In re J.S.

[Cite as In re J.S., 2017-Ohio-6898.]
COURT OF APPEALS
STARK COUNTY, OHIO
FIFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
IN RE: J.S. JUDGES:
Hon. W. Scott Gwin, P.J.
Hon. William B. Hoffman, J.
Hon. John W. Wise, J.
Case No. 2016CA00196
OPINION
CHARACTER OF PROCEEDING: Appeal from the Stark County Court of
Common Pleas, Juvenile Division, Case
No. 2015JCR989
JUDGMENT: Affirmed
DATE OF JUDGMENT ENTRY: July 17, 2017
APPEARANCES:
For Plaintiff-Appellee For Defendant-Appellant
JOHN D. FERRERO, AARON KOVALCHIK
PROSECUTING ATTORNEY, 116 Cleveland Ave. N.W.
STARK COUNTY, OHIO Suite 808
Canton, Ohio 44702
By: RONALD MARK CALDWELL
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney
Appellate Section
110 Central Plaza S., Suite 510
Canton, Ohio 44702
Stark County, Case No. 2016CA00196 2
Hoffman, J.
{¶1} Appellant, J.S., a juvenile, appeals his adjudication as being delinquent for
committing two counts of gross sexual imposition entered by the Stark County Court of
Common Pleas, Juvenile Division. Appellee is the state of Ohio.
STATEMENT OF THE FACTS AND CASE
{¶2} On November, 27, 2014, K.B. took her young children to her ex-husband’s
family for the Thanksgiving holiday. Her child, C.K., was five years-old at the time. The
next day, C.K. exhibited abnormal behavior, screaming and crying, banging his head
against the wall, throwing his toys and hitting his sister. K.B. noticed C.K. acted
“sad…embarrassed” and “scared.” Tr. at 62. K.B. took C.K. to Mercy Medical Center the
following day.
{¶3} While undergoing a medical evaluation, K.B. determined C.K. was wearing
the same underwear as on Thanksgiving Day. The underwear were then taken into
evidence.
{¶4} While at the hospital, C.K. was interviewed by a forensic examiner and
examined by Megan Dahlheimer, a nurse practitioner with Akron Children’s Hospital. C.K.
was diagnosed as having been sexually abused, as the physical findings were consistent
with such abuse.
{¶5} The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation tested C.K.’s underwear, finding
amylase, a mixture of saliva and bodily fluids, on four locations on the underwear. The
dominant DNA profile on the underwear belonged to J.S.
Stark County, Case No. 2016CA00196 3
{¶6} Detective Jason Fisher of the Perry Township Police Department spoke with
J.S. on two occasions, once with his mother present and once with his grandmother
present. J.S. admitted to licking and touching C.K.’s penis and butt. J.S. admitted to licking
C.K.’s penis with his underwear on, and touching his penis with the underwear off. He
stated he licked C.K.’s butt with his underwear on and off. Detective Fisher asked J.S. if
this excited him, to which J.S. said “a little bit.” Tr. at 86 Vol. III.
{¶7} On May 14, 2015, a juvenile complaint was filed in Stark County alleging
Appellant, age thirteen at the time, delinquent via the commission of two counts of gross
sexual imposition, R.C. 2907.05(A)(4), a felony of the third degree if committed by an
adult.
{¶8} The trial court ordered a competency evaluation. On August 6, 2015,
Appellant filed a motion to continue the competency hearing and a motion for a second
competency evaluation. The trial court granted the motion via Order of August 11, 2015.
{¶9} The second competency evaluation conducted indicated Appellant was not
competent to stand trial, but could be restored to competency within the statutory period.
The trial court’s September 9, 2015 Magistrate’s Order indicates both parties stipulated
to the competency reports, and requested the trial court to decide competency, with the
trial court finding C.K. not competent, but likely to attain competency with restoration. The
trial court then scheduled a review hearing.
{¶10} Via Judgment Entry entered April 6, 2016, the trial court determined J.S.
had been restored to competency. The court specifically found Appellant capable of
understanding the nature and objectives of the proceedings, and capable of assisting in
Stark County, Case No. 2016CA00196 4
his defense. The court found another competency evaluation unnecessary given the
evidence presented.
{¶11} On June 20, 2016, Appellant moved the trial court for a determination of the
competency of the State’s witness, C.K. In addition, Appellant moved the trial court to
exclude the testimony of the forensic SANE examiner, Megan Dahlheimer and/or
Suzanne Cutler.1
{¶12} Via Judgment Entry of August 9, 2016, the trial court found Appellant
delinquent of the charges. Appellant was committed to the Ohio Department of Youth
Services for a minimum period of six months and community control ordered.
{¶13} Appellant appeals, assigning as error,
I. WHETHER APPELLANT’S DELINQUENCY FINDINGS WERE
AGAINST THE MANIFEST WEIGHT AND SUFFICIENCY OF THE
EVIDENCE.
II. WHETHER THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN FINDING THAT
APPELLANT’S COMPETENCY TO STAND TRIAL HAD BEEN
RESTORED.
I.
1
Appellant moved the trial court to suppress his statements made during the
interrogation by Detective Fisher. The State filed a memorandum contra. The trial court
overruled the motion to suppress finding the statements were not custodial statements
subject to suppression. Appellant does not appeal that finding of the trial court.
Stark County, Case No. 2016CA00196 5
{¶14} In the first assignment of error, Appellant maintains his adjudication on two
counts of gross sexual imposition were against the manifest weight and sufficiency of the
evidence.
{¶15} We apply the same standard of review for weight and sufficiency of the
evidence in juvenile delinquency adjudications as for adult criminal defendants. In the
Matter of: Joshua M., Ottawa App. No. OT–04–038, 2005–Ohio–3067 at paragraph 29.
{¶16} Our analysis for manifest weight differs from our review for sufficiency of the
evidence. State v. Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d 380, 1997–Ohio–52, 678 N.E.2d 541. A
challenge to the sufficiency of the evidence presents a question of law. Thompkins at 387,
678 N.E.2d 541, citations deleted. The proper analysis is “‘whether, after viewing the
evidence in a light most favorable to the prosecution, any rational trier of fact could have
found the essential elements of the crime proven beyond a reasonable doubt.’” State v.
Williams, 74 Ohio St 3d 569, 576, 1996–Ohio–91, 446 N.E.2d 444, quoting State v. Jenks
(1991), 61 Ohio St.3d 259, 574 N.E.2d 492, paragraph two of the syllabus.
{¶17} While the test for sufficiency requires a determination of whether the State
has met its burden of production, a manifest weight challenge questions whether the State
has met its burden of persuasion. Thompkins, supra, 390. We must review the entire
record, weigh the evidence and all reasonable inferences, consider the credibility of the
witnesses, and determine whether in resolving conflicts in the evidence, the trier of fact
clearly lost its way and created a manifest miscarriage of justice such that the conviction
must be reversed and a new trial ordered. A new trial should be granted only in
exceptional cases where the evidence weighs heavily against the conviction. Thompkins
Stark County, Case No. 2016CA00196 6
at 387, 678 N.E.2d 541, quoting State v. Martin (1983), 20 Ohio App.3d 172, 485 N.E.2d
717.
{¶18} Megan Dahlheimer testified at the adjudication hearing her work in the Child
Advocacy Center would be to provide medical care for the child, such as “basic medical
examination, diagnostic testing, lab work, or anything required.” Tr. at 9. The trial court
designated Ms. Dahlheimer an expert. Tr. at 12.
{¶19} On December 3, 2014, Megan Dahlheimer watched a direct feed of the
forensic interview with C.K. to make her medical diagnosis and to determine whether any
treatments or additional examinations were necessary. Tr. at 12.2 She then performed a
medical examination of C.K. at the request of Stark County Child Protective Services.
Dahlheimer diagnosed C.K. with sexual abuse, recommending he follow up with a child
sexual abuse assessment. Dahlheimer did not make any physical findings, as touching
would not leave physical findings. Tr. at 15. She testified the history and symptoms
displayed by C.K. were consistent with a child who had been sexually abused. Tr. at 19.
{¶20} Dahlheimer testified she based her determination solely on C.K.’s
statements and his forensic interview, wherein he stated he was touched and licked. Tr.
at 22. She stated C.K. knew what grade he was in, there was no concern of
developmental delay, and he could count and stated his age. She acknowledged he has
sensory issues, a sensory processing disorder, which does not necessarily pertain to his
development. Tr. at 23. She stated C.K. acted appropriately for a five year-old, and
recognized the difference between a truth and a lie. Tr. at 25.
2
Ms. Dahlheimer observed the forensic interview from a live feed in a separate room.
Tr. at 21. She testified State’s Exhibit 2 is a transcript of the interview she observed. Tr.
at 17.
Stark County, Case No. 2016CA00196 7
{¶21} C.K. testified at the adjudication hearing. Prior to his testimony, the trial
court engaged in a colloquy with C.K. to determine his competency. Tr. at 70-74. The trial
court then found C.K. competent to testify. Appellant’s counsel did not cross-examine
C.K. Tr. at 80.
{¶22} Detective Jason Fisher of the Perry Township Police Department
interviewed J.S. on two occasions concerning the incident. J.S. admitted to licking C.K.’s
penis with his underwear on, and touching his penis with his underwear off. J.S. further
admitted to licking C.K.’s butt with his underwear on and off. Tr. at 86. Detective Fisher
inquired of J.S. whether the act excited him, and J.S. admitted “a little bit.” Tr. at 86.
{¶23} J.S. was adjudicated delinquent of two counts of gross sexual imposition, in
violation of R.C. 2907.05(A)(4), as to C.K. The statute reads,
(A) No person shall have sexual contact with another, not the spouse
of the offender; cause another, not the spouse of the offender, to have
sexual contact with the offender; or cause two or more other persons to
have sexual contact when any of the following applies:
***
(4) The other person, or one of the other persons, is less than thirteen
years of age, whether or not the offender knows the age of that person.
{¶24} There is no dispute C.K. was five years-old at the time of the alleged
conduct. During the forensic interview, C.K. stated J.S. touched and licked his penis.
Megan Dahlheimer then diagnosed C.K. with sexual abuse. In his interviews with
Stark County, Case No. 2016CA00196 8
Detective Fisher, J.S. admitted to licking C.K.’s penis over his underwear, and touching
his penis with his underwear off. J.S. further admitted to licking C.K.’s butt with his
underwear on and off. DNA testing confirmed J.S. as the major profile on the stains
obtained from C.K.’s underwear. When asked by Detective Fisher if the act excited him,
J.S. admitted “a little bit.”
{¶25} We find there is competent, credible evidence upon which the trier of fact
could find all of the elements of gross sexual imposition proven beyond a reasonable
doubt. Appellant’s adjudication on two counts of gross sexual imposition is not against
the manifest weight, nor is it based on insufficient evidence.
{¶26} The first assignment of error is overruled.
II.
{¶27} In the second assignment of error, Appellant maintains the trial court erred
in finding him competent to stand trial. We disagree.
{¶28} R.C. 2152.51 through R.C. 2152.59 govern juvenile competency
determinations. In re DTW, 12th Dist. Butler No. CA2014-09-198, 2015-Ohio-2317.
Pursuant to R.C. 2152.51(A)(1), a child is incompetent to stand trial if, due to mental
illness, intellectual disability, or developmental disability, or otherwise due to a lack of
mental capacity, “the child is presently incapable of understanding the nature and
objective of proceedings against the child or of assisting in the child's defense.” However,
it is rebuttably presumed that a child does not have a lack of mental capacity if the child
is: (1) fourteen years of age or older, and (2) not otherwise found to be mentally ill,
intellectually disabled, or developmentally disabled. R.C. 2152.52(A)(2). As provided by
R.C. 2152.52(A)(1), except in juvenile proceedings alleging that a child is an unruly child
Stark County, Case No. 2016CA00196 9
or a juvenile traffic offender, “any party or the court may move for a determination
regarding the child's competency to participate in the proceeding.”
{¶29} If a party moves the juvenile court for a competency determination, such as
the case here, the juvenile court may elect to hold a hearing to determine whether there
is a reasonable basis to conduct a competency evaluation. R.C. 2152.53(A)(3).
Thereafter, if the juvenile court finds there is a reasonable basis to conduct such an
evaluation, or if the prosecuting attorney and the subject child's attorney agree to the
evaluation, the juvenile court “shall order a competency evaluation and appoint an
evaluator.” R.C. 2152.53(B). In conducting this evaluation, the evaluator is not required
“to act as if he is an attorney and explain the minutia of criminal procedure.” In re S.D.,
2014–Ohio–2528 at ¶ 21. Rather, the evaluator is simply required to “assess whether the
individual, in conjunction with advice from legal counsel, is capable of assisting counsel,
understanding those things necessary for a proper defense, and for the individual to make
informed decisions.” Id.{¶30} Upon completing the competency evaluation, the evaluator must then
submit to the juvenile court a written competency assessment report. R.C. 2152.56(A).
The report shall also include the evaluator's opinion as to whether the child, due to mental
illness, intellectual disability, or developmental disability, or otherwise due to a lack of
mental capacity, is currently incapable of understanding the nature and objective of the
proceedings against the child or of assisting in the child's defense. R.C. 2152.56(A).
{¶31} After the competency evaluation is complete, the juvenile court “shall hold
a hearing to determine the child's competency to participate in the proceeding.” R.C.
2152.58(A). During this time, “a competency assessment report may be admitted into
Stark County, Case No. 2016CA00196 10
evidence by stipulation.” R.C. 2152.58(B). In determining the competency of the subject
child, “the court shall consider the content of all competency assessment reports admitted
as evidence.” R.C. 2152.58(C). The juvenile court may also “consider additional evidence,
including the court's own observations of the child's conduct and demeanor in the
courtroom.” Id.{¶32} Following the juvenile court's competency hearing, if the juvenile court
determines that the subject child is competent, “the court shall proceed with the
delinquent child's proceeding as provided by law.” R.C. 2152.59(A). However, if the
juvenile court determines the “child is not competent but could likely attain competency
by participating in services specifically designed to help the child develop competency,
the court may order the child to participate in services specifically designed to help the
child develop competency at county expense.” R.C. 2152.59(C). If the subject child is
required to participate in competency attainment services, such services shall last no
longer than what is required for the child to attain competency, nor shall the child be
required to participate in competency attainment services beyond the maximum time
periods allowed by R.C. 2152.59(D)(2) and (D)(3). Thereafter, following a hearing on the
matter, and pursuant to R.C. 2152.59(H)(5), if the juvenile court determines the subject
child has obtained competency after completing the necessary competency attainment
services, “the court shall proceed with the delinquent child's proceeding” in accordance
with R.C. 2152.59(A). (Emphasis added.)
{¶33} An appellate court will not disturb a competency determination if there is
“‘some reliable, credible evidence supporting the trial court's conclusion that [the
defendant] understood the nature and objective of the proceedings against him.’” State v.
Stark County, Case No. 2016CA00196 11
Ramirez, 12th Dist. Butler No. CA2010–11–305, 2011–Ohio–6531, ¶ 30, quoting State v.
Williams, 23 Ohio St.3d 16, 19 (1986); In re A.T., 6th Dist. Ottawa Nos. OT–12–023 and
OT–12–030, 2014–Ohio–1761, ¶ 39; see also In re S.D., 2014–Ohio–2528 at ¶ 25
(affirming juvenile court's decision where there was “sufficient credible evidence for the
trial court to find that [the subject child] was competent to stand trial”). “Deference on
these issues should be given to those ‘who see and hear what goes on in the courtroom.’”
State v. Locke, 11th Dist. Lake No.2014–L053, 2015–Ohio–1067, ¶ 93, quoting State v.
Vrabel, 99 Ohio St.3d 184, 2003–Ohio–3193, ¶ 33.
{¶34} Incompetency must not be equated with mere emotional instability or even
with outright insanity. State v. Bock, 28 Ohio St3d. 108, 502 N.E.2d 1016 (1986). A
defendant may be emotionally disturbed or even psychotic and still be capable of
understanding the charges against him and of assisting his counsel. Id.{¶35} After a thorough review of the record, we find reliable, credible evidence
supports the trial court's decision finding J.S. competent to stand trial.
{¶36} Michael Stranathan, a psychological assistant at Northeast Ohio Behavioral
Health, met with J.S. to prepare a competency evaluation. Stranathan opined Appellant
was not competent to stand trial, but restorable should he undergo therapy. In
Stranathan’s professional opinion, Appellant was restorable to competency.
{¶37} Michael Stranathan testified as to his evaluation of J.S. He stated J.S.
identified as having borderline intellectual functioning, was placed on an IEP, and
identified as a child with attention deficit, oppositional defiant disorder and depressive
disorders. Tr. II at 7. Stranathan testified it was his professional opinion J.S. was
Stark County, Case No. 2016CA00196 12
restorable to competency. He appeared capable of learning legal concepts; therefore was
restorable. Tr. at 10.
{¶38} Following the trial court’s order of restoration, Appellant began therapy for
restoration to competency with Becky Crookston, a clinical therapist at Northeast Ohio
Behavioral Health. Crookston met with J.S. and his mother for thirteen sessions.
{¶39} The trial court conducted a competency evaluation hearing on March 24,
2016, and April 6, 2016. At the hearing, Becky Crookston testified Appellant demonstrated
sufficient knowledge of the legal process, could assist his counsel in his defense, and
attained the goals to attain competency. Tr. at 16-17. Crookston testified Appellant
verbalized an understanding of the professional’s role in the trial process, as well as the
application of the charges. She opined Appellant was competent to stand trial as he had
a conceptual understanding of the penalties he faced, the proceedings, the nature of his
assistance to counsel and of behavioral outcomes. Becky Crookston determined
attainment services were successful, acknowledging she was not qualified to evaluate
Appellant for competency.
{¶40} The trial court addressed J.S. personally, questioning him on his
understanding of the proceedings and his role in assisting in his defense. The court
inquired of Appellant as to his ability to tell the difference between the truth and a lie, his
knowledge of the legal process and his restoration to competency. Via Judgment Entry
of April 6, 2016, the trial court determined J.S. had been restored to competency, and
was capable of understanding the nature and objectives of the proceedings and in
assisting in his defense.
Stark County, Case No. 2016CA00196 13
{¶41} In In re D.L., Stark App. No. 2016 CA 00125, 2017-Ohio-2823, this Court
held,
While ideally it may have been more illuminating on the competency
issue and the expressed “common sense” concerns to have secured a
follow-up evaluation by Dr. Christensen, we hesitate to herein formulate a
bright-line rule mandating this additional step, given the discretion we must
afford to the juvenile court in addressing delinquency and juvenile
competency matters.
Accordingly, upon review, we find no abuse of discretion or violation
of due process in the juvenile court's procedure and implicit determination
that appellant was capable of understanding the nature and objective of the
proceedings against him and of assisting in his defense. R.C.
2152.51(A)(1), supra.
{¶42} Based upon our review of the record, we find no abuse of discretion in the
trial court’s determination of J.S.’s competency herein.
{¶43} The second assignment of error is overruled.
Stark County, Case No. 2016CA00196 14
{¶44} Appellant’s adjudication entered by the Stark County Court of Common
Pleas, Juvenile Division, is affirmed.
By: Hoffman, J.
Gwin, P.J. and
Wise, John, J. concur