State v. Marcum

[Cite as State v. Marcum, 2013-Ohio-5333.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
FOURTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
GALLIA COUNTY
STATE OF OHIO, :
:
Plaintiff-Appellee, : Case No. 12CA6
:
vs. :
: DECISION AND JUDGMENT
RILEY KEITH MARCUM, : ENTRY
:
Defendant-Appellant. : Released: 11/25/13
_____________________________________________________________
APPEARANCES:
Timothy Young, Ohio Public Defender, and Francisco E. Lüttecke, Assistant
State Public Defender, Columbus, Ohio, for Appellant.
C. Jeffrey Adkins, Gallia County Prosecutor, Gallipolis, Ohio, for Appellee.
_____________________________________________________________
McFarland, P.J.
{¶1} Riley K. Marcum appeals his conviction in the Gallia County
Court of Common Pleas after a jury found him guilty of complicity to
burglary, a felony of the third degree. On appeal, Marcum argues: (1)
prosecutorial misconduct deprived him of the constitutionally guaranteed
right to a fair trial, in violation of the fifth and fourteenth amendments to the
United States Constitution and Section 10, Article I of the Ohio
Constitution; and (2) he was rendered ineffective assistance of counsel in
violation of his rights under the fifth, sixth, and fourteenth amendments of
Gallia App. No. 12CA6 2
the United States Constitution and Article I, Sections 10 and 16 of the Ohio
Constitution. Upon review, we find no prosecutorial misconduct occurred
and that Appellant was not denied effective assistance of counsel.
Accordingly, we overrule both assignments of error and affirm the judgment
of the trial court.
FACTS
{¶2} Riley K. Marcum, “Appellant”, was indicted for burglary, a
violation of R.C. 2911.12(A)(3), by the Gallia County Grand Jury on
September 24, 2010. Appellant, who resided in West Virginia, was a friend
of Gerald Haffelt of Gallia County, Ohio, and the two shared an appreciation
for valuable collector guitars. On or about April 23, 2009, while Haffelt and
his wife Doris were out of town, their daughter reported several guitars
stolen from her parents’ residence. Appellant had prior knowledge of
Haffelt’s collection, and that the Haffelts would be out of town. Appellant
and others were suspected of burglarizing the Haffelt residence. Appellant
eventually proceeded to a jury trial and was convicted of complicity to
burglary on March 31, 2012.
{¶3} At trial, the State presented testimony from Teresa Lee, the
Haffelts’ daughter, who testified her parents left on a trip to Indiana on April
23, 2009. She checked on their house and fed their animals on the evening
Gallia App. No. 12CA6 3
of April 23, 2009, around 8:30 p.m. and found nothing amiss. When she
returned to check their residence the next day, April 24, 2009, at
approximately 11:30 a.m., a basement storm window had been moved aside
and the screen cut. Several guitars were missing. Lee notified the police and
her parents.
{¶4} Gerald Haffelt testified at the time of trial, he had known
Appellant for approximately 5 years. He and Appellant had played, bought,
and traded guitars. Haffelt had owned over 200 vintage guitars in his
lifetime, and considered himself a collector. Haffelt’s guitars were lined up
on his basement floor with tags identifying the type of guitar. He also had
the values marked in the guitar cases. On the Friday before the guitars were
taken, Appellant had been at Haffelt’s home in Gallia County. Haffelt
testified that following Appellant’s Friday visit, Appellant called wanting to
come back and show Haffelt another guitar. Haffelt testified he told
Appellant he was going out of town and could not meet with him. On
cross-examination, Haffelt admitted he did not see Appellant take the
guitars.
{¶5} Lt. Brian Michael Brown of the West Virginia State Police
testified he was requested to investigate the locations of some guitars stolen
from Gallia County, Ohio. Brown eventually interviewed Appellant, who
Gallia App. No. 12CA6 4
advised he obtained 2 guitars, a Blue Ridge and a Sam’s, in a swap for cash
or guns. The investigation continued for a three-year period. Josh McCoy
and Steven Marcum1 were also investigated. Brown was also present
during a monitored phone call which was placed from Steven Marcum to
Appellant. Brown admitted in cross-examination that he could not recall if
the recovered guitars had serial numbers on them, and that he relied on the
victim for identification of the property.
{¶6} The State also presented testimony from Josh McCoy, a resident
of West Virginia. McCoy acknowledged he had previously been sentenced
for burglary in the matter. McCoy testified he had known Appellant most of
his life. McCoy testified Appellant approached him about “getting some
guitars.” Appellant offered McCoy $2,500.00 to find assistance. McCoy
was not told where they would obtain the guitars. McCoy talked to Steven
Marcum and Kevin Runyons, who agreed to help. A week later, the four
met at a hot dog shop on Route 64 in West Virginia, and got into Steven
Marcum’s Chevrolet Silverado extended cab pickup truck. From there, they
followed Appellant’s directions to get to the Haffelt residence. Once there,
Appellant, McCoy, and Runyons got out of the truck. Appellant and
Runyons broke a basement window and went into the house. In a few
1
The familial relationship between Appellant and Steven Ray Marcum is unclear. Both testified to being
related by marriage.
Gallia App. No. 12CA6 5
minutes, they were handing guitars out the window. McCoy placed the
guitars next to a building. 2 When Steven Marcum returned, the group
placed the guitars in the back of the truck and returned to the hot dog shop,
where they separated. McCoy testified Appellant took the guitars with him
that night. A month later Appellant and McCoy went to Appellant’s father’s
house in Columbus, Ohio, picked up the guitars, and brought them back to
West Virginia. The serial numbers had been removed from the guitars. The
night of the burglary, Appellant gave McCoy $500.00, which he shared with
Marcum and Runyons.
{¶7} McCoy acknowledged on cross-examination that the group met
after dark, around 9:30 or 10:00 p.m. on the night of the events, and he was
not even sure of the actual date of the crime. He testified Appellant crawled
through the window first. Gloves were used. McCoy also admitted his
testimony was given pursuant to a plea agreement in his own criminal case.
McCoy testified six to eight guitars were taken from the residence.
{¶8} Steven Ray Marcum also testified on behalf of the State of Ohio.
Marcum testified he resides in Kentucky and is employed as a truck driver.
He testified Josh McCoy initially contacted him. McCoy and Appellant
later came to his house and asked him if they could use his pickup truck to
2
On cross-examination, McCoy testified he placed the guitars against a tree.
Gallia App. No. 12CA6 6
move some items they had bought or traded. Marcum testified he would not
loan his truck so he decided to drive them. Later, McCoy, Appellant, Kevin
Runyons and he met at the hot dog stand3 between 9:00 and 10:00 p.m., after
dark, and the others got in his vehicle. Nobody talked during the trip, but
Appellant directed Marcum to the Haffelt residence in Ohio. No one else
gave Marcum any direction. Marcum testified he “knew something was
wrong” when they asked him to stop in the middle of the road instead of
pulling into the driveway. Marcum let the others out of the truck, and they
walked across a field. He drove further up the road, turned around, and
returned. Marcum testified he never exited the truck. When he picked up the
others, they put items (which he later learned were guitars) into the back of
his truck. Marcum testified he knew nothing about how the others entered
the Haffelt residence. Josh McCoy gave Marcum $200.00 for hauling the
guitars in his pickup.
{¶9} Marcum testified he later spoke to a couple of troopers
investigating the missing guitars. He told them exactly what he had done and
agreed to contact Appellant and record him. During the recorded call,
Appellant responded that “he tried to make him and Josh some money and
Josh was trying to mess him over.”
3
Marcum testified the hot dog stand was on Route 52. McCoy’s testimony indicated the hot dog stand was
on Route 64.
Gallia App. No. 12CA6 7
{¶10} The testimony of Gallia County Sheriff’s Deputy Thomas Glen
Wright, Doris Haffelt, and Deputy Fred Workman also supported the State’s
case. Wright testified he took Teresa Lee’s call, responded to the scene, and
saw the broken window. When he realized a burglary was involved, he
contacted a detective with the Sheriff’s department. Doris Haffelt testified
her husband owned approximately 75-90 guitars at the time of the burglary.
The ones taken were all Martin guitars, except for two which were a Blue
Ridge and a Sam’s. She testified neither she nor her husband had misplaced
the guitars, prior to leaving for their trip. Deputy Workman testified he
worked with the West Virginia troopers to track down the stolen guitars.
They eventually contacted Steven Marcum and interviewed him about the
incident. Workman was present when Marcum made the monitored call to
Appellant on July 6, 2010.
{¶11} The trial transcript indicates at this point, the recorded phone
call was played for the jury. However, it does not appear the recording was
made an exhibit when the State offered its other exhibits. The recording is
not provided with the record on appeal. Regarding the phone call, Deputy
Workman testified he gave Steven Marcum a script of questions to ask
Appellant. Deputy Workman testified Appellant admitted buying guitars
from Josh McCoy. Appellant also stated McCoy stole the guitars.
Gallia App. No. 12CA6 8
Workman testified Appellant never admitted to stealing the guitars himself.
On redirect, Workman testified he heard Steven Marcum accuse Appellant
of “coming across the field, helping carry guitars back,” and he never heard
Appellant deny the accusation. The State then rested.
{¶12} The Defense’s case began with testimony from Appellant’s
wife, Lori Marcum (“Lori”). Lori testified on April 23, 2009, Appellant,
she, and their two children went to his family’s house in Breeden, West
Virginia. Appellant was going to do some landscaping for his aunt, Violet
White. Lori testified Appellant was with them all day, and the only time he
left was approximately 90 minutes in the evening, when he went to Lowe’s.
{¶13} Lori testified Appellant and their family returned home around
11:00 p.m. and they went to bed. Lori testified she is a “light” sleeper and
Appellant was with her all night. On April 24, 2009, Josh McCoy and
Steven Marcum knocked on the door between 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. and
brought in 5 or 6 guitars. Appellant looked at the guitars, but did not keep
them. He helped the others back to their vehicle with the guitars and went
back to bed. Later that day, Appellant and his family went to his church
fundraiser. Appellant played music at church that night. Lori reiterated
between Wednesday night (April 22, 2009) and Saturday (April 25, 2009),
Gallia App. No. 12CA6 9
Appellant was never away from her for more than the 90-minute trip to
Lowes.
{¶14} Violet White (“White”) testified Appellant is her nephew.
Appellant arrived at her home in West Virginia around 10:00 a.m. on
Thursday, April 23, 2009. He worked all day landscaping and was there
until 8:00 p.m. White and Appellant went to Lowe’s and returned around
9:00 p.m. or 10:00 p.m. Appellant and his family left around 11:00 p.m.
White saw Appellant at church at noon the next day. He stayed until late in
the evening. White testified it is a three-hour drive from her home in West
Virginia to Gallipolis. At no time on April 23, 2009, was Appellant gone for
a six-hour period of time.
{¶15} Maxie Collins, also a West Virginia resident, testified for the
defense. Appellant is also her nephew. Ms. Collins testified she coordinated
the church activities Appellant and his family attended on April 24, 2009.
She also saw Appellant at White’s house on April 23, 2009. Collins testified
Appellant was never gone for a six-hour period of time during that day.
{¶16} Sharon Stafford, another relative of Appellant’s, testified she
has known Appellant his entire life. Stafford also saw Appellant landscaping
at White’s house on the April 23, 2009. She arrived around noon and left at
Gallia App. No. 12CA6 10
8:30 p.m. Appellant was present the entire time. Stafford also saw him at
the church activities on Friday, April 24, 2009.
{¶17} Appellant’s mother and step-father, Sharon and Bruce Harris,
testified on his behalf. Sharon Harris testified she was present at White’s
house on April 23, 2009, helping with the landscaping. She arrived at
White’s house after 4:30 p.m. and worked outside with Appellant until after
dark, 9:00 or 9:30 p.m. After that, Appellant came to her house and stayed
until approximately 11:00 p.m. She also saw Appellant at the church
activities the next day. He stayed the entire time and never left for any long
absences. The substance of Bruce Harris’s testimony was that he recalled
seeing Appellant at White’s house on April 23, 2009 and at the church
activities on the evening of April 24, 2009.
{¶18} Finally, Appellant testified. After graduating from high school,
Appellant joined the National Guard and completed basic training. His
current rank is E4 specialist. Appellant has also worked as an underground
coal miner and a railroad conductor. In April 2009, Appellant lived in
Williamson, West Virginia, almost three hours from Gallia County.
{¶19} Appellant testified he was given “Jerry” Haffelt’s name in
2006. After Appellant and Haffelt initially talked on the phone, they
sometimes met in Huntington, West Virginia, a halfway point for both men,
Gallia App. No. 12CA6 11
to buy or trade guitars. Appellant had been to Haffelt’s house approximately
15-20 times.
{¶20} Appellant took Josh McCoy to the Haffelt residence in 2008.
Appellant testified McCoy was not interested in guitars, but he was trying to
help McCoy, who was in a “bad situation” and “had been on drugs”.
Appellant “hung out” with McCoy.
{¶21} In February 2009, Appellant and his wife went to the Haffelt
house and bought a guitar. Around March 20, 2009, Appellant and his
family returned to the Haffelts to sell the guitar back to Jerry. Appellant
explained he had gotten laid off from the railroad and his wife was in
school, so they needed money.
{¶22} Appellant denied involvement in the robbery. As to his
whereabouts during the relevant time frame involved, Appellant testified he
and his wife went to West Virginia on April 23, 2009, to help his aunt,
Violet White, with landscaping at her home. He left to go to Lowe’s with
his aunt. After they returned, Appellant had dinner with family. He did not
go anywhere after he went home.
{¶23} In the early hours of April 24, 2009, between 4:30 a.m. and
6:00 a.m., Josh McCoy and Steven Marcum came to his apartment. They
showed him 6 Martin guitars they had. Appellant testified he did not ask
Gallia App. No. 12CA6 12
where they came from because “I knew right away where they got the
guitars.” He knew the guitars were vintage. Appellant testified he told them
to get the guitars out of his house.
{¶24} Appellant testified McCoy had a Blue Ridge and a Sam’s
guitar. McCoy arranged a sale of the Blue Ridge guitar. A week later,
Appellant was with McCoy when he was arrested by West Virginia State
Troopers. Appellant later turned over the guitar he had to Trooper Brown.
{¶25} Appellant denied riding with the others to the Haffelt’s house
in Gallipolis, giving Marcum directions to the Haffelt’s residence, taking
anything from the Haffelt residence, or directing anyone else to do so. He
denied leaving the State of West Virginia on April 23, 24, and 25, 2009.
Appellant testified McCoy had the guitars. He denied telling McCoy how to
sell them, how to get rid of them, or who might buy them. Essentially, he
testified it is his belief the others brought the guitars to his house because
they did not know anyone else who was knowledgeable about guitars.
{¶26} Appellant does not know what happened to the other Martin
guitars. He was questioned approximately two weeks after the incident. He
was contacted by West Virginia State Troopers and gave permission to
search his home. Several weeks later he was arrested for receiving stolen
property in West Virginia, in connection with Josh McCoy and the Blue
Gallia App. No. 12CA6 13
Ridge guitar. Appellant testified he has cooperated with law enforcement in
West Virginia and Ohio. 4
{¶27} On cross-examination, Appellant testified he at one time
thought of Jerry Haffelt as an “extra father.” He admitted when the stolen
guitars were shown to him, he did not notify law enforcement.
{¶28} The jury subsequently found Appellant guilty of complicity to
burglary. He was sentenced to 30 months in prison and ordered to pay
restitution to Gerald Haffelt in the amount of $42,450.00. This timely appeal
followed.
ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR
I. PROSECUTORIAL MISCONDUCT DEPRIVED RILEY K.
MARCUM OF THE CONSTITUTIONALLY GUARANTEED
RIGHT TO A FAIR TRIAL, IN VIOLATION OF THE FIFTH
AND FOURTEENTH AMENDMENTS TO THE UNITED
STATES CONSTITUTION AND SECTION 10, ARTICLE I
OF THE OHIO CONSTITUTION. (Tr. 204, 341, 415, 429-430,
440-441, 525-527, 538-539)
II. TRIAL COUNSEL RENDERED INEFFECTIVE
ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL IN VIOLATION OF MR.
MARCUM’S RIGHTS UNDER THE FIFTH, SIXTH, AND
FOURTEENTH AMENDMENTS TO THE UNITED STATE
CONSTITUTION, AND ARTICLE I, SECTIONS 10 AND 16
OF THE OHIO CONSTITUTION. (Assignment of Error I;
Statement of the Case and Facts).
4
Appellant testified he agreed to wear a wire and record Steven Marcum and Josh McCoy, but was never
given the opportunity to do that. He also testified the case in West Virginia was later dismissed. Appellant
also testified he turned over the guitar he had to Trooper Brown. It was later clarified this was pursuant to
the trooper’s request, and not of Appellant’s own volition.
Gallia App. No. 12CA6 14
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR ONE
{¶29} Appellant contends he was denied a fair trial by the cumulative
error stemming from the State’s numerous improper suggestions, statements,
and arguments. Appellant cites these errors occurring at pages 204, 341,
415, 429-430, 440-441, 525-527, and 538-539 of the transcript. However,
Appellant failed to object to the alleged improper suggestions, statements,
and arguments at trial. Therefore, we review the alleged errors under the
standard set forth regarding plain errors.
A. STANDARD OF REVIEW
{¶30} Failure to object to an alleged error waives all but plain
error. State v. Keeley, 4th Dist. No. 11CA5, 2012-Ohio-3564, 2012 WL
3194355, ¶ 28. Notice of CrimR. 52(B) plain error must be taken with the
utmost caution, under exceptional circumstances and only to prevent a
manifest miscarriage of justice. State v. Rohrbaugh, 126 Ohio St.3d 421,
934 N.E.2d 920, 2010-Ohio-3286, at ¶ 6; State v. Long, 53 Ohio St.2d 91,
372 N.E.2d 804 (1978), at paragraph three of the syllabus. To find plain
error, the outcome of trial clearly would have been otherwise. State v.
McCausland, 124 Ohio St.3d 8, 918 N.E.2d 507, 2009-Ohio-5933, at ¶ 15;
State v. Braden, 98 Ohio St.3d 354, 785 N.E.2d 439, 2003-Ohio-1325, at ¶
50.
Gallia App. No. 12CA6 15
B. LEGAL ANALYSIS
{¶31} “The test for prosecutorial misconduct is whether the conduct
was improper and, if so, whether the rights of the accused were materially
prejudiced.” State v. Purdin, 4th Dist. No. 12CA944, 2013-Ohio-22, 2013
WL 84897, ¶ 31, quoting State v. Leonard, 4th Dist. No. 08CA24, 2009-
Ohio-6191, ¶ 36, citing State v. Smith, 97 Ohio St. 3d 367, 780 N.E. 2d 221,
2002-Ohio-6659, ¶ 45, in turn citing State v. Smith, 14 Ohio St. 3d 13, 14,
470 N.E. 2d 883 (1984). “The ‘conduct of a prosecuting attorney during
trial cannot be grounds for error unless the conduct deprives the defendant of
a fair trial.’” Purdin, supra, quoting State v. Givens, 4th Dist. No. 07CA19,
2008-Ohio-1202, ¶ 28, quoting State v. Gest, 108 Ohio App. 3d 248, 257,
670 N.E. 2d 536 (8th Dist. 1995). Accord State v. Apanovitch, 33 Ohio St.
3d 19, 24, 514 N.E. 2d 394 (1987). “Prosecutorial misconduct constitutes
reversible error only in rare instances. “Purdin, supra, quoting State v.
Edgington, 4th Dist. No. 05CA2866, 2006-Ohio-3712, ¶ 18, citing State v.
Keenan, 66 Ohio St. 3d 402, 406, 613 N.E. 2d 203 (1993). The “touchstone
analysis* * * is the fairness of the trial, not the culpability of the prosecutor.
* * * The Constitution does not guarantee an ‘error free, perfect trial.’”
Purdin, supra, quoting Leonard at ¶ 36, quoting Gest at 257.
Gallia App. No. 12CA6 16
{¶32} We begin with Appellant’s claim the State engaged in
prosecutorial misconduct in closing by highlighting the fact Steven Marcum
made serious accusations against Appellant in the recorded telephone call,
which Appellant did not deny. Appellant argues the prosecutor referred to
the “adoptive admission” exemption to hearsay, codified at Evid. R.
801(D)(2)(b). Appellant contends that adoptive admissions are nonhearsay
and go to the admissibility of such an admission, but do not establish a
permissible or mandatory inference, or go to the weight of the admission or
nonstatement. Appellant notes the recording was introduced through the
officer who set up the call and both Appellant and Steven Marcum testified.
There was no objection to the recording’s admissibility and, as such, the
“adoptive admission” exemption to hearsay was never made an issue.
Appellant argues the prosecutor instructed the jury on what conclusions of
law must be made from a denial or silence and that to do so was both an
incorrect statement of law and inappropriate.
{¶33} In commenting on Appellant’s failure to deny the accusations,
the prosecutor stated:
“Now what that is, is in, in the law there’s something called an
adoptive initiative. If you are accused of something or a
reasonable person would deny it and you fail to deny it and you
on the next subject or you act like it didn’t happen then you are,
that third parties statement becomes your own statement.”
Gallia App. No. 12CA6 17
{¶34} We recognize the following law regarding the “adoptive
admission” or “admission by acquiescence”:
“It is well-settled that ‘[a]n accused person may
incriminate himself not only by his direct statements, but also
by declaration so or conduct by which he impliedly admits the
truth of charges made against him. Thus, silence in the face of
an accusation of crime may constitute conduct or circumstances
from which his admission of guilty may be inferred. When a
statement tending to involve one in the commission of a crime
is made in his presence and hearing and such statement is not
denied, contradicted, or objected to by him, both the statement
and the fact of his failure to deny it are admissible against him
as evidence of his acquiescence in its truth. His conduct
constitutes what is known as a tacit or silent or adoptive
admission.’ State v. Brown (June 9, 1987), Columbiana Dist.
No. 85-C-42; see, also, State v. Gibson, 2nd Dist. No. 09-CA-
05, 2010-Ohio-1121, ¶ 15-16.”
{¶35} “An adoptive admission, or an admission by acquiescence,
consists of a statement by a non-party which may be deemed to be that of a
party by virtue of the failure of the party to deny the statement. State v.
Byrd, 2012-Ohio-1138, ¶ 98, quoting State v. Tolliver, 146 Ohio App. 3d
186, 198 (2001), quoting State v. Vitanza (Mar. 27, 1992), Lake Dist. No.
91-L-053, in turn quoting Staff Notes to Evid. R. 801(D)(2)(b).
{¶36} We do not agree with Appellant’s argument. The State
concedes its rendition of the concept of “adoptive admission” was inartful.
Upon review of the transcript, we find the State’s characterization of
Appellant’s statement on the recorded conversation was fair. Appellant and
Gallia App. No. 12CA6 18
Marcum were discussing Josh McCoy and the guitars. Appellant admitted
buying the guitars from McCoy. Appellant also indicated McCoy was trying
to “mess him over.” Appellant heard Marcum’s statement on the recording
that Appellant “came back across the field with the guitars.” Appellant is a
high school graduate, spent time in the military, and worked as a conductor
on the railroad. He reasonably could understand the implication of
Marcum’s statement that Appellant carried the guitars. Appellant
reasonably could have been expected to deny Marcum’s statement if it were
untrue. Although the prosecutor’s summarization of the legal concept of
“adoptive admissions” was simplistic, we cannot say it was an incorrect
statement of the law or inherently unfair.
{¶37} In his next argument, Appellant begins by acknowledging that
witness credibility was paramount in his trial. The outcome of his trial
hinged on which version of the burglary, which witnesses the jury believed.
The weight to be given evidence and the credibility to be afforded testimony
are issues to be determined by the trier of fact. State v. Frazier, 73 Ohio St.
3d 323, 339, 1995-Ohio-235, 652 N.E.2d 1000, citing State v. Grant, Ohio
St.3d 465, 477, 1993-Ohio-171, 620 N.E.2d 50. The fact finder “is best able
to view the witnesses and observe their demeanor, gestures, and voice
inflections, and use these observations in weighing the credibility of the
Gallia App. No. 12CA6 19
proffered testimony.” Seasons Coal Co. v. Cleveland, 10 Ohio St.3d 77, 80,
461 N.E.2d 1273 (1984).
{¶38} “Prosecutorial misconduct rises to plain error only if it is clear
that a defendant would not have been convicted in the absence of the
improper comments.” Purdin, supra at ¶ 39, quoting State v. Keeley, 4th
Dist. No. 11CA5-2012-Ohio-3564, ¶ 28, citing State v. Conley, 4th Dist. No.
08CA784, 2009-Ohio-1848; State v. Olvera-Guillen, 12th Dist. No.
CA2007-05-118, 2008-Ohio-5416, ¶ 36.
{¶39} Appellant takes issue with the prosecutor’s remarks, bolstering
the credibility of Josh McCoy and Steven Marcum, in opening statement as
follows:
“You will hear evidence in this case that there have been
conviction in this case. Uh, Josh McCoy has already entered a
plea of guilty and has been sentenced in this matter. Uh, he has
accepted his responsibility in this. Uh, I ask you to remember
that in your testimony, in your, hearing his testimony he, he
feels bad about it. He realized he shouldn’t have, but he has
done that. Uh, Steven Marcum is also here testifying
voluntarily. Um, Mr. Marcum has been charged with this
offense uh, but he has not been convicted. But he feels, I think
you’ll hear, examine, him that’s (sic) its time to do the right
thing. He didn’t do it on April the 23rd or around that time
three years ago, he’s been insisting on doing it despite the
consequences and that’s why we’re here today.”
We see nothing impermissible about the prosecutor’s opening
Gallia App. No. 12CA6 20
remarks calculated to bolster the credibility of the State’s witnesses. The
prosecutor acknowledged McCoy had been sentenced and Marcum had been
indicted in criminal cases stemming from the April 2009 theft in Gallia
County of Haffelt’s guitars. McCoy and Marcum were Appellant’s co-
defendants. The prosecutor was preemptively attempting to lessen the
impact of these facts which would no doubt be brought up in cross-
examination. This bolstering is not prosecutorial misconduct.
{¶40} Appellant notes the prosecutor further attempted to
bolster the credibility of Josh McCoy on redirect when he noted that
McCoy’s plea agreement was not just to testify but “to testify truthfully:
even to “some of [the] things you don’t remember[.]” The prosecutor
clarified that McCoy’s testimony was not some rote act pursuant to the plea
entered in his own criminal case, but truthful testimony. Although it is
unclear what the prosecutor meant by a testifying to “events he did not even
remember” we see nothing impermissible in the prosecutor’s bolstering of
this witness.
{¶41} Appellant also argues the prosecutor undercut the credibility of
Appellant’s witnesses, implying that Appellant’s family colluded to create
an alibi for him, and set the groundwork for his improper closing remarks.
Specifically, Appellant points to the following exchanges:
Gallia App. No. 12CA6 21
On recross of Lori Marcum at page 415:
Q. You say you’ve prepared for your testimony here today,
right?
A. No, I didn’t say that. I said that…
Q. You’ve had plenty of time to prepare for your testimony
here today, is that correct?
A. I guess, this is the first time I’ve ever…
Q. Thank you very much for that answer. That’s all I have
Judge.
Again, although the prosecutor’s questioning was suggestive
and aggressive, we see nothing unfair in the strategy.
On cross-examination of Maxie Collins at 429:
Q. Um, have you, you’ve prepared for your testimony here
today, right?
A. Um, what do you mean prepared?
Q. You’ve…Well let me strike that question.
Appellant argues this exchange preceded questions as to Mrs. Collins’
memory of dates in 2008, 2010, 2011. Similarly, we see nothing unfair
about the prosecutor’s implication about the witness’s ability to remember
significant dates.
Gallia App. No. 12CA6 22
{¶42} Appellant continues to argue the prosecutor improperly “set
up” his closing remarks by the following exchanges with Sharon Stafford,
Appellant’s mother at 440-441:
Q. […]Um, you’ve talked with others to prepare your
testimony here today haven’t you?
A. No, I’ve…
Q. So you’ve, you’ve not talked to anybody in the hallway?
A. I talked, but I don’t talk about …
Q. Did you talk about what you’re going to testify to?
A. No, no.
Q. Nobody did that, right?
A. I didn’t.
Q. Okay[.]
{¶43} Appellant contends the prosecutor’s accusations and
implications were improper impeachment, witness intimidation, and
vouching were improper. Upon review of the transcript, we see nothing
unfair about the prosecutor’s aggressive cross-examination of the defense
witnesses. The prosecutor never accused these witnesses of lying for
Appellant. These witnesses all supported Appellant’s alibi that he did not
leave West Virginia April 22, 2009 – April 25, 2009. The prosecutor did
Gallia App. No. 12CA6 23
aggressively inquire as to their remembrances of the events on April 23 and
24, 2009 in an attempt to undercut their credibility. He also undercut their
credibility by reminding the jury that nearly all of the witnesses were
Appellant’s close relatives. The State’s challenges to the accuracy and
veracity of these witnesses was permissible and did not constitute
prosecutorial misconduct.
{¶44} Appellant submits by the end of the prosecutor’s rebuttal, he
injected himself into the jury box by using “we.” Appellant points to these
remarks:
The prosecutor’s rebuttal at pages 538-539:
“And let’s talk about a, the witnesses called by the defense,
many of them. Um, they pretty much all said the same thing
didn’t they?
****
A little inconsistency would have been, I think, better for
credibility that the standard pat response that they give, that
they gave you. I think that suggest uh, they’re all close friends,
they’re relatives of the defendant that maybe they got their
stories straight before they came up here.
****
They claim that this is something they remember with awful
good precision. I bet there’s probably not a one of you can tell
me what you were doing at some random date three years ago.
And, that to me shows that they’re telling one story. It’s not
what happened. That’s, that’s part of what you’re able to do
and required to do when you assess somebody’s credibility. It
is to test that against how normal people react. and needless to
say their motives are certainly the kind we all understand, but
Gallia App. No. 12CA6 24
the kind as a jury we ought to suspect. They’re relatives,
they’re friends, they care about him.”
{¶45} We must “view the State’s closing argument in its entirety to
determine whether the allegedly improper remarks were prejudicial.”
Purdin, at ¶ 37, quoting State v. Treesh, 90 Ohio St. 3d 460, 739 N.E. 2d 749(2001), citing State v. Moritz, 63 Ohio St. 2d 150, 157, 407 N.E. 2d 1268(1980). “The prosecution is normally entitled to a certain degree of latitude
in its closing remarks.” Purdin, supra, quoting Smith, 14 Ohio St. 3d at 13-
14, 470 N.E. 2d 883, citing State v. Woodard, 6 Ohio St. 2d 14, 26, 215 N.E.
2d 568 (1966); State v. Liberatore, 69 Ohio St. 2d 583, 589, 433 N.E. 2d 561(1982). A closing argument that sets forth reasons “to deem * * * testimony
* * * unreliable does not amount to the prosecutor giving a [personal]
opinion.” Topping, supra at 86, quoting State v. Williams, 8th Dist. No.
97039, 2012-Ohio-1741, ¶ 19. Instead, “it merely invites the jury to weight
the credibility.” Williams, supra at ¶ 19; Topping, at 86.
{¶46} Here, the prosecutor should have refrained from identifying
himself with the jury by the use of “we.” However, we cannot say that it is
clear Appellant would not have been convicted in the absence of the
prosecutor’s remarks. The prosecutor suggested reasons why the defense
witnesses were unreliable and invited the jury to weigh their credibility.
Gallia App. No. 12CA6 25
Further, the transcript reflects the jurors had ample circumstantial evidence
to support its verdict of guilty.
{¶47} “[D]irect evidence of a fact is not required. Circumstantial
evidence * * * may also be more certain, satisfying and persuasive than
direct evidence. “ State v. Lott, 51 Ohio St. 3d 160, 555 N.E. 2d 293 (1990),
citing Michalic v. Cleveland Tankers, Inc., 364 U.S. 325, 330, 81 S. Ct. 6,
10 (1960), citing Rogers v. Missouri Pacific RR Co., 352 U.S. 500-508, fn
17, 77 S. Ct. 443, 449, fn 17 (1957). Even murder convictions and death
sentences can rest solely on circumstantial evidence. State v. Apanovitch, 33
Ohio St. 3d 19, 514 N.E. 2d 394 (1987); State v. Nicely, 39 Ohio St. 3d 147,
151, 529 N.E. 2d 1236 (1988).
{¶48} The circumstantial evidence demonstrated that Gerald Haffelt
and Appellant had formed a friendly, likely trusting relationship. Haffelt
had informed Appellant that he would be out of town during the time period
when the burglary occurred. Appellant’s own testimony demonstrated his
familiarity with Haffelt’s residence and the location of the guitars. The
testimonies of Josh McCoy and Steven Marcum directly implicated
Appellant as a participant, if not the mastermind of the crime.
{¶49} Teresa Lee’s testimony demonstrated that the burglary had to
have taken place between 8:30 p.m. on April 23, 2009 and 11:30 a.m. on
Gallia App. No. 12CA6 26
April 24, 2009. The witnesses who testified for Appellant, as to his
whereabouts during the relevant time frame, included his wife, parents, and
other relatives. There were no independent witnesses on Appellant’s behalf.
The defense witnesses’ testimony as to Appellant’s whereabouts was rather
general. No one really pinpointed the time Appellant left to go to Lowe’s.
No one brought in receipts to strengthen the claim that Appellant was there.
Appellant’s wife Lori was the only witness to support his claim that he was
home the entire night of April 24, 2009.
{¶50} Appellant testified he had taken his wife and family to the
Haffelts. He also took Josh McCoy, with his drug problem, as “something
to do.” It could easily be theorized that Appellant took his family with him
to the Haffelts in order to further curry favor and trust by using his wife and
children, as well as taking McCoy with him at an earlier time to familiarize
him with the guitars and the residence. The jury also heard the recorded
conversation between Appellant and Steven Marcum, in which Appellant
did not deny he was “walking across the field with the guitars”.
{¶51} The jury also heard Appellant and his wife testify that the
others brought the guitars to his house on the morning of April 24, 2009. It
is conceivable that Appellant added this fact as a way of admitting some
culpability, although to a lesser degree. And the jury heard Appellant
Gallia App. No. 12CA6 27
describe Gerald Haffelt as an “extra father,” while failing to assist Haffelt or
the authorities in solving the crime or returning the property when the others
allegedly brought the guitars to his apartment. It appears that here, the jury
did not find Appellant or his witnesses to be credible. We will not substitute
our judgment for that of the jury under these circumstances. We find no
error, let alone plain error.
{¶52} Appellant also argues the prosecutor’s tactical attacks on
defense witness credibility and the bolstering of its witnesses credibility,
cumulatively deprived Appellant of a fair trial. Under the cumulative-error
doctrine, “a conviction will be reversed where the cumulative effect of errors
in a trial deprives a defendant of the constitutional right to a fair trial even
though each of numerous instances of trial court error does not individually
constitute cause for reversal.” State v. Jackson, 4th Dist. No. 11CA20,
2012-Ohio-6276, 2012 WL 6761891, ¶ 51, quoting State v. Garner, 74 Ohio
St. 3d 49, 64, 656 N.E. 2d 623 (1995).
{¶53} In this case, we disagree with Appellant’s “cumulative-error”
argument. We have found no instances of prosecutorial misconduct. Having
done so, “[if] a reviewing court finds no prior instances of error, then the
[cumulative error] doctrine has no application.” Jackson, supra at 54,
Gallia App. No. 12CA6 28
quoting State v. McKnight, 4th Dist. No. 07CA665, 2008-Ohio-2435, 2012
WL 2024076, ¶ 108.
{¶54} As one final consideration, we would note that the trial court
gave preliminary jury instructions in which he advised the jury that opening
statements are not evidence and that the attorneys involved were not
witnesses. The trial court explicitly stated “[Y]ou must not consider as
evidence any statement of any attorney made during trial.”
In closing instructions, the trial court again advised that “evidence” does not
include the opening statements or closing arguments of counsel, that those
remarks are only designed to assist. A jury is presumed to follow the
instructions of the trial court. State v. Hancock, 108 Ohio St. 3d 57, 840
N.E. 2d 1032 (2006), ¶ 86-87. We are not convinced the prosecutor’s
remarks constituted misconduct or deprived Appellant of a fair trial. Even if
some of the prosecutor’s comments bordered on improper, we must presume
the jury followed the instructions given to it by the trial court.
{¶55} For the above reasons, we affirm the judgment of the trial court
and overrule Appellant’s first assignment of error.
ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR TWO
{¶56} As Appellant’s final assignment of error, he incorporates
Gallia App. No. 12CA6 29
his argument assignment of error one and specifically contends his counsel
rendered ineffective assistance by failing to object to the prosecutor’s
misconduct and procure curative instructions regarding each alleged instance
of misconduct. For the reasons which follow, we disagree.
A. STANDARD OF REVIEW
{¶57} Criminal defendants have a right to counsel, including a right
to the effective assistance from counsel. McMann v. Richardson, 397 U.S.
759, 770, 90 S. Ct. 1441 (1970); State v. Stout, 4th Dist. No. 07CA5, 2008-
Ohio-1366, ¶ 21. To establish constitutionally ineffective assistance of
counsel, a defendant must show (1) that his counsel’s performance was
deficient and (2) that the deficient performance prejudiced the defense and
deprived him of a fair trial. Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 687,
104 S. Ct. 2052 (1984); State v. Issa, 93 Ohio St. 3d 49, 67, 752 N.E.2d 904(2001); State v. Goff, 82 Ohio St.3d 123, 139, 694 N.E.2d 916 (1998). “In
order to show deficient performance, the defendant must prove that
counsel’s performance fell below an objective level of reasonable
representation. To show prejudice, the defendant must show a reasonable
probability that, but for counsel’s error, the result of the proceeding would
have been different.” State v. Conway, 109 Ohio St.3d 412, 2006 Ohio-
2815, 848 N.E.2d 810, ¶ 95 (citations omitted). “Failure to establish either
Gallia App. No. 12CA6 30
element is fatal to the claim.” State v. Jones, 4th Dist. No. 06CA3116,
2008-Ohio-968, ¶ 14. Therefore, if one element is dispositive, a court need
not analyze both. State v. Madrigal, 87 Ohio St. 3d 378, 389, 721 N.E.2d 52(2000) (stating that a defendant’s failure to satisfy one of the elements
“negates a court’s need to consider the other”).
{¶58} When considering whether trial counsel’s representation
amounts to deficient performance, “a court must indulge a strong
presumption that counsel’s conduct falls within the wide range of reasonable
professional assistance.” Strickland, 466 U.S. at 689. Thus, “the defendant
must overcome the presumption that, under the circumstances, the
challenged action might be considered sound trial strategy.” Id. “A
properly licensed attorney is presumed to execute his duties in an ethical and
competent manner.” State v. Taylor, 4th Dist. No. 07CA1, 2008-Ohio-482,
¶ 10, citing State v. Smith, 17 Ohio St.3d 98, 100, 477 N.E.2d 1128 (1985).
Therefore, a defendant bears the burden to show ineffectiveness by
demonstrating that counsel’s errors were so serious that he or she failed to
function as the counsel guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment. State v.
Gondor, 112 Ohio St.3d 377, 2006 Ohio-6679, 860 N.E.2d 77, ¶ 62; State v.
Hamblin, 37 Ohio St.3d 153, 524 N.E.2d 476 (1988).
Gallia App. No. 12CA6 31
{¶59} To establish prejudice, a defendant must demonstrate that a
reasonable probability exists that but for counsel’s errors, the result of the
trial would have been different. State v. White, 82 Ohio St.3d 15, 23, 693
N.E.2d 772 (1998); State v. Bradley, 42 Ohio St.3d 136, 538 N.E.2d 373(1989), at paragraph three of the syllabus. Furthermore, courts may not
simply assume the existence of prejudice, but must require that prejudice be
affirmatively demonstrated. See State v. Clark, 4th Dist. No. 02CA684,
2003-Ohio-1707, ¶ 22; State v. Tucker, 4th Dist. No. 01CA2592 (Apr.2,
2002); State v. Kuntz, Ross App. No. 1691 (Feb. 26, 1992).
B. LEGAL ANALYSIS
{¶60} Appellant argues the outcome of his trial depended on the
jury’s assessment of witness credibility and the prosecutor thwarted the
jury’s task by misstating the legal doctrine pertaining to adoptive
admissions. Appellant contends the trial court’s failure to object and obtain
curative instructions was objectively unreasonable and amounted to deficient
performance. Trial counsel’s failure to object to alleged instances of
prosecutorial misconduct “does not necessarily constitute ineffective
assistance” of counsel. State v. Topping, 4th Dist. No. 11CA6, 2012- Ohio-
5617, 2012 WL 6017986, ¶ 80, citing State v. Perez, 124 Ohio St. 3d 122,
2009-Ohio-6179, 920 N.E.2d 104, ¶ 230; State v. Tenace, 109 Ohio St. 3d
Gallia App. No. 12CA6 32
255, 2006-Ohio-2417, 847 N.E. 2d 386, ¶ 62. That is, a failure to object
does not necessarily fall below an objective standard of reasonableness.
Topping, supra. Instead, a failure to object to alleged instances of
prosecutorial misconduct may be considered sound trial strategy. Id; State v.
Brown, 5th Dist. No. 2007CA15, 2008-Ohio-3118, ¶ 58 (stating that failure
to object to prosecutor’s statements during closing arguments may have been
trial strategy and thus did not constitute deficient performance).
{¶61} “ ‘A competent trial attorney might well eschew objecting * *
* in order to minimize jury attention to the damaging material.’” Topping,
supra, quoting State v. Mundt, 115 Ohio St. 3d 22, 2007-Ohio-4836, 873
N.E. 2d 828, ¶ 90, quoting United States v. Payne, 741 F.2d 887, 891 (C.A.
7. 1984). Accord. State v. Franklin, 97 Ohio St. 3d 1, 2002-Ohio-5304, 776
N.E. 2d 26, ¶ 42 (stating that “[a] reasonable attorney may decide not to
interrupt his adversary’s argument as a matter of strategy”); State v. Clay,
7th Dist. No. 08MA2, 2009-Ohio-1204, ¶ 141 (stating that ‘[l]imiting
objection during closing is a trial tactic to avoid trying to draw attention to
the statements.”). Thus, in order to establish that trial counsel performed
deficiently by failing to object to error at trial, the defendant ordinarily must
demonstrate that the error “is so compelling that competent counsel would
Gallia App. No. 12CA6 33
have been obligated to object to [it] at trial.” Topping, supra. quoting State
v. Hale, 119 Ohio St. 3d 118, 2008-Ohio-3426, 892 N.E.2d 864, ¶ 233
{¶62} With regard to Appellant’s claim that the prosecutor misstated
the law as to adoptive admissions, we find it to be reasonable trial strategy
not to have objected to admission of the recorded conversation. Initially,
Appellant may have wished to have the recording played, in which he cast
suspicion on the other parties involved and did not explicitly admit to
participation in the crime. Then, in closing, it is reasonable trial strategy not
to have wished to call further attention to Appellant’s failure to deny the
accusation he carried guitars across the field.
{¶63} Appellant also claims it was ineffective assistance to fail to
object to the prosecutor’s alleged “vouching” for the credibility of Josh
McCoy and Steven Marcum. During closing argument, prosecutors “may
not express their personal beliefs or opinions regarding the guilt of the
accused.” Topping, supra at 85, quoting State v. Lott, 51 Ohio St. 3d 160,
555 NE. 2d 293 (1990). They may also not express their personal beliefs or
opinions regarding a witnesses’ credibility. Topping, supra; State v.
Williams, 79 Ohio St. 3d 1, 679 N.E. 2d 646 (1997). “Vouching occurs
when the prosecutor implies knowledge of facts outside the record or places
his or her personal credibility in issue. “ Topping, supra at 85, quoting State
Gallia App. No. 12CA6 34
v. Davis, 116 Ohio St. 3d 404, ¶ 232, citing State v. Jackson, 107 Ohio St. 3d
53, 2005-Ohio-5981, 836 N.E. 2d 1173, ¶ 117. The prosecutor is however,
permitted to fairly comment upon the testimony and evidence. Topping,
supra; Mundt at ¶ 119.
{¶64} In this matter, we have already discussed under the first
assignment of error our finding that no prosecutorial misconduct occurred
when the prosecutor told the jury about McCoy and Marcum’s involvement
in the crime during opening statement. The prosecutor effectively bolstered
his own witnesses without explicitly saying that he found them to be
credible. The prosecutor did not improperly vouch for McCoy and Marcum
because their involvement in the crime was entered into evidence through
their subsequent testimonies. Counsel’s performance cannot be deemed
deficient for failing to raise non-meritorious objections. Topping, supra;
Mundt, at ¶ 119.
{¶65} Appellant further argues the prosecutor overtly accused the
defense witnesses of conspiring to create an alibi. However, as discussed
previously, we find the State’s re-cross of Lori Marcum, cross-examination
of Maxie Collins, and cross-examination of Sharon Stafford to be
aggressive, but fair. The prosecutor did, through his examination of these
witnesses, lay the groundwork for his closing theme that the witnesses were
Gallia App. No. 12CA6 35
assisting Appellant with an alibi. The prosecutor never called the witnesses
liars, he simply pointed out the weaknesses in their testimony and the fact
they were relatives. Again, we do not find counsel’s performance deficient
for failure to raise non-meritorious objections.
{¶66} Finally, Appellant contends the prosecutor unfairly aligned
himself with the jury by use of “we” during closing rebuttal. Although this
is somewhat problematic, we cannot find it rises to the level of plain error.
As we explained in our discussion of Appellant’s first assignment of error,
ample circumstantial evidence supports Appellant’s conviction for
complicity to burglary. We do not believe Appellant can show a reasonable
probability that, but for counsel’s use of “we,” the result of the proceeding
would have been different. Even if using “we” or other of the prosecutor’s
comments could be considered to be improper, Appellant cannot show that
those allegedly improper comments affected the outcome of the trial. Had
counsel lodged objections and/or requested curative instructions at each
juncture where, in hindsight, Appellant now feels would have been
appropriate, the objection would simply have called attention and perhaps
unduly emphasized the content of each instance in the jury’s mind. Based
on the circumstantial evidence supporting Appellant’s conviction, along with
the fact that the jurors were in the best position to view the witnesses and
Gallia App. No. 12CA6 36
assess credibility, we are not convinced that the outcome of the proceeding
would have been different had counsel made the objections and requested
curative instructions. We do not find Appellant was prejudiced by counsel’s
alleged omissions.
{¶67} For the reasons discussed above, we do not find Appellant was
rendered ineffective assistance of counsel. We therefore overrule this
assignment of error and affirm the judgment of the trial court.
JUDGMENT AFFIRMED.
Gallia App. No. 12CA6 37
JUDGMENT ENTRY
It is ordered that the JUDGMENT BE AFFIRMED and costs be assessed to
Appellant.
The Court finds there were reasonable grounds for this appeal.
It is ordered that a special mandate issue out of this Court directing the Gallia
County Common Pleas Court to carry this judgment into execution.
IF A STAY OF EXECUTION OF SENTENCE AND RELEASE UPON BAIL
HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY GRANTED BY THE TRIAL COURT OR THIS COURT, it
is temporarily continued for a period not to exceed sixty days upon the bail previously
posted. The purpose of a continued stay is to allow Appellant to file with the Supreme
Court of Ohio an application for a stay during the pendency of proceedings in that court.
If a stay is continued by this entry, it will terminate at the earlier of the expiration of the
sixty day period, or the failure of the Appellant to file a notice of appeal with the
Supreme Court of Ohio in the forty-five day appeal period pursuant to Rule II, Sec. 2 of
the Rules of Practice of the Supreme Court of Ohio. Additionally, if the Supreme Court
of Ohio dismisses the appeal prior to expiration of sixty days, the stay will terminate as of
the date of such dismissal.
A certified copy of this entry shall constitute the mandate pursuant to Rule 27 of
the Rules of Appellate Procedure.
Harsha, J. & Abele, J.: Concur in Judgment and Opinion.
For the Court,
BY: _______________________
Matthew W. McFarland
Presiding Judge
NOTICE TO COUNSEL
Pursuant to Local Rule No. 14, this document constitutes a final judgment
entry and the time period for further appeal commences from the date of filing with
the clerk.