State v. Bondurant

[Cite as State v. Bondurant, 2012-Ohio-4912.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
FOURTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
HIGHLAND COUNTY
STATE OF OHIO : Case No. 11CA25
: 11CA27
Plaintiff-Appellee, :
: DECISION AND
v. : JUDGMENT ENTRY
:
ZACHARY BONDURANT, :
:
and :
:
JEFFREY STEVENS, : RELEASED 10/17/12
:
Defendants-Appellants. :
______________________________________________________________________
APPEARANCES:
Eric Allen, The Law Office of Eric J. Allen, LTD, Columbus, Ohio, for appellant
Bondurant.
Bryan Scott Hicks, Lebanon, Ohio, for appellant Stevens.
Anneka P. Collins, Highland County Prosecutor, Hillsboro, Ohio, for appellee.
______________________________________________________________________
Harsha, J.
{¶1} In their joint trial, Zachary Bondurant and Jeffrey Stevens were each
convicted of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, among other offenses. Initially
they argue that there is insufficient evidence to support their convictions for engaging in
a pattern of corrupt activity because the statute’s monetary threshold applies to
individual rather than collective enterprise profit. And they further argue that because
the state failed to show that they individually profited by more than $500, their
convictions cannot stand. However, the legislature intended for Ohio’s RICO statute to
reduce or eliminate organized criminal group activity by imposing a high level of
accountability on those participating in it. Clearly, the focus of the statute is organized
Highland App. Nos. 11CA25 & 11CA27 2
group conduct. Accordingly, we conclude that the statute refers to collective profit, i.e. it
only requires that the state prove the enterprise as a whole profited more than $500.
And because the uncontested evidence makes it clear that the enterprise profited more
than $500, there was sufficient evidence to support each of their convictions for
engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity.
{¶2} Bondurant contends that his conviction for trafficking in drugs in a school
zone is against the manifest weight of the evidence. He argues that the detective’s
testimony concerning the school and its proximity to the drugs sales was inadmissible
hearsay and without this testimony, he could not be found guilty of the offense under
R.C. 2925.03(A)(1). However, the court admitted a certified map of the area showing
the distance. Therefore, even without the testimony Bondurant objects to, the trial’s
outcome would not have changed. He also argues that a letter admitted into evidence
to show the building was a school was inadmissible hearsay because it does not fall
within the business record exception. Nevertheless, the detective also testified that he
had personal knowledge the location was a school. Accordingly, Bondurant’s
convictions are not against the manifest weight of evidence.
{¶3} Finally, Bondurant argues that his trial counsel provided ineffective
assistance because he did not move to sever his case from his co-defendant Stevens
and also failed to object to the detective’s alleged inadmissible hearsay. Because
Bondurant failed to provide an analysis of how his counsel’s performance fell below a
reasonable standard and how he was prejudiced by trying his case with his co-
defendant, we deem this argument waived. And because we have already determined
Highland App. Nos. 11CA25 & 11CA27 3
that the detective’s testimony did not prejudice him, we find Bondurant’s hearsay related
argument to be meritless.
{¶4} In his second assignment of error Stevens again challenges the language
of Ohio’s RICO statute. He argues that the trial court incorrectly sentenced him on a
first-degree felony for engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity because R.C. 2923.32(B)
elevates his conviction to a first-degree felony only if one of the incidents of corrupt
activity was a third-degree felony or higher. He claims that because his other
convictions in this case were only fifth-degree felonies, his conviction for engaging in a
pattern of corrupt activity should have been a second-degree felony. As in his first
assignment of error we must interpret the statute to determine the legislative intent.
Considering that the legislature intended for Ohio’s RICO statute to reduce or eliminate
organized criminal group activity by imposing a high level of accountability, we conclude
that the statute requires only that the enterprise as a whole engaged in an incident of
corrupt activity that was a third-degree felony or higher. And because Stevens admits
that two of the other actors in the enterprise were convicted of second and third-degree
felonies, his first-degree felony conviction was justified. Alternatively, Stevens contends
that the verdict form for his conviction was deficient because the jury did not make a
finding that an individual in the enterprise committed a first, second or third-degree
felony and consequently his conviction could not be elevated to a first-degree felony.
However, the jury’s verdict form identified the offense level, i.e. a first-degree felony,
and therefore the jury did not also have to make a specific finding of an aggravating
element to elevate his conviction.
Highland App. Nos. 11CA25 & 11CA27 4
{¶5} Finally, Stevens challenges his sentence for engaging in a pattern of
corrupt activity and claims that the trial court incorrectly determined that a mandatory
sentence applied to his conviction. He argues that R.C. 2929.13(F)(10) requires that
the pattern of corrupt activity involve a first-degree felony and the state did not prove
that anyone involved in the enterprise was convicted of the necessary offenses.
However, the trial court could have imposed a mandatory sentence under R.C.
2929.13(F)(6) based on Stevens’ previous first-degree felony conviction. Therefore, he
has not proven that his sentence is clearly and convincingly contrary to law. And
because trial courts have full discretion to impose a prison sentence within the statutory
range, the trial court did not abuse its discretion by sentencing Stevens to nine years for
a first-degree felony conviction.
I. OVERVIEW
{¶6} Over the course of several months, the Highland County Sheriff’s Office
and the U.S. 23 Pipeline Task Force investigated drug-related activity involving Zachary
Bondurant, Jeffery Stevens and several others. Following this investigation, Bondurant
was charged with one count of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, six counts of
trafficking in drugs in a school zone and six counts of possession of drugs. Stevens
was charged with one count of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, eight counts of
trafficking in drugs and eight counts of possession of drugs. Both Bondurant and
Stevens pleaded not guilty and their cases proceeded to a joint trial.
{¶7} At trial, the state alleged that Bondurant and Stevens were both involved
in a “drug ring,” headed by Rodger Cassell. The state theorized that Jeffery Stevens
was his “right-hand man” and Bondurant was his “left-hand man.” The state presented
Highland App. Nos. 11CA25 & 11CA27 5
evidence that showed a series of drug transactions involving Stevens and Bondurant to
undercover informants. The jury convicted them of all counts and this consolidated
appeal followed.
II. ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR
{¶8} Bondurant presents three assignments of error:
{¶9} 1. “THE STATE FAILED TO OFFER SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE TO
CONVICT THE APPELLANT OF ENGAGING IN A PATTERN OF CORRUPT
ACTIVITY THUS VIOLATING APPELLANT’S RIGHT TO DUE PROCESS PURSUANT
TO THE FIFTH AMENDMENT TO THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION MADE
APPLICABLE TO THE STATES BY THE FOURTEENTH AMENDMENT.”
{¶10} 2. “THE JUDGMENT OF CONVICTION VIOLATING 2925.03 IS AGAINST
THE WEIGHT OF THE EVIDENCE THAT THE ALLEGED DRUG ACTIVITY
OCCURRED WITHIN THE VICINITY OF A SCHOOL.”
{¶11} 3. “APPELLANT WAS DENIED THE EFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE OF
COUNSEL AS GUARANTEED BY THE SIXTH AMDENDMENT TO THE FEDERAL
CONSTITUTION, MADE APPLICABLE TO THE STATES BY THE FOURTEENTH
AMDENDMENT, DUE OT THE APPELLANT’S TRIAL COUNSEL FAILING TO MOVE
THE TRIAL COURT FOR AN ORDER SEVERING HIS TRIAL FROM CO-
DEFENDANT’S TRIAL.”
{¶12} Stevens also presents three assignments of error for our review:
{¶13} 1. “THE TRIAL COURT IMPROPERLY INTERPRETED R.C. § 2923.31
(I)(2)(c) WHEN IT AGGREGATED THE VALUES OF ALL DEFENDANTS IN MEETING
THE $500.00 THRESHOLD.”
Highland App. Nos. 11CA25 & 11CA27 6
{¶14} 2. “THE TRIAL COURT IMPROPERLY CONVICTED OF A FIRST-
DEGREE FELONY.”
{¶15} 3. “THE SENTENCE ON THE ENGAGING IN A PATTERN OF
CORRUPT ACTIVITY WAS IMPROPERLY MANDATORY.”
III. PATTERN OF CORRUPT ACTIVITY AND THE MONETARY THRESHOLD
{¶16} Because Bondurant and Stevens make the same argument we will
address their first assignments of error together. Bondurant and Stevens both argue
that there was insufficient evidence to convict them of engaging in a pattern of corrupt
activity because the $500 threshold found in R.C. 2923.31(I)(2)(c) must be applied to
each defendant individually. The state responds that the statute should be read to
mean the $500 requirement applies to the enterprise as a whole. To determine which
approach is correct, we must construe the statute.
A. Statutory Interpretation
{¶17} The interpretation of a statute is a question of law that we review de novo,
without deference to the trial court's determination. In re Adoption of B.M.W., 4th Dist.
No. 10CA899, 2010-Ohio-5214, ¶ 13. “‘The primary goal of statutory construction is to
ascertain and give effect to the legislature’s intent in enacting the statute. * * * The court
must first look to the plain language of the statute itself to determine the legislative
intent. * * * We apply a statute as it is written when its meaning is unambiguous and
definite.’” Id., quoting State v. Lowe, 112 Ohio St. 3d 507, 2007-Ohio-606, 861 N.E.2d
512, ¶ 9. If the meaning of a statute is unambiguous and definite, it must be applied as
written and no further interpretation is necessary. Mathews v. Waverly, 4th Dist. No.
08CA787, 2010-Ohio-347, ¶ 23, citing State ex rel. Savarese v. Buckeye Local School
Highland App. Nos. 11CA25 & 11CA27 7
Dist. Bd. of Edn., 74 Ohio St. 3d 543, 545, 660 N.E.2d 463 (1996). We may interpret a
statute only when it is unclear and ambiguous. State v. Chappell, 127 Ohio St. 3d 376,
2010-Ohio-5991, 939 N.E.2d 1234, ¶ 16. A statute is ambiguous if its language is
susceptible to more than one reasonable interpretation. State ex rel. Toledo Edison Co.
v. Clyde, 76 Ohio St. 3d 508, 513, 668 N.E.2d 498 (1996).
{¶18} R.C. 2923.32(A)(1), which is Ohio’s RICO statute, states: “No person
employed by, or associated with, any enterprise shall conduct or participate in, directly
or indirectly, the affairs of the enterprise through a pattern of corrupt activity or the
collection of an unlawful debt.” At the time of trial, R.C. 2923.31(I)(2)(c) defined corrupt
activity as follows:
“Corrupt activity” means engaging in, attempting to engage in,
conspiring to engage in, or soliciting, coercing, or intimidating another
person to engage in * * * [c]onduct constituting any * * * violation of
section * * * 2925.03 * * * of the Revised Code, * * * when the
proceeds of the violation, the payments made in the violation, the
amount of a claim for payment or for any other benefit that is false or
deceptive and that is involved in the violation, or the value of the
contraband or other property illegally possessed, sold, or purchased in
the violation exceeds five hundred dollars, or any combination of
violations described in division (I)(2)(c) of this section when the total
proceeds of the combination of violations, payments made in the
combination of violations, amount of the claims for payment or for other
benefits that is false or deceptive and that is involved in the
combination of violations, or value of the contraband or other property
illegally possessed, sold, or purchased in the combination of violations
exceeds five hundred dollars[.]” (Emphasis added.)
{¶19} The phrase “combination of violations” as used in R.C. 2923.31(I)(2)(c) is
susceptible to more than one reasonable interpretation and therefore is ambiguous.
Reading the statute it is unclear whether the legislature intended the phrase to mean
combination of violations involving the enterprise, as the state contends, or an individual
defendant’s combination of violations, as Bondurant and Stevens claim. Accordingly,
Highland App. Nos. 11CA25 & 11CA27 8
we must interpret its language to determine the legislature’s intent. We do this by
considering, among other matters, the circumstances under which the statute was
enacted, the legislative history and the consequences of a particular construction. See
R.C. 1.49. Although Stevens points out that R.C. 2901.04(A) requires us to strictly
construe criminal statutes against the state, statutes “should not be given an artificially
narrow interpretation that would defeat the legislative intent.” State v. White, Slip
Opinion, 2012-Ohio-2583, ¶ 20.
{¶20} “In general, R.C. 2923.32 is based on the federal RICO statute * * *.
Thus, a review of the purpose behind the federal statute is instructive.” State v.
Schlosser, 79 Ohio St. 3d 329, 332, 681 N.E.2d 911 (1997). In enacting the federal
RICO Act, Congress stated that “‘the purpose of this Act [is] to seek the eradication of
organized crime in the United States by strengthening the legal tools in the evidence-
gathering process, by establishing new penal prohibitions, and by providing enhanced
sanctions and new remedies to deal with the unlawful activities of those engaged in
organized crime.’” Id., quoting Organized Crime Control Act of 1970, Statement of
Findings and Purpose, 84 Stat. 922, reprinted in 1970 U.S.Code Cong. & Adm. News at
1073.
{¶21} The Supreme Court of Ohio has noted that there is “little legislative
history” about the enactment of Ohio’s RICO statute, however comments by the Senate
sponsor, “indicate an intent to impose the greatest level of accountability * * *.”
Schlosser at 333.
B. Analysis
Highland App. Nos. 11CA25 & 11CA27 9
{¶22} When Stevens and Bondurant initially raised this argument at trial in
Crim.R. 29 motions the state clarified that it attributed $250 in the alleged drug sales to
Stevens and $460 to Bondurant, but also maintained that it recovered over $35,000
from a search of Cassell’s property. After researching the issue, the court concluded
that the $500 threshold applied to the enterprise as a whole and overruled the motion.
The court theorized that “if an enterprise accumulates a million dollars worth of
transactions at four hundred dollars a pop under the theory * * * that the defendants are
raising, then that person could never be guilty of corrupt activity as long as he had a
number of people, none of whom had more than five hundred dollars in total sales. And
that really doesn’t make any sense.”
{¶23} Although we review this claim without deference to the trial court’s
decision, we agree with its assessment. As the trial court stated, it would not make
sense to let individuals escape punishment because they personally never dealt in a
transaction over $500, although the enterprise they were involved in profited
significantly. Considering that Ohio’s RICO statute is meant to impose heightened
accountability for organized criminal activity involving more than two people, see R.C.
2923.31(C), we interpret the statute to require only that the enterprise as a whole
profited more than $500. Because the focus of the statute is upon prohibiting group
conduct, it only makes sense that the prohibited amount would also focus on the
group’s “success,” not that of each individual.
{¶24} And because Bondurant and Stevens do not dispute that the enterprise in
this case profited more than $500, there was sufficient evidence to convict them each of
engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity and we overrule their first assignments of error.
Highland App. Nos. 11CA25 & 11CA27 10
IV. MANIFEST WEIGHT OF THE EVIDENCE
{¶25} Addressing Bondurant’s remaining assignments of error, he next argues
that his convictions under R.C. 2925.03 for trafficking in drugs in a school zone are
against the manifest weight of evidence. Specifically, he claims that Detective Denny
Kirk’s testimony regarding the proximity of the school to the drug sales was inadmissible
hearsay. He also argues that a letter admitted into evidence by the state verifying the
school was operational on the dates in question was not a business record subject to a
hearsay exception. And without this evidence, he contends the state failed to prove its
case.
A. Legal Standard
{¶26} When considering whether a criminal conviction is against the manifest
weight of the evidence, an appellate court must review the entire record, weigh the
evidence and all reasonable inferences, and consider the creditability of witnesses to
determine “‘whether in resolving conflicts in the evidence, 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, 78 Ohio St. 3d 380, 386, 678 N.E.2d
541(1997), quoting State v. Martin, 20 Ohio App. 3d 172, 175, 485 N.E.2d 717 (1st Dist.
1983).
{¶27} “If the prosecution presented substantial evidence upon which the trier of
fact reasonably could conclude, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the essential elements
of the offense had been established, the judgment of conviction is not against the
manifest weight of the evidence.” State v. Puckett, 4th Dist. No. 10CA3153, 2010-Ohio-
6597, ¶ 33, citing State v. Eley, 56 Ohio St. 2d 169, 383 N.E.2d 132 (1978), syllabus.
Highland App. Nos. 11CA25 & 11CA27 11
Thus, we will exercise our discretionary power to grant a new trial “‘only in the
exceptional case in which the evidence weighs heavily against the conviction.’”
Thompkins, 78 Ohio St. 3d at 386, 678 N.E.2d 541(1997), quoting Martin at 175.
B. Statutory Requirements
{¶28} Bondurant was convicted of trafficking in drugs in a school zone under
R.C. 2925.03(A)(1), which states “[n]o person shall knowingly * * * [s]ell or offer to sell a
controlled substance.” Section (C)(2)(b) of the statute further states “[i]f the drug
involved in the violation is any compound, mixture, preparation, or substance included in
schedule III, IV, or V, whoever violates division (A) of this section is guilty of trafficking in
drugs. The penalty for the offense shall be determined as follows * * * if the offense was
committed in the vicinity of a school or in the vicinity of a juvenile, aggravated trafficking
in drugs is a felony of the third-degree * * *.”
{¶29} “An offense is ‘committed in the vicinity of a school’ if the offender commits
the offense on school premises, in a school building, or within one thousand feet of the
boundaries of any school premises * * *.” R.C. 2925.01(P). A “school premises” is a
“parcel of real property on which any school is situated, whether or not any instruction,
extracurricular activities, or training provided by the school is being conducted on the
premises at the time a criminal offense is committed.” R.C. 2925.01(R). A “‘[s]chool’
means any school operated by a board of education, any community school established
under Chapter 3314. of the Revised Code, or any nonpublic school for which the state
board of education prescribes minimum standards under section 3301.07 of the
Revised Code, whether or not any instruction, extracurricular activities, or training
Highland App. Nos. 11CA25 & 11CA27 12
provided by the school is being conducted at the time a criminal offense is committed.”
R.C. 2925.01(Q).
{¶30} The provisions of R.C. 2925.03 “clearly indicate that the Ohio legislature
intended to punish more severely those who engage in the sale of illegal drugs in the
vicinity of our schools and our children.” State v. Manley, 71 Ohio St. 3d 342, 346, 643
N.E.2d 1107 (1994). “[I]n order to convict a defendant under the school specification,
the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the drug transaction occurred
within the specified distance of a school. The state has the burden of establishing all
material elements of a crime by proof beyond a reasonable doubt. That requirement
also applies in cases involving the imposition of an enhanced punishment upon proof of
some additional element.” (Citations omitted.) Id.
C. Plain Error
{¶31} Our review of the record shows that Bondurant did not object to Detective
Kirk’s testimony on the basis of hearsay. He also failed to object to the use of the letter
during his testimony and its admission into evidence. Because Bondurant did not object
to these alleged errors at trial, he has waived all but plain error on appeal. See State v.
Shahan, 4th Dist. No. 02CA63, 2003-Ohio-6945, ¶ 9.
{¶32} “Pursuant to Crim.R. 52(B), plain errors or defects which affect substantial
rights may be grounds for reversal even though they were not brought to the attention of
the trial court.” State v. Phillips, 74 Ohio St. 3d 72, 83, 656 N.E.2d 643 (1995). We take
notice of plain error “with the utmost caution, under exceptional circumstances and only
to prevent a manifest miscarriage of justice.” State v. Long, 53 Ohio St. 2d 91, 372
N.E.2d 804 (1978), paragraph three of the syllabus. “Plain error does not exist unless it
Highland App. Nos. 11CA25 & 11CA27 13
can be said that but for the error, the outcome of the trial would clearly have been
otherwise.” State v. Moreland, 50 Ohio St. 3d 58, 62, 552 N.E.2d 894 (1990). After
reviewing the record, we cannot say that the outcome of trial would have clearly been
different without Detective Kirk’s testimony concerning the proximity of the school to the
drug sales and admission of the letter.
{¶33} Bondurant claims that Detective Kirk’s testimony that “the GIS office told
him [the school] was 477 feet” from the drug sales was inadmissible hearsay. He also
asserts that a letter sent from Highland County Community Action Organization was
inadmissible hearsay not subject to the business record exception because there was
no foundation laid by the detective to admit the letter.
{¶34} However, without objection from either defendant, the state offered into
evidence a certified map from the Highland County GIS. This map shows the location
of both the Head Start pre-school and Bondurant’s apartment where the drug sales took
place. The map includes a computer generated line labeling the distance between the
two locations as 477 feet. In addition, the map also includes a scale. A certified copy of
a plat map is a public record that is admissible as a hearsay exception under Evid.R.
803(8). State v. Sloan, 8th Dist. No. 79832, 2002-Ohio-2669, ¶ 32. Furthermore, under
Evid.R. 902 a certified copy of the map is self-authenticating. Id. Therefore, even
without Detective Kirk’s testimony, there was substantial evidence presented by the
state to show that the drug sales involving Bondurant occurred within 1000 feet from the
Head Start pre-school.
{¶35} Finally, Detective Kirk testified without objection that he was familiar with
the Head Start school referred to in the letter and had personal knowledge that the
Highland App. Nos. 11CA25 & 11CA27 14
school was operational. He testified that “[o]ver the years of investigating cases I’ve
been at the facility and observed it to be a Head Start; and then when I contacted
Community Action, they verified that it does continue to be a facility.” He also testified
that the Head Start school was operational from January to March 2011 and
“[a]ccording to the Community Action, it was a pre-school at that time.” Thus, without
considering the letter from the Highland County Community Action Organization,
Detective Kirk’s testimony alone was sufficient to establish that the Head Start facility
was a school under R.C. 2925.01(Q). See State v. Manley, 71 Ohio St. 3d 342, 348,
643 N.E.2d 1107 (1994). Especially considering that this testimony went unchallenged
by either defendant at trial. Id.
{¶36} Thus, even if we reject the evidence Bondurant objects to, we cannot say
the result of his trial clearly would have been different. Because the trial court did not
commit plain error, we overrule his second assignment of error.
V. INEFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL
{¶37} Finally, in his third assignment of error Bondurant claims that his trial
counsel was ineffective because he failed to file a motion to sever his trial from his co-
defendant, Stevens.
A. Legal Standard
{¶38} To establish ineffective assistance of counsel, a defendant must show (1)
deficient performance by counsel, that is, performance falling below an objective
standard of reasonable representation; and (2) prejudice, meaning that there is a
reasonable probability that but for counsel’s errors, the proceeding’s result would have
been different. Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 687-688, 694, 104 S. Ct. 2052,
Highland App. Nos. 11CA25 & 11CA27 15
80 L. Ed. 2d 674 (1984); State v. Bradley, 42 Ohio St. 3d 136, 538 N.E.2d 373 (1989),
paragraphs two and three of the syllabus. We also “must indulge a strong presumption
that counsel’s conduct falls within the wide range of reasonable professional
assistance.” Strickland at 689. “The benchmark for judging any claim of ineffectiveness
must be whether counsel’s conduct so undermined the proper functioning of the
adversarial process that the trial cannot be relied on as having produced a just result.”
Id. at 686.
B. Motion to Sever
{¶39} App.R. 16(A)(7) requires the appellant to “include in its brief, under the
headings and in the order indicated, all of the following * * * [a]n argument containing
the contentions of the appellant with respect to each assignment of error presented for
review and the reasons in support of the contentions, with citations to the authorities,
statutes, and parts of the record on which appellant relies. The argument may be
preceded by a summary.”
{¶40} Although, Bondurant provided much law in his brief regarding ineffective
assistance of counsel and joinder, he failed to argue how his counsel’s performance
was deficient or how he was prejudiced by his performance. Rather, the only argument
that Bondurant offers is that he “not only has to fight the charges against him, but he
must also fight the charges against Jeffery Stevens and Rodger Cassell as well.”
{¶41} “It would be inappropriate for us to create an argument on the [appellant’s]
behalf.” In re A.Z., 4th Dist. No. 11CA3, 2011-Ohio- 6739, ¶ 19. “‘If an argument exists
that can support [an] assignment of error, it is not this court's duty to root it out. * * * It is
not the function of this court to construct a foundation for [an appellant's] claims [.]’” Id.
Highland App. Nos. 11CA25 & 11CA27 16
at ¶ 18, quoting Coleman v. Davis, 4th Dist. No. 10CA5, 2011–Ohio–506, ¶ 13. “In
other words, ‘[i]t is not * * * our duty to create an argument where none is made.’” In re
A.Z. at ¶ 18, quoting Deutsche Bank Natl. Trust Co. v. Taylor, 9th Dist. No. 25281,
2011-Ohio-435, ¶ 7. Therefore, we conclude Bondurant has not overcome the strong
presumption that counsel’s performance was reasonably professional.
C. Failure to Object
{¶42} Bondurant also argues that his trial counsel provided ineffective
assistance because he failed to object to Detective Kirk’s testimony that allegedly
contained inadmissible hearsay. And he also claims that his trial counsel was
ineffective for not objecting to the admission of the letter from the Highland County
Community Action Organization. However, we have already determined that even
without Detective Kirk’s testimony about the GIS and the letter, there was still sufficient
evidence to convict him of trafficking in drugs in a school zone. Therefore, even if we
assume arguendo that his trial counsel’s performance was deficient by failing to object,
Bondurant cannot prove he was prejudiced. Accordingly, we overrule his third
assignment of error.
VI. ENGAGING IN A PATTERN OF CORRUPT ACTIVTY AND OFFENSE LEVEL
{¶43} Turning to Stevens’ remaining claims, in his second assignment of error
he again challenges the language of Ohio’s RICO statute. He argues that the trial court
incorrectly sentenced him on a first-degree felony for engaging in a pattern of corrupt
activity. Stevens points out that under R.C. 2923.32(B) engaging in a corrupt activity is
only elevated to a first-degree felony if one of the “incidents of corrupt activity” was a
third-degree felony or higher. Because his other convictions in this case were only fifth-
Highland App. Nos. 11CA25 & 11CA27 17
degree felonies, he claims his conviction for engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity
should have been a second-degree felony. The state contends that the phrase
“incidents of corrupt activity” refers to the enterprise as a whole, rather than the
individual defendant; and because at least one of Stevens’ co-defendants was
convicted of a third-degree felony, his first-degree felony conviction was proper. Thus,
as in his first assignment of error, we must first examine the statute to determine which
approach is correct.
A. Law and Analysis
{¶44} Stevens was convicted of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity in
violation of R.C. 2923.32(A)(1). R.C. 2923.32(B)(1) states, “[w]hoever violates this
section is guilty of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity. Except as otherwise
provided in this division, engaging in corrupt activity is a felony of the second degree.
Except as otherwise provided in this division, if at least one of the incidents of corrupt
activity is a felony of the first, second, or third degree, aggravated murder, or murder * *
* engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity is a felony of the first degree.”
{¶45} We find that the phrase “incidents of corrupt activity” as used in R.C.
2923.32(B)(1) is susceptible to more than one reasonable interpretation and therefore is
ambiguous. It is unclear from the statute’s plain language if the legislature intended the
phrase to refer to an individual defendant’s incidents of corrupt activity, as Stevens
claims, or the enterprise’s corrupt activity, as the state argues. Therefore, we must
interpret the statute to determine the legislature’s intent.
{¶46} As we stated in Section III(A), the legislature intended for Ohio’s RICO
statute to impose the greatest level of accountability for organized criminal activity.
Highland App. Nos. 11CA25 & 11CA27 18
Thus, consistent with our earlier analysis, we conclude that the phrase “incidents of
corrupt activity” as used in Ohio’s RICO statute refers to the enterprise as a whole.
Therefore, a defendant may be convicted of a first-degree felony if one of the
enterprise’s incidents of corrupt activity constituted a felony of the first, second, or third-
degree. But see State v. Chamblin, 4th Dist. No.02CA753, 2004-Ohio-2252, ¶ 26.
{¶47} In Chamblin we previously stated that to sustain a conviction under R.C.
2923.32 for a first-degree felony the appellant must have been convicted of a first,
second or third degree felony that was part of the pattern of corrupt activity. Id.
Because we determined that Chamblin’s conviction for the predicate third-degree felony
offense could not stand, we also concluded that he could not be convicted of a first-
degree felony under R.C. 2923.32(B). Id. However, Chamblin did not involve the issue
presented here, i.e. whether the enhancement is available based upon any member of
the enterprise having the requisite conviction.
{¶48} Here, Stevens does not dispute that the other members of the enterprise
were convicted of the necessary felonies. He concedes that two actors in the enterprise
testified at trial that they were convicted of second and third-degree felonies. Thus,
under our interpretation of R.C. 2923.32(B)(1) he was properly convicted of a first-
degree felony for engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity.1
B. Verdict Forms
{¶49} Alternatively, Stevens also claims that the jury’s verdict form for his
conviction was deficient under the standard set forth in State v. Pelfrey, 112 Ohio St. 3d
422, 2007-Ohio-256, 860 N.E.2d 735. He urges us to remand his case for resentencing
1
Stevens’ argument only focuses on statutory construction and not a constitutional violation.
Highland App. Nos. 11CA25 & 11CA27 19
because the jury failed to make a specific finding that one of the “incidents of corrupt
activity” was a first, second or third-degree felony.
{¶50} However, our review of the record shows that Stevens did not object to
the verdict forms at trial. Nevertheless, “the Supreme Court of Ohio has recognized
error, even in the absence of an objection at trial, when a verdict form fails to comply
with R.C. 2945.75(A)(2).” Portsmouth v. Wrage, 4th Dist. No. 08CA3237, 2009-Ohio-
3390, ¶ 42, citing Pelfrey.
{¶51} R.C. 2945.75(A)(2) provides: “When the presence of one or more
additional elements makes an offense one of more serious degree: * * * A guilty verdict
shall state either the degree of the offense of which the offender is found guilty, or that
such additional element or elements are present. Otherwise, a guilty verdict constitutes
a finding of guilty of the least degree of the offense charged.” And “[p]ursuant to the
clear language of R.C. 2945.75, a verdict form signed by a jury must include either the
degree of the offense of which the defendant is convicted or a statement that an
aggravating element has been found to justify convicting a defendant of a greater
degree of a criminal offense.” Pelfrey at syllabus.
{¶52} “R.C. 2945.75(A)(2) and Pelfrey apply only to criminal offenses with
multiple degrees of seriousness. For example, in Pelfrey, the defendant was found
guilty of tampering with records in violation of R.C. 2913.42. Depending on the
seriousness of the conduct, tampering with records under R.C. 2913.42 may be a
misdemeanor of the first degree, a felony of the fifth degree, a felony of the fourth
degree, or a felony of the third degree. See RC. 2913.42(B)(1)-(4). The verdict form in
Pelfrey did not list the aggravating element (tampering with government records) or the
Highland App. Nos. 11CA25 & 11CA27 20
degree of the offense (a third degree felony pursuant to R.C. 2913.42(B)(4)). Pelfrey at
¶ 13.” State v. Norman, 4th Dist. Nos. 08CA3059 & 08CA3066, 2009-Ohio-5458, ¶ 61.
{¶53} Here, a conviction under R.C. 2923.32 for engaging in a pattern of corrupt
activity has multiple degrees of seriousness. Depending on the seriousness of the
incidents of corrupt activity, it can be either a first or second-degree felony. R.C.
2923.32(B). Thus, the jury’s verdict form must comply with R.C. 2945.75(A)(2) and
Pelfrey.
{¶54} Although Stevens claims that the court itself enhanced his conviction to a
first-degree felony, this is not the case. The jury’s verdict form clearly stated the degree
of the offense. The form states, “[w]e, the jury, having been duly impaneled and sworn,
find the defendant, Jeffery Stevens guilty of Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity, a
first degree felony as he stands charged in Count 1 of the indictment.” (Emphasis
added.) Because the form clearly stated that the jury found Stevens guilty of a first-
degree felony, it did not also have to state the jury made a specific finding that one of
the incidents of corrupt activity was a first, second or third-degree felony. To comply
with R.C. 2945.75(A)(2) and Pelfrey, the verdict form need only state either the degree
of the offense or that the jury found an aggravating element present. The verdict form
satisfied this requirement. Therefore, we overrule Stevens’ second assignment of error.
VII. SENTENCING
{¶55} Finally in his third assignment of error Stevens challenges his sentence for
engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity. Stevens claims that the trial court incorrectly
determined that a mandatory sentence applied to his conviction. Specifically, he argues
before imposing a mandatory sentence, the statute requires that the pattern of corrupt
Highland App. Nos. 11CA25 & 11CA27 21
activity involve a first-degree felony; here the state did not prove that anyone involved in
the enterprise was convicted of a first-degree felony. Therefore, he claims the trial court
improperly sentenced him to a mandatory term under R.C. 2929.13(F)(10).
A. Standard of Review
{¶56} “[A]ppellate courts must apply a two-step approach when reviewing felony
sentences. First, [we] must examine the sentencing court's compliance with all
applicable rules and statutes in imposing the sentence to determine whether the
sentence is clearly and convincingly contrary to law. If this first prong is satisfied, the
trial court's decision in imposing the term of imprisonment is reviewed under the abuse-
of-discretion standard.” State v. Kalish, 120 Ohio St. 3d 23, 2008-Ohio-4912, 896 N.E.2d
124, ¶ 26.
B. Law and Analysis
{¶57} The jury found Stevens guilty of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, a
first-degree felony, and the trial court sentenced him to nine years imprisonment. At
sentencing the court stated, “the Defendants have been convicted of engaging in a
pattern of corrupt activity, a first-degree felony. I believe that there’s a mandatory
sentence. * * * And three to ten is the range of sentence that there is.” The court also
stated: “So as to Defendant Stevens, the potential sentence on [Engaging in a Pattern
of Corrupt Activity] is actual three, mandatory actual three to ten years.” The state and
Stevens’ trial attorney both agreed with the court’s statements. Although the court
never orally explained the basis for its conclusion that the sentence was mandatory,
nevertheless, the judgment entry of conviction indicates that the court found “that a
mandatory prison term is required by 2929.13(F) ORC.”
Highland App. Nos. 11CA25 & 11CA27 22
{¶58} R.C. 2929.13(F) requires the sentencing court to impose a mandatory
prison term for certain serious offenses and limits the court's discretion to reduce that
term, except in certain enumerated circumstances. State v. Johnson, 116 Ohio St. 3d
541, 2008-Ohio-69, 880 N.E.2d 896, ¶¶16, 17. The statute states: “Notwithstanding
divisions (A) to (E) of this section, the court shall impose a prison term or terms under
sections 2929.02 to 2929.06, section 2929.14, section 2929.142, or section 2971.03 of
the Revised Code and * * *shall not reduce the term * * * for any of the following
offenses * * * (10) Corrupt activity in violation of section 2923.32 of the Revised Code
when the most serious offense in the pattern of corrupt activity that is the basis of the
offense is a felony of the first degree.”
{¶59} Although Stevens argues that this is the only subsection that applies to his
case, our review indicates otherwise. R.C. 2929.13(F)(6) also requires a mandatory
sentence for: “Any offense that is a first or second degree felony and that is not set
forth in division (F)(1), (2), (3), or (4) of this section, if the offender previously was
convicted of or pleaded guilty to * * * any first or second degree felony * * *[.]” At trial,
Stevens testified that he was previously convicted of complicity to aggravated robbery.
And because complicity to aggravated robbery is a felony of the first-degree, see R.C.
2911.01(C) and R.C. 2923.03(F), the trial court could have based its finding that
Stevens’ conviction required a mandatory sentence under R.C. 2929.13(F)(6). In fact,
before announcing Stevens’ sentence the court noted that Stevens testified that he had
been convicted of complicity to aggravated robbery, in addition to several other
offenses. In light of the fact that we review judgments, not the rationale behind them,
we cannot say the courts sentence was clearly and convincing contrary to law.
Highland App. Nos. 11CA25 & 11CA27 23
{¶60} Finally, trial courts have full discretion to impose a prison sentence within
the statutory range. At the time of his sentencing R.C. 29291.4(A)(1) provided that a
first-degree felony was punishable by a term of three to ten years. Accordingly, the trial
court did not abuse its discretion by sentencing Stevens to nine years for a first-degree
felony conviction. We overrule Stevens’ third assignment of error.
VI. CONCLUSION
{¶61} In conclusion, we overrule each of Bondurant’s assignments of error and
affirm the judgment of the trial court in his case. We also overrule each of Stevens’
assignments of error and affirm the judgment of the trial court in his case.
JUDGMENT AFFIRMED.
Highland App. Nos. 11CA25 & 11CA27 24
JUDGMENT ENTRY
It is ordered that the JUDGMENT IS AFFIRMED and that Appellants shall pay
the costs.
The Court finds there were reasonable grounds for this appeal.
It is ordered that a special mandate issue out of this Court directing the Highland
County Court of Common Pleas 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. Exceptions.
Abele, P.J. & McFarland, J.: Concur in Judgment and Opinion.
For the Court
BY: ____________________________
William H. Harsha, 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.