State Of Washington v. Jeffrey A. Trebilcock & Rebecca L. Trebilcock

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IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF 4 i c ' :' i
DIVISION II 2014 NO 2 5 RIII 19
STAT OF
STATE OF WASHINGTON, No. 43930 -1 - II TON
By
Respondent,
v.
JEFFREY ALLEN TREBILCOCK, Consolidated with
Appellant.
STATE OF WASHINGTON, No. 43950 -6 -II
Respondent,
v.
REBECCA TREBILCOCK, PUBLISHED IN PART OPINION
Appellant.
MELNICK, J. — Jeffrey and Rebecca Trebilcock appeal their bench trial convictions and
sentences for criminal mistreatment in the first degree of J. T. and criminal mistreatment in the
third degree of A.T. We reject Rebecca' s' arguments that her sentence violates due process
because the trial judge relied on his own personal religious preferences when sentencing her, her
exceptional sentence violates her Sixth and Fourteenth Amendment rights to a jury determination
of aggravating factors, and her exceptional sentence improperly relies on impermissible factors.
In the unpublished portion of this opinion, we reject the Trebilcocks' other arguments except for
Jeffrey' s individual argument that the trial court improperly imposed substance abuse treatment
To avoid confusion, we refer to Jeffrey and Rebecca Trebilcock by their first names and intend
no disrespect.
43930 -1 - II / 43950 -6 -II
as part of his sentence. We remand for the trial court to strike the substance abuse treatment
from Jeffrey' s sentence. We otherwise affirm the Trebilcocks' convictions and sentences.
FACTS
The Trebilcocks lived in rural Cowlitz County. They have four biological sons and in
2004, began adopting children. The Trebilcocks first adopted two biological siblings: J. T., born
in 1997, and A.T., born in 1999. Subsequently, the Trebilcocks adopted three more children:
N.T., born in 1999, T.T., born in 2001, and G.T., born in 2002.
J. T., N.T., and A.T. experienced severe neglect and abuse while living with the
Trebilcocks. The children were not allowed to try different foods. The Trebilcocks would make
J. T. and occasionally A.T. eat from a " pig trough." 3B Report of Proceedings ( RP) at 646. J. T.
and A.T. would also be forced to eat outdoors in the cold. The children would be denied food
altogether if they did not complete their chores or schoolwork. On occasion, they would have to
steal food to survive, from bread and fruit to dog food, goat food, and toothpaste. The
Trebilcocks put an alarm in the kitchen to prevent the children from stealing food. When the
Trebilcocks caught the children stealing food, they would spank the children with a wooden
paddle.
J. T. in particular spent a great deal of time outside doing chores barefoot. In order to
ensure that he did not get the carpet dirty, he had to have his feet checked before he entered the
house. At times J.T. would stand outside in the cold for hours, waiting for someone to check his
feet so he could go back inside. The Trebilcocks made J. T. wash his clothes outside in a bucket
and hang them to dry. Sometimes his clothes would not dry and he had to wear wet clothing.
J.T. also had to wash his bed sheets in the bucket outside, and if the sheets did not dry, he had to
sleep without sheets. He was frequently cold at night.
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The Trebilcocks' actions gravely affected J. T.' s health and development. Between the
ages of six and thirteen, J.T. lost weight, going from a " slightly above average" weight to less
than the third percentile. 6B RP at 1358. As early as 2008, medical professionals recognized
that J. T. " did not have anything close to normal growth for his age." 6B RP at 1321. In March
2011, J. T. was brought to a pediatric clinic in a " nearly dead" state. 6B RP at 1368. J. T. could
not walk without stumbling. He was trembling and had significant hypothermia. He had a heart
rate equivalent to one of an unconscious child' s. He weighed 49 pounds, stood 50 inches tall,
had a concave stomach, and looked malnourished. His muscles were wasting and his bones were
visible. He suffered from untreated eczema which had bacterial overgrowth. Two different
doctors agreed that J. T. appeared very thin and small for his age— although he was then 13 years
old, J. T. looked closer to 6 to 7 years old. Dr. Danielle Parrot determined that J. T. was in critical
condition and sent him to the emergency room of the local hospital. There, the medical staff
stabilized J. T. and then transferred him to the pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) at Doernbecher
Children' s Hospital.
At the ICU, Dr. Thomas Valvano, a pediatrician and the medical director of the
Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect Program, examined J. T. and found him to be " cachectic, just
very malnourished, no subcutaneous fat, very thin." 6A RP at 1125. Dr. Valvano found J. T.' s
case unusual and troubling because ordinarily, J.T. would be expected to remain in the same
percentile range for his entire life. Yet after he moved in with the Trebilcocks, J. T.' s weight and
height dropped from the fiftieth percentile to the third percentile in comparison to other boys his
age. Dr. Valvano discovered no medical reasons for J. T.' s cachectic state and believed
malnourishment caused J. T.' s condition. Dr. Valvano bolstered his medical analysis with the
fact that J. T. gained weight and thrived after he ate a normal diet in the hospital over a period of
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eight days. Based on Dr. Valvano' s review of J. T.' s records, his examination of J. T., and J. T.' s
progress and improvement at the hospital, Dr. Valvano opined to a reasonable medical certainty
that improper exposure to cold weather caused J. T.' s hypothermic state and that not being given
enough food to eat caused J. T.' s malnourishment.
The day after J. T.' s hospitalization, Child Protective Services ( CPS) opened an
investigation into the Trebilcocks. The Trebilcocks' four adopted daughters appeared frightened
and very thin when CPS visited. According to Jeffrey, the girls were on a special vegan diet and
were not allowed to have any sweets. Rebecca refused CPS' s ,request to have the four adopted
girls see a doctor.
CPS soon placed J. T. and the four girls into their custody. When CPS supervisor
Stephanie Frost picked the girls up, they were very withdrawn and would not talk. Frost found
this unusual based on her eight years of experience. CPS barred the Trebilcocks from visiting
J. T. at the hospital.
J. T. began a dramatic recovery once CPS removed him from the Trebilcocks' care. In the
16 months after he moved out of the Trebilcocks' home, J. T. grew seven and a half inches and
more than doubled his weight, gaining 64 pounds. Dr. Blaine Tolby opined that J. T.' s living
conditions at the Trebilcocks' had caused his poor growth. Dr. Tolby testified J. T. suffered
incredible harm and that he " would place the severity of this particular case, as being the worst
case of chronic abuse and neglect" that he had seen in his 37 years of being a physician. 7A RP
at 1463.
Similarly, A.T. suffered a precipitous loss of weight while in the Trebilcocks' care, and
began to recover once CPS removed her from the Trebilcocks' care. Before she lived with the
Trebilcocks, A.T. was slightly heavier than average. Yet at the time she was removed from the
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Trebilcocks' care, the twelve -year -old A.T. appeared thin and weighed only 51 pounds, 12
ounces and stood 51 inches tall. That put her body mass index ( BMI) at 14, below the third
percentile. She also " lost some relative height." 6B RP at 1370. Andrea Street, a registered
dietician, testified that A.T. remained underweight even three weeks after being removed from
the Trebilcocks' care. 5 RP at 1021.
In less than three months of foster care, A.T. grew to 70. 4 pounds and 52.25 inches, at the
tenth percentile for weight and height. Dr. Kenneth Wu opined that A.T.' s low intake of food
likely caused her low weight and BMI.
PROCEDURAL HISTORY
On May 24, 2011, the State charged the Trebilcocks with five counts of criminal
mistreatment against their five adopted children. On June 15, Jeffrey and Rebecca waived their
right to jury trials. Both signed written waivers and the trial court conducted a colloquy with
both to ensure they each understood their rights and were voluntarily waiving their right to jury
trials. Jeffrey' s trial attorney stated that the Trebilcocks' decision to waive a jury trial had been
discussed over a period of several months. The State twice amended the information, charging
the Trebilcocks on July 23 with 13 counts of domestic violence criminal mistreatment against
their five adopted children with four aggravating factors.
After a bench trial, the trial court found Jeffrey and Rebecca guilty of criminal
mistreatment in the first degree with domestic violence of J. T. ( count 1) and criminal
mistreatment in the third degree with domestic violence of A.T ( count 3) and acquitted Jeffrey
and Rebecca of the remaining counts. The court also found two aggravating factors pertaining to
count 1: first, the crime involved domestic violence that was part of an ongoing pattern of
psychological and physical abuse, and second, the Trebilcocks used their position of trust,
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confidence, or fiduciary responsibility to commit the crime. At the sentencing hearing, the trial
court commented on Rebecca' s testimony about her biblical convictions on diet and contrasted
Rebecca' s conduct with " the importance of safeguarding and protecting children in our society
and keeping them from harm and offense." 11 RP at 2729 -30. The court then referenced a
biblical quote:
This is the phrase that some of you may be familiar with: " Which one of you, if
his son asks him for bread, will he give them a stone, or if he asks [ sic] a fish, will
he give him serpent ?" Your children asked for bread and for reasons which
baffle, literally baffle the bulk of society, you gave them a stone.
11 RP at 2730.
The trial court sentenced Jeffrey to a standard range sentence of 60 months on count 1
and 364 days on count 3, to be served consecutively. The trial court also ordered Jeffrey to
undergo treatment and evaluation for substance abuse as a condition of his misdemeanor
criminal mistreatment in the third degree conviction. Based on the two aggravating factors, the
trial court sentenced Rebecca to an exceptional sentence above the standard range and found that
the grounds for the aggravating circumstances " taken together or considered individually,
constitute sufficient cause to impose the exceptional sentence" of 96 months on count 1 and 364
days on count 3, to be served consecutively. CP ( filed at COA Oct. 9, 2013) at 10. Both Jeffrey
and Rebecca appeal.
ANALYSIS
I. SENTENCE NOT BASED ON THE TRIAL COURT' S RELIGIOUS BELIEFS
Rebecca first argues the trial judge violated her Fourteenth Amendment2 right to due
process by considering his own religious beliefs in setting the length of her sentence, and thus
2"
No state shall ... deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law."
U. S. CONST. amend. XIV, § 1.
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her sentence must be vacated and her case remanded for resentencing before a different judge.
This is an issue of first impression in Washington State. Because the trial judge did not inject his
own personal religious beliefs into sentencing or sentence Rebecca based solely on those beliefs,
we hold no constitutional violation occurred and we affirm Rebecca' s sentence.
The sentencing process must satisfy the requirements of due process. Gardner v.
Florida, 430 U.S. 349, 358, 97 S. Ct. 1197, 51 L. Ed. 2d 393 ( 1977). We review constitutional
challenges de novo. State v. Vance, 168 Wash. 2d 754, 759, 230 P.3d 1055 ( 2010).
Federal case law prohibits a judge from making his own " personal religious principles"
the explicit basis of a sentencing decision. United States v. Bakker, 925 F.2d 728, 741 ( 4th Cir.
1991). In Bakker, when sentencing a well -known televangelist for mail and wire fraud, the
district court said, " He had no thought whatever about his victims and those of us who do have a
religion are ridiculed as being saps from money -grubbing preachers or priests." 925 F.2d at 740
emphasis added). The court held that this statement was error because a judge' s religious
beliefs are irrelevant for sentencing purposes, and therefore due process is violated when a judge
impermissibly takes his own religious characteristics into account in sentencing." 925 F.2d at
740.
On the other hand, numerous federal courts agree that it is not reversible error for a court
to use religious language to express a secular concept. In Gordon v. Vose, 879 F. Supp. 179, 184
D. R.I. 1995), the state sentencing court referred to a biblical verse: " no man should take more
than he is willing to give." The district court affirmed because the sentencing court did not
express a personal religious preference or bias, but merely articulated a secular principle: " that if
one commits a serious crime, he must expect to receive a severe punishment." Gordon, 879 F.
Supp. at 185.
43930 -1 - II / 43950 -6 -II
In United States v. Traxler, 477 F.3d 1243, 1248 ( 10th Cir. 2007), the court explicitly
referred to the biblical letters of Paul, stating, "[ G] ood things can come from jail. A guy named
Paul was put in jail a couple thousand years ago and wrote a bunch of letters from jail ... and
people are still reading those letters and being encouraged by them and finding hope in them
thousands of years later." The court rejected the defendant' s due process challenge, concluding
the judge' s comments in no way suggested Traxler needed a longer sentence to " pay religious
penance." Traxler, 477 F. 3d. at 1249. Instead, the religious reference was meant to convey a
secular message: " that something good can come from difficult .circumstances, even jail."
Traxler, 477 F. 3d at 1249.
In Arnett v. Jackson, 393 F.3d 681, 683 ( 6th Cir. 2005), the Sixth Circuit similarly
affirmed where the trial court merely referenced religion in order to convey a secular principle.
There, the trial court quoted two verses from the Bible when sentencing the defendant on
numerous counts of rape of a minor. The Sixth Circuit held that the trial court' s comments did
not violate Arnett' s due process rights because the sentencing judge made no reference to her
own religious beliefs; instead, one plausible interpretation of the Biblical quotation was that it
underscored " that our society has a long history of sternly punishing those people who hurt
young children." Arnett, 393 F.3d at 687. The Sixth Circuit held that although reasonable minds
could question the sentencing court' s mentioning the Bible, the sentencing court properly
considered numerous aggravating and mitigating factors. Arnett, 393 F.3d at 687.
Similarly, numerous state supreme courts have affirmed sentences where the judge' s
religious comments merely acknowledge generally accepted principles rather than basing
sentences on highly personal religious beliefs. See, e.g., State v. Arnett, 88 Ohio St. 3d 208, 221-
22, 724 N.E.2d 793 ( Ohio 2000) ( upholding sentence because biblical reference was not the sole
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basis for the sentences, but was one of many factors the trial judge considered); Poe v. State, 341
Md. 523, 533, 671 A.2d 501 ( Md. 1996) ( upholding sentence when sentencing judge said, " I still
believe in good old- fashioned law and order, the Bible, and a lot of things that people say I
shouldn' t believe anymore" prior to sentencing); Gordon v. State, 639 A.2d 56, 56 ( R.I. 1994)
upholding sentence when sentencing judge referred to the Bible by saying that " no man takes
more than he' s willing to give "); People v. Halm, 81 N.Y.2d 819, 820, 611 N.E.2d 281 ( 1993)
upholding sentence for sodomy when sentencing judge referred to " Biblical times" and
expressed his opinion about the seriousness of the crime).
Here, during sentencing, the trial judge referenced a biblical quote when he stated:
At trial, Mrs. Trebilcock testified about being biblically convicted about
proper eating and diet.
This may be familiar to some —this phrasing —and the reason I make
mention of this is because I really think it' s important to mention and underscore
the importance of safeguarding and protecting children in our society and keeping
them from harm and offense. This is the phrase that some of you may be familiar
with: " Which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will he give them a stone,
or if he asks a fish, will he give him serpent ?" Your children asked for bread and,
for reasons which baffle, literally baffle the bulk of society, you gave them a
stone.
11 RP at 2729 -30. Like the biblical references in Gordon v. Vose and Traxler, this reference
underscores a secular principle: " safeguarding and protecting children in our society." 11
merely
RP at 2729. And as in Arnett v. Jackson and State v. Arnett, the biblical reference constituted
only one of many factors the sentencing judge considered in imposing Rebecca' s sentence.
Here, the trial court relied on the fact that the children were left " damaged, sick, and, in
the case of [ J. T.], nearly dead." 11 RP at 2728. The trial court relied on the length of the
ongoing abuse. The trial court relied on evidence at trial that the children only gained " seven
pounds in seven years" and that "[ t] here was rationing, there was withholding, there was even
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the dramatic step of motion alarms to prevent the children from eating." 11 RP at
setting up
2729. The trial court relied on the fact that Rebecca had ample opportunity to observe the
condition of the children and should have noticed that J. T. was in distress " from five broken
ribs." 11 RP at 2731. The record makes it amply clear that the trial court based its sentence on
the totality of the facts and the severity of the Trebilcocks' " woefully derelict and shamefully
deficient" caretaking. 11 RP at 2729.
Further, the trial court made the biblical reference in response to the Trebilcocks
introducing the issue of religion and biblical authority into the proceedings. Specifically,
Rebecca testified that she felt " biblically convicted" to follow a limited and vegan diet for herself
and the children. 10A RP at 2348. We hold that the trial court did not inject his own personal
religious beliefs into the sentencing hearing and that the court did not violate Rebecca' s due
process rights.
II. REBECCA' S SENTENCE DID NOT VIOLATE SIXTH AND FOURTEENTH AMENDMENT RIGHTS
Rebecca also argues that her exceptional sentence violated her Sixth and Fourteenth
Amendment rights to a jury determination of aggravating factors. Specifically, Rebecca argues
that because she waived her jury trial right before the State amended the information to add the
aggravating factors, her waiver applied only to a finding of guilt on the charges and not to a
determination of the aggravating factors. We disagree. Because Rebecca validly waived her
right to a jury trial,3 acquiesced to the trial court determining the aggravating factors, and never
attempted to revoke her waiver, we affirm her exceptional sentence.
A criminal defendant has the right to have a jury decide any aggravating factor that
supports an exceptional sentence. Blakely v. Washington, 542 U.S. 296, 302, 124 S. Ct. 2531,
3 Rebecca' s jury trial waiver is discussed in more detail in the unpublished .portion of this
opinion.
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159 L. Ed. 2d 403. ( 2004). A criminal defendant, however, may waive that right. State v.
Hughes, 154 Wash. 2d 118, 133 - 34, 110 P.3d 192 ( 2005) ( citing Blakely, 542 U.S. at 310),
abrogated on other grounds by Washington v. Recuenco, 548 U.S. 212, 126 S. Ct. 2546, 165 L.
Ed. 2d 466 ( 2006). The filing of an amended information, standing alone, does not render a
defendant' s waiver of a right ineffective. See State v. Modica, 136 Wash. App. 434, 445 -46, 149
P.3d 446 ( 2006) ( upholding waiver of counsel that occurred prior to amended information being
filed). Instead, we look to the specific facts of the case. "[ A] record sufficiently demonstrates a
waiver of the right to trial by jury if the record includes either a written waiver signed by the
defendant, a personal expression by the defendant of an intent to waive, or an informed
acquiescence." State v. Cham, 165 Wn. App. 438, 448, 267 P.3d 528 ( 2011) ( citing State v.
Stegall, 124 Wash. 2d 719, 729, 881 P.2d 979 ( 1994); State v. Wicke, 91 Wash. 2d 638, 641 -42, 591
P.2d 452 ( 1979)). The State bears the burden of establishing a valid waiver, and absent a record
to the contrary, we indulge every reasonable presumption against waiver. Cham, 165 Wash. App.
at 447. We review de novo the sufficiency of the record to establish a valid waiver. Cham, 165
Wash. App. at 447.
The record here amply demonstrates that Rebecca wanted to waive a jury for all
purposes, including determining the aggravating factors alleged, even though her waiver
occurred before the information was amended to add the aggravating factors. Defense counsel
stated at the beginning of trial ( prior to the amended information) that the decision to waive a
jury had been discussed over a period of months between the parties. Rebecca indicated on the
record that she understood she had the right " to have any ... case heard by twelve of [her] peers"
and that she was opting instead to have " a single person, a judge, hearing the case, making a
decision." 1 RP at 61. Rebecca never moved to rescind her jury waiver or request a jury, even
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when the State amended the information to add the aggravating factors. Instead, multiple times
during trial, counsel stated that Rebecca understood and agreed that the trial judge would be
deciding the aggravating factors. Specifically, when addressing an evidentiary objection,
counsel admitted that certain evidence was admissible and would be considered by the trial court
when considering the aggravating factors. In closing, counsel stated that certain evidence might
go to the trial court' s determination of the aggravating factors. All of these facts demonstrate a
knowing, intelligent, and voluntary waiver of the jury to determine guilt and aggravating factors.
They also establish Rebecca' s informed acquiescence. See Cham, 165 Wash. App. at 449.
When the trial court found that two of the four alleged aggravating factors had been
proven, Rebecca did not object to the trial court deciding the aggravating factors. At sentencing,
defense counsel commented on the trial court' s broad discretion for sentencing because of the
aggravating factors the court found. Counsel also commented on the significant community
interest and pretrial publicity in the Trebilcocks' case as a primary reason for waiving the jury.
In other words, Rebecca' s decision to waive a jury was a counseled, knowing, and voluntary
strategic decision that Rebecca agreed to even after the State amended the information.
Rebecca' s valid jury waiver at the beginning of the trial, as well as her informed
acquiescence to her counsel' s unchallenged statements, overcame any presumption that Rebecca
did not make a knowing, intelligent, and voluntary waiver. Rebecca knew the role of the jury,
made a strategic decision to waive the jury, and stood by her decision throughout proceedings.
As such, she waived her right to have a jury determine whether the State proved aggravating
factors beyond a reasonable doubt. We hold Rebecca' s exceptional sentence does not violate her
Sixth and Fourteenth Amendment rights to a jury determination of aggravating factors, and we
affirm her exceptional sentence.
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III. REBECCA' S EXCEPTIONAL SENTENCE BASED ON PERMISSIBLE FACTORS
Rebecca next argues the trial court erred when it found the two aggravating factors and
based an exceptional sentence on those factors. First, Rebecca argues that the abuse of trust
aggravator does not apply because it applies only to crimes of intentional conduct, and because
abuse of trust is inherently a part of the underlying crime of criminal mistreatment in the first
degree. Second, Rebecca argues that the ongoing pattern aggravating factor does not apply
because it applies only to domestic violence crimes, and because the ongoing pattern factor is
inherently a part of the underlying crime of criminal mistreatment in the first degree. We hold
the trial court properly found the ongoing pattern aggravating factor. Because the trial court
found that either aggravating factor alone would have been sufficient grounds to impose the
sentence, we affirm Rebecca' s exceptional sentence without reaching her abuse of trust
argument.
The State charged Rebecca with the aggravating factor which requires that the " current
offense involved domestic violence, as defined in RCW 10. 99. 020, ... and ... [ t] he offense was
part of an ongoing pattern of psychological, physical, or sexual abuse of a victim or multiple
4
victims manifested by multiple incidents over a prolonged period of time. " Under RCW
10. 99. 020, domestic violence " includes but is not limited to" a list of specific offenses " when
committed by one family or household member against another." ( Emphasis added.). Rebecca
argues that because the statute does not specifically list criminal mistreatment, criminal
mistreatment is not domestic violence and therefore the aggravator does not apply to the crime of
criminal mistreatment in the first degree. We reject her argument because the statute plainly
indicates that the list is " not limited to" the enumerated crimes. In addition, the unchallenged
4 RCW 9. 94A.535( 3)( h)(i)
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findings of fact are that Rebecca committed a crime against J. T., a family member, and caused
him harm. Accordingly, the trial court properly concluded that the criminal mistreatment in the
first degree involved domestic violence.
Rebecca next argues that the " ongoing pattern" of abuse aggravating factor inheres in
criminal mistreatment in the first degree. Appellant' s( Rebecca) Br. at 21. We disagree. To be
guilty of criminal mistreatment in the first degree, "[ a] parent of a child" must " cause[ ] great
bodily harm to a child ... by withholding any of the basic necessities of life." RCW 9A.42. 020.
To find the ongoing pattern aggravating factor, the fact finder must find that the abuse occurred
over a " prolonged period of time." RCW 9. 94A. 535( 3)( h)( i). Rebecca argues that the offense of
criminal mistreatment in the first degree necessarily " requires an ongoing pattern, manifested by
multiple ` incidents' over a prolonged period of time" and thus the ongoing pattern is already part
of the criminal mistreatment in the first degree conviction. Appellant' s( Rebecca) Br. at 21. We
disagree. " Criminal mistreatment can occur over a few days or ... over a much longer period of
time." State v. Rotko, 116 Wn. App. 230, 245, 67 P.3d 1098 ( 2003). Criminal mistreatment in
the first degree does not inherently imply an ongoing pattern, and thus we hold the trial court did
not err when relying on the ongoing pattern aggravating factor when giving an exceptional
sentence.
Rebecca also challenges the abuse of trust aggravating factor, but we do not reach that
challenge. The trial court stated in its findings of fact and conclusions of law for an exceptional
sentence that the aggravating factors, " taken together or considered individually, constitute
sufficient cause to impose the exceptional sentence," and that it would " impose the same
sentence if only one of the grounds listed in the preceding paragraph is valid." CP ( filed Oct. 9,
2013) at 10. Because the " ongoing pattern of abuse" aggravating factor was established, the trial
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court would have imposed the same "sentence whether or not the abuse of trust aggravating factor
applied. As a matter of law, the trial court did not rely on impermissible factors when imposing
an exceptional sentence.
We hold that the trial court did not interject his personal religious beliefs into the
sentencing hearing, that Rebecca' s sentence did not violate her Sixth and Fourteenth Amendment
rights to a jury determination of aggravating factors, and that permissible factors exist to uphold
Rebecca' s exceptional sentence. We address the Trebilcocks' remaining arguments in the
unpublished portion of this opinion.
A majority of the panel having determined that only the foregoing portion of this opinion
will be printed in the Washington Appellate Reports and that the remainder shall be filed for public
record in accordance with RCW 2. 06. 040, it is so ordered.
In this section, we reject the Trebilcocks' joint arguments that their convictions violate
their constitutional right to an independent determination of the facts because their convictions
were based in part on impermissible opinion testimony; that their jury trial waivers were invalid;
and that their criminal mistreatment in the third degree conviction should be reversed for
insufficient evidence. We also decide Jeffrey' s individual argument that the trial court
improperly imposed substance abuse treatment as part of his sentence.
I. OPINION TESTIMONY PROPERLY ADMITTED
The Trebilcocks both argue that their convictions were based on an impermissible expert
opinion on their guilt, which violated their constitutional right to a jury trial. The State argues
the Trebilcocks failed to object to the challenged testimony at trial and thus did not preserve this
issue for appeal. Although Jeffrey and Rebecca objected generally to expert testimony giving an
opinion on abuse, they did not specifically object to the statement they now challenge. Because
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the challenged testimony did not provide an improper opinion on guilt, the Trebilcocks do not
raise a manifest constitutional error and we will not review this issue.
We will not review an argument raised for the first time on appeal unless the challenging
party demonstrates a manifest constitutional error. RAP 2. 5( a)( 3). To satisfy RAP 2. 5( a)( 3), an
appellant first must identify a constitutional error and then demonstrate how the alleged error
affected his rights at trial. State v. O' Hara, 167 Wash. 2d 91, 98, 217 P.3d 756 ( 2009). An error is
manifest if it is so obvious on the record that the error requires appellate review. O' Hara, 167
Wash. 2d at 99 -100. The defendant must show actual prejudice, meaning the alleged error had
practical and identifiable consequences at trial. State v. Gordon, 172 Wash. 2d 671, 676, 260 P.3d
884 ( 2011).
Under ER 704, an expert may not testify about a defendant' s guilt, either directly or by
inference. State v. Olmedo, 112 Wn. App. 525, 530, 49 P.3d 960 ( 2002). " Such an improper
opinion undermines a jury' s independent determination of the facts, and may invade the
5
defendant' s constitutional right to a trial by jury." Olmedo, 112 Wn. App. at 530 -31. An
expert's opinion, however, is not objectionable " simply because it embraces an ultimate issue the
trier of fact must decide." State v. Hayward, 152 Wn. App. 632, 649, 217 P.3d 354 ( 2009); see
also ER 704. "` [ T] hat an opinion encompassing ultimate factual issues supports the conclusion
that the defendant is guilty does not make the testimony an improper opinion of guilt. '
Hayward, 152 Wash. App. at 649 ( quoting City of Seattle v. Heatley, 70 Wash. App. 573, 579, 854
P.2d 658 ( 1993)). A trial court' s decision to admit expert testimony is reviewed for abuse of
discretion. State v. Kirkman, 159 Wash. 2d 918, 927, 155 P.3d 125 ( 2007).
5
Although the Trebilcocks had a bench trial, " the constitutional guaranty of an impartial trial
does not distinguish between jury and bench trials." State v. Read, 147 Wn.2d-238, 249, 53 P.3d
26 ( 2002) ( emphasis in original).
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Here, Dr. Tolby, one of the State' s expertmedical witnesses, testified that that he " would
place the severity of this particular case, as being the worst case of chronic abuse and neglect"
that he had seen in his 37 years of being a physician: 7A RP at 1463. Although Dr. Tolby' s
testimony touched on an ultimate legal issue, the cause of J. T.' s condition, Dr. Tolby' s testimony
did not include any opinion regarding Jeffrey' s and Rebecca' s guilt, but rather simply stated his
medical opinion that J. T.' s condition occurred because of abuse and neglect.
Additionally, "' in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we presume the judge in a
bench trial does not consider inadmissible evidence in rendering a verdict. ' State v. Gower, 179
Wash. 2d 851, 855, 321 P.3d 1178 ( 2014) ( quoting State v. Read, 147 Wash. 2d 238, 242, 53 P.3d 26
2002)). This " presumption arises because of the ` unique demands' bench trials place on judges,
requiring them to sit as both arbiters of law and as finders of fact. ' Gower, 179 Wash. 2d at 855
quoting Read, Wn.2d at 242). Indeed, the trial court' s findings of fact do not reference Dr.
Tolby' s testimony except to note that the " growth charts and medical findings related to the
expected growth" were credible. CP ( filed May 28, 2013) at 29.
Dr. Tolby' s expert testimony did not amount to an opinion on Jeffrey' s and Rebecca' s
guilt; therefore, Dr. Tolby' s testimony did not constitute manifest constitutional error.
II. DEFENDANTS CAN WAIVE A JURY TRIAL
The Trebilcocks next argue that under article I, section 21 of the Washington State
6
Constitution, a criminal defendant may never waive a jury trial for a felony charge. The
6 Article I, section 21 provides:
The right of trial by jury shall remain inviolate, but the legislature may provide
for a jury of any number less than twelve in courts not of record, and for a verdict
by nine or more jurors in civil cases in any court of record and for waiving of the
jury in civil cases where the consent of the parties interested is given thereto.
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Trebilcocks argue that the six Gunwall factors " suggest[ ] that all felony cases in Washington
must be tried to a jury, regardless of the parties' wishes." Appellant' s ( Rebecca) Br. at 27.
The Trebilcocks' argument is inconsistent with our decision in State v. Benitez, 175 Wn.
App. 116, 126, 302 P.3d 877 ( 2013). Because Gunwall " addresses ` the extent of a right and not
how the right in question may be waived, ' Gunwall is inapplicable. Benitez, 175 Wash. App. at
126 -27 ( quoting State v. Pierce, 134 Wn. App. 763, 773, 142 P.3d 610 ( 2006)). We further held
in Benitez that " Washington law allows a defendant to waive a jury trial." Benitez, 175 Wn.
App. at 127 ( citing Stegall, 124 Wash. 2d at 723. We reject the Trebilcocks' argument.
III. THE TREBILCOCKS KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY, AND INTELLIGENTLY WAIVED THEIR
RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL
The Trebilcocks next argue that even if the right to a jury trial may be waived, their jury
trial waivers were invalid. The Trebilcocks contend that because the Washington State
constitutional right to a jury trial is broader than the federal right, a Gunwall analysis must be
used to determine whether more extensive protections are required to waive the right. The
Trebilcocks recognize that we rejected the same argument in Pierce, 134 Wash. App. 763, but
argue that Pierce was wrongly decided and that we should overturn it here. We rejected this
same argument in Benitez and do so again. Further, because Jeffrey and Rebecca knowingly,
intelligently, and voluntarily waived their rights to a jury trial, we hold their waivers were valid.
We review a jury trial waiver de novo. State v. Ramirez- Dominguez, 140 Wash. App. 233,
239, 165 P.3d 391 ( 2007). The sufficiency of the record to satisfy the constitutional
requirements for waiver of the fundamental right to a jury trial may be raised for the first time on
appeal. State v. Wicke, 91 Wash. 2d 638, 644, 591 P.2d 452 ( 1979). The record must adequately
establish that the defendant waived his right knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily. Pierce,
134 Wn. App. at 771. A written waiver " is strong evidence that the defendant validly waived the
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jury trial right." Pierce, 134 Wn. App. at 771. An attorney' s representation that the defendants
waiver is knowing, intelligent, and voluntary is also relevant. Pierce, 134 Wash. App. at 771
Woo Won Choi, 55 Wn. App. 895, 904, 781 P.2d 505 ( 1989)). Washington law
citing State v.
does not require an extensive colloquy on the record; instead " only a personal expression of
waiver from the defendant" is required. Pierce, 134 Wash. App. at 771 ( citing Stegall, 124 Wash. 2d
at 725). As a result, the right to a jury trial is easier to waive than other constitutional rights.
Pierce, 134 Wn. App. at 772 ( citing State v. Brand, 55 Wash. App. 780, 786, 780 P.2d 894
1989)).
Here, Jeffrey and Rebecca were informed that they had the right to have their case heard
by an impartial jury, that they could take part in the jury selection process, and that in a jury trial
the State would have to convince twelve citizens of their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt,
whereas in a bench trial the State had to convince only the judge of their guilt beyond a
reasonable doubt. Both Jeffrey and Rebecca signed written jury waivers stating that they
understood the rights they were giving up, that they had consulted with an attorney regarding
their decisions, that voluntarily giving up their right to be tried by a jury. In a
and they were
colloquy with the trial court, Jeffrey and Rebecca also confirmed that they wished to waive their
right to a jury trial. Jeffrey' s attorney also stated that Jeffrey and Rebecca " signed the waiver of
a jury trial. It was, after being discussed over a period of months now, been decided that this is
how both Parties want to proceed." 1 RP at 60.
The Trebilcocks argue that they were insufficiently apprised of their rights because their
written waiver did not make clear that they understood they were entitled to a fair and impartial
jury or that the jury would be instructed on the presumption of innocence. But Washington
courts have " not required that a defendant be apprised of every aspect of the jury trial right in
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order for the defendant' s waiver to be valid." Benitez, 175 Wash. App. at 129 ( citing Pierce, 134
Wn. App. at 773). Further, the Trebilcocks were " not required to be informed of `[their] right to
be presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt or [ their] right to an
impartial trier of fact because these rights are inherent in all trials' and are not waived by
waiving the right to a jury trial." Benitez, 175 Wn. App at 129 ( quoting Pierce, 134 Wash. App. at
772). Accordingly, we hold that both Rebecca and Jeffrey made knowing, intelligent, and
voluntary waivers of their right to a trial by jury.
IV. SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE SUPPORTS THE TREBILCOCKS' THIRD DEGREE CRIMINAL
MISTREATMENT CONVICTION
The Trebilcocks next argue that the evidence is insufficient to support their convictions
for criminal mistreatment in the third degree of A.T because there was insufficient evidence of
substantial bodily harm. We disagree and hold there is sufficient evidence that Jeffrey and
Rebecca caused A.T. substantial bodily harm and affirm Jeffrey' s and Rebecca' s criminal
mistreatment in the third degree convictions.
To determine whether sufficient evidence supports a conviction, we view the evidence in
the light most favorable to the prosecution and determine whether any rational fact finder could
have found the elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. State v. Homan, 181 Wash. 2d
102, 105, 330 P.3d 182 ( 2014). Specifically, following a bench trial, appellate review is limited
to determining whether substantial evidence supports the findings of fact and, if so, whether the
findings support the conclusions of law. Homan, 181 Wash. 2d at 105 -06. " Substantial evidence"
is evidence sufficient to persuade a fair -minded person of the truth of the asserted premise.
Homan, 181 Wash. 2d at 106. We treat unchallenged findings of facts and findings of fact
Homan, 181 Wash. 2d at 106. We review
supported by substantial evidence as verities on appeal.
challenges to a trial court's conclusions of law de novo. Homan, 181 Wash. 2d at 106.
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A. Findings of Fact
Here, the Trebilcocks only challenge finding of fact 34 that states:
For a period of approximately seven years, the defendants also withheld food, a
necessity of life, from A.T. The defendants used food as a punishment and
reward for A.T.,
and would intentionally withhold food from her if she was
disobedient. As a result of this withholding, A.T. suffered substantial bodily
injury, to include very low body weight and growth stunting, and she was also
placed at imminent and substantial risk of substantial bodily harm.
CP ( filed May 28, 2013) at 31. Because this finding of fact is supported by substantial evidence,
we reject their argument.
The evidence at trial supported a finding that the Trebilcocks withheld food from A.T. in
order to punish her. A.T. testified that both Jeffrey and Rebecca withheld food if she had not
completed her chores or schoolwork, that she was frequently hungry even after eating, and that
the Trebilcocks rarely gave her more food if she asked for more. A.T. testified that sometimes
the Trebilcocks made her eat outside and that she was cold because she did not have a coat on.
Furthermore, the evidence at trial supported a finding that as a result of this withholding,
A.T. suffered substantial bodily injury and was put at imminent and substantial risk of substantial
bodily harm. Substantial bodily harm means " bodily injury which involves a temporary but
substantial disfigurement, or which causes a temporary but substantial loss or impairment of the
function of any bodily part or organ, or which causes a fracture of any bodily part." RCW
9A.04. 110( 4)( b). The State' s medical evidence demonstrated that A.T. was below the third
percentile for height and weight when she was removed from the Trebilcocks' home and that her
condition put her at a greater risk for infection and disease. Specifically, for a child as
malnourished as A.T. was, a routine " minor gastroenterology issue ... may result in [ ] death."
6B RP at 1372. This evidence was sufficient to persuade a fair- minded person that the
Trebilcocks' withholding of food put A.T. at severe risk and impaired her ability to grow and
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live a normal life. We hold that finding of fact 34 is supported by substantial evidence and is
thus binding on appeal.
B. Conclusions of Law
The Trebilcocks challenge conclusion of law 5, which states that the elements of criminal
mistreatment in the third degree were proved beyond a reasonable doubt. We disagree and
affirm the trial court.
A person is guilty of criminal mistreatment in the third degree
if the person is the parent of a child ... and either: ( a) With criminal negligence,
creates an imminent and substantial risk of substantial bodily harm to a child or
dependent person by withholding any of the basic necessities of life; or ( b) With
criminal negligence, causes substantial bodily harm to a child or dependent person
by withholding any of the basic necessities of life.
RCW 9A. 42. 035. A person " acts with criminal negligence when he or she fails to be aware of a
substantial risk that a wrongful act may occur and his or her failure to be aware of such
substantial risk constitutes a gross deviation from the standard of care that a reasonable person
would exercise in the same situation." RCW 9A. 08. 010( 1)( d). We hold that the findings of fact
support a conclusion that the Trebilcocks were guilty of criminal mistreatment in the third
degree.
Unchallenged findings of fact 28 and 29 show that the Trebilcocks were A.T.' s parents.
Unchallenged finding of fact 35 establishes that the Trebilcocks acted with criminal negligence.
Finding of fact 34, which is supported by substantial evidence, establishes that the Trebilcocks
caused substantial bodily harm to A.T. and put her at imminent and substantial risk of substantial
bodily harm by withholding basic necessities of life. Accordingly, we hold that the findings of
fact support conclusion of law 5 and we affirm.
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V. ERROR TO IMPOSE SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT AS PART OF JEFFREY' S PROBATION
Jeffrey further argues the trial court erred by imposing substance abuse treatment as a
condition of his probation for his criminal mistreatment in the third degree conviction. The State
concedes this argument and agrees the court imposed the condition in error; it was " most likely a
scrivener' s error." Resp' t' s Br. at 32. We accept the State' s concession and remand for the trial
court to strike the substance abuse treatment from Jeffrey' s sentence.
While the trial court has broad discretion to impose probationary conditions on
misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors, those conditions must be reasonably related to the
crime. State v. Hall, 35 Wn. App. 302, 308, 666 P.2d 930 ( 1983). Here, the record fails to
indicate that Jeffrey abused any substance or that substance abuse was related to the charges.
We hold that the State' s concession is proper and we remand for a correction of Jeffrey' s
judgment and sentence.
VI. SAG ISSUES
Jeffrey raises several issues in his statement of additional grounds ( SAG). Although a
defendant is not required to cite to the record or authority in his SAG, he must still " inform the
court of the nature and occurrence of [the] alleged errors," and we are not required to search the
record to find support for the defendant' s claims. RAP 10. 10( c). Because Jeffrey does not
provide support for his alleged errors, we do not reach his claims.
A. Delays
Jeffrey argues that his case was delayed for two years. However, the record does not
show that Jeffrey asserted his right to a speedy trial prior to trial, and thus Jeffrey is not entitled
to relief.
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B. Lack of Time with Lawyer
Jeffrey argues that his lawyer did not spend enough time on his case. The record does not
indicate how much time Jeffrey' s lawyer spent working on his case. Matters outside of the
record must be raised in a personal restraint petition. See State v. McFarland, 127 Wash. 2d 322,
335, 338 n.5, 899 P.2d 1251 ( 1995).
C. Outside -of -Court Conduct
Jeffrey argues that his lawyer had casual social contact with the judge and the prosecuting
attorney. This information is not a part of the record and must be raised in a personal restraint
petition. See McFarland, 127 Wash. 2d at 338 n.5.
Jeffrey also complains of CPS' s conduct outside of court, such as getting him fired from
his job. Similarly, Jeffrey complains that the media released his personal information and that he
received death threats from unidentified persons. Jeffrey complains that as a result of the media
coverage of his case, he was refused service in a store. Jeffrey complains that the detectives told
his family and friends that they would " put[ ] [ the Trebilcocks] away for a long time." SAG at 5.
Jeffrey complains that a person named Sue Barr " said a lot of un true [ sic] stuff' on television.
SAG at 3. This information is not a part of the record, and even if it were, we cannot provide a
remedy for the actions of third parties outside of court.
D. Credibility Arguments
Jeffrey argues that Dr. Tolby, Dr. Wu, and unspecified persons who were " involved with
these too [ sic] children when they were tooking [ sic] from the blood mother" were biased and
gave false testimony. SAG at 3. Jeffrey further argues that the children' s case worker, Tina Day,
lied. But we do not review weight or credibility issues on appeal. State v. Camarillo, 115
Wash. 2d 60, 71, 794 P.2d 850 ( 1990).
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E. Bifurcated Trial
Jeffrey argues that he wanted to be tried alone, rather than jointly with his wife. The
record does not indicate that Jeffrey ever moved for a separate trial, and thus Jeffrey is not
entitled to relief.
F. Jury Trial
Jeffrey argues that he wanted a trial by jury. We have already addressed and rejected this
argument above.
We remand for the trial court to strike the substance abuse treatment from Jeffrey' s
sentence. We otherwise affirm the Trebilcocks' convictions and sentences.
We concur:
25