State Of Washington v. James M. Fey

IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
STATE OF WASHINGTON,
No. 70443-5-1
Respondent,
DIVISION ONE
!
v. CO
UNPUBLISHED OPINION
JAMES MATTHEW FEY,
CO
en
Appellant. FILED: November 3, 2014
Appelwick, J. — Fey was convicted of child molestation in the first degree after
his stepdaughter, K.R., reported that Fey molested her. Fey argues that the trial court
erred in admitting statements K.R. made to her therapist under ER 803(a)(4). He asserts
that this error combined with several other evidentiary rulings deprived him of his right to
a fair trial. He alleges that he received ineffective assistance ofcounsel when his attorney
stipulated to the admission of K.R.'s recorded interview with a child forensic interview
specialist. He contends that his sentencing conditions deprived him of his parental right
to a relationship with his own children. We affirm.
FACTS
K.R. lived with her mother, C.R., stepfather, James Fey, older sister, A.R., and
younger twin sisters, H.F. and E.F. At the time oftrial, K.R. was 11 years old, and C.R.
and Fey had been together for nine years. C.R. and Fey are H.F.'s and E.F.'s biological
parents. K.R. and A.R. have a different biological father but were raised by Fey since
they were young. They call him "dad."
On May 29, 2012, an educational theater group performed a play at K.R.'s school.
The play was about safety rules in situations of bullying or abuse. In one of the acts, a
12 year old character was inappropriately touched by her mother's boyfriend. After
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watching the play, K.R. asked one of the actresses, "What if it's a parent touching you?
What if it's your dad? That's happening to me. I should tell." The actress informed a
school counselor who spoke to K.R. K.R. told the counselor that her stepfather touched
her inappropriately. The counselor contacted the police.
K.R. was taken to the hospital for a sexual assault examination. Her examination
was inconclusive.
K.R. was then interviewed by a forensic child interview specialist, Gina Coslett.
The interview was videotaped. During the interview, K.R. told Coslett that the first time
Fey touched her was in July 2011. Fey and K.R. were in Fey's living room—called the
"man cave"—and Fey was tickling K.R. K.R. said he "put his fingers over the pants and
started just feeling it." K.R. said, "Stop," and Fey did.
K.R. told Coslett that Fey touched her another time when they were watching a
movie together. Fey lifted K.R. up beside him and starting touching her vagina. She said
it felt "very, very uncomfortable." K.R. said she told him to stop, but she did not think she
said it loud enough, because he kept touching her. Fey stopped when K.R. "almost
screamed 'Stop.'" K.R. said that Fey also put K.R.'s hand on "his nuts" that night.
K.R. told Coslett that the last time Fey touched her inappropriately was also when
they were watching a movie together in the man cave. K.R. said that Fey reached down
her shorts and rubbed her vagina with his fingers. He stopped when K.R. said, "Ow."
After the allegations, K.R. was placed with in a foster home with Kim Miller. K.R.
remained with Miller throughout the trial court proceedings. The State initiated a
dependency case against Fey and C.R. As part of the dependency proceeding, K.R.
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attended weekly counseling with Jo Jordan, a psychotherapist.1 Jordan diagnosed K.R.
with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The State charged Fey with one count of child molestation in the first degree. Fey
pleaded not guilty. His defense was that K.R. lied for attention when she accused Fey of
molesting her and that she incorporated details from the educational play into her
accusations and interview with Coslett. Fey's counsel stipulated to the admission of the
interview video recording.
K.R. testified at trial. She said that Fey touched her vagina multiple times. K.R.
testified that she best remembered the second time that Fey touched her. She said that
they were watching a movie in the man cave when it happened. She also testified that
Fey made her touch "his nuts." She did not remember many other details.
The State called Coslett, who testified about the forensic interview process. The
State played the videotape of K.R.'s interview for the jury, per Fey's stipulation.
Jordan testified about K.R.'s counseling sessions. She said that K.R. told her that
Fey molested her when they watched a movie together under a blanket in the man cave.
K.R. said that Fey "tickled her up and down her sides and then down the front, and then
he touched her on her front privates."
Fey testified. He stated that he never molested K.R. or touched her
inappropriately.
The jury found Fey guilty as charged. He was sentenced to 59.5 months to life in
prison. He appeals.
The record does not otherwise reflect the terms of K.R.'s counseling.
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DISCUSSION
Fey argues that multiple erroneous evidentiary rulings amounted to cumulative
error which deprived him of his right to a fair trial. He further maintains that he received
ineffective assistance of counsel when his attorney stipulated to the admission of K.R.'s
videotaped forensic interview. Finally, he argues that his sentencing conditions impede
his parental relationship with his biological daughters.
I. Evidentiary Rulings
We review a trial court's evidentiary rulings for abuse of discretion. Cox v.
Spanqler, 141 Wn.2d 431, 439, 5 P.3d 1265, 22 P.3d 791 (2000). We will not overturn
the trial court's ruling absent manifest abuse of discretion. Sintra. Inc. v. City of Seattle,
131 Wn.2d 640, 662-63, 935 P.2d 555 (1997). The accumulation of otherwise
nonreversible errors may deny the defendant a fair trial. State v. Coe, 101 Wn.2d 772,
789, 684 P.2d 668 (1984).
A. K.R.'s Statements to Her Therapist
Fey argues that the trial court erred in admitting statements K.R. made to Jordan
during counseling, because the statements were inadmissible hearsay.2 Fey asserts that
K.R. did not make her statements for the purpose of treatment and thus the statements
lack the guarantee of trustworthiness required by ER 803(a)(4).
ER 803(a)(4) establishes the medical diagnosis exception to the rule against
hearsay. Under this exception, out-of-court statements are admissible if made for the
2The State contends that Fey waived his objection to K.R.'s statements. But, Fey
objected to their admission during motions in limine. His objection was ongoing. State v.
Kelly, 102 Wn.2d 188, 193, 685 P.2d 564 (1984) ("Unless the trial court indicates further
objections are required when making its ruling, its decision is final, and the party losing
the motion in limine has a standing objection."). Fey's objection is preserved for appeal.
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purpose of medical diagnosis or treatment. Id. The rationale is that a medical patient is
presumed to have a strong motive to be truthful and accurate, providing a "significant
guarantee of trustworthiness." State v. Perez, 137 Wn. App. 97, 106, 151 P.3d 249(2007). For the purposes of ER 803(a)(4), the term "medical" applies to both physical
and mental health, including therapy for sexual abuse.3 In re Pers. Restraint of Grasso,
151 Wn.2d 1, 19, 84 P.3d 859 (2004); State v. Woods. 143 Wn.2d 561, 602-03, 23 P.3d
1046 (2001); In re Dependency of M.P., 76 Wn. App. 87, 92-93, 882 P.2d 1180 (1994).
The medical diagnosis exception becomes more complicated in the context of child
declarants. We do not presume that children cannot understand that certain statements
they make are for the purpose of treatment. M.P., 76 Wn. App. at 93. Nor is there a per
se requirement that a child declarant affirmatively understand a statement's treatment
purpose, so long as the statement has other indicia of reliability. State v. Ashcroft, 71
Wn. App. 444, 457, 859 P.2d 60 (1993). For example, the court may admit statements
made by child declarants who cannot understand the treatment purpose of their
statements if corroborating evidence supports the child's statements and it appears
unlikely that the child would have fabricated the cause of injury. State v. Florczak, 76 Wn.
App. 55, 58-59, 65, 882 P.2d 199 (1994). Subsequent cases have clarified that the rule
in Florczak applies to only very young children.4 See State v. Kilqore. 107 Wn. App. 160,
183, 26 P.3d 308 (2001), affd, 147 Wn.2d 288, 41 P.3d 974 (2002); State v. Carol M.P.,
3 Fey asserts that statements to a mental health therapist should not be treated as
statements to a medical doctor under ER 803(a)(4). Washington courts have declined to
make this distinction. See, e.g., M.P., 76 Wn. App. at 92-93 ("We cannot conclude that
therapy for sexual abuse, as an exercise in healing, differs materially from other medical
treatment for the purposes of ER 803(a)(4).").
4 The child declarant in Florczak was three years old. 76 Wn. App. at 58.
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89 Wn. App. 77, 87-88, 948 P.2d 837 (1997), withdrawn in part on other grounds. 97 Wn.
App. 355 983 P.2d 1165 (1999).
In Carol M.D.. the court found that nine year old M.D. was old enough to be capable
of understanding that her statements were made for the purpose of treatment. 89 Wn.
App. at 87-88. However, on the record before it, the court did not find that M.D. was
motivated to tell the truth by her self-interest in obtaining proper medical treatment. Id. at
87. M.D. testified that Cindy Andrews was her therapist, but also said she did not know
what Andrews was supposed to do. IcL. at 86. Andrews testified that her standard practice
was to tell children who she is and what she does. ]d at 87. But, she did not testify that
she explained to M.D. that her treatment's success depended upon truthful and accurate
information. Jd. The court held that, where a child declarant has not sought medical
treatment, but makes statements to a state-appointed counselor, the "record must
affirmatively demonstrate the child made the statements understanding that they would
further the diagnosis and possible treatment of the child's conditions." ]dL at 86.
The Kilgore court narrowed the rule in Carol M.D.:
When the party is offering hearsay testimony through the medical diagnosis
exception, when the declarant has stated he or she does not know what the
medical personnel to whom the statement was made does . . . the party
offering the statement must affirmatively establish the declarant had a
treatment motive. Otherwise, as long as the declarant is not a very young
child, courts may infer the declarant had such a motive.[5]
107 Wn. App. at 184 (emphasis added).
When K.R. began therapy, Jordan explained her role as a psychotherapist. She
told K.R. that "it was a safe place, and let her know the kind of work I do, and that a lot of
5 In Kilgore, the child declarant was almost 11 years old. 107 Wn. App. at 183.
The court presumed that she had a treatment motive, jd.
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kids feel the way that she feels and a lot of kids have had the experience that she
described. And I let her know that when she was ready to talk that I would be there for
her." Jordan also told K.R. that their conversations were confidential, as long as no one
was getting hurt. Their sessions consisted of therapeutic activities, such as games to
help K.R. be more comfortable facing her issues and feelings. K.R. testified that she went
to counseling with Jordan once a week, starting shortly after K.R. went to live with her
foster mother. K.R.'s therapy began in June 2012 and continued through trial in March
2013. K.R. said that she and Jordan would talk and play "feeling games."
Unlike the declarant in Carol M.D., K.R. did not state that she did not know what
Jordan does. To the contrary, K.R. testified that Jordan was her counselor and spoke
about therapeutic activities they did together, indicating that she understood Jordan's
work. Thus, under the limiting principle set forth in Kilgore, we may infer that 11 year old
K.R. had a treatment motive when making her statements. See 107 Wn. App. at 183-84
(presuming 10 year old had treatment motive).
Fey seeks to rebut this inference, arguing that the record shows that K.R. did not
make her statements for the purpose of treatment. First, he asserts that K.R.'s incentive
to be truthful was reduced, because she "did not seek treatment from Ms. Jordan and did
not like going." According to Jordan, K.R. was negative and anxious in the beginning of
counseling. However, Jordan also testified that K.R. became more relaxed and willing to
share as time went on. And, K.R. testified that counseling was "going okay. I like Jo
because, like, she - she's not afraid to express herself." The record does not support
Fey's assertion that K.R.'s feelings towards therapy affected her truthfulness.
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No. 70443-5-1/8
Fey further contends that K.R. did not make her statements for the purpose of
treatment, because she believed the reason she went to therapy was to prepare her for
court. Specifically, he refers to K.R.'s testimony that she and Jordan talked about what
happened with Fey "[o]nly when I had to -- we had to talk about it for court to get me
ready." When the prosecutor asked K.R. to explain, she replied,
Like, she has to go, like, tell me, like, what's going to happen, and, like -
like, when every - everybody's going to be there, like, who's going to be
there, and she was going to be here but I don't think she could make it. And
she -- and we just go over what we were going to -what I was going to say
and everything, and, like, talk about the only truth thing, and we talked about
how I felt about it.
Fey's argument ignores an important piece of context. Jordan diagnosed K.R. with
PTSD. Jordan's job was to help K.R. deal with and heal from her trauma. K.R. had
difficulty talking about what happened to her. As trial approached,6 Jordan had every
reason to be concerned about how testifying would affect K.R. It follows that Jordan
would want as part of K.R.'s treatment to prepare K.R. for a potentially difficult experience.
K.R. did not say that her only reason for seeing Jordan was to prepare for trial. She did
not say Jordan coached her on what to say at trial. Jordan testified that K.R.'s counseling
sessions were not for the purpose of preparing her for trial. The record shows that Jordan
built a trusting, therapeutic relationship with K.R. over several months. There is no
evidence to suggest that this relationship changed when discussing trial preparation.
And, preparing K.R. for trial was consistent with her treatment.
Moreover, Jordan emphasized the need for candor when she talked with K.R.
about trial. K.R. testified that Jordan told her "it's, basically, like, the truth chair. Don't tell
6 Jordan testified that she and K.R. spoke about Fey in January 2013. Trial began
in March 2013.
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No. 70443-5-1/9
a lie, and, like - like, for us, the truth thing is when I, like, tell - actually tell my feelings
about how I feel about court and everything." Thus, to the extent that K.R.'s statements
to Jordan related to trial preparation, K.R. was aware that it was essential to speak the
truth.
Fey does not overcome the presumption that K.R.'s statements were for the
purpose of treatment. The trial court did not abuse its discretion in admitting her
statements.
B. K.R.'s Testimony About Her Out-of-Home Placement
Fey argues that the trial court admitted irrelevant and unduly prejudicial testimony
about K.R.'s foster placement. "Relevant evidence" is evidence having any tendency to
prove or disprove a fact that is material to the determination of the action. ER 401.
Relevant evidence may be excluded if its probative value is substantially outweighed by
the danger of unfair prejudice. ER 403. The trial court has wide discretion in balancing
the probative value of evidence against its potential prejudicial impact. Coe, 101 Wn.2d
at 782.
The trial court admitted the State's evidence about K.R.'s foster placement on the
condition that the State use the less prejudicial term "out-of-home placement" in lieu of
"foster care." Fey argues that K.R.'s testimony about her out-of-home placement was not
relevant to her credibility, because she was placed there after she made her allegations.
But, K.R. testified that she was initially scared at the new home and missed her family.
The State's theory was that, under those circumstances, K.R. would have recanted if she
was lying. K.R.'s commitment to her allegations in the face of discomfort and loneliness
No. 70443-5-1/10
was probative of her credibility, especially in a case where her credibility was the central
issue.
Neither the prosecutor nor K.R. suggested that the State arranged K.R.'s out-of-
home placement. But, Fey contends that the testimony prejudiced him by allowing the
juryto infer that the State removed K.R. from her home and by engendering sympathyfor
K.R., bolstering her credibility. "Almost all evidence is prejudicial in the sense that it is
used to convince the trier of fact to reach one decision rather than another." State v. Rice,
48 Wn. App. 7,13,737 P.2d 726 (1987). The trial court weighed the potentialfor prejudice
from such an inference and the probative value relative to K.R.'s credibility and concluded
that the evidence was admissible. This was not an abuse of discretion.
Moreover, the court instructed the jury that the evidence may be considered only
for the limited purpose of assessing K.R.'s credibility. We presume that juries follow all
instructions given. State v. Stein, 144 Wn.2d 236, 247, 27 P.3d 184 (2001). Fey did not
object to the instruction below. He waived his objection to the instruction on appeal. RAP
2.5(a); State v. Smith, 174 Wn. App. 359, 364, 298 P.3d 785 (2013) ("Generally, a party
who fails to object to jury instructions in the trial court waives a claim of error on appeal."),
review denied, 178 Wn.2d 1008, 308 P.3d 643 (2013).
C. Fact of Complaint Evidence
Fey asserts that the trial court erred in permitting "fact of complaint" witnesses to
testify that K.R. identified Fey as her molester. The fact of complaint doctrine is an
exception to the rule against hearsay. State v. Ackerman, 90 Wn. App. 477, 481, 953
P.2d 816 (1998). It allows the State in a sex offense case to present evidence that the
victim complained to someone after the assault. State v. Ferguson, 100Wn.2d 131, 135,
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No. 70443-5-1/11
667 P.2d 68 (1983). This rule admits only evidence establishing that the complaint was
timely made. Id at 135-36. A fact of complaint witness may not testify about the identity
of the offender, jd. at 136. However, error in admitting evidence about the offender's
identity may be harmless where identity is not contested. See, e.g.. State v. Fleming. 27
Wn. App. 952, 957-58, 621 P.2d 779 (1980).
At trial, the State elicited fact of complaint testimony from two counselors at K.R.'s
school. Both testified that K.R. said her father molested her. The trial court overruled
Fey's objection to this testimony. This was error. However, the identity of K.R.'s molester
was not in question. And, several other pieces of evidence identified Fey as the
perpetrator. Thus, the error was harmless.
Fey also argues that the State used the fact of complaint evidence in closing
argument to impermissibly bolster K.R.'s credibility. But, the State did not refer to the fact
of complaint witnesses in closing. When the State argued that K.R.'s testimony was
corroborated by other witnesses, it named Fey—not the fact of complaint witnesses—as
an example and discussed how Fey's testimony was similar to K.R.'s regarding the details
of the incident.
Any error in admitting the fact of complaint evidence was harmless.
D. Therapist's Testimony About K.R.'s Memory Problems
Fey contends that Jordan improperly testified to K.R.'s credibility "[ujnder the guise
of medical testimony" about K.R.'s memory loss due to her medical condition.7 Expert
testimony is admissible when (1) the witness qualifies as an expert, (2) the opinion is
7 The court barred the State from referring to K.R.'s PTSD by name due to its
potential for prejudice. Instead, the State referred to K.R.'s PSTD as her "medical
condition."
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No. 70443-5-1/12
based upon an explanatory theory generally recognized in the scientific community, and
(3) if it will be helpful to the trier of fact. ER 702; In re Pers. Restraint of Morris, 176Wn.2d
157, 168-69, 288 P.3d 1140 (2012). An expert's opinion is not automatically excluded if
it covers an issue to be decided by the trier of fact. ER 704; State v. Kirkman, 159 Wn.2d
918, 929, 155 P.3d 125 (2007). However, no witness may comment on the credibility of
another witness. State v. Carlson, 80 Wn. App. 116, 123, 906 P.2d 999 (1995).
In Kirkman. the defendant was accused of sexually assaulting a child. 159 Wn.2d
at 924. The doctor who examined the victim testified that there was no physical evidence
of sexual contact, |d The State asked the doctor if his findings were consistent with the
victim's allegations of abuse. jU The doctor replied that "'to have no findings after
receiving a history like [the victim reported] is actuallythe norm rather than the exception.'"
Id. The Washington Supreme Court found this testimony proper. Id. at 933. It noted that,
where a child victim's credibility is at issue, a trial court has broad discretion to admit
evidence corroborating the child's testimony. Id. There, the doctor did not opine that the
defendant was guilty or that the victim was truthful, jd. Rather, his testimony was "content
neutral" and did not comment on the substance of the matters they discussed. Id
Here, the State asked K.R.'s therapist whether K.R.'s medical condition affects her
memory. Jordan testified that "[ojften times this condition affects the memory in ways
that they forget critical parts of what happened to them. Sometimes they - sometimes
it's time that they get wrong, and they might take several instances and put it into one.
Sometimes they forget details." She also testified that stress can exacerbate K.R.'s
condition.
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No. 70443-5-1/13
This is analogous to Kirkman. Fey's defense relied on challenging K.R.'s
credibility. Jordan did not opine on K.R.'s truthfulness. Like the doctor in Kirkman. Jordan
merely explained why inconsistencies in K.R.'s testimony might occur. And, the line of
questioning here was less blatant than in Kirkman. where the State directly asked the
doctor if the inconsistency could be reconciled. See 159 Wn.2d at 924.
The trial court did not abuse its discretion in admitting Jordan's testimony about
K.R.'s memory loss.
E. Questions About Fev and C.R.'s Bad Parenting
Fey argues that the trial court erred in admitting evidence that suggested Fey and
C.R. were bad parents.
He first challenges evidence that he permitted his daughters to watch an
inappropriate movie called Sucker Punch. (Warner Brothers 2011). During A.R.'s cross-
examination, the State asked her, "So let's talk about Sucker Punch. ... Do you think
that's an appropriate movie for [K.R.] to be watching?" A.R. replied that the movie was
"[pjrobably not entirely appropriate, but it's not extremely inappropriate." The State
argues that this was relevant to whether Fey molested K.R., because "fallowing a child
to watch movies with sexual themes could desensitize the child to sexual situations." But,
A.R.'s testimony does not specify that the movie was sexual or otherwise suggest that
Fey molested K.R. A.R.'s opinion about Sucker Punch's appropriateness has
questionable relevance. However, Fey testified—without objection—that certain parts of
the movie were inappropriate and would "get kind of sexual." Fey does not demonstrate
prejudice from A.R.'s testimony.
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No. 70443-5-1/14
Fey's remaining challenges are without merit. He complains that the prosecutor
repeatedly questioned him about why he did not tell detectives about watching Sucker
Punch with K.R. But, the court sustained both of Fey's objections to this line of
questioning. In addition, Fey seems to object to the State addressing this evidence in
closing. However, the attorneys' statements are not evidence, and the jury was instructed
as such. Finally, Fey challenges the line of questioning by the prosecutor which attacked
C.R.'s parenting. The prosecutor asked multiple questions about C.R.'s comment that
"'four innocent people' were suffering" due to K.R.'s accusations.8 Fey objected at trial.
Fey now argues that these tactics placed irrelevant and unduly prejudicial evidence
before the jury. But, the underlying evidence that people were suffering was introduced
during testimony by Jordan without objection. We will not find error based on an
evidentiary grounds not raised at trial. State v. Powell. 166 Wn.2d 73, 82-83, 206 P.3d
321 (2009).
To the extent the trial court erred in admitting irrelevant evidence, it was harmless.
F. Cumulative Error
Fey argues that the aforementioned evidentiary errors amounted to cumulative
error, prejudicing his right to a fair trial. We find that the trial court made two harmless
errors. This did not constitute cumulative error.
II. Ineffective Assistance of Counsel
Fey argues that his counsel was ineffective for stipulating to the admission of
K.R.'s recorded interview with Coslett. He maintains that the interview consisted of
8 Fey's argument on appeal seems to challenge the prosecutor's behavior.
However, he frames his argument as an evidentiary challenge and does not allege
prosecutorial misconduct. Accordingly, we treat the challenge as evidentiary.
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No. 70443-5-1/15
otherwise inadmissible hearsay that prejudiced the jury's verdict. He contends that there
was no conceivable legitimate tactical reason for counsel's actions.
The Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees defendants
the right to effective assistance of counsel. Strickland v. Washington. 466 U.S. 668, 685,
104 S. Ct. 2052, 80 L. Ed. 2d 674 (1984). To demonstrate ineffective assistance of
counsel, an appellant must show that the attorney's performance was deficient and that
the deficiency was prejudicial. State v. Thomas. 109 Wn.2d 222, 225-26, 743 P.2d 816(1987). Deficient performance is that which falls below an objective standard of
reasonableness. In re Pet, of Moore. 167 Wn.2d 113, 122, 216 P.3d 1015 (2009). The
reasonableness of counsel's conduct is judged "on the facts of the particular case, viewed
as of the time of counsel's conduct." Strickland. 466 U.S. at 690. Prejudice occurs if, but
for the deficient performance, there is a reasonable probability that the outcome of the
proceedings would have been different. State v. McFarland, 127Wn.2d 322, 334-35, 899
P.2d 1251 (1995). There is a strong presumption of effective assistance. Moore. 167
Wn.2d at 122. But, this court will conclude that counsel's representation is ineffective if it
can find no legitimate strategic or tactical reason for a particular decision. McFarland.
127 Wn.2d at 336. For example, the decision to present certain evidence is a matter for
difference ofopinion and therefore presumed to be a matterof legitimate trial tactics. See
In re Pers. Restraint of Davis, 152 Wn.2d 647, 742, 101 P.3d 1 (2004).
Defense counsel's theory of the case was that K.R. lied for attention when she
accused Fey. Counsel theorized that K.R. incorporated details from the play in her
interview with Coslett and that those details differed from K.R.'s testimony at trial eight
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No. 70443-5-1/16
months later. Counsel used the video to note specific inconsistencies between K.R.'s
interview and trial testimony. This allowed him to draw doubt about her credibility.
Fey argues that counsel could have impeached K.R. without stipulating to the
admission of the entire interview. But, counsel also used the video to dispute the State's
assertion that K.R. had memory issues. He referred to the video when questioning
Coslett's interview techniques. And, he asked the jury to observe K.R. demeanor's during
the interview.
Fey contends that the interview was prejudicial, because it presented evidence
that did not arise elsewhere. But, counsel was clearly aware of this, as it was the basis
for his argument that K.R.'s testimony was unreliable. Fey may disagree with counsel's
strategy, but that does not make it illegitimate. See Davis, 152 Wn.2d at 742. Nor does
the fact that Fey was ultimately convicted. See In re Pers. Restraint of Rice. 118 Wn.2d
876, 888-89, 828 P.2d 1086 (1992) (In considering ineffective assistance, "the court must
make every effort to eliminate the distorting effects of hindsight.").
Fey's defense was that K.R. lied about his transgressions. The video was central
to presenting his theory of the case. Counsel's stipulation to the video's admission was
a legitimate tactical choice. It did not constitute ineffective assistance of counsel.
III. Sentencing Conditions
Fey challenges his sentencing conditions that restrict his contact with minors. He
asserts that the conditions violate his fundamental right to a relationship with his biological
daughters, H.F. and E.F.
The trial court has the authority to impose crime-related prohibitions as a condition
of sentence. RCW 9.94A.505(8); State v. Warren, 165 Wn.2d 17, 32, 195 P.3d 94016
No. 70443-5-1/17
(2008). We review sentencing conditions for abuse of discretion. ]d This remains the
standard even where the condition interferes with a fundamental right, such as the
relationship between parent and child. In re Pers. Restraint of Rainey, 168 Wn.2d 367,
374-75, 229 P.3d 686 (2010). However, we review such conditions more carefully to
ensure that they are sensitively imposed and reasonably necessary to accomplish the
essential needs of the State and public order. Id at 374. The State has a compelling
interest in preventing harm and protecting children. State v. Corbett. 158 Wn. App. 576,
598, 242 P.3d 52 (2010).
Fey's sentence included the following prohibitions:
4. Do not initiate or prolong contact with minor children without the
presence of an adult who is knowledgeable of the offense and has been
approved by the supervising Community Corrections Officer.
6. Do not frequent areas where minor children are known to congregate,
as defined by the supervising Community Corrections Officer.
8. Do not date women or form relationships with families who have minor
children, as directed by the supervising Community Corrections Officer.
9. Do not remain overnight in a residence where minor children live or are
spending the night.
Fey argues that these conditions bar him from communicating with his own family for as
long as his children are minors.
We may vacate a no-contact order where it is not sufficiently related to the harm it
seeks to prevent. See, e.g., State v. Letourneau. 100 Wn. App. 424, 427, 997 P.2d 436(2000). In Letourneau. the defendant was convicted of second degree rape of a child.
]d The victim was a 13 year old boyto whom Letourneau was not related. Id. at 428-29.
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No. 70443-5-1/18
As a condition of her sentence, Letourneau was prohibited from unsupervised contact
with her biological children until they reached the age of majority, jd. at 437-38. Because
there was no evidence that Letourneau might molest her own children, we found that the
condition was not reasonably necessary to accomplish the State's needs. Id at 441-42.
The present case is distinguishable. Although K.R. is not Fey's biological
daughter, he essentially raised K.R. as his own. K.R. has called Fey "dad" for nine of her
11 years. Fey's conviction serves as evidence that Fey molested a child he considered
his own. Unlike in Letourneau. it is reasonable to impose a condition to ensure that Fey's
biological daughters are not at risk. And, Fey is able to see his daughters as long as an
approved adult is present. The sentencing conditions are tailored to Fey's offense and
reasonably necessary to prevent harm to minor children.
Relying on Rainey. Fey also challenges the lifetime duration of his conditions. In
Rainev. the court entered a lifetime no-contact order between Rainey and his daughter
after Rainey kidnapped the child and used her to gain leverage over his ex-wife. 168
Wn.2d at 379. The Washington Supreme Court approved the order's scope but found no
justification on the record for the order's lifetime duration. Id at 382. It remanded for the
sentencing court to consider the duration of the order under the "reasonably necessary"
standard. Jdat382.
Again, the present case is distinguishable. Fey's conditions limit his interactions
with minors for his lifetime. But, the conditions are not lifelong as they pertain to his
children. Fey's contact with his daughters is restricted only until they reach the age of
majority. This duration is justified by his offense.
18
No. 70443-5-1/19
The trial court did not abuse its discretion in imposing Fey's crime-related
prohibitions.
We affirm.
WE CONCUR:
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19