State v. Jury

[Cite as State v. Jury, 2016-Ohio-2663.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
SIXTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
ERIE COUNTY
State of Ohio Court of Appeals No. E-14-100
Appellee Trial Court No. 2013-CR-472
v.
Brian Jury DECISION AND JUDGMENT
Appellant Decided: April 22, 2016
*****
Kevin J. Baxter, Erie County Prosecuting Attorney, and
Mary Ann Barylski, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, for appellee.
Joanna M. Orth, for appellant.
****
PIETRYKOWSKI, J.
{¶ 1} Defendant-appellant, Brian Jury, appeals the August 7, 2014 judgment of the
Erie County Court of Common Pleas which, following a jury trial convicting him of two
counts of rape, one count of felonious assault, and two counts of abduction, with three
gun specifications, sentenced him to a total of 36 years of imprisonment. For the reasons
set forth herein, we affirm.
{¶ 2} On November 14, 2013, appellant was indicted on nine counts including two
counts of kidnapping, attempted murder, felonious assault, and five counts of rape.
Seven of the counts had firearm specifications. The charges stemmed from the
November 1, 2013 alleged abduction and rape of the victim in Erie County, Ohio.
Appellant entered not guilty pleas to the charges.
{¶ 3} An eight-day jury trial commenced on June 17, 2014, and the evidence is
summarized as follows. On November 1, 2013, at approximately 2:00 p.m., a motorist
testified that she was travelling westbound on Strecker Road, in Erie County, Ohio, when
she observed a nude female bound and gagged and sitting along the side of the road. The
motorist stated that the victim had tightly bound zip ties on her ankles and hands which
were purple and that she was cold. She described the victim’s mental state as “terror.”
The motorist called 911.
{¶ 4} The motorist testified that she flagged down a passing vehicle; the driver
happened to be an off-duty Erie County sheriff’s deputy. Deputy Steve Hammersmith
testified that when he approached the victim he observed and she was very
uncomfortable; he took off his T-shirt and slid it down over her arms which were still
bound. Hammersmith stated that he removed the heavy tape covering the victim’s mouth
which also pulled out some of her hair. Deputy Hammersmith stated that the zip ties
around her hands and feet were “embedded” in her skin approximately a quarter inch.
2.
{¶ 5} Deputy Hammersmith questioned the victim and discovered that she came
from a camper near the roadway. The victim stated that the perpetrator could still be on
the premises and that he was armed. Hammersmith stated that he telephoned dispatch
with the additional information. Another passing motorist provided a pair of scissors to
remove the zip ties and a neighbor brought out a blanket to cover the victim. Eventually,
she was transported by ambulance to the hospital.
{¶ 6} Emergency physician, John Smith, testified that he conducted the initial
examination of the victim. Reviewing her chart, Dr. Smith indicated that her chief
complaint was that she was raped five to six times. The victim also complained of pain
to her wrist, ankle and back. The victim indicated that she had fallen out of a trailer and
rolled up a hill. Dr. Smith indicated that the victim’s injuries were consistent with being
tied up. Dr. Smith further stated that it was a “slam dunk” as far as his belief that the
victim had been raped. An objection to the testimony was raised and the court gave a
curative instruction. A mistrial based on Dr. Smith’s testimony was later requested and
denied.
{¶ 7} Dr. Smith clarified that the victim’s injuries were consistent with being
raped but that he did not conduct the rape exam; he ordered it and it was done by a
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (“SANE”). Dr. Smith noted that the victim denied drug
or alcohol use.
3.
{¶ 8} SANE Julie Young testified that she was called to conduct a rape kit or rape
exam on the victim. Young stated that she received a narrative statement from the
victim. According to Young, the victim stated that appellant, whom she had met before,
was driving by and offered her a ride to the store. Appellant did not stop at the store and
had a gun and threatened to shoot her. The victim stated that appellant drove her to a
camper, removed her clothing and raped her. Appellant used zip ties to restrain her.
Once he left, the victim stated that she rolled out the door and up on to the road where she
was found.
{¶ 9} Young testified that she photographed the victim’s injuries; the photos were
published to the jury and depicted ligature marks on her wrists and ankles, various
abrasions, and cellular injury to the victim’s vagina (such injury could have occurred
during “rough” consensual sex.) Oral, vaginal, and anal swabs were collected as well as
hair samples and fingernail scrapings. The kit was transferred to Deputy Daniel Ozech of
the Erie County sheriff’s department. During cross-examination, Young agreed that she
questioned the victim about her drug and alcohol use and that the victim denied using
“recreational drugs.”
{¶ 10} Lorain Detective Christopher Kovach, testified that his department was
contacted regarding a possible kidnapping case involving appellant. According to
Detective Kovach, appellant owned various properties in Lorain and his girlfriend lived
there. Driving by her home, appellant’s work truck appeared to be in the driveway. Zip
ties matching the description of those removed from the victim were seized from the
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truck. A Motorola cell phone was also taken from the console of the truck. Speaking
with his girlfriend, police were notified that his motorcycle was not in the garage and that
he may be driving it.
{¶ 11} James Wolford, a city of Lorain patrol officer, testified that on November
1, 2013, at approximately 6:15 p.m., and after being informed of the allegations against
appellant and his possible location, he observed appellant riding his motorcycle and
initiated a stop. Wolford stated that appellant had a loaded .22 caliber pistol in his breast
pocket and a loaded 9 millimeter semi-automatic handgun in his jacket pocket. A knife
was found in the saddlebag of the motorcycle and one was found on his person. DNA
swabs were taken from appellant.
{¶ 12} Erie County Detective Sergeant Dennis Papineau testified that he acted as a
blind administrator of a photo array presented to the victim. In other words, Papineau did
not know who the suspect was or even if he was included in the array. Detective
Papineau testified that he showed the victim the photo array and that she identified
appellant.
{¶ 13} Detective Papineau testified that he then briefly interviewed the victim and
photographed her injuries which included scrapes and dirt around her knees and marks on
her ankles and wrists. Papineau stated that she was visibly upset.
{¶ 14} Papineau testified that a search warrant was executed for the camper and
several items were confiscated including “tie straps,” tissues, and multiple types of duct
tape. Papineau also obtained search warrants for the appellant’s iPhone records through
5.
Verizon and the victim’s Motorola phone. Detective Papineau stated that there were
several text messages between the two phones; those messages, spanning October 30,
2013, to November 1, 2013, were consolidated in an exhibit and admitted into evidence.
The gist of the messages was that the victim was inquiring about renting a property in
Lorain from appellant. The victim was having trouble locating the house; appellant
offered to pick up the victim and show her the house. On November 1, 2013, beginning
at 10:37 a.m., the following exchange took place. Appellant to the victim: “Where at.”
The victim to appellant: “On 18.” Appellant to the victim: “Let’s go.” The victim to
appellant: “Putting shoes on now.” Thereafter, at 2:54 p.m., from appellant to the victim:
“Hope you liked the house, let me know if you’re interested.”
{¶ 15} Detective Papineau was cross-examined about the texting history between
appellant and the victim and her reluctance to acknowledge that she knew him prior to
the events of November 1. Papineau stated that the earliest text the records showed was
from March 1, 2013. Further, the victim’s cell number was stored in appellant’s phone
and a missed call from her number was placed in July 10, 2013.
{¶ 16} Detective Papineau was questioned regarding a second interview with the
victim which he conducted after he had the above information. Detective Papineau
admitted that he did not inquire about the fact that in prior interviews, the victim failed to
mention that she knew appellant. Further, he did not ask for an explanation of the
discrepancy in where the victim was picked up. She stated that she was picked up on
19th Street in Lorain, Ohio, but the text message stated that she was putting on her shoes
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on 18th Street. The victim did admit that there were prior text messages and that she had
spoken with appellant about renting a house.
{¶ 17} Erie County sheriff’s deputy Jared Oliver testified that when he arrived on
the scene, Deputy Hammersmith and the motorist were assisting the victim. Additional
officers and emergency response arrived shortly thereafter. Oliver stated that they
searched the camper and the property. Deputy Oliver stated that they ascertained the
suspect’s identity from the VIN of a truck on the property and mail in the mail box. At
that point they also linked appellant to a Lorain County address and informed police in
that jurisdiction of the investigation. Deputy Oliver further testified that the victim
informed him that appellant had been in a white work truck; neighbors stated that he
worked for a gas company. At that point, Deputy Oliver found an Airgas statement in the
camper and deduced that appellant worked for that company. Through Airgas, they
acquired appellant’s cell phone number. Deputy Oliver testified that he called appellant’s
cell phone and left a message in order to get a GPS coordinate; the coordinate indicated
that the phone was in Lorain County.
{¶ 18} Deputy Oliver testified that a few months into the investigation he learned
that the victim had ingested heroin the day before the incident; he was also aware of her
use of Oxycodone and Percocet. Oliver stated that the victim’s drug use did not change
either the way the crime was investigated or her status as a crime victim.
7.
{¶ 19} Deputy Oliver testified regarding several photographs taken at the scene
including photos of a tarp laid out on the ground near the camper. Oliver stated that the
grass underneath the tarp was “fresh” so it had not been there long.
{¶ 20} Deputy Oliver was cross-examined about the victim’s version of the events.
Specifically, the fact that she initially denied drug use and downplayed her prior contacts
with appellant.
{¶ 21} Lorain Police Detective Steyven Curry testified that he interviewed the
victim at the hospital. The audiotape of the interview was played for the jury. Curry was
cross-examined about the victim’s version of the events including the fact that her story
made it look like appellant picking her up to give her a ride to the store was a random
event and that they had not been in recent contact. The victim failed to mention she had
been exchanging text messages with appellant that morning about looking at a house for
rent. Detective Curry was also questioned about the fact that the victim was introduced
to appellant through a mutual friend who was a heroin addict and prostitute.
{¶ 22} The victim testified that she first met appellant in 2012, and was introduced
by their mutual friend K.A. At the time, the victim knew appellant as “Greg.” Around
that time he showed her an apartment. In October 2013, the victim stated she contacted
appellant about renting a house. She had telephone and text contact with him in the days
leading up to November 1, 2013. The victim testified that she and her boyfriend
unsuccessfully attempted to locate the house; appellant agreed to show it to her the next
day.
8.
{¶ 23} The victim testified that the next day she walked one street over to see if a
friend had moved from her residence yet; the friend was gone so the victim decided to
walk to the store. The victim testified that appellant pulled up and offered to drive her to
the store; she agreed and got in the truck. The victim stated that appellant did not stop at
the store and when she asked where they were going he said to “shut the f*ck up,” that he
had a gun, and not to move.
{¶ 24} Once in Erie County, the victim stated that he stopped and took her into a
camper. He was carrying a gun. Once inside, the victim testified that appellant took off
her clothing and threatened to shoot her if she did not comply. Appellant then placed a
knife to her throat and began raping her. The victim stated that he eventually used zip
ties to restrain her arms and legs. Her mouth was duct-taped shut.
{¶ 25} The victim testified that appellant raped her five times and that in between
he went outside for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. The victim could not see what he
was doing but stated that it sounded like he was moving vehicles around. Appellant
eventually left; he took the victim’s cell phone.
{¶ 26} At that time, appellant stated that she rolled off the bed and used her head
to move a suitcase and to open the door. Appellant then rolled out of the camper and fell
to the ground. Appellant stated that she rolled in the rocks and up to the highway where a
passing motorist spotted her and stopped. An off-duty sheriff’s deputy also stopped.
{¶ 27} The victim denied that any of the treating medical personnel asked about
her drug usage. She admitted that she did not tell them, but stated that she was
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traumatized from the events. Appellant testified that Greg (appellant) was the perpetrator
and denied that they had a prior sexual relationship.
{¶ 28} During cross examination, the victim stated that she met K.A.
approximately two and one-half years ago and appellant two years ago. The victim also
admitted that appellant was at her home two months prior to the incident. The victim
stated that her boyfriend did not like appellant and he did not want him to know where
they lived so that is why she met him on the next street. The victim indicated that they
recently moved to a neighboring house and appellant had not been there.
{¶ 29} The victim was then questioned about a series of text messages on the
morning of the incident. At 9:51 a.m., she texted appellant that she could not find the
house he had available for rent. At 10:26 a.m., appellant asked if the victim wanted him
to pick her up to show her; she responded yes. It was determined that they would meet
immediately. She texted him to meet her on 18th Street, and she testified that she told
him she was putting on her shoes to allow time for her to get to the store. The victim
stated that she was surprised that he arrived so quickly. The last text message was sent
from appellant to the victim at 2:54 p.m. that day and read: “Hope you liked the house.
Let me know if you’re interested.” The victim stated that at that time she had been
found bound on the side of the road.
{¶ 30} Other than the two times she was looking for housing, the victim denied
having any other contact with appellant. When confronted with the cell records which
10.
showed several additional contacts, she stated that K.A. had used her phone because she
did not have one.
{¶ 31} Forensic scientists testified regarding the chain-of-custody and testing done
on biological materials taken from the rape kit contents, appellant, and swabs from
various other pieces of evidence. The reports, that were testified to and admitted into
evidence, showed that the DNA from the vaginal swabs came from the victim and
appellant. Further, the victim could not be excluded as a contributor to the DNA found
from the swab of the knife blade. The statistical likelihood was one in 5,271 unrelated
individuals.
{¶ 32} Following the presentation of the state’s evidence, appellant’s counsel
moved for a directed verdict on the attempted murder charge arguing that the evidence
failed to show that appellant have a specific intent or purpose to cause the victim’s death.
The court denied the motion.
{¶ 33} Appellant presented evidence in support of his case. An employee for
Airgas testified that she coordinates jobs with technicians, including appellant who had
worked for the company since 2011. She testified that on November 1, 2013, at 10:40
a.m., she emailed appellant about a service call in Elyria, Ohio. She was informed that he
arrived there at approximately 12:30 pm., or around lunchtime.
{¶ 34} During cross-examination, the Airgas employee said she verified the timing
through a driver who saw appellant there and another technician. She was then
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questioned about another Airgas employee whose log indicated that appellant arrived at
2:30 p.m.; she clarified that she got the information from her “liaison” at the company
and not from personal knowledge.
{¶ 35} Toxicologist Robert Forney testified regarding the results of the victim’s
urine drug screen taken upon arrival at the hospital. The results were positive for various
controlled substances, including heroin, and alcohol. Regarding the victim’s heroin use,
Fortney testified that based on the level detected it would have been “recent,” or within
the preceding 12 hours.
{¶ 36} Appellant testified that he met the victim in March 2013, and paid her for
sex. Appellant stated that he paid her for sex several more times. Appellant stated that
they had intercourse at least ten times at her house and then various times at his rental
properties for a total of approximately 20 times from September to November 2013.
{¶ 37} Appellant testified that on the morning of November 1, 2013, he had slept
at his fiancée’s house in Lorain. At approximately 10:00 a.m., appellant testified that the
victim texted that she wanted to see the property he had for rent. Appellant stated that he
was in his work vehicle and was about to head out to his farm to get parts for a job he had
that day. The victim’s texts indicated that she was at her home on 18th Street in Lorain.
Appellant stated that he waited in front of her house, she came out and they headed over
to the property. Appellant stated that they did not go in the property because he could not
find the key. Appellant believed that his set of keys was with a maintenance worker.
12.
{¶ 38} Appellant testified that the victim wanted to exchange rent for sex but that
he declined. Appellant did agree to have sex with the victim for money; he stated that
she informed him that they could not go back to her house because her brother (actually
her boyfriend) was there. Appellant suggested that the victim ride with him to his farm,
and that he would drop her off on the way to his job.
{¶ 39} When they arrived at the camper, appellant said that it was cold so he gave
the victim a blanket and went out to get the parts for his job. Appellant stated that it had
recently rained on some tarps that were covering a picnic table and some tools; the tarps
were wet so he laid them on the ground to dry out.
{¶ 40} When he returned to the camper, the victim began performing oral sex.
Appellant stated that they had vaginal intercourse and that he ejaculated in her. Once the
sex acts were completed and the victim was back in his truck, he opened his wallet to pay
her the agreed upon $40. At that point, appellant stated that he discovered that $100 was
missing; he confronted the victim who denied taking it. Appellant testified that he made
the victim remove her clothing and the $100 fell out of her bra. Appellant stated that at
that point, the victim said she wanted $1,000 or she would accuse him of rape.
{¶ 41} Appellant testified that it “escalated” from there and that the victim was
screaming and calling him names. He testified that he grabbed the victim’s wrists behind
her back and put her face-down on a bench. Appellant then grabbed zip ties and secured
her wrists; he stated that he tied her feet together because she was kicking him. Because
she could still maneuver, appellant hogtied or bound her wrists and ankles together.
13.
Appellant stated that she still would not be quiet so he put paper towels in her mouth and
duct taped it shut. Appellant then stated that he told her they both needed a “break” and
said he would be back in a few hours. Appellant stated that he left at approximately
11:30 to 11:40 a.m.
{¶ 42} Appellant stated that he arrived at his service call in Elyria, Ohio, between
12:30 and 1:00 p.m. Regarding the testimony that he arrived after 2:30 p.m., appellant
stated that drivers may put down technically incorrect times based on “stop pay”
restrictions. Appellant testified that he finished the job around 2:45 p.m. At that time, he
listened to two voicemails from the Erie County Sheriff’s Office; the first one stated that
police needed to speak with him, listening to the second one he could hear his dog
barking so he knew they were at his property. Appellant testified that he panicked and
sent a text to the victim’s phone stating that he hoped she liked the house and to let him
know if she was interested. He stated that he sent it to create an “alibi” or to make it
appear that he was not with the victim. Appellant stated that he took his work truck back
to his fiancée’s house, retrieved two guns and two knives and drove towards the farm on
his motorcycle. Approaching his property in Erie County, he observed a sheriff’s vehicle
in the road; appellant stated that he turned around and ultimately began driving toward
his attorney’s office when he was stopped and arrested by Lorain police.
{¶ 43} During cross-examination, appellant was questioned about his 2:54 p.m.
text message he sent to the victim which he stated was in response to the police
voicemails, not based upon his intent to kill her and use the text as an alibi. Appellant
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was then confronted with his phone records showing that the calls from the deputy were
at 3:22 p.m. and 3:24 p.m., which was after he sent the text.
{¶ 44} Appellant agreed that he laid a tarp out “several feet” from the camper
where the victim was located. Appellant agreed that he restrained the victim’s liberty and
did not free her in a safe place. Appellant denied taking the victim’s cell phone. He
denied raping the victim.
{¶ 45} K.A. testified that she is a heroin addict and a prostitute and that she has
had sex with appellant on a few occasions. K.A. stated that she knew the victim from
“prostituting” and they had met at a drug dealer’s house. K.A. denied ever using the
victim’s phone to contact appellant.
{¶ 46} Appellant’s final witness was a former co-worker who testified that
appellant was a “truthful” person. When cross-examined, he stated that he did not know
that appellant carried guns and paid prostitutes for sex.
{¶ 47} Following deliberations, the jury found appellant not guilty of attempted
murder, guilty of two counts of rape and not guilty of three counts of rape, guilty of
felonious assault, guilty of two counts of abduction, a lesser included of kidnapping. The
jury further found appellant guilty of gun specifications as to three of the counts.
Appellant was sentenced on August 7, 2014, and this appeal followed.
{¶ 48} Appellant now raises six assignments of error for our review:
First Assignment of Error: The verdict is against the manifest weight
of the evidence.
15.
Second Assignment of Error: The trial court erred when it failed to
give a lesser included charge of sexual battery.
Third Assignment of Error: The trial court erred in denying
defendant/appellant’s motion for mistrial insofar as the prejudice created by
the testimonial evidence of the expert witness outweighed its probative
value.
Fourth Assignment of Error: The testimony of [the victim] was
wrongfully bolstered by inadmissible hearsay statements.
Fifth Assignment of Error: Defendant/appellant’s sentence should be
vacated as the trial court failed, as a matter of law, to make specific
findings of fact before imposing consecutive sentences pursuant to Ohio
Revised Code § 2929.14(C)(4).
Sixth Assignment of Error: Defendant/appellant’s sentence should
be vacated as it is excessive, unreasonable and contrary to law.
{¶ 49} In his first assignment or error, appellant argues that the jury’s verdict was
against the manifest weight of the evidence. An appellate court in considering a
challenge to a verdict on the grounds that it is against the manifest weight of the evidence
acts as a “thirteenth juror,” reviews the entire record, weighs the evidence, and may
disagree with the factfinder’s conclusions on conflicting testimony. State v. Thompkins,
78 Ohio St. 3d 380, 387, 678 N.E.2d 541 (1997).
16.
“The court, reviewing the entire record, weighs the evidence and all
reasonable inferences, considers the credibility of witnesses and determines
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 new trial ordered.” Id., quoting State v. Martin, 20 Ohio
App.3d 172, 175, 485 N.E.2d 717 (1st. Dist.1983).
{¶ 50} There is a presumption that the findings of the trier-of-fact are correct.
Seasons Coal Co., Inc. v. Cleveland, 10 Ohio St. 3d 77, 80, 461 N.E.2d 1273 (1984).
“Judgments supported by some competent, credible evidence going to all the essential
elements of the case will not be reversed by a reviewing court as being against the
manifest weight of the evidence.” C.E. Morris Co. v. Foley Constr. Co., 54 Ohio St. 2d
279, 376 N.E.2d 578 (1978), syllabus. Reversals on the ground that a verdict is against
the manifest weight of the evidence are granted “only in the exceptional case in which the
evidence weighs heavily against conviction.” Thompkins at 387.
{¶ 51} Appellant’s argument that the verdict was against the weight of the
evidence centers on the victim’s testimony. Specifically, appellant points to
inconsistencies regarding the victim’s prior contacts with appellant, her drug use and
alleged prostitution. Carefully reviewing the trial testimony, we find that appellant’s
admission to restraining the victim and the testimony from police and emergency medical
personnel as to the victim’s injuries and demeanor, demonstrate that they jury did not
17.
lose its way in convicting appellant of rape, felonious assault, and abduction. Appellant’s
first assignment of error is not well-taken.
{¶ 52} Appellant’s second assignment of error asserts error in the trial court’s
failure to instruct the jury on the lesser included offense of sexual battery. The state
counters and the record confirms that appellant failed to request a sexual battery
instruction and did not object to the instructions given.
{¶ 53} As noted by the state, Crim.R. 30(A) provides:
At the close of the evidence or at such earlier time during the trial as
the court reasonably directs, any party may file written requests that the
court instruct the jury on the law as set forth in the requests. Copies shall be
furnished to all other parties at the time of making the requests. The court
shall inform counsel of its proposed action on the requests prior to counsel's
arguments to the jury and shall give the jury complete instructions after the
arguments are completed. The court also may give some or all of its
instructions to the jury prior to counsel's arguments. The court shall reduce
its final instructions to writing or make an audio, electronic, or other
recording of those instructions, provide at least one written copy or
recording of those instructions to the jury for use during deliberations, and
preserve those instructions for the record.
On appeal, a party may not assign as error the giving or the failure
to give any instructions unless the party objects before the jury retires to
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consider its verdict, stating specifically the matter objected to and the
grounds of the objection. Opportunity shall be given to make the objection
out of the hearing of the jury. (Emphasis added.)
{¶ 54} The failure to object to a jury instruction constitutes a waiver of any claim
of error to the instruction. State v. Long , 53 Ohio St. 2d 91, 96-97, 372 N.E.2d 804
(1978). Crim.R. 52(B) provides a means to avoid waiver under plain error. “Notice of
plain error under Crim.R. 52(B) is to be taken with the utmost caution, under exceptional
circumstances and only to prevent a manifest miscarriage of justice.” Id. at paragraph
three of the syllabus; State v. Witcher, 6th Dist. Lucas No. L-06-1039, 2007-Ohio-3960, ¶
32.
{¶ 55} In the present case, the parties and the court reviewed the jury instructions
in great detail. Prior to trial, appellant filed a motion requesting that the jury be
instructed on the lesser included offense of abduction; the request was granted.
Appellant’s theory at trial was that the sex acts between he and the victim were
consensual. Thus, it is likely that counsel’s failure to request a sexual battery jury
instruction was tactical in nature and the court did not commit plain error in failing to
give the instruction. See State v. Viers, 7th Dist. Jefferson No. 01 JE 19, 2003-Ohio-3483
(rejecting the argument that the trial court should have sua sponte instructed on the lesser
included offense undermining counsel’s trial strategy). Appellant’s second assignment of
error is not well-taken.
19.
{¶ 56} Appellant’s third assignment of error contends that the trial court erred
when it denied his motion for a mistrial based on the testimony of emergency room
physician John Smith. In general, the grant or denial of a mistrial rests within the
discretion of the trial court and is subject to review on appeal under an abuse of discretion
standard. State v. Sage, 31 Ohio St. 3d 173, 182, 510 N.E.2d 343 (1987), Long, 53 Ohio
St.2d at 98, 372 N.E.2d 804. A mistrial is an extreme remedy and should be “declared
only when the ends of justice so require and a fair trial is no longer possible.” State v.
Franklin, 62 Ohio St. 3d 118, 127, 580 N.E.2d 1 (1991), citing Illinois v. Somerville, 410
U.S. 458, 462-463, 93 S. Ct. 1066, 35 L. Ed. 2d 425 (1973).
{¶ 57} During Dr. Smith’s direct examination, the following discussion took
place:
Q: Okay. Have there been times that you’ve determined, from a
medical standpoint, that some of their claims are not consistent with your
examination.
A: Yes. I mean, some people you’ll see, you’ll get your history and
physical, and it sounds sort of crass, but I’ll say, I don’t really believe this
person was raped –
MR. BRADLEY: Objection.
A: -- or anything happened –
COURT: Basis?
A: -- to them.
20.
COURT: Basis?
MR. BRADLEY: It has nothing to do with this case, Your Honor.
MR. BAXTER: I – I think it gives –
COURT: You’re saying relevant, not relevant?
MR. BRADLEY: Not relevant, Your Honor.
MR. BAXTER: I think it –
COURT: Overruled. Overruled. Answer the question.
MR. BAXTER: It goes to his expertise.
COURT: Overruled. Answer the question.
A: Okay. And on this case this was about as big a slam dunk as far
as somebody --.
MR. BRADLEY: Objection.
A: -- that I thought was raped and –
COURT: Basis?
A: Was tied up.
MR. BRADLEY: Objection.
{¶ 58} The trial court immediately sustained the objection to Dr. Smith’s
testimony and, following a bench discussion, instructed the jury as follows:
[A]n expert can testify as to their own field and their reasonable
degree of medical certainty for this doctor’s field, but the determination
whether this offense took place, whether rape actually took place, that
21.
determination is made by you, the jury. So any comment by the doctor that
the rape actually took place does not replace your obligation or your duty to
determine that. He’s only talking in the medical profession. Any reference
that was made that you took otherwise you’re to disregard.
{¶ 59} Dr. Smith then clarified that his final “diagnosis” was an order for a rape
exam to be conducted by a SANE. He based the order on the victim’s injuries and mental
state which, he testified, were consistent with her claim that she was raped.
{¶ 60} A curative instruction to disregard testimony has been recognized as “an
appropriate remedy, rather than a mistrial, for inadvertent answers given by a witness to
an otherwise innocent question.” State v. Holmes, 5th Dist. Stark No. 2004CA00118,
2005-Ohio-1481, ¶ 52; see State v. Mobley, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 18878, 2002 WL
506626 (Apr. 5, 2002). A jury is presumed to follow such an instruction. State v. Garner,
74 Ohio St. 3d 49, 59, 656 N.E.2d 623 (1995).
{¶ 61} Reviewing Dr. Smith’s entire trial testimony and the court’s curative
instruction, we find that the court did not abuse its discretion when it denied appellant’s
motion for a mistrial. Appellant’s third assignment of error is not well-taken.
{¶ 62} In his fourth assignment of error, appellant argues that the victim’s
testimony was “wrongfully bolstered” by inadmissible hearsay statements. Specifically,
appellant contends that during the testimony of Detective Curry, the court, over
objection, wrongfully allowed the audio-taped interview of the victim to be played for the
jury.
22.
{¶ 63} Initially we note that questions regarding the admissibility of evidence are
left to the sound discretion of the trial court and will not be reversed absent a showing of
an abuse of discretion. Sage, 31 Ohio St. 3d 173, 510 N.E.2d 343, paragraph two of the
syllabus.
{¶ 64} The court based its decision on Evid.R. 801(D)(1) which provides:
(D) Statements Which Are Not Hearsay. A statement is not hearsay
if:
(1) Prior Statement by Witness. The declarant testifies at trial or
hearing and is subject to cross-examination concerning the statement, and
the statement is (a) inconsistent with declarant's testimony, and was given
under oath subject to cross-examination by the party against whom the
statement is offered and subject to the penalty of perjury at a trial, hearing,
or other proceeding, or in a deposition, or (b) consistent with declarant's
testimony and is offered to rebut an express or implied charge against
declarant of recent fabrication or improper influence or motive, or (c) one
of identification of a person soon after perceiving the person, if the
circumstances demonstrate the reliability of the prior identification.
{¶ 65} The rule “‘permits the rehabilitation of a witness whose credibility has been
attacked by an express or implied charge that he recently fabricated his story or falsified
his testimony in response to improper motivation or undue influence.’” State v. English,
12th Dist. Butler No. CA2013-03-048, 2014-Ohio-441, ¶ 35, quoting State v. Brown,
23.
12th Dist. Butler No. CA2011-11-207, 2013-Ohio-1610, ¶ 16. Further, “‘[i]n
determining whether to admit a prior consistent statement, a trial court should take a
generous view of the entire trial setting to determine if there was sufficient impeachment
to amount to a charge of fabrication or improper influence or motivation.’” State v.
Lukacs, 188 Ohio App. 3d 597, 2010-Ohio-2364, 936 N.E.2d 506, ¶ 14 (1st Dist.),
quoting State v. Jones, 1st Dist. Hamilton No. C-080518, 2009-Ohio-4190, ¶ 35.
{¶ 66} In the present case, defense counsel claimed that the motive to lie arose
immediately following the incident because the victim threatened to lie about the rape if
appellant did not pay her $1,000. However, during opening arguments and in attacking
the victim’s credibility, defense counsel repeatedly stated that the victim lied because she
did not want police to know that she was a prostitute and a heroin addict. Counsel
labeled her a thief and attempted to use her recent heroin use to attack her memory and
credibility. Counsel further stressed that the victim changed her story several times
between her first statements at the scene and subsequent interviews.
{¶ 67} Following the playing of the taped interview, Detective Curry was
thoroughly cross-examined about the discrepancies in the victim’s statement and
subsequent facts. Specifically, Curry admitted that it was interesting that the victim made
it appear that her initial encounter with appellant was random rather than a premediated
meeting to look at a property.
24.
{¶ 68} Based on the foregoing, we cannot say that the trial court abused its
discretion when it allowed the audiotaped interview of the victim to be played for the
jury. Appellant’s fourth assignment of error is not well-taken.
{¶ 69} In appellant’s fifth and sixth assignments of error, he argues that
appellant’s consecutive sentence was contrary to law and excessive because the court’s
R.C. 2929.14(C)(4) finding was erroneous. Specifically, appellant argues that the
findings that the offenses were committed as part of a course of conduct,
R.C.2929.14(C)(4)(b) and that appellant had a history of criminal conduct, R.C.
2929.14(C)(4)(c), were in error.
{¶ 70} We review consecutive sentences under the standard of review set forth in
R.C. 2953.08. State v. Banks, 6th Dist. Lucas No L-13-1095, 2014-Ohio-1000, ¶ 10.
Under R.C. 2953.08(G)(2), we may increase, reduce, or modify a sentence, or vacate the
sentence and remand the matter to the sentencing court for resentencing, if we clearly and
convincingly find that either the record does not support the trial court’s findings under
R.C. 2929.14(C)(4), or the sentence is otherwise contrary to law.
{¶ 71} R.C. 2929.14(C)(4) provides:
If multiple prison terms are imposed on an offender for convictions
of multiple offenses, the court may require the offender to serve the prison
terms consecutively if the court finds that the consecutive service is
necessary to protect the public from future crime or to punish the offender
and that consecutive sentences are not disproportionate to the seriousness of
25.
the offender’s conduct and to the danger the offender poses to the public,
and if the court also finds any of the following:
(a) The offender committed one or more of the multiple offenses
while the offender was awaiting trial or sentencing, was under a sanction
imposed pursuant to section 2929.16, 2929.17, or 2929.18 of the Revised
Code, or was under post-release control for a prior offense.
(b) At least two of the multiple offenses were committed as part of
one or more courses of conduct, and the harm caused by two or more of the
multiple offenses so committed was so great or unusual that no single
prison term for any of the offenses committed as part of any of the courses
of conduct adequately reflects the seriousness of the offender’s conduct.
(c) The offender’s history of criminal conduct demonstrates that
consecutive sentences are necessary to protect the public from future crime
by the offender.
{¶ 72} In State v. Bonnell, 140 Ohio St. 3d 209, 2014-Ohio-3177, 16 N.E.3d 659,
syllabus, the Supreme Court of Ohio clarified the responsibilities of a trial court when
imposing consecutive sentences: “In order to impose consecutive terms of imprisonment,
a trial court is required to make the findings mandated by R.C. 2929.14(C)(4) at the
sentencing hearing and incorporate its findings into its sentencing entry, but it has no
obligation to state reasons to support its findings.”
26.
{¶ 73} The court further explained: “[A] word-for-word recitation of the language
of the statute is not required, and as long as the reviewing court can discern that the trial
court engaged in the correct analysis and can determine that the record contains evidence
to support the findings, consecutive sentences should be upheld.” Id. at ¶ 29.
{¶ 74} At appellant’s July 14, 2014 sentencing hearing the court found that
consecutive sentences were necessary “to protect the public from future crimes and to
punish you and that the consecutive sentences are not disproportionate to the seriousness
of your conduct or the danger you pose.” The court indicated that as to protecting the
public “50 women in four years in the past and now more women, and the type of activity
that you did here shows that you are a danger to the public.”
{¶ 75} The court further found that the multiple offenses were part of a course of
conduct and that the harm was so great or unusual that no single prison term would
adequate reflect the seriousness of the conduct. The court then stated:
I think that a bound, gagged, hogtied, naked female left in a trailer
that you even talked about when the trailer, you got there, it was cold, that
you gave her a blanket and that you had to warm up your own hands
because it was so cold in there. Leaving her like that and for her to have to
crawl out of it, roll up off the yard, up the stones, and onto the middle of a
highway, or a road I should say, where the speed limit’s 55, and lay there
and hope, hope that you’re not coming back to kill her, because, according
to her version, you had told her that if she moved, your cell phone would go
27.
off and you’d be right back. Just hope that somebody else would come by
and save her. The Court finds that the conduct is outrageous, just
outrageous for one human being to do that to another human being. So the
seriousness or your conduct, one single penalty would not adequately
reflect that.
Additionally, not only abduction, the rapes, and I’ve talked about the
violent nature of the rapes, but also the zip ties and the gagging and putting
the Kleenex in the mouth and everything else or tissue, if you will, in the
mouth and then duct taping around that, all that, the Court finds that
consecutive sentences are necessary.
{¶ 76} Based on the foregoing, and after a careful review of the record in this case,
we conclude that the trial court properly found that the harm in this case was “great or
unusual” in support of the imposition of a consecutive sentence. Thus, appellant’s
consecutive sentence was neither excessive nor contrary to law. Appellant’s fifth and
sixth assignments of error are not well-taken.
{¶ 77} On consideration whereof, we find that appellant was not prejudiced or
prevented from having a fair trial and the judgment of the Erie County Court of Common
Pleas is affirmed. Pursuant to App.R. 24, appellant is ordered to pay the costs of this
appeal.
Judgment affirmed.
28.
E-14-100
State v. Jury
A certified copy of this entry shall constitute the mandate pursuant to App.R. 27.
See also 6th Dist.Loc.App.R. 4.
Mark L. Pietrykowski, J. _______________________________
JUDGE
Arlene Singer, J.
_______________________________
Stephen A. Yarbrough, J. JUDGE
CONCUR.
_______________________________
JUDGE
29.