In re. S.L.

[Cite as In re. S.L., 2018-Ohio-1111.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
THIRD APPELLATE DISTRICT
LOGAN COUNTY
IN RE:
CASE NO 8-17-25
S.L.,
ABUSED AND DEPENDENT CHILD.
OPINION
[SCOTT LUCIUS - APPELLANT]
IN RE:
CASE NO 8-17-26
R.L.,
DEPENDENT CHILD.
OPINION
[SCOTT LUCIUS - APPELLANT]
IN RE:
CASE NO 8-17-27
G.L.,
DEPENDENT CHILD.
OPINION
[SCOTT LUCIUS - APPELLANT]
IN RE:
CASE NO 8-17-28
B.L.,
DEPENDENT CHILD.
OPINION
[SCOTT LUCIUS - APPELLANT]
Case Nos. 8-17-25-29 and Case Nos. 8-17-33-37
IN RE:
CASE NO 8-17-29
L.L.,
ABUSED AND DEPENDENT CHILD.
OPINION
[SCOTT LUCIUS - APPELLANT]
IN RE:
CASE NO 8-17-33
S.L.,
ABUSED AND DEPENDENT CHILD.
OPINION
[SCOTT LUCIUS - APPELLANT]
IN RE:
CASE NO 8-17-34
R.L.,
DEPENDENT CHILD.
OPINION
[SCOTT LUCIUS - APPELLANT]
IN RE:
CASE NO 8-17-35
G.L.,
DEPENDENT CHILD.
OPINION
[SCOTT LUCIUS - APPELLANT]
-2-
Case Nos. 8-17-25-29 and Case Nos. 8-17-33-37
IN RE:
CASE NO 8-17-36
B.L.,
DEPENDENT CHILD.
OPINION
[SCOTT LUCIUS - APPELLANT]
IN RE:
CASE NO 8-17-37
L.L.,
ABUSED AND DEPENDENT CHILD.
OPINION
[SCOTT LUCIUS - APPELLANT]
Appeals from Logan County Common Pleas Court
Juvenile Division
Trial Court Nos. 17 CS 26, 17 CS 27, 17 CS 28, 17 CS 29 and 17 CS 30
Judgments Affirmed in Cases 8-17-25 – 8-17-28 and 8-17-33 – 8-17-37
Judgment Affirmed in Part and Reversed in Part
in Case No. 8-17-29 and Cause Remanded
Date of Decision: March 26, 2018
APPEARANCES:
Alison Boggs for Appellant
Stacia L. Rapp for Appellee
-3-
Case Nos. 8-17-25-29 and Case Nos. 8-17-33-37
ZIMMERMAN, J.
{¶1} Appellant, Scott Lucius (“Scott”), appeals the judgment entries (of
adjudication and disposition) of the Logan County Common Pleas Court, Juvenile
Division, finding two of his children, S.L. and L.L., to be abused and dependent
children, and finding his remaining children, G.L., B.L., and R.L., to be dependent.
Facts and Procedural History
{¶2} This matter involves the appeal of five juvenile court adjudications and
dispositions, consolidated and heard as one case in the trial court. Thus, we have
consolidated these matters in this Court. While this appeal concerns ten separate
appeals (five adjudications and five dispositions), we will discuss their procedural
histories together, as they are intertwined.
{¶3} Scott is the adoptive father of G.L. (DOB: 1/8/04), B.L. (DOB:
4/29/09), S.L. (DOB: 12/21/09), R.L. (DOB: 11/28/08) and L.L. (DOB: 10/15/13).
On May 23, 2017, Logan County Children Services (“LCCS”) received a referral
from an Indian Lake School official regarding the possible physical abuse of S.L.
The abuse referral stems from S.L. missing school on May 22, 2017 due to injuries
she received from being punished by Scott.
{¶4} When S.L. returned to school on May 23, 2017, a school official spoke
with her and observed bruising on her arm and severe bruising on her back. S.L.
-4-
Case Nos. 8-17-25-29 and Case Nos. 8-17-33-37
advised the school official that she was spanked with a belt (by Scott) a couple of
days prior. With that information, the school official immediately notified LCCS of
the child’s condition, which was received by Ryan Pratt (“Pratt”) intake supervisor
with LCCS. That same day, Pratt and Detective Mike Brugler (“Det. Brugler”), of
the Logan County Sheriff’s office, contacted Scott at his residence. Initially, Scott
advised Pratt that while he and his husband, Walt, do spank the children with a belt,
he suggested that S.L.’s bruises were a result of her falling out of bed. However,
after interviewing Scott, Walt and some of the children, Det. Brugler arrested Scott
for felony child endangering. (Tr. 157). Upon Scott’s arrest, Pratt contacted the
Logan County Prosecutor’s office seeking a temporary custody order of the five
children.
{¶5} After arresting Scott, Det. Brugler re-interviewed him at the Sheriff’s
office wherein Scott admitted that he had punished S.L. by hitting her with a belt.
Scott admitted to Det. Brugler that it was possible that the bruising (on S.L.’s back)
was caused by his punishment.
{¶6} On May 24, 2017, LCCS filed five abuse and dependency complaints,
with motions for the emergency temporary custody of the children, in the Logan
County Juvenile Court. The complaints alleged S.L. to be abused and dependent
and the remaining children to be dependent. That same day, the trial court granted
-5-
Case Nos. 8-17-25-29 and Case Nos. 8-17-33-37
LCCS’s motions for emergency temporary custody of the children. (Doc. 2). On
June 9, 2017, the trial court appointed a guardian ad litem on behalf of the children.
{¶7} However, on July 18, 2017, LCCS filed an amended complaint as to
L.L., alleging L.L. to be an abused child in addition to the original allegation of
dependency. The amended complaint was filed after Scott’s oldest child, G.L.,
furnished pictures to the Logan County Sheriff’s office that she had taken of L.L.
after L.L. had been spanked and pinched by Scott.
{¶8} Ultimately, an adjudicatory hearing occurred in the trial court on
August 4, 2017 for all five children wherein the trial court found S.L. and L.L. to be
abused and dependent and R.L., B.L. and G.L. to be dependent children. A
dispositional hearing was scheduled for all of the children in the trial court on
August 17, 2017. At the dispositional hearing, the trial court continued its orders of
temporary custody (of the children) to LCCS. (See August 22, 2017 judgment
entry).
{¶9} Scott has appealed the adjudications and dispositional orders of the trial
court for all five children (ten appeals) raising the following common assignments
of error in each appeal for our review.
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NO. I
THE TRIAL COURT’S DECISION IS AGAINST THE
MANIFEST WEIGHT OF THE EVIDENCE. APPELLEE DID
NOT PROVE BY CLEAR AND CONVINCING EVIDENCE
THAT THE MINOR CHILDREN WERE ABUSED AND/OR
-6-
Case Nos. 8-17-25-29 and Case Nos. 8-17-33-37
DEPENDENT AND THE TRIAL COURT INCORRECTLY
INTERPRETED THE PERTINENT STATUTES AND THE
APPLICATION TO THE FACTS OF THE CASE.
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NO. II
THE CHILDREN’S GUARDIAN AD LITEM FAILED TO
PERFORM NECESSARY DUTIES PURSUANT TO OHIO
REVISED CODE SECTION 2151.281 AND SUPERINDENT
[SIC] RULE 48, THEREBY NOT ACTING IN THE
CHILDREN’S BEST INTEREST, TO APPELLANT’S
DETRIMENT AND IN VIOLATION OF HIS DUE PROCESS.
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NO. III
APPELLANT’S COUNCIL [SIC] WAS INEFFECTIVE
THEREBY PREJUDICING APPELLANT, RESULTING IN A
DECISION THAT IS UNRELIABLE.
{¶10} At the outset, we find that on appeal Scott only addresses errors
relative to the adjudications of the children, not the trial court’s dispositional orders.
Therefore, we will not consider the five appeals relative to the trial court’s
dispositional orders. (8-17-33, 8-17-34, 8-17-35. 8-17-36 and 8-17-37). (See
generally, App.R. 12(A)).
First Assignment of Error
{¶11} In his first assignment of error, Scott argues that the trial court’s
determination that S.L. and L.L. are abused and dependent children and that G.L.
R.L. and B.L. are dependent children was against the manifest weight of the
evidence.
-7-
Case Nos. 8-17-25-29 and Case Nos. 8-17-33-37
Standard of Review
{¶12} In juvenile proceedings, we apply the criminal standard for reviewing
manifest-weight challenges. In re Corey Children, 11th Dist. Geauga No. 2005-G-
2649, 2006-Ohio-2013, ¶17. Under this standard, when reviewing a claim that a
judgment was against the manifest weight of the evidence, an appellate court must
review the entire record, weigh both the evidence and all reasonable inferences,
consider the credibility of witnesses, and determine whether in resolving conflicts,
the trier of fact clearly lost its way and created such a manifest miscarriage of justice
that a new trial must be ordered. State v. Martin, 20 Ohio App. 3d 172, 175 (1st
Dist. 1983). “The discretionary powers to grant a new trial should be exercised only
in the exceptional case in which the evidence weighs heavily against the
conviction.” Id.
{¶13} The role of the appellate court is limited to weighing the evidence
introduced at trial and then determine whether the state carried its burden of
persuasion. State v. Thompkins, 78 Ohio St. 3d 380, 387 (1997). The reviewing
court must defer to the factual findings of the trier of fact as to the weight to be
given the evidence and the credibility of the witnesses. State v. DeHass, 10 Ohio
St.2d 230 (1967), at paragraph one of the syllabus. Furthermore, “[i]n an
adjudicatory hearing regarding a claim of dependency, neglect and/or abuse, the
-8-
Case Nos. 8-17-25-29 and Case Nos. 8-17-33-37
requisite burden of proof is by clear and convincing evidence”. In re Anthony, 11th
Dist. Ashtabula No. 2002-A-0096, 2003-Ohio-5712, citing Juv.R. 29(E)(4).
{¶14} “Clear and convincing evidence is that measure or degree of proof
which is more than a mere ‘preponderance of the evidence,’ * * * and which will
produce in the mind of the trier of facts a firm belief or conviction as to the facts
sought to be established.” In re G.C-O., 3d Dist. Seneca No. 13-12-56, 2013-Ohio-
4974, citing In re C.B., 12th Dist. Butler Nos. CA2008-01-002, CA2008-01-0003,
2008-Ohio-5543, ¶10. The party seeking adjudication has the burden of establishing
that a child is abused or neglected before the court may enter a finding of abuse or
dependency. In re Stewart, 12th Dist. Clinton No. CA99-08-024, 2000 WL 290134
(2000). “Requiring the state to prove its case by clear and convincing evidence is
part of the protection afforded to parents in abuse and dependency cases”. Id.
{¶15} “Once the clear and convincing standard has been met to the
satisfaction of the [juvenile] court, the reviewing court must examine the record and
determine if the trier of fact had sufficient evidence before it to satisfy this burden
of proof”. In re Kinney, 1st Dist. Hamilton No. C-020067, 2002-Ohio-2310, citing
In re Adoption of Holcomb, 18 Ohio St. 3d 361, 368. Judgments which are supported
by some competent, credible evidence will not be reversed by a reviewing court as
being against the manifest weight of the evidence. In re Mercer, 10th Dist. Franklin
-9-
Case Nos. 8-17-25-29 and Case Nos. 8-17-33-37
No. 04AP-422, 2005-Ohio-1845, citing C.E. Morris Co. v. Foley Constr. Co., 54
Ohio St. 2d 279, syllabus.
Analysis
{¶16} In the cases before us, Scott’s primary argument is that the trial court
erred in finding that S.L. and L.L. are abused children. In relation to the record
before us, R.C. 2151.031(C) and (D) defines an ‘abused child’ as “any child who:
(A) * * *
(B) * * *
(C) Exhibits evidence of any physical or mental injury or death,
inflicted other than by accidental means, or an injury or death which
is at variance with the history given of it. Except as provided in
division (D) of this section, a child exhibiting evidence of corporal
punishment or other physical disciplinary measure by a parent,
guardian, custodian, person having custody or control, or person in
loco parentis of a child is not an abused child under this division if the
measure is not prohibited under section 2919.22 of the Revised Code.
(D) Because of the acts of his parents, guardian, or custodian, suffers
physical or mental injury that harms or threatens to harm the child's
health or welfare.”
{¶17} Therefore, in a case alleging abuse under paragraph C of R.C.
2151.031, the State of Ohio must prove, by clear and convincing evidence, that (1)
a child sustained physical or mental injury and (2) the injury was caused by non-
accidental means, or was at variance with the history given. With that in mind, Ohio
law has recognized that parents have a right of restraint over their children, and the
duty to correct and punish them for their misbehavior. In re Schuerman, 74 Ohio
-10-
Case Nos. 8-17-25-29 and Case Nos. 8-17-33-37
App.3d 528, 531 (1991). Parents have the right to use reasonable physical
discipline, or corporal punishment, to prevent and punish a child’s misconduct.
State v. Hauenstein, 121 Ohio App. 3d 511, 516, citing State v. Suchomski, 58 Ohio
St.3d 74, 75. The right of parents to administer reasonable corporal punishment is
deeply rooted in the history and traditions of this nation. See State v. Hoover, 5
Ohio App. 3d 207, 211, quoting Quinn v. Nolan, 7 Dec.Rep 585, 586 (1879) (“From
the time of Solomon to the present, parents have had the right, in a proper manner
and to a proper degree, of inflicting corporal punishment upon their children * * *”).
{¶18} It is further of note that Ohio law recognizes a parent’s right to
administer corporal punishment. R.C. 2919.22(B) provides in relevant part,
(B) No person shall do any of the following to a child under the age
of eighteen years of age or a mentally or physically handicapped child
under twenty-one years of age:
(1) Abuse the child;
(2) Torture or cruelly abuse the child;
(3) Administer corporal punishment or other physical
disciplinary measure, or physically restrain the child in a cruel
manner or for a prolonged period, which punishment, discipline,
or restraint is excessive under the circumstances and creates a
substantial risk of serious physical harm to the child;
(4) Repeatedly administer unwarranted disciplinary measures
to the child, when there is a substantial risk that such conduct, if
continued, will seriously impair or retard the child’s mental
health or development;
***
-11-
Case Nos. 8-17-25-29 and Case Nos. 8-17-33-37
{¶19} Whether parental discipline is “extreme or excessive” is determined in
light of the totality of the circumstances. Hauenstein, supra, citing State v. Hart,
110 Ohio App. 3d 250. “In analyzing the totality of the circumstances, a court should
consider the following factors: (1) the child’s age; (2) the child’s behavior leading
up to the discipline; (3) the child’s response to prior non-corporal punishment; (4)
the location and severity of the punishment; and (5) the parent’s state of mind while
administering the punishment.” State v. Luke, 3d Dist. Union No. 14-10-26, 2011-
Ohio-4330, ¶22, citing In re J.L., 176 Ohio App. 3d 186, 199, 2008-Ohio-1488
(citations omitted). This inquiry is necessary to protect and balance a parents’
fundamental right to raise and control their children and the state’s interest in the
protection and safety of children and in the reporting of child abuse. In re Horton,
10th Dist. Franklin No. 03AP-1181, 2004-Ohio-6249.
Abuse and Dependency of S.L.
{¶20} At the adjudicatory hearing the State of Ohio presented several
witnesses, including Detective Mike Brugler (“Det. Brugler”) and Dr. Karla
Hauersperger (“Dr. Hauersperger”) relative to S.L.’s abuse. Scott called just one
witness and chose not to testify on his own behalf.1
{¶21} Det. Brugler testified that he was contacted by Logan County Children
Services regarding the suspected abuse of S.L. He stated that during his
1
The record suggests that Scott chose not to testify due to the child endangering criminal charges pending
against him.
-12-
Case Nos. 8-17-25-29 and Case Nos. 8-17-33-37
investigation, he interviewed Scott and Walt. When Det. Brugler questioned (Scott)
about the bruising on S.L.’s back, Scott indicated that her injuries were most likely
caused as a result of her falling out of bed. (Tr. 145). However, during a second
interview with Det. Brugler, Scott acknowledged that the bruising of S.L. “could
have been caused by him hitting her with a belt”. (Id. at 150). Scott told Det.
Brugler that he had spanked S.L. with a leather belt, administering approximately 8
strikes, but stopped due to S.L.’s squirming. (Tr. 150). Scott further stated, during
his interview with Det. Brugler, that the day after the ‘spanking’, S.L. complained
of back pain. Scott also told Det. Brugler that S.L. laid on the couch all day with
ice on her back the day after his spanking and that he permitted her to stay home
from school on Monday (two days after the incident), due to the injury to her back.
{¶22} Dr. Hauersperger, a physician in the emergency department and urgent
care unit with Nationwide Children’s Hospital, testified that on May 23, 2017, S.L.
was brought to the urgent care unit for a medical examination. Dr. Hauersperger
testified that during the examination of S.L., she found “a confluence of bruising in
the lower back, lower thoracic and lumbar area here, and then she had multiple linear
bruises that go up the back.” (Tr. 170-171). Dr. Hauersperger further testified that
S.L.’s bruises were the result of “the striking of the skin with some sort of straight
edge” and would not have been caused by S.L. falling out of bed. Dr. Hauersperger
diagnosed S.L. with child physical abuse, otherwise known as non-accidental
-13-
Case Nos. 8-17-25-29 and Case Nos. 8-17-33-37
trauma. (Tr. 173). Dr. Hauersperger further testified that “[t]he location of the
bruises, being from up on the lower part of the chest wall and lower part of the back,
the - - these are where the kidneys sit, so depending on the strength of the strike,
there would be kidney injury”. Id.
{¶23} The record contains competent and credible evidence that Scott struck
(then) seven-year-old S.L. multiple times with a belt. Photographs admitted into
evidence (Exhibits 4-10) taken two days after the incident revealed the presence of
multiple bruises and linear marks on S.L.’s back and left arm. Even if Scott was
trying to strike S.L. on her buttocks to punish her, he, without question, missed that
mark, causing concerning bruises and marks on S.L.
{¶24} Scott argues that he was administering corporal punishment to S.L.
To that argument, the trial court found as follows:
“The Court finds that when you started with chores being
punishment that when this wasn’t working to your satisfaction
that instead of continuing with hands or whatever and using more
progressive steps you went straight to using a belt, and although
corporal punishment in Ohio is legal, it is designed to be done in
such a fashion that you wait and do it when everybody is cool,
calm, and collected; it’s used in a reasonable manner that does
not leave marks or injuries on the child.
So, it is clear to the Court and the Court is convinced that
based upon the pictures and testimony of the witnesses that this
went far beyond of [sic] corporal punishment and it meets
definition of abuse in this type of action. The Court finds that the
abuse occurred because these were not accidental means. The
doctor told us that she made the finding, it was her medical
opinion that it was physical abuse not by accidental means. And
-14-
Case Nos. 8-17-25-29 and Case Nos. 8-17-33-37
you cannot hang your hat on this was acceptable corporal
punishment. It was not.”
(Tr. 207- 208).
{¶25} Thus, for Scott’s argument to succeed, (as to reasonable corporal
punishment of S.L.) he must show that his punishment was not excessive under the
totality of the circumstances (i.e. “Hart analysis”) and that he did not create a
substantial risk of serious physical harm to S.L.
{¶26} R.C. 2901.01(A)(5)(e) defines “serious physical harm to a person” as
“[a]ny physical harm that involves acute pain of such duration as to result in
substantial suffering or that involves any degree of prolonged or intractable pain”.
R.C. 2901.01(A)(8) defines “substantial risk” as “a strong possibility, as contrasted
with a remote or significant possibility, that a certain result may occur or that certain
circumstances may exist”.
{¶27} “Discipline methods on a child which leave recognizable bruising and
cause pain which lasts beyond the time immediately following an altercation
between parent and the child may establish a finding of substantial risk of serious
harm.” In re Kristen V., 6th Dist. Ottawa No. OT-07-031, 2008-Ohio-2994, ¶69.
(Emphasis added).
{¶28} In the record before us, we find competent and credible evidence to
support that Scott’s conduct created a substantial risk of serious physical harm to
S.L. under the totality of the circumstances and evidence presented. The State
-15-
Case Nos. 8-17-25-29 and Case Nos. 8-17-33-37
introduced photographs of S.L.’s back revealing an excessive amount of bruising to
the 7-year old child. Dr. Hauersperger testified to the “multiple bruising” on S.L.’s
back and, that due to the location of the bruising, there was a possibility of injury to
S.L.’s kidneys. Further, Dr. Hauersperger diagnosed S.L.’s injury as “physical
abuse, non-accidental trauma”. (Tr. 173). The testimony of Det. Brugler
established that S.L. experienced pain for (at least) two days following the incident.
According to the record, Scott’s punishment incapacitated S.L. and resulted in Scott
deciding to keep her home from school ‘due to her back pain’. As such, a
reasonable inference can be made that S.L.’s back pain was prolonged in nature.
{¶29} Moreover, under the totality of the evidence, we find no error with the
trial court’s determination that the State met its burden of clear and convincing
evidence that S.L. was abused. See Matter of Wilson Children, 5th Dist. Stark No.
1994CA00161, 1995 WL 156326 (evidence, including admission that the parent hit
the child on lower back with a belt, leaving marks on stomach and back, was
sufficient to support courts’ finding that, because of parent’s actions, child suffered
physical injury that harmed or threatened to harm the child’s health or welfare);
State v. Miller, 1st Dist. Hamilton No. C-990166, 2000 WL 216632 (evidence
supported finding that defendant’s actions, including bruises from striking the child
with a belt, constituted abuse, i.e. “any act which causes physical or mental injury
that harms or threatens to harm the child’s health or welfare”). Here, we find the
-16-
Case Nos. 8-17-25-29 and Case Nos. 8-17-33-37
trial court’s “Hart analysis” (as to whether S.L.’s punishment was excessive) is
supported by competent and credible evidence that S.L. suffered acute pain of such
duration as to result in substantial suffering. As such, the trial court’s adjudications
(of S.L.) as an abused and dependent child were proper.
{¶30} Accordingly, Scott’s first assignment of error, as it pertains to S.L., is
not well taken.
Abuse and Dependency of L.L.
{¶31} As to the evidence offered to prove L.L. to be an abused and dependent
child, the State called G.L., the 13-year-old sister of L.L., to testify. G.L. testified
that on one particular occasion, L.L., age 3, had made a “mess” while attempting to
go to the bathroom by himself. G.L. testified that after the incident, Scott told her
to give L.L. a bath and clean him up. While bathing him, G.L. noticed red marks
on L.L.’s back (from being spanked with a belt) and red marks on his chest, which
she claimed were from Scott pinching him. G.L. took photographs of the marks (on
L.L.) with her iPad.
{¶32} The State also offered the testimony of Det. Brugler relative to L.L.’s
abuse. Det. Brugler testified that on July 13, 2017 Heather Shelt, the children’s
foster parent, brought G.L. into the Sheriff’s office along with her (G.L.’s) iPad.
Based upon the photographs (on G.L.’s iPad) revealing marks on L.L. and due to
-17-
Case Nos. 8-17-25-29 and Case Nos. 8-17-33-37
the ongoing investigation of Scott’s alleged abuse, Det. Brugler contacted the
prosecutor.2
{¶33} As to L.L, the trial court, in its judgment entry of adjudication, states
“it is not appropriate to discipline a three-year-old because he wet himself”.
However, even though the trial court engaged in a “Hart analysis” to determine that
L.L.’s punishment was excessive, the record is void of any evidence supporting that
L.L.’s injuries amounted to “serious physical harm” as set forth under R.C.
2901.01(A)(5)(e).
{¶34} As we noted above, in a case charging abuse under R.C. 2151.031(C),
the State must prove by clear and convincing evidence, that (1) the child sustained
physical or mental injury and (2) the injury was caused by non-accidental means, or
was at variance with the history given. And, R.C. 2901.01(A)(5)(e) defines “serious
physical harm to a person” as “[a]ny physical harm that involves acute pain of such
duration as to result in substantial suffering or that involves any degree of prolonged
or intractable pain”. R.C. 2901.01(A)(8) defines “substantial risk” as “a strong
possibility, as contrasted with a remote or significant possibility, that a certain result
may occur or that certain circumstances may exist”.
{¶35} Moreover, despite our agreement with the trial court that Scott’s
punishment of L.L. was excessive, we find the evidence of serious physical harm in
2
The record suggests that Scott was also indicted by the Logan County Grand Jury for child endangering
with regards to L.L.
-18-
Case Nos. 8-17-25-29 and Case Nos. 8-17-33-37
the record to be non-existent. Thus, upon our review of the record and the evidence
provided, we cannot conclude that the punishment inflicted upon L.L. caused a
substantial risk of serious physical harm. Thus, the State failed in its burden under
R.C. 2151.031(C) to prove that L.L. was an abused child. Nonetheless, we do find
that the excessive punishment of L.L. by Scott supports the trial court’s finding of
dependency.
{¶36} Accordingly, the trial court erred in finding L.L. to be an abused child.
Thus, we reverse and vacate the trial court’s abuse adjudication of L.L.
Dependency of G.L., R.L. and B.L.
{¶37} The complaints filed by the State alleged that R.L., G.L, and B.L. were
dependent pursuant to R.C. 2151.04(C), which defines a dependent child as any
child:
“Whose condition or environment is such as to warrant the state,
in the interest of the child, in assuming the child’s guardianship”
An adjudication under R.C. 2151.04(C) requires evidence that the parent’s conduct
is having “an adverse impact upon the child sufficiently to warrant state
intervention”. In re Burrell, 58 Ohio St. 2d 37, 39 (1979). “That impact cannot be
simply inferred in general, but must be specifically demonstrated in a clear and
convincing manner.” Id. Furthermore, an adverse impact that supports a finding of
dependency and the intervention of the state must be more than an “upset” child or
-19-
Case Nos. 8-17-25-29 and Case Nos. 8-17-33-37
a “temporary unhappiness”. In re Holzwart, 3d Dist. Seneca Nos. 13-04-32, 13-04-
33, 13-04-34, & 13-04-40, 2005-Ohio-1602, ¶12.
{¶38} The record reflects that Scott was arrested by Det. Brugler for child
endangering relative to the injuries suffered by S.L. Upon Scott’s arrest, LCCS
caseworker Pratt commenced the process to obtain emergency custody of the
children since Scott was the only parent of the children. The trial court, in its entry
granting LCCS’s request for temporary custody of the children, determined:
“that the removal of the Children from the custody of their
Father, and the placement of the Minor Children with Logan
County Children Services is necessary to prevent immediate or
threatened physical or emotional harm to the Children”. (Doc 2).
(Emphasis added).
{¶39} At the adjudicatory hearing, the trial court received evidence from
G.L., Pratt and Det. Brugler as to the condition and environment of Scott’s home on
the issue of whether G.L., R.L. and B.L. were dependent children. As to the
environment of Scott’s home, G.L., age 13, testified that in the mornings, she would
ready the girls (R.L., S.L. and B.L.) for school and get them on the bus while Scott
and Walt watched t.v. in their bedroom. (Tr. 17). She further testified that the kids
did a large portion of the housework. (Tr. 17-18). G.L. also testified that all the
girls regularly got spanked with a belt (15 – 20 times per spanking) by either Scott
or Walt. (Tr. 21). She further stated that they would frequently have bruising from
the spankings. (Tr. 27).
-20-
Case Nos. 8-17-25-29 and Case Nos. 8-17-33-37
{¶40} Next, LCCS caseworker Pratt testified that during his interview with
Scott and Walt, both (Scott and Walt) admitted to spanking the children with a belt
approximately 8-9 strikes per spanking. (Tr. 134). Pratt further testified as to the
bruising on S.L. stating he saw different shades of brown, blue, purple and green on
her. (Tr. 136). Pratt testified that due to the extent of S.L.’s injuries, LCCS was
concerned for the safety and well-being of the other children and was not
comfortable with the children to remain in Scott’s home. (Id).
{¶41} And finally, Det. Brugler confirmed that not only was Scott arrested
for and indicted on a felony child endangering charge, but Walt, Scott’s husband,
was also indicted for child endangering. (Tr. 157).
{¶42} Thus, under the evidence presented, the children’s home environment
was permeated with excessive punishments on the children; unmotivated adults as
to assisting the children with their basic needs; and two adults under indictment for
felony child endangerment. As such, under the evidence adduced at trial, the State
met its burden that all of the children were dependent pursuant to R.C. 2151.04(C)
due to the condition of the children’s environment in Scott’s home.
{¶43} Accordingly, we overrule Scott’s first assignment of error.
Second Assignment of Error
{¶44} In his second assignment of error, Scott claims that the guardian-ad-
litem failed to perform necessary duties pursuant to R.C. 2151.281 and
-21-
Case Nos. 8-17-25-29 and Case Nos. 8-17-33-37
Superintendent Rule 48, thereby not acting in the children’s best interest, which
violated his due process rights. We disagree.
Standard of Review
{¶45} In reviewing the record, Scott failed to object to the actions and
performance of the guardian ad litem at trial. As a result, Scott has failed to preserve
this error for appeal. “It is well established that if a party fails to object at the trial
court level, that party waives all but plain error”. In re L.L., 3d Dist. Logan Nos. 8-
14-25, 8-14-26, 8-14-27, 2015-Ohio-2739, ¶51, quoting In re M.R., 3d Dist.
Defiance No. 4-12-18, 2013-Ohio-1302, ¶84.
{¶46} In Goldfuss v. Davidson, 79 Ohio St. 3d 116, 1997-Ohio-401,
addressing the applicability of the plain error doctrine to appeals of civil cases, the
Supreme Court of Ohio stated:
“In appeals of civil cases, the plain error doctrine is not favored
and may be applied only in the extremely rare case involving
exceptional circumstances where error, to which no objection was
made at the trial court, seriously affects the basic fairness,
integrity, or public reputation of the judicial process, thereby
challenging the legitimacy of the underlying judicial process
itself.” Id., at the syllabus.
Analysis
{¶47} Under this assignment of error, Scott fails to argue plain error.
“‘[T]his court will not sua sponte undertake a plain-error analysis if [an appellant]
fails to do so.’” Id., quoting Krill v. Krill, 3d Dist. Defiance No. 4-13-15, 2014-
-22-
Case Nos. 8-17-25-29 and Case Nos. 8-17-33-37
Ohio-2577, ¶70, quoting McMaster v. Akron Health Dept., Housing Div., 189 Ohio
App.3d 222, 2010-Ohio-3851 ¶20. Therefore, we need not address Scott’s argument
and accordingly, this assignment of error is not well taken and overruled.
Third Assignment of Error
{¶48} In Scott’s third assignment of error, he claims that his trial counsel was
ineffective thereby prejudicing him, resulting in a decision that was unreliable.
Specifically, Scott argues that trial counsel did not know that hearsay was not
permitted in an adjudicatory hearing where there are allegations of abuse, neglect
and dependency.
Standard of Review
{¶49} To establish ineffective assistance of counsel, a defendant must show
deficient performance by counsel, i.e., performance falling below an objective
standard of reasonable representation; and prejudice – a reasonable probability that
but for counsel’s error, the proceedings result would have been different. In re E.C.,
3d Dist. Defiance No. 4-15-08, 2015-Ohio-4807, citing Strickland v. Washington,
466 U.S. 668, 687-688, 104 S. Ct. 2052 (1981).
Analysis
{¶50} In support of this assignment of error Scott argues that his trial counsel
1) failed to object to hearsay statements made by G.L. at trial; and 2) failed to call
the children’s family physician as a witness.
-23-
Case Nos. 8-17-25-29 and Case Nos. 8-17-33-37
Hearsay Objections
{¶51} Relative to Scott’s hearsay argument, he directs us to eight (8)
instances in the trial transcript wherein trial counsel failed to object to hearsay.3 We
note at the outset that “the failure to make objections is not alone enough to sustain
a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel”. State v. Conway, 109 Ohio St. 3d 412,
2006-Ohio-2185, ¶103.
{¶52} Scott argues that the transcript contains “numerous hearsay statements
of G.L.” which allowed “Appellee to present damaging evidence through one child
instead of calling the available child to testify”. In our review of the transcript, only
pages 29, 40, 46, 50, 92, 102 contain G.L.’s testimony. Thus, because we find no
testimony of G.L. on pages 127 and 158, we need not consider such passages in light
of Scott’s argument.
{¶53} In reviewing G.L.’s testimony on pages 29 and 40, we find no hearsay,
only innocuous references (by G.L.) as to how the children in Scott’s home got into
trouble. As to the testimony (of G.L.) on pages 46 and 102 of the transcript, we find
that the purported hearsay statements (albeit not clearly referenced to us by Scott)
involve the reactions of the children to visitation (with Scott) since being removed
from Scott by the trial court on May 24. We find the children’s reactions (to
visitation) not to be statements offered to prove whether or not the children were
3
Transcript of 8/4/17, pgs. 29, 40, 46, 50, 92, 102, 127 and 158.
-24-
Case Nos. 8-17-25-29 and Case Nos. 8-17-33-37
either abused or dependent. Rather, such reactions represent the children’s present
sense impressions to visitation and are not hearsay herein.
{¶54} As to the purported hearsay on page 50 of the transcript, G.L. testified
(that S.L. and B.L. stated) “that they were sick and would stay home”. However,
S.L. and B.L.’s statements bear no reference to the abuse or dependency allegations
in question because their statements were in reference to their missing of school the
previous school year. Thus, that statement is not objectionable hearsay.
{¶55} And finally, on pages 92-93 of the transcript, G.L.’s testimony “they
told me that they were crying” refers to present sense impressions of her classmates
in relation to seeing her (G.L.’s) bruises. Once again, this statement is not hearsay
because “statements describing or explaining an event or condition made while the
declarant was perceiving the event or condition, or immediately thereafter unless
circumstances indicate lack of trustworthiness” are hearsay exceptions under
Evid.R. 803(1). We also find this statement is not hearsay.
{¶56} Thus, as it relates to G.L.’s testimony, Scott has not sustained his
burden in proving that trial counsel’s failure to object to various hearsay statements
resulted in ineffective assistance of counsel.
Failure to Call Witness
{¶57} In regards to Scott’s claim that his trial counsel was ineffective for
failure to call the children’s family physician, we find such argument
-25-
Case Nos. 8-17-25-29 and Case Nos. 8-17-33-37
underdeveloped as to the prejudice he experienced from such failure. “The decision
whether to call or not call witnesses is generally a matter of trial strategy and, absent
a showing of prejudice, does not deprive a defendant of effective assistance of
counsel.” State v. Bofia, 3d Dist. Henry No. 7-03-12, 2004-Ohio-3018, quoting
State v. Utz, 3d Dist. Crawford No. 3-03-38, 2004-Ohio-2357, ¶12. Since trial
strategy dictates whether or not a witness should or should not be called (as a
witness), we cannot speculate that the failure to call the children’s family doctor
prejudiced Scott. It is perfectly reasonable that the testimony of the children’s
doctor could lead to damaging evidence against Scott. Thus, without a showing of
prejudice, Scott’s argument fails.
{¶58} Accordingly, having found no merit in Scott’s arguments under this
assignment of error, we overrule Scott’s third assignment of error.
{¶59} In sum, as to S.L., G.L., B.L. and R.L., having found no error
prejudicial to the Appellant herein in the particulars assigned and argued, we
overrule Appellant’s first, second and third assignments of error and affirm the
judgments of the trial court in cases 8-17-25, 8-17-26, 8-17-27, 8-17-28, 8-17-33,
8-17-34, 8-17-35, and 8-17-36.
{¶60} And as to L.L., having found error prejudicial to the Appellant herein
in the particulars assigned and argued, we sustain Appellant’s first assignment of
error only as to the judgment entry of the adjudication of abuse and reverse such
-26-
Case Nos. 8-17-25-29 and Case Nos. 8-17-33-37
abuse adjudication and remand this matter to the trial court to vacate such abuse
adjudication in its record in case 8-17-29.
{¶61} Further, as to L.L., we overrule Appellant’s first assignment of error
as to L.L.’s adjudication of dependency (case 8-17-37) and overrule Appellant’s
second and third assignments of error and affirm the judgment of the trial court in
cases 8-17-29 and 8-17-37.
Judgments Affirmed in cases 8-17-25 thru 8-17-28
and 8-17-33 thru 8-17-37
Judgment Affirmed in Part and Reversed in Part
and Cause Remanded in case 8-17-29
WILLAMOWSKI, P.J. and PRESTON, J., concur.
/jlr
-27-