STATE OF NEW JERSEY VS. BEATRICE J. RAMIREZ (17-10-0966, PASSAIC COUNTY AND STATEWIDE) ( 2020 )

NOT FOR PUBLICATION WITHOUT THE
APPROVAL OF THE APPELLATE DIVISION
This opinion shall not "constitute precedent or be binding upon any court." Although it is posted on the
internet, this opinion is binding only on the parties in the case and its use in other cases is limited. R. 1:36-3.
SUPERIOR COURT OF NEW JERSEY
APPELLATE DIVISION
DOCKET NO. A-0034-18T2
STATE OF NEW JERSEY,
Plaintiff-Respondent,
v.
BEATRICE J. RAMIREZ,
Defendant-Appellant.
____________________________
Submitted October 20, 2020 – Decided December 1, 2020
Before Judges Yannotti and Haas.
On appeal from the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law
Division, Passaic County, Indictment No. 17-10-0966.
Joseph E. Krakora, Public Defender, attorney for
appellant (Michele A. Adubato, Designated Counsel,
on the brief).
Camelia M. Valdes, Passaic County Prosecutor,
attorney for respondent (Mark Niedziela, Assistant
Prosecutor, of counsel and on the brief).
PER CURIAM
Defendant was tried before a jury, found guilty of unlawful possession of
a controlled dangerous substance (CDS), and sentenced to one year of probation.
She appeals from the judgment of conviction dated August 14, 2018. We affirm.
I.
In October 2017, a Passaic County grand jury returned a twenty-four-
count indictment charging defendant with fourth-degree possession of a CDS
(marijuana), N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10(a)(3) (count one); third-degree possession of a
CDS (marijuana), with intent to distribute, N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5(a)(1) and N.J.S.A.
2C:35-5(b)(11) (count two); fourth-degree possession of a CDS (hashish),
N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10(a)(3) (count three); and third-degree possession of a CDS
(hashish) with intent to distribute, N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5(a)(1) and N.J.S.A. 2C:35-
5(b)(11) (count four). Darren E. Richardson, George E. Thomas, Shaina M.
Harris, Daniel F. Valerio, Leonardo J. Barragan, and Kenneth Coe also were
charged in the indictment with various offenses related to the possession of a
CDS.1
Defendant filed a motion to suppress evidence, which the trial court
denied. Prior to trial, Barragan pled guilty to count twenty-two of the
indictment, in which he was charged with third-degree possession of marijuana
1
The State and defendant refer to Thomas as George Thomas Cespedes.
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with intent to distribute. In addition, Coe pled guilty to count twenty-three in
which he was charged with fourth-degree possession of marijuana. It is unclear
from the record how the charges against Cespedes and Harris were resolved.
Defendant, Richardson, and Valerio were tried before a jury.
At the trial, Detective Vincent Ricciardelli testified that in August 2017,
he was employed by the Wayne Township Police Department (WTPD) and
assigned to its Special Operations and Narcotics Bureau. He was assisting the
Passaic County Prosecutor's Office (PCPO) in its investigation of Harris and
Cespedes regarding the illegal possession and distribution of marijuana.
Ricciardelli said the officers had search warrants for Harris's residences
on Lake Drive in Haskell, New Jersey, and on Front Street in Paterson, New
Jersey, but Harris could not be found at those locations. The officers contacted
an informant who told them Harris was going to be at a Ramada Inn in Wayne .
On August 2, 2017, Ricciardelli and Detective Paul Kindler of the WTPD
went to that location. Ricciardelli testified that he observed Harris enter the
hotel. Ricciardelli and Kindler then set up surveillance at the hotel, using its
surveillance cameras. He saw Richardson, whom he knew from a prior narcotics
investigation. Ricciardelli knew Richardson was supposed to be on home
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detention as a condition of bail for other CDS charges. The hotel manager
informed Ricciardelli that Richardson was staying in Room 245.
Ricciardelli stated that it appeared drug activity was taking place in and
around Room 245. Ricciardelli observed several persons coming in and out of
the room. Early in the afternoon, Ricciardelli observed a female, later identified
as defendant, arrive at the hotel in a white Mercedes. She parked in the rear
parking lot, near Room 245. She used a key card to enter the room.
She then exited the room, got into the Mercedes, and drove around to the
front of the building. Defendant later drove to the rear of the building and
parked the Mercedes alongside a Jeep. She used a key fob to open the doors to
the Jeep and placed an object into that vehicle. She then returned to Room 245.
On August 3, 2017, Ricciardelli and Kindler continued their surveillance
at the hotel. Ricciardelli saw Richardson and Barragan coming in and out of
Room 245, and he observed Richardson leave the room with a brown paper bag.
Richardson went to the white Mercedes, placed the bag on the rear passenger
seat, and returned to the room. A short time later, Richardson exited Room 245
with a small paper bag which he placed in the front passenger seat of the
Mercedes. Richardson returned to the room, while defendant and an unknown
male drove off in the Mercedes.
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That afternoon, Ricciardelli observed a white Nissan Maxima arrive and
park in the rear of the Ramada Inn. Two males, who were later identified as Coe
and Valerio, exited the car. Coe had been driving the Nissan, and Valerio was
the passenger. They met Richardson on the second-floor balcony outside Room
245 and had a short conversation. Coe entered Room 245 but remained in the
open doorway. He had a black plastic bag in his hand. He appeared to open the
bag and show Richardson its contents. Defendant and Barragan left the room.
A short time later, Coe emerged from the room. He was holding a small,
white plastic shopping bag. Coe and Valerio went down the stairs and departed
in the white Nissan Maxima. Ricciardelli radioed units in the area and informed
them that a drug transaction apparently had taken place. He directed the units
to make an investigatory stop of the car.
At the time, Detective Gary Bierach of the Totowa Police Department
(TPD) and another detective were stationed on Route 46 in Totowa, a short
distance from the hotel. They followed the Nissan and conducted a motor
vehicle stop. Bierach reported to Ricciardelli what had happened during the
stop. Ricciardelli decided to secure Room 245 at the Ramada Inn and either
obtain consent to search the room or apply for a search warrant. He was
concerned that evidence could be altered or destroyed.
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Ricciardelli knocked on the door and loudly announced, "Police." The
door was ajar and he could smell a heavy odor of raw marijuana. Richardson,
Barragan, and defendant were in the room. The officers placed them under
arrest. They then closed and locked the door. Two officers were posted outside
to ensure no one went in or out of the room. Officers also monitored the
Mercedes.
Ricciardelli and another detective submitted an affidavit in support of an
application for a search warrant for Richardson's room and the Mercedes. On
August 4, 2017, a judge issued the warrants, which were executed that day.
On a writing desk, the officers found a partially-smoked marijuana
cigarette, a box of unused sandwich bags, a box of tin foil, an open roll of black
garbage bags, a box of rubber bands, a pipe used to smoke tetrahydrocannabinol
(THC) oil, and two containers with a residue of oil. In a wastepaper basket
under the table, the officers found a clear Tupperware container with a digital
scale and two bags of suspected raw marijuana.
Behind the door, the officers found a black garbage bag with trash. In the
bag, the officers recovered a large food bag with suspected marijuana and a bag
containing three empty plastic bags. On the bed, the officers found an open
suitcase with a food saver bag. They found $3,055 in cash on the nightstand, of
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which $3,000 was wrapped in $1,000 bundles with rubber bands. In the
refrigerator, the officers found two sheets of THC wax, which were wrapped in
wax paper.
In a compartment in the trunk of the Mercedes, the officers recovered
$17,500 in cash, of which $17,000 was wrapped in $1,000 bundles with rubber
bands similar to those found in the room. The money was in white and black
plastic bags, which were stuffed inside an empty box that had been placed into
another box.
On cross-examination, Ricciardelli stated that he contacted the Passaic
County Sheriff's Office and requested a K-9 team to examine Room 245 and the
Mercedes for the presence of a CDS. The team arrived after the officers secured
the room. Ricciardelli said the dog sniffed the Mercedes and the area of the
room but did not provide a conclusive "alert" of the presence of a CDS at either
location.
Bierach testified that in August 2017, he was employed by the TPD and
assigned to the PCPO's Narcotics Task Force. He stated that on August 3, 2017,
he was with another detective in an unmarked car. After receiving a
communication from Ricciardelli, Bierach observed the white Nissan traveling
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east on Route 46. Bierach activated the lights and sirens on his vehicle and
stopped the Nissan.
Coe and Valerio were in the car. Bierach approached the car from the
driver's side and detected a strong odor of marijuana. He asked Coe and Valerio
to exit the vehicle. According to Bierach, Valerio blurted out that he had "a bag
of weed,"2 removed the bag from the waistband of his pants and handed it to
Bierach. Valerio and Coe were arrested.
Bierach performed a visual search of the interior of the car. He observed
a white plastic bag and marijuana. On the passenger side door, Bierach found a
pull-string bag that contained marijuana and a grinding device. In a
compartment in the trunk, the officers recovered $17,500 in cash bundled in
rubber bands similar to those found in the room. Valerio and Coe were
transported to the TPD. Bierach transported the evidence to police headquarters
and then returned to the Ramada Inn to assist in securing the individuals in Room
245. The following day, he returned to the hotel and assisted the other officers
in executing the search warrants.
2
During trial, the court conducted a N.J.R.E. 104 hearing and struck from the
record Bierach's testimony that Valerio said he had a "bag of weed" on the basis
that it was made in violation of Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966).
Consequently, Valerio's charge was reduced to the possession of marijuana, a
disorderly persons offense.
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Lieutenant Harrison Dillard of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office
testified as an expert in street-level drug distribution. Dillard described
marijuana and its characteristics, including its odor. He discussed the use of
motel rooms and automobiles in drug-distribution schemes. He also discussed
the packaging of marijuana. He described THC, THC wax, and the significance
of the packaging of cash in bundles using rubber bands.
Valerio testified that on August 3, 2017, he went with Coe to the Ramad a
Inn in Coe's white Nissan. He admitted that earlier that day, he smoked
marijuana. They got out of the car and went to Richardson's room. Coe was
carrying a black plastic bag with White Owl cigars. Richardson greeted them.
Coe went into the room, and Valerio remained outside on the second-floor
balcony, smoking a cigarette.
Valerio testified that Coe was carrying a white plastic bag when he left
the room, but he did not know what was in the bag. They got into the car.
Valerio said he did not know what Coe did with the white plastic bag. They left
the hotel and drove to Totowa. On the way, the police stopped the car.
Richardson did not testify at trial. However, he called his mother as a
witness. She stated that she had been living with defendant, Harris,3 and others
3
Harris is Richardson's sister.
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at a home on Lake Drive in Haskell. Richardson's mother said the family had to
vacate the Lake Drive residence by the end of July 2017. She moved to a hotel
in Ramsey, and Richardson rented a room at the Ramada Inn in Wayne. She
said suitcases from Harris's room at the Lake Drive residence were transported
to Richardson's room at the Ramada Inn.
Defendant did not testify. She did not call any witnesses. The jury found
defendant not guilty on counts one, two, and four, but guilty on count three
(fourth-degree possession of a CDS, hashish).
The jury found Richardson guilty on counts five (fourth-degree
distribution of a CDS, marijuana), six (fourth-degree possession of a CDS,
marijuana), seven (third-degree possession of a CDS, marijuana, with intent to
distribute), and nine (fourth-degree distribution of a CDS, hashish). In addition,
the jury found Valerio not guilty on the disorderly persons charge of possession
of marijuana.
As we stated previously, the trial court sentenced defendant to one year of
probation and entered a judgment of conviction dated August 14, 2018.
Defendant appeals and raises the following arguments:
POINT I
SINCE THE EVIDENCE SEIZED FROM THE
HOTEL ROOM AND MERCEDES VIOLATED
DEFENDANT'S RIGHTS AGAINST UNLAWFUL
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SEARCH AND SEIZURE GUARANTEED BY THE
UNITED STATES AND NEW JERSEY
CONSTITUTIONS, THE MOTION TO SUPPRESS
SHOULD HAVE BEEN GRANTED.
POINT II
THE ADMISSION OF CERTAIN INFLAMMATORY
EVIDENCE OVER THE DEFENSE OBJECTION
DEPRIVED DEFENDANT OF A FAIR TRIAL.
POINT III
THE SUPPRESSION OF EXCULPATORY
EVIDENCE BY THE STATE VIOLATED BRADY v.
MARYLAND[, 373 U.S. 83 (1963)].
POINT IV
THE TESTIMONY OF THE DRUG EXPERT
EXCEEDED THE BOUNDS OF ACCEPTABLE
EXPERT TESTIMONY AND DEPRIVED
DEFENDANT OF A FAIR TRIAL.
POINT V
IT WAS ERROR FOR THE TRIAL COURT TO
DENY DEFENDANT'S MOTION FOR A MISTRIAL.
POINT VI
THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN DENYING THE
DEFENDANT'S MOTION FOR ACQUITTAL AT
THE END OF THE STATE'S CASE.
II.
Defendant argues that the trial court erred by denying her motion to
suppress evidence obtained in the search of Room 245 at the Ramada Inn and
her white Mercedes. She contends the officers' initial warrantless entry into
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Room 245 was unconstitutional. She also contends the officers had no concrete
basis to believe exigent circumstances existed or that defendants would destroy
evidence.
When reviewing the denial by a trial court of a motion to suppress
evidence, we defer to a trial court's findings of fact "so long as those findings
are supported by sufficient evidence in the record." State v. Hubbard, 222 N.J.
249, 262 (2015). An appellate court should disregard those findings of fact only
if they are "clearly mistaken." Ibid. On the other hand, a trial court's legal
conclusions are not entitled to special deference and are reviewed de novo. Id.
at 263.
"The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I,
paragraph [seven] of the New Jersey Constitution require that police off icers
obtain a warrant 'before searching a person's property, unless the search falls
within one of the recognized exceptions to the warrant requirement.'" State v.
Cassidy, 179 N.J. 150, 159-60 (2004) (quoting State v. DeLuca, 168 N.J. 626,
631 (2001); U.S. Const. amend IV; N.J. Const. art. I, ¶ 7).
"Exigent circumstances" constitutes a "predominant exception" to the
warrant requirement. Cassidy, 179 N.J. at 160. "[E]xigent circumstances,
coupled with the existence of probable cause, will excuse a police officer 's
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failure to have secured a written warrant prior to a search for criminal
wrongdoing." Ibid. This doctrine "lacks neatly defined contours" and courts
"must conduct a fact-sensitive and objective analysis . . . ." Ibid."[C]ircumstances have been found to be exigent when they 'preclude
expenditure of the time necessary to obtain a warrant because of a probability
that the suspect or the object of the search will disappear, or both.'" Ibid.(quoting State v. Smith, 129 N.J. Super. 430, 435 (App. Div. 1974)). Courts
should also consider:
The degree of urgency and the amount of time
necessary to obtain a warrant; the reasonable belief that
the evidence was about to be lost, destroyed, or
removed from the scene; the severity or seriousness of
the offense involved; the possibility that a suspect was
armed or dangerous; and the strength or weakness of
the underlying probable cause determination.
[Deluca, 168 N.J. at 632-33.]
"Where the threatened removal of drugs from a residence is offered as an
exigent circumstance, 'whether the physical character of the premises is
conducive to effective surveillance, as an alternative to a warrantless entry,
while a warrant is procured' must be considered." State v. De La Paz, 337 N.J.
Super. 181, 196 (App. Div. 2001) (quoting State v. Alvarez, 238 N.J. Super.
560, 568 (App. Div. 1990)). Further, "[p]olice-created exigent circumstances
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which arise from unreasonable investigative conduct cannot justify warrantless
home entries." Ibid.Here, the judge noted that occupants of a hotel room have expectations of
privacy that differ from those in a residence. The judge noted that the officers
observed Richardson go back and forth to defendant's car several times and place
a bag in the car. The officers also observed Coe arrive at the hotel and show
Richardson a bag. Coe entered the room and later left with a different bag. The
judge found that, based on their training and experience, the officers had a good
faith basis for believing a crime had been committed.
The judge also noted that after Coe and Valerio left the hotel, the officers
had Coe's Nissan stopped on Route 46. Bierach approached the car and detected
the odor of marijuana. The judge found that Bierach had a reasonable suspicion
to believe the Nissan contained narcotics. The judge stated that the officers
validly undertook a warrantless search of the Nissan.
The judge further found that thereafter, the officers at the hotel had
sufficient information to undertake an investigatory sweep of Room 245 and
detain defendant and Richardson so that the suspected marijuana inside the room
was not destroyed. The judge rejected the assertion that the officers created an
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exigency. We are convinced there is sufficient credible evidence in the record
to support the trial court's findings.
We reject defendant's contention that the officers had sufficient time to
obtain a warrant before entering the hotel room. The judge noted that under the
circumstances, there was an opportunity for the destruction of evidence. Indeed,
as the State points out, after Coe and Valerio were stopped, they could have
informed defendant of the stop, which could have led to the destruction of
evidence.
Defendant contends the officers obtained the warrant in an attempt to
legitimatize the unconstitutional warrantless search of the room. However, the
record supports the judge's finding that the officers lawfully entered the room to
remove the occupants and secure the premises to ensure evidence would not be
lost or destroyed. The judge noted that the officers did not search the room until
after they obtained a warrant.
Defendant further argues that the judge erred by finding the search of the
room and Mercedes was constitutionally permissible. She contends the search
warrant application contained lies, misstatements, and omissions of material
facts. She asserts that the warrant affidavit erroneously stated that Valerio
blurted out that he was in possession of marijuana. Defendant also asserts the
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affidavit falsely stated that the surveillance at the hotel was for the purpose of
executing the warrants for Harris. In addition, she asserts that the affidavit did
not state that the K-9 failed to provide a positive alert for contraband.
"It is well settled that a search executed pursuant to a warrant is presumed
to be valid and that a defendant challenging its validity has the burden to prove
'that there was no probable cause supporting the issuance of the warrant or that
the search was otherwise unreasonable.'" State v. Jones, 179 N.J. 377, 388
(2004) (quoting State v. Valencia, 93 N.J. 126, 133 (1983)). "[T]he probable
cause standard 'is a well-grounded suspicion that a crime has been or is being
committed.'" State v. Moore, 181 N.J. 40, 45 (2004) (quoting State v. Nishina,
175 N.J. 502, 515 (2003)).
Here, the warrant affidavit contained sufficient facts to establish probable
cause for issuance of the search warrants. The affidavit indicated that the
officers had stopped the Nissan, detected the odor of marijuana coming from the
car, and found marijuana in the back seat. In addition, the affidavit noted the
exchange of bags at the hotel, one of which was found in the car containing
marijuana.
The failure to state that the K-9 had not provided an "alert" of the presence
of CDS at the hotel room or Mercedes did not render the affidavit
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constitutionally deficient. As Ricciardelli explained, the dog's failure to provide
a conclusive alert of CDS at those locations was due to the open-air nature of
the area and odor of marijuana throughout the entire area. The failure to include
these facts in the affidavit was not a material omission.
Moreover, the record does not support defendant's assertion that the
surveillance was conducted solely for the purpose of obtaining information
about Richardson. The officers were attempting to execute the warrants
regarding Harris when they observed Richardson engage in what appeared to be
illegal activity at the hotel. The detectives knew Richardson from previous
investigations of illegal drug activity.
The trial court correctly found that the facts stated in the warrant affidavit
established probable cause for the issuance of the warrants to search the hotel
room and Mercedes. The affidavit did not omit material facts or include
misstatements of fact material to the probable cause determination.
III.
Next, defendant argues she was denied a fair trial because the trial court
permitted the State to introduce evidence that the officers recovered $17,500
from the Mercedes. She contends the State failed to establish a sufficient nexus
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between that money and any unlawful activity in Room 245. She also argues
the evidence was unduly prejudicial. We disagree.
A trial court's evidentiary rulings "should be upheld 'absent a showing of
an abuse of discretion, i.e., there has been a clear error of judgment.'" State v.
Perry, 225 N.J. 222, 233 (2016) (quoting State v. Brown, 170 N.J. 138, 147
(2001)). "An appellate court applying this standard should not substitute its own
judgment for that of the trial court, unless 'the trial court's ruling was so wide of
the mark that a manifest denial of justice resulted.'" Ibid. (quoting State v.
Marrero, 148 N.J. 469, 484 (1997)).
Rule 402 states that "[a]ll relevant evidence is admissible," unless
otherwise prohibited under the rules of evidence or the law. N.J.R.E. 402. Rule
401 defines relevant evidence as "evidence having a tendency in reason to prove
or disprove any fact of consequence to the determination of the action." N.J.R.E.
401. However, relevant evidence may be excluded "if its probative value is
substantially outweighed by the risk of: (a) [u]ndue prejudice, confusi ng the
issues, or misleading the jury; or (b) [u]ndue delay, wasting time, or needlessly
presenting cumulative evidence." N.J.R.E. 403.
The record supports the trial judge's finding that there was a nexus
between the money found in the Mercedes and the unlawful activity in Room
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245. The judge noted that the money was packaged in "the same way" as the
money found in the room. Moreover, defendant was seen coming and going
from the room, and Richardson also was seen entering the Mercedes and placing
bags in the car. There also was no basis for excluding this evidence under
N.J.R.E. 403. The evidence was probative to the charges against defendant, and
the probative value of the evidence outweighed any prejudice to defendant from
its admission.
IV.
Defendant contends the State violated Brady by failing to disclose certain
evidence in discovery. She contends the evidence would have been favorable to
the defense. Again, we disagree.
"[T]he suppression by the prosecution of evidence favorable to an accused
upon request violates due process where the evidence is material either to guilt
or to punishment, irrespective of the good faith or bad faith of the prosecution."
Brady, 373 U.S. at 87. In determining if there has been a Brady violation, we
consider:
(1) the evidence at issue must be favorable to the
accused, either as exculpatory or impeachment
evidence; (2) the State must have suppressed the
evidence, either purposely or inadvertently; and (3) the
evidence must be material to the defendant's case.
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[Brown, 236 N.J. at 518.]
"The existence of those three elements evidences the deprivation of a defendant's
constitutional right to a fair trial under the due process clause." Ibid.
In most cases, consideration of the first two elements "is a straightforward
analysis." Ibid. When considering the third element, a court should "'examine
the circumstances under which the nondisclosure arose' and '[t]he significance
of a nondisclosure in the context of the entire record.'" Ibid. (quoting State v.
Marshall, 123 N.J. 1, 199-200 (1991)). Then, the court should "consider the
strength of the State's case, the timing of disclosure of the withheld evidence,
the relevance of the suppressed evidence, and the withheld evidence's
admissibility." Id. at 519.
Further, "[e]stablishing materiality 'does not require demonstration by a
preponderance that disclosure of the suppressed evidence would have resulted
ultimately in the defendant's acquittal.'" Id. at 520 (quoting Kyles v. Whitley,
514 U.S. 419, 434 (1995)). Rather, the primary inquiry is "whether in the
absence of the undisclosed evidence the defendant received a fair trial,
'understood as a trial resulting in a verdict worthy of confidence.'" State v.
Nelson, 155 N.J. 487, 500 (1998) (quoting Kyles, 514 U.S. at 434).
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Defendant contends the State failed to disclose that the K-9 team's dog did
not provide a positive alert of marijuana at the hotel room or Mercedes. At trial,
Ricciardelli stated that the dog did not provide a conclusive alert. He said that
if the dog had done so, he would have mentioned it in his report.
Furthermore, the record shows that prior to trial, defendants knew about
the dog's reactions during the sweep and questioned Ricciardelli about it on
cross-examination. Defendant has not shown that the evidence would have been
favorable to the defense or that she was prejudiced by the State's failure to
provide the information earlier.
Defendant also contends the State failed to disclose that Valerio did not
spontaneously state that he possessed marijuana. Defendant asserts that the
record shows Valerio made the statement in response to the question, "Do you
have anything on you."
However, as noted previously, the trial judge conducted a N.J.R.E. 104
hearing and suppressed the statement that Valerio made during the motor vehicle
stop. The judge found the statement was elicited in violation of Miranda. In
any event, the evidence regarding Valerio's statement was not material to the
defense.
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V.
Defendant argues that Dillard's testimony exceeded the bounds of
acceptable expert testimony and deprived her of a fair trial. Dillard testified that
the money the officers recovered in the hotel room and Mercedes was in small
denominations and packaged in a manner indicative of past distribution of drugs.
Defendant asserts Dillard impermissibly provided an opinion on an ultimate
issue in the case.
To be admissible, an expert's testimony must address "a subject matter
that is beyond the ken of the average juror." State v. Kelly, 97 N.J. 178, 208
(1984). The testimony must assist "the trier of fact [in] understand[ing] the
evidence or determin[ing] a fact in issue." State v. Nesbitt, 185 N.J. 504, 514
(2006) (citing State v. Berry, 140 N.J. 280, 291 (1995)).
Here, the trial judge found that Dillard had not provided an opinion on an
ultimate issue in the case. The judge instructed the jury that Dillard testif ied
"that the denominations of money that were confiscated . . . were indicative of
past distributions." The judge instructed the jury "to disregard any inference or
suggestion that there was a distribution other than what is charged in this
indictment . . . ."
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We are convinced that the judge did not err by admitting Dillard's
testimony regarding the money recovered in the hotel room and Mercedes.
Dillard explained that the denominations were indicative of money used in "past
distributions" of drugs. This was permissible expert testimony. Moreover, the
judge provided a curative instruction and directed the jury to disregard any
inference or suggestion that the money could have been derived from drug
distributions other than those at issue in the case.
VI.
Defendant argues that the trial judge erred by denying her motions for a
mistrial. The record shows that defendant sought a mistrial after Ricciardelli
testified that a detective informed her of her Miranda rights when she was
removed from the hotel room. Defendant also moved for a mistrial after Dillard
testified that the denominations and bundling of the money found in the hotel
room and Mercedes were indicative of "past drug distributions."
"A mistrial should only be granted 'to prevent an obvious failure of
justice.'" State v. Smith, 224 N.J. 36, 47 (2016) (quoting State v. Harvey, 151
N.J. 117, 205 (1997)). "Whether an event at trial justifies a mistrial is a decision
'entrusted to the sound discretion of the trial court.'" Ibid. (quoting Harvey, 151
N.J. at 205). "Appellate courts 'will not disturb a trial court's ruling on a motion
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for a mistrial, absent an abuse of discretion that results in a manifest injustice. '"
Ibid. (quoting State v. Jackson, 211 N.J. 394, 407 (2012)).
When considering a motion for a mistrial, courts should consider the
"unique circumstances of the case." Ibid. (citing State v. Allah, 170 N.J. 269,
280 (2002)); State v. Loyal, 164 N.J. 418, 435-36 (2000). "If there is 'an
appropriate alternative course of action,' a mistrial is not a proper exercise of
discretion." Ibid. (citing Allah, 170 N.J. at 281). Where inadmissible evidence
has been introduced, the judge must consider whether it may be addressed by a
"cautionary or limiting instruction" or whether it "requires the more severe
response of a mistrial . . . ." State v. L.P., 352 N.J. Super. 369, 379 (App. Div.
2002) (quoting State v. Winter, 96 N.J. 640, 646-47 (1984)).
Here, the trial judge did not err by finding Ricciardelli's statement that
defendant had been informed of her Miranda rights did not warrant a mistrial.
The trial judge noted that jurors are well aware that persons who are arrested are
informed of their Miranda rights. The judge pointed out that Ricciardelli did
not comment on defendant's silence after she was informed of her Miranda
rights. In addition, the judge instructed the jury to disregard Ricciardelli's
statement about informing defendant of her Miranda rights. The denial of the
motion for a mistrial was not an abuse of discretion.
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We reach the same conclusion on defendant's motion for a mistrial
regarding Dillard's testimony that the money found in the hotel room and
Mercedes were in denominations and packaged in a manner indicative of "past
drug distributions." As we stated previously, Dillard's testimony did not address
an ultimate issue in the case, and the judge instructed the jury to disregard any
inference or suggestion that the money could have been derived from drug
distributions other than those at issue in the case.
VII.
Defendant further argues that the trial judge erred by denying her motion
for a judgment of acquittal. Defendant asserts she was never in physical
possession of the CDS, was not registered at the hotel, was not present in the
room when any alleged drug transaction took place, and was not seen placing
anything in the car. Defendant therefore contends the State failed to present
sufficient evidence to support a finding by the jury that she possessed a CDS
with intent to distribute beyond a reasonable doubt.
"[T]he broad test for determination of . . . an application [for a judgment
of acquittal] is whether the evidence at that point is sufficient to warrant a
conviction of the charge involved." State v. Reyes, 50 N.J. 454, 458 (1967). In
ruling on the motion, the trial judge "must determine . . . whether, viewing the
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State's evidence in its entirety, be that evidence direct or circumstantial, and
giving the State the benefit of all its favorable testimony as well as all of the
favorable inferences which reasonably could be drawn therefrom, a reasonable
jury could find guilt of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt." Id. at 458-59
(citing State v. Fiorello, 36 N.J. 80, 90-91 (1961)). On appeal, we "apply the
same standard as the trial court to decide if a judgment of acquittal was
warranted." State v. Felsen, 383 N.J. Super. 154, 159 (App. Div. 2006) (citing
State v. Moffa, 42 N.J. 258, 263 (1964)).
In this case, defendant was charged under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10(a)(3) with
fourth-degree unlawful possession of a CDS (hashish). "Possession signifies
intentional control and dominion, the ability to affect physically and care for the
item during a span of time." State v. Davis, 68 N.J. 69, 82 (1975). "Intentional
control and dominion, in turn, means that the defendant was aware of his or her
possession." State v. McCoy, 116 N.J. 293, 299 (1989) (citing State v.
DiRienzo, 53 N.J. 360, 370 (1969)). Possession can be either actual or
constructive. Ibid."Physical or manual control of the proscribed item is not required as long
as there is an intention to exercise control over it manifested in circumstances
where it is reasonable to infer that the capacity to do so exists." State v. Brown,
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80 N.J. 587, 597 (1979) (citations omitted). "Thus, constructive possession
exists when a person intentionally obtains a measure of control or dominion over
the stolen goods although they are under the physical control of another. "
McCoy, 116 N.J. at 299 (citing State v. Kimbrough, 109 N.J. Super. 57, 64 (App.
Div. 1970)).
"'Mere presence' at the place where the contraband is located is
insufficient to establish constructive possession." State v. Randolph, 441 N.J.
Super. 533, 558 (App. Div. 2015) (citing State v. Whyte, 265 N.J. Super. 518,
523 (App. Div. 1992)). "There must 'be circumstances beyond mere presence'
that permit a reasonable inference of the defendant's intention and capacity to
exercise control over the object and the defendant's knowledge of what the
object is." Id. at 559 (citing Whyte, 265 N.J. Super. at 523). However,
"[o]wnership in conjunction with possession is not a required element . . .
[because] one can knowingly control something without owning it . . . ." Brown,
80 N.J. at 598.
We are convinced the judge did not err by finding that the State presented
sufficient evidence upon which the jury could find defendant guilty of unlawful
possession of a CDS beyond a reasonable doubt. Defendant was not observed
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in actual possession of any CDS, but defendant was arrested in a hotel room in
which the officers recovered CDS and drug paraphernalia.
Moreover, the officers recovered money in the Mercedes that was
packaged like the monies recovered in the hotel room. In addition, the officers
observed defendant driving the Mercedes and coming and going from Room 245
in the hotel. She also was present when the officers came to secure the room.
There was sufficient evidence that defendant's possession of the CDS was
beyond "mere presence" when such CDS was recovered. The evidence was
sufficient to "permit a reasonable inference of the defendant's intention and
capacity to exercise control over the [CDS] and . . . defendant's knowledge of
what the [CDS] is." Randolph, 441 N.J. Super. at 558-59.
Affirmed.
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