider when
determining an appropriate sentence. [R.C. 2929.12]. The trial court has no obligation
to state reasons to support its findings.
{¶55} Upon review, we find that the trial court's sentencing on the charges
complies with applicable rules and sentencing statutes. The sentence was within the
statutory sentencing range. Furthermore, the record reflects that the trial court considered
the purposes and principles of sentencing and the seriousness and recidivism factors as
required in Sections 2929.11 and 2929.12 of the Ohio Revised Code. While Hayes may
disagree with the weight given to these factors by the trial judge, Hayes’s sentence was
within the applicable statutory range and therefore, we have no basis for concluding that
it is contrary to law.
{¶56} Hayes has failed to clearly and convincingly show that the trial court failed
to consider the principles of felony sentencing, or that the aggregate sentence is
otherwise contrary to law.
{¶57} Hayes’s Third Assignment of Error is overruled.
Knox County, Case No. 18CA10 21
{¶58} The judgment of the Knox County Court of Common Pleas is affirmed.
By Gwin, P. J.,
Wise, John, J., and
Baldwin, J., concur