State v. Montgomery , 2014 Ohio 4354 ( 2014 )

[Cite as State v. Montgomery, 2014-Ohio-4354.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
TENTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
State of Ohio, :
Plaintiff-Appellee, : No. 13AP-512
(C.P.C. No. 12CR-11-6125)
v. :
(REGULAR CALENDAR)
Albert L. Montgomery, :
Defendant-Appellant. :
D E C I S I O N
Rendered on September 30, 2014
Ron O'Brien, Prosecuting Attorney, Michael P. Walton, and
Kimberly M. Bond, for appellee.
Dennis C. Belli, for appellant.
APPEAL from the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas.
BROWN, J.
{¶ 1} This is an appeal by defendant-appellant, Albert L. Montgomery, from a
judgment of sentence and conviction entered by the Franklin County Court of Common
Pleas following a bench trial in which the court found appellant guilty of trafficking in
cocaine and illegal manufacture of drugs.
{¶ 2} On December 4, 2012, appellant was indicted on three counts of trafficking
in cocaine, in violation of R.C. 2925.03, and one count of illegal manufacture of drugs, in
violation of R.C. 2925.04. Counts 2 and 4 of the indictment each contained a school
enhancement specification, i.e., that appellant committed the offense in the vicinity of a
school as defined under R.C. 2925.01.
No. 13AP-512 2
{¶ 3} Appellant waived his right to a jury trial, and the case was tried to the court
April 4, 2013. The sole witness called by plaintiff-appellee, the State of Ohio, was
Columbus Police Detective Nathaniel Smith, assigned to the department's Special
Investigations Unit. Detective Smith offered the following testimony at trial.
{¶ 4} In December 2011, the detective was working with a confidential informant
who introduced him to a drug supplier. At that time, the confidential informant and
Detective Smith only knew the supplier by his street name, "A-1." (Tr. 22.) On
December 13, 2011, Detective Smith and the informant went to an apartment residence
located at 2175 West Mound Street. A-1, who the detective identified at trial as appellant,
answered the door and invited them inside. A-1 asked Detective Smith "how much I
wanted," and Detective Smith responded that he wanted a "zip," which is "slang for a full
ounce of cocaine." (Tr. 15.) A-1 "got on the phone, referred to somebody on the phone as
Mikey, said: Bring me a zipper." (Tr. 15.)
{¶ 5} As Detective Smith waited, "at least three, four, five people came in and
purchased a rock of what looked like a rock of crack cocaine from [A-1] while we were
waiting on my order to arrive." (Tr. 16.) A-1 eventually told Detective Smith that "the
order was here." (Tr. 16.) Detective Smith gave A-1 $1,400, and A-1 left the apartment;
he returned approximately five minutes later with a bag of white powder.
{¶ 6} A-1 then asked Detective Smith if he "wanted it cooked up." (Tr. 16.)
Detective Smith responded affirmatively, and asked how much it would cost. A-1 told him
"it will be another $80." (Tr. 16.) Detective Smith gave A-1 $80, and A-1 took the white
powder into the kitchen. Detective Smith observed A-1 "adding a little bit of baking soda
to it, a little water, put it in the microwave for about 30 seconds or so." (Tr. 16.) A-1 then
placed the mixture on the stove for approximately five minutes. A-1 packaged the drugs
and weighed the package on a scale. According to the detective, it weighed "out to 30
grams on the scale." (Tr. 17.) Upon receiving the package, the detective exited the
residence.
{¶ 7} Following the transaction, Detective Smith obtained a photograph from a
police database of an individual known to use the street name "A-1." (Tr. 23.) The
photograph depicted an individual named Albert Montgomery. Detective Smith testified
No. 13AP-512 3
that he "looked at the picture immediately after the deal and was 100 percent certain that
was [appellant]." (Tr. 23.)
{¶ 8} Detective Smith testified he made a second purchase from appellant
approximately one week later. On that date, the detective returned to the apartment at
2175 West Mound Street and knocked on the door. Appellant answered and asked
Detective Smith: "Do you want the same thing as the last time?" (Tr. 27.) Detective Smith
responded yes, and handed appellant $1,400. The detective waited approximately 45
minutes for the supplier to arrive. Appellant left the residence and returned five or ten
minutes later with a bag of white powder. Detective Smith noticed that the bag "was light.
It was definitely not an ounce." (Tr. 27.) Detective Smith "brought that to [appellant's]
attention," and appellant "started to gently usher me, push me out of the door, and he
said: We'll make it up next time if it's not * * * the right weight." (Tr. 28.) Appellant
"made it clear it was time for me to leave." (Tr. 28.)
{¶ 9} At trial, Detective Smith identified appellant as the individual who sold him
cocaine on two separate occasions. The detective estimated that the apartment at 2175
West Mound Street was located within 250 to 300 yards of two area schools. The
detective testified that he also utilized data from the Franklin County Auditor's website to
determine that both of the schools fell within a 1,000 foot radius of appellant's apartment.
At trial, the parties stipulated that state's exhibit E consisted of 28.8 grams of crack
cocaine, and that state's exhibit F contained 22.4 grams of crack cocaine.
{¶ 10} Following the presentation of evidence, the trial court found appellant guilty
of all four counts, and merged Counts 3 and 4 for purposes of sentencing. By entry filed
May 28, 2013, the court imposed a sentence of eight years incarceration each on Counts 1,
2 and 4, with Counts 1 and 2 to be served concurrent to each other, and consecutive to
Count 4.
{¶ 11} On appeal, appellant sets forth the following five assignments of error for
this court's review:
[I.] The prosecutor's questions to the narcotics detective
regarding the impact a false identification would have on his
career constituted misconduct and deprived Defendant-
Appellant of his due process right to a fundamentally fair trial
under the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
No. 13AP-512 4
[II.] The trial court erred in denying Defendant-Appellant's
motion for a judgment of acquittal as to Counts 2 and 3 and
the school enhancements under Counts 2 and 4 due to the
State's failure to present sufficient evidence to satisfy the
requirements of the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth
Amendment to the United States Constitution.
[III.] Defendant-Appellant's convictions for all four counts of
the indictment are against the manifest weight of the
evidence.
[IV.] Defendant-Appellant was denied his right to the effective
assistance of counsel as guaranteed by the Sixth and
Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution.
[V.] Defendant-Appellant's aggregate sixteen-year prison
sentence is clearly and convincingly contrary to law and/or
the product of an abuse of discretion by the trial court.
{¶ 12} Under the first assignment of error, appellant contends the prosecutor
engaged in misconduct by questioning Detective Smith during redirect examination
regarding the impact a false identification could have on his law enforcement career.
Appellant argues that the prosecutor's questions constituted improper vouching.
{¶ 13} By way of background, Detective Smith testified during direct examination
that he had reviewed a photograph of an individual known by the street name of "A-1."
(Tr. 23.) The photograph, obtained from a law enforcement database and admitted at
trial as State's exhibit B, depicted an individual named Albert Montgomery; upon
receiving the printout, the detective dated and initialed the photograph. Detective Smith
testified that he "looked at the picture immediately after the deal and was 100 percent
certain that was [appellant]." (Tr. 23.)
{¶ 14} On cross-examination, defense counsel asked Detective Smith whether he
had printed "anything else off with a photograph"? (Tr. 51.) The detective acknowledged
he had printed out a second photograph of an individual named Albert Montgomery, but
that the photograph, admitted at trial as defendant's exhibit No. 1, did not depict the same
individual as in the first photograph. Defense counsel showed the detective both
photographs (i.e., state's exhibit B and defendant's exhibit No. 1), and asked the detective:
"[D]o you think that those two people are, in fact, the same person"? (Tr. 52.) Detective
Smith responded: "Those two people do not look the same to me." (Tr. 52.) Defense
No. 13AP-512 5
counsel further questioned the detective about the fact that "the computer says both those
people are, in fact, Albert Montgomery, correct"? (Tr. 52.) While noting that the names
generated from the database were the same, Detective Smith stated: "I believe they're
separated by several years. I wasn't confident on that one which is why I signed this one.
This one has the likeness of Mr. Montgomery." (Tr. 52.)
{¶ 15} On redirect examination, the prosecutor engaged in the following colloquy
with Detective Smith:
Q. There are different ways to identify people?
A. Correct.
Q. But in this case the A-1 rang with Albert Montgomery?
A. Yes, it worked. It was the first thing I tried, and it was the
same person.
Q. If you had any doubt in your mind after the first
identification from that sheet that you signed, what would you
do?
A. If I had any doubt, I wouldn't file any charges.
***
Q. If you failed to identify, if you had the picture the first time
and you said that is not the guy and you bought again and you
said that's still not the guy, what would you do?
A. Try to find a different way to get that person identified.
Q. Did this happen in this case?
A. No. I had him identified.
Q. The second time you saw him, is that the same person you
wrote on the sheet?
A. Yes.
Q. You're sure now?
A. 100 percent.
No. 13AP-512 6
Q. What would happen to your career if you made up an
identification?
A. It would be worthless.
Q. Did you do that in this case?
A. No.
(Tr. 59-60.)
{¶ 16} Appellant contends the prosecutor's questions regarding the impact on the
detective's career in the event he fabricated an identification were highly improper, and
placed the trier of fact in the position of believing an acquittal would have collateral
consequences beyond the issue of guilt or innocence. Appellant cites this court's decision
in State v. Brooks, 176 Ohio App.3d 210, 2008-Ohio-1726 (10th Dist.), for the proposition
that a prosecutor engages in misconduct when he or she attempts to leave the trier of fact
with a belief that the jury must find the defendant guilty of an offense in order to avoid
putting a law enforcement officer's career in jeopardy. In Brooks, this court observed that
a prosecutor's argument that "deputy sheriffs were 'throwing their jobs away' in order to
convict [the defendant] puts a jury in a posture of feeling they have to find a defendant
guilty of something or cost * * * police officers their 'jobs * * *, their livelihoods.' " Id. at ¶
20-21.
{¶ 17} In general, "[t]he test for prosecutorial misconduct is whether remarks are
improper and, if so, whether they prejudicially affected substantial rights of the accused."
State v. Lott, 51 Ohio St.3d 160, 165 (1990). With respect to the issue of vouching, it is
"improper for an attorney to express a personal belief or opinion as to the credibility of a
witness." State v. Jackson, 107 Ohio St.3d 53, 2005-Ohio-5981, ¶ 117.
{¶ 18} At the outset, we note that defense counsel did not object to the line of
questioning in dispute. Under Ohio law, "[a] claim of prosecutorial misconduct is waived
unless raised at trial, and if so waived, can serve as the basis for relief only if the conduct
constitutes plain error." State v. Franklin, 97 Ohio St.3d 1, 2002-Ohio-5304, ¶ 24. An
analysis of plain error "requires an inquiry into whether, but for the error, the outcome of
the trial would have been different." Id.No. 13AP-512 7
{¶ 19} Upon review, we do not find the prosecutor improperly vouched for the
credibility of the detective. Here, the disputed questions on redirect were in response to
inquiries by defense counsel challenging the detective's testimony as to the certainty of his
identification. As noted, Detective Smith acknowledged during cross-examination that he
had printed out a second photograph of an individual named Albert Montgomery, but the
detective explained that the two photographs did not depict the same individual. On
redirect, the prosecutor sought to rehabilitate the detective's testimony regarding the
photograph at issue and to show that the witness had no motive to lie about the
identification.
{¶ 20} Even accepting, however, appellant's argument that the prosecutor's line of
questioning was improper, we are unable to conclude, in the context of a bench trial, that
the purported vouching affected the outcome of the case.1 In general, the concern of
improper vouching by a prosecutor is that such comments invade the province of the jury
or amount to the prosecutor giving his or her personal opinion as to the character of a
witness. State v. Bailey, 8th Dist. No. 97330, 2012-Ohio-3356, ¶ 58. In reviewing a
bench trial, "an appellate court presumes that a trial court considered nothing but
relevant and competent evidence in reaching its verdict," and this presumption "may be
overcome only by an affirmative showing to the contrary by the appellant." State v. Wiles,
59 Ohio St.3d 71, 86 (1991). See also State v. Rowe, 2d Dist. No. 25993, 2014-Ohio-3265,
¶ 45, citing White v. White, 2d Dist. No. 2013 CA 86, 2014-Ohio-1288, ¶ 11 ("Appellate
courts presume that a trial court only considered relevant and admissible evidence in a
bench trial."). In the instant case, the record does not suggest the trial court placed any
undue emphasis on this portion of the detective's testimony. Based on the foregoing,
appellant's first assignment of error is overruled.
{¶ 21} Appellant's second and third assignments of error raise challenges as to
both the sufficiency and the weight of the evidence, and we will address these assignments
of error collectively. Under the second assignment of error, appellant argues the trial
court erred in denying his motion for judgment of acquittal as to Counts 2 (illegal
manufacture of drugs) and 3 (first degree trafficking in cocaine when the amount exceeds
1We note that the Brooks case relied on by appellant was tried to a jury. While the Brooks court deemed the
prosecutor's argument to be improper, it found no plain error occurred based on a determination that the
argument did not contribute to the verdict.
No. 13AP-512 8
27 grams but less than 100 grams), as well as to the school enhancement specifications
under Counts 2 and 4. Under the third assignment of error, appellant contends that his
convictions on all four counts are against the manifest weight of the evidence.
{¶ 22} Crim.R. 29(A) states in part: "The court on motion of a defendant or on its
own motion, after the evidence on either side is closed, shall order the entry of a judgment
of acquittal of one or more offenses charged in the indictment, information, or complaint,
if the evidence is insufficient to sustain a conviction of such offense or offenses." A
motion for acquittal under Crim.R. 29 "challenges the legal sufficiency of the evidence."
State v. Carter, 2d Dist. No. 21145, 2006-Ohio-2823, ¶ 40. Further, such motion "is
governed by the same standard as the one for determining whether a verdict is supported
by sufficient evidence." State v. Tenace, 109 Ohio St.3d 255, 2006-Ohio-2417, ¶ 37. In
reviewing the "record for sufficiency, '[t]he relevant inquiry is whether, after viewing the
evidence in a light most favorable to the prosecution, any rational trier of fact could have
found the essential elements of the crime proven beyond a reasonable doubt.' " Id.,quoting State v. Jenks, 61 Ohio St.3d 259 (1991), paragraph two of the syllabus.
{¶ 23} In contrast to a sufficiency argument, a reviewing court considering a
manifest weight challenge "may not merely substitute its view for that of the trier of fact."
State v. Vasquez, 10th Dist. No. 13AP-366, 2014-Ohio-224, ¶ 49. Rather, an appellate
court "must review the entire record, weigh the evidence and all reasonable inferences,
consider the credibility of witnesses and determine whether in resolving conflicts in the
evidence, the trier of fact clearly lost its way and created such a manifest miscarriage of
justice that the conviction must be reversed and a new trial ordered." Id.{¶ 24} As noted, the trial court found appellant guilty of trafficking in drugs, in
violation of R.C. 2925.03, and illegal manufacture of drugs, in violation of R.C. 2925.04.
R.C. 2925.03(A)(1) sets forth the offense of trafficking in drugs, and states in part: "No
person shall knowingly * * * [s]ell or offer to sell a controlled substance." The elements of
illegal manufacture of drugs are as follows: "No person shall knowingly cultivate
marihuana or knowingly manufacture or otherwise engage in any part of the production
of a controlled substance." R.C. 2925.04(A). Pursuant to R.C. 2925.01(J),
" '[m]anufacture' means to plant, cultivate, harvest, process, make, prepare, or otherwise
engage in any part of the production of a drug, by propagation, extraction, chemical
No. 13AP-512 9
synthesis, or compounding, or any combination of the same, and includes packaging,
repackaging, labeling, and other activities incident to production."
{¶ 25} We first address arguments presented by appellant with respect to his
conviction for illegal manufacture of drugs. Appellant contends the trial court, at the
urging of the prosecutor, improperly took judicial notice that the activity at issue
constituted manufacturing under the Ohio Revised Code. Appellant further argues the
state failed to offer proof that the manufacture of crack cocaine took place. According to
appellant, while Detective Smith described the suspect's conduct in cooking the substance
in a microwave oven, the detective never offered any explanation as to the cooking process
itself, or whether this activity altered the chemical makeup of the substance.
{¶ 26} The state argues that appellant incorrectly asserts the trial court, at the
request of the prosecutor, took judicial notice that appellant engaged in the illegal
manufacture of cocaine; rather, the state maintains, the prosecutor only noted that the
trial court could take judicial notice of the definition of "manufacture" under R.C.
2925.01(J). A review of the record supports the state's argument on this issue.
Specifically, during closing argument, the prosecutor's remark to the court regarding this
issue was as follows: "The definition of manufacture is in [R.C.] 2925.01, which the Court
can take judicial notice of." (Tr. 72.) We therefore find no merit to appellant's contention
that the court took improper judicial notice of evidence relating to the offense at issue.
{¶ 27} As noted, appellant asserts the prosecution failed to offer proof as to the
elements of the offense of manufacture of cocaine. In response, the state argues it was not
required to show that the cooking process altered the chemical makeup of the cocaine;
instead, the state contends, evidence that appellant processed and repackaged the cocaine
was sufficient to sustain a conviction for illegal manufacture of drugs.
{¶ 28} At trial, the prosecution presented evidence that appellant obtained a white
powder substance from a supplier and offered to cook the substance for the purchaser;
appellant mixed the white powder with other substances, including baking soda, cooked
the mixture in a microwave and stove, and repackaged and weighed the resultant
compound on a scale once it had cooled. In addressing the state's evidence as to the
subject offense, the trial court noted "uncontroverted testimony * * * that the cocaine
shows up at the residence in a powder form, the Defendant offers to process it, and he
No. 13AP-512 10
cooks it in a microwave, he cooks it on the stove, he adds color to it, that all fits the
definition of manufacture." (Tr. 78.)
{¶ 29} Here, construing the evidence most strongly in favor of the state, testimony
by the detective indicating that appellant "cooked" or processed the cocaine with various
substances, including baking soda, and then repackaged the compound, constituted
sufficient evidence for the trier of fact to conclude that appellant engaged in the illegal
manufacture of cocaine. See, e.g., State v. Spradlin, 187 Ohio App.3d 767, 2010-Ohio-
2140, ¶ 41 (2d Dist.) (evidence recovered from kitchen, including digital scales containing
cocaine, aluminum pan containing cocaine residue, a microwave containing "crack all
over the inside" of it, and the presence of baking soda, "one of the key ingredients in
making crack cocaine," sufficient to support a finding that defendants engaged in illegal
manufacture of drugs); State v. Brewer, 2d Dist. No. 22935, 2009-Ohio-6129 (state
presented sufficient evidence for reasonable juror to conclude that defendant
manufactured crack based on officer's testimony that defendant was cooking crack, and
that officer had recovered a blow torch, a pie tin containing crack, and a small baggie
containing baking soda from defendant's truck); State v. Forney, 9th Dist. No. 24361,
2009-Ohio-2999 (conviction for illegal manufacture of drugs supported by evidence that
police officers recovered measuring cup with cocaine residue, baking soda, a digital scale,
small plastic bags, and heat source in kitchen).
{¶ 30} Appellant also challenges the sufficiency of the evidence with respect to the
school enhancement specifications, arguing that the state relied on lay opinion testimony
of the detective and a diagram from the Franklin County Auditor's website as sole proof
that the two cocaine sales occurred within 1,000 feet of a school. Appellant cites a federal
decision, United States v. McCall, 553 F.3d 821 (5th Cir.2008), as support for the
proposition that a "guess" by a narcotics agent is insufficient to satisfy the government's
requirement to prove a criminal defendant distributed drugs within 1,000 feet of a school.
{¶ 31} At issue is the sufficiency of the state's evidence that appellant committed
the offenses charged under Counts 2 and 4 in the vicinity of a school. Ohio courts have
noted that "[t]he purpose of the school enhancement specification is 'intended to punish
more severely those who engage in the sale of illegal drugs in the vicinity of our schools
and our children.' " State v. Throckmorton, 4th Dist. No. 08CA17, 2009-Ohio-5344, ¶ 19,
No. 13AP-512 11
rev'd in part on other grounds, 126 Ohio St.3d 55, 2010-Ohio-2693, quoting State v.
Manley, 71 Ohio St.3d 342, 346 (1994). Pursuant to R.C. 2925.01(P), "[a]n offense is
'committed in the vicinity of a school' if the offender commits the offense * * * within one
thousand feet of the boundaries of any school premises." In order to convict a defendant
under a school specification, the state "must prove beyond a reasonable doubt the drug
transaction occurred within the specified distance from the school." State v. Goins, 5th
Dist. No. CA99-08 (Sept. 29, 2000).
{¶ 32} At trial, Detective Smith testified he had estimated the apartment on West
Mound Street where he purchased the cocaine was "approximately 250, 300 yards" from
Hilltonia Middle School, and that a second school, West Mound Elementary School,
appeared to be that same distance from the apartment. (Tr. 35.) According to the
detective, "[i]n addition to estimating" the distances at issue, he also utilized records from
the county auditor's website. (Tr. 37.) Specifically, the detective noted that, upon
entering "a parcel address down to the actual building on a map it will give you a 1,000
foot radius of all of the businesses and residences that are inside that radius of a thousand
feet." (Tr. 37.) Detective Smith selected a distance of 1,000 feet, and the website
"mapped a radius around the parcel, 2175 West Mound Street, Mr. Montgomery's
apartment where [the detective] purchased the cocaine." (Tr. 38.) The detective testified
that "both of the schools fell within the thousand-foot radius." (Tr. 38.)
{¶ 33} Appellant challenges the fact that the detective "estimated" the offenses
occurred within 1,000 feet of a school. Ohio courts, however, have found sufficient
evidence to support a conviction on a school enhancement where the state presented
testimony regarding the approximate distance between the drug transaction and the
school as well as photographs depicting the school in relation to the property.
Throckmorton at ¶ 38 (officer's "estimate" that school sits within 300 feet of residence, as
well as photograph that depicted school in relation to property, "supports a reasonable
inference that the distance between the property and the school was less than one
thousand feet"). See also State v. Brown, 9th Dist. No. 23637, 2008-Ohio-2670, ¶ 18
(while direct evidence by actual measurement would have been more impressive
evidence, the state's introduction of photographs and a satellite image, including the
No. 13AP-512 12
house and school, "adequately supports a conclusion that less than 1,000 feet separated
the two buildings").
{¶ 34} Courts have also found testimony by a witness as to an approximate
distance, even absent photographic evidence, sufficient to prove a drug offense occurred
within the vicinity of a school. See State v. Speers, 11th Dist. No. 2003-A-0112, 2005-
Ohio-4654, ¶ 28-29 (testimony by detectives that controlled buys occurred approximately
400 feet from elementary school "standing alone, adequately established sufficient
evidence that the 'controlled buys' occurred 'within the vicinity' of a school"). See also
State v. Howard, 12th Dist. No. CA2012-04-034, 2013-Ohio-1489, ¶ 65-66 (testimony by
detective that offices where drug transactions occurred were within 200 feet of a
kindergarten daycare center sufficient to support school enhancement specification).
{¶ 35} By contrast, Ohio courts have found insufficient evidence to prove a charge
that an offense was committed within 1,000 feet of a school premises where the state
relies on a map not drawn to scale. See Goins (evidence insufficient where sheriff
admitted that distance between appellant's residence and the spot police officer stood was
never measured, and where sheriff admitted on cross-examination that diagram prepared
by officers was not drawn to scale).
{¶ 36} As cited above, appellant relies upon a federal court decision to challenge
the officer's estimate of the distance. In McCall, the court found the government's
evidence insufficient to support a finding that the place where the defendant distributed
drugs was within 1,000 feet of a school. Under the facts of that case, the government
"offered only: (1) an aerial photograph without scale * * *; and (2) testimony from [a
detective] that he had driven the streets shown in the photograph a number of times and
that the school and house were, in his opinion, within 1000 feet of each other." Id. at 825.
With respect to the aerial photograph, the court noted that "[t]he jurors were * * * left
with nothing but an aerial photograph without any indication of scale whatsoever."
(Emphasis sic.) Id. at 832-33. The court further noted that, without a "circle or some
indication of scale and distance on it, the aerial photograph is useless." Id. at 833. In its
decision, the court offered that one of the "myriad ways" the government could have
sought to prove the distance between the defendant's house and the school would be to
tender "a map with scale." Id. at 834.
No. 13AP-512 13
{¶ 37} In contrast to the facts of McCall, the prosecution in the instant case
submitted a scaled aerial satellite photograph. The photograph depicts the location of the
apartment on West Mound Street and identifies Hilltonia Middle School and West Mound
Elementary School. In considering the evidence regarding the enhancement, the trial
court cited the detective's testimony regarding his use of the auditor's website "which
indicated it was within a thousand feet." (Tr. 79.) The court specifically noted that
"Exhibit A has a scale on it," and the court determined, based on the evidence presented,
that the Hilltonia Middle School "is certainly well within a thousand feet." (Tr. 79.) While
the court noted that the distance regarding the West Mound Elementary School was "a
closer call," the court found that the evidence also supported a determination that the
offense at issue was committed within 1,000 feet of this school. (Tr. 79.) Here, based on
the testimony of the detective and the admission of the state's exhibit of an aerial
photograph, depicting the location of the apartment and surrounding area, and
containing a bar scale, we conclude that the state presented sufficient evidence to prove
the school enhancement specifications.
{¶ 38} Appellant also challenges the enhanced level of the trafficking offense under
Count 3. Specifically, appellant argues that, while Count 3 of the indictment alleged the
weight of the cocaine equaled or exceeded 27 grams, the stipulated laboratory report
indicated the substance consisted of 22.4 grams of cocaine.2 Appellant contends that the
trial court noted the stipulation of 22.4 grams, but found appellant guilty of Count 3 based
on the fact the offer to sell was for one ounce (28.34 grams).
{¶ 39} As noted by the state, however, the trial court merged Counts 3 and 4, and
the state elected to sentence on Count 4. Under Ohio law, "[w]hen a trial court dispatches
with a count through merger, any error in the jury's verdict on the merged count is
rendered harmless beyond a reasonable doubt." State v. Wolff, 7th Dist. No. 07 MA 166,
2009-Ohio-2897, ¶ 70, citing State v. Powell, 49 Ohio St.3d 255, 263 (1990) (superseded
by constitutional amendment on other grounds). See also State v. Hubbard, 8th Dist. No.
97118, 2012-Ohio-1052, ¶ 29 (court's finding that appellant's rape conviction was
2 In general, trafficking in cocaine is a felony of the fifth degree. R.C. 2925.03(C)(4)(a). However, pursuant
to R.C. 2925.03(C)(4)(f), if the drug involved is cocaine, and the amount of the drug "equals or exceeds
twenty-seven grams but is less than one hundred grams," the trafficking offense is a felony of the first
degree.
No. 13AP-512 14
supported by sufficient evidence "disposes of appellant's arguments" that insufficient
evidence existed to convict him of kidnapping charge which court merged with rape
conviction prior to sentencing). Thus, based upon the merger, we need not address the
sufficiency of the evidence as to Count 3. State v. Washington, 10th Dist. No. 09AP-424,
2009-Ohio-6665, ¶ 18.
{¶ 40} We next address appellant's arguments challenging his convictions as
against the manifest weight of the evidence. Appellant initially contends that the
detective utilized a highly suggestive procedure to identify the individual he knew only as
"A-1." Appellant points to the fact that another law enforcement officer, who did not
testify at trial, provided appellant's name to Detective Smith. In support, appellant relies
upon the provisions of R.C. 2933.83, which sets forth procedures for photo lineup
identifications.3
{¶ 41} The state argues that the provisions of R.C. 2933.83 are inapplicable
because no photo lineup identification was involved in this case. Upon review, we agree.
Further, as noted under the facts, the detective made an in-court identification based on
his observations on two separate occasions when he purchased drugs at the apartment
located at 2175 West Mound Street.
{¶ 42} Appellant also challenges the fact that the prosecution did not call the
confidential informant as a witness at trial. According to appellant, the failure of the state
to produce the confidential informant raises the inference that the informant's testimony
would have been unfavorable to the prosecution.
{¶ 43} Under Ohio law, a missing witness instruction is appropriate if the following
requirements are met: "(1) the witness in question must be within the particular power of
a party to produce, and (2) the testimony of that witness would elucidate the transaction."
State v. Husband, 10th Dist. No. 08AP-917, 2009-Ohio-2900, ¶ 11, citing State v.
Melhado, 10th Dist. No. 02AP-458, 2003-Ohio-4763, ¶ 51. Further, "[i]f the testimony of
the missing witnesses would have been merely cumulative, then the witness would not
3Effective July 6, 2010, "R.C. 2933.83(B) requires any law enforcement agency or criminal justice entity that
conducts live lineups and photo lineups to adopt specific procedures for conducting the lineups." State v.
Ruff, 1st Dist. No. C-110250, 2012-Ohio-1910, ¶ 5. The purpose of the statute is to prevent the use of
"unnecessarily suggestive procedures." State v. Howard, 8th Dist. No. 100094, 2014-Ohio-2176, ¶ 18.
No. 13AP-512 15
naturally be produced by the state, and the requested instruction would not be
appropriate." Id.{¶ 44} In the instant case, the record does not indicate that it was within the power
of the state to produce the confidential informant at trial. Moreover, there is no
indication that the testimony of this witness would have elucidated the transaction or that
such testimony would not have been merely cumulative to the testimony of the detective.
Id. at ¶ 51.
{¶ 45} Upon review, the record supports the trial court's determination that the
state presented sufficient, competent, credible evidence to support the convictions for
trafficking in drugs and illegal manufacture of drugs. We further conclude that the trier of
fact did not lose its way and create a manifest miscarriage of justice in finding appellant
guilty of the offenses; thus, the convictions are not against the manifest weight of the
evidence. Based on the foregoing, appellant's second and third assignments of error are
overruled.
{¶ 46} Under the fourth assignment of error, appellant argues that he received
ineffective assistance of counsel. Appellant contends his trial counsel's performance was
deficient for: (1) conceding the absence of reasonable doubt, (2) failing to litigate a motion
to suppress identification testimony, and (3) failing to object to hearsay testimony by
Detective Smith.
{¶ 47} Under Ohio law, in order to prevail on a claim of ineffective assistance of
counsel, a defendant is required to "show, first, that counsel's performance was deficient
and, second, that the deficient performance prejudiced the defense so as to deprive the
defendant of a fair trial." State v. Smith, 89 Ohio St.3d 323, 327 (2000), citing Strickland
v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 687 (1984). In order to establish prejudice, a defendant is
required to prove that "there exists a reasonable probability that, were it not for counsel's
errors, the result of the trial would have been different." State v. Bradley, 42 Ohio St.3d
136 (1989), paragraph three of the syllabus.
{¶ 48} Appellant maintains his trial counsel was deficient by conceding the
absence of reasonable doubt, and further argues there were legitimate arguments
available to counsel for challenging the reliability of the state's evidence on the issue of
identity. Appellant suggests other grounds for questioning the identification in this case
No. 13AP-512 16
including: (1) the presence of the photograph depicting a different individual named
Albert Montgomery, (2) the prosecution's failure to produce the confidential informant,
and (3) the absence of corroborating physical evidence.
{¶ 49} The record indicates, however, that trial counsel questioned the detective as
to those issues. We have previously noted defense counsel's cross-examination of
Detective Smith with respect to the second photograph, admitted as defendant's exhibit
No. 1, which the detective testified depicted someone other than appellant. Counsel also
questioned the detective about "a confidential informant you chose not to produce." (Tr.
57.) Finally, the record indicates trial counsel inquired as to why the detective chose not
to "go right back in, get the money and make the arrest" following the purchase at the
apartment. (Tr. 63.) Upon review, appellant has not shown deficient performance by
counsel with respect to those matters.
{¶ 50} Appellant also points to defense counsel's comments to the trial court that
his client wanted him to raise certain "concerns," but that counsel "tried to explain to Mr.
Montgomery that those things are not necessarily required." (Tr. 73.) According to
appellant, counsel's comments conveyed a belief that his client's reasonable doubt
arguments were not legitimate, and that the decision to go to trial was an exercise to
appease the client. In support, appellant relies upon a federal court decision, United
States v. Swanson, 943 F.2d 1070, 1074 (9th Cir.1991), in which that court held defense
counsel's concession in his argument to the jury that there was "no reasonable doubt that
his client robbed the bank" tainted the integrity of the trial.
{¶ 51} A review of the transcript in the instant case does not suggest such a
concession by defense counsel. Rather, comments by defense counsel that he attempted
to explain to appellant "those things are not necessarily required" were made in the
context of counsel noting "other things that may have been able to be produced that
would substantiate, bolster, aid, help the Court." (Tr. 73.) More specifically, defense
counsel observed that the state had not produced the confidential informant, and that law
enforcement officers chose not to record the events despite the fact that "a wire was worn
both times." (Tr. 73-74.) Thus, in contrast to the facts of Swanson, we do not find that
the subject comments in this case constituted a concession as to guilt.
No. 13AP-512 17
{¶ 52} Appellant also notes that his initial counsel filed a motion to suppress the
identification testimony, but that successor counsel did not request a hearing on the
motion. As a result, appellant argues, the admissibility of Detective Smith's "tainted"
identification of Montgomery was never litigated. Again, as in a prior assignment of error,
appellant relies upon the provisions of R.C. 2933.83(C) to challenge the identification.
We have previously addressed and rejected, however, appellant's argument regarding the
applicability of that statutory provision to the facts of this case, and we find no merit to
appellant's contention that trial counsel was ineffective in failing to pursue a motion to
suppress under such a theory.
{¶ 53} Appellant further contends that counsel was deficient in failing to object to
inadmissible hearsay evidence. According to appellant, defense counsel had a duty to
object to Detective Smith's testimony that another law enforcement officer told him that
an individual named Montgomery was a drug dealer using the street name of A-1.
Appellant maintains, based upon State v. Ricks, 136 Ohio St.3d 356, 2013-Ohio-3712, that
such testimony constituted inadmissible hearsay. In Ricks, the Supreme Court of Ohio
held that, "in order for testimony offered to explain police conduct to be admissible as
nonhearsay, the conduct to be explained should be relevant, equivocal, and
contemporaneous with the statements; the probative value of statements must not be
substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice; and the statements cannot
connect the accused with the crime charged." Id. at ¶ 27.
{¶ 54} The court in Ricks recognized that, even in instances in which a court has
committed constitutional error, "such error can be harmless." Id. at ¶ 46. In the instant
case, any purported error in the admission of this testimony was "harmless in light of the
other identification testimony" presented. State v. Robinson, 8th Dist. No. 100126, 2014-
Ohio-1624, ¶ 14. As previously noted, the detective testified as to his purchase of drugs
from appellant on two separate occasions at the apartment.
{¶ 55} Finally, appellant asserts his counsel was ineffective in failing to object to
the prosecutor's questioning of the detective as to whether he would suffer adverse
consequences to his career if he falsified an identification. However, in light of our
disposition of the first assignment of error, finding that the prosecutor did not improperly
No. 13AP-512 18
vouch for the credibility of the detective, appellant has not demonstrated deficient
performance by counsel. Appellant's fourth assignment of error is overruled.
{¶ 56} Under the fifth assignment of error, appellant challenges various aspects of
his sentence. Specifically, appellant argues: (1) the trial court failed to comply with R.C.
2945.75, (2) the court erred in failing to merge Counts 1 and 2, (3) the court erred in
failing to make requisite findings for consecutive sentences under R.C. 2929.14(C)(4), and
(4) the court's imposition of an aggregate sentence of 16 years is contrary to law.
{¶ 57} Appellant first contends the trial court's written findings of guilt do not
specify the degree of the offenses for which he was convicted, nor do they specify the
additional statutory elements needed to elevate each offense to a first-degree felony.
According to appellant, the verdict form returned by the trial court supports the lowest
form of the offense. In support, appellant relies on R.C. 2945.75, as well as State v.
Pelfrey, 112 Ohio St.3d 422, 2007-Ohio-256. R.C. 2945.75(A) states as follows:
When the presence of one or more additional elements makes
an offense one of more serious degree:
(1) The affidavit, complaint, indictment, or information either
shall state the degree of the offense which the accused is
alleged to have committed, or shall allege such additional
element or elements. Otherwise, such affidavit, complaint,
indictment, or information is effective to charge only the least
degree of the offense.
(2) A guilty verdict shall state either the degree of the offense
of which the offender is found guilty, or that such additional
element or elements are present. Otherwise, a guilty verdict
constitutes a finding of guilty of the least degree of the offense
charged.
{¶ 58} In Pelfrey, at syllabus, the Supreme Court of Ohio held: "Pursuant to the
clear language of R.C. 2945.75, a verdict form signed by a jury must include either the
degree of the offense of which the defendant is convicted or a statement that an
aggravating element has been found to justify convicting a defendant of a greater degree
of a criminal offense."
{¶ 59} The state, noting that the matter was not tried to a jury, argues that the trial
court was not required to make specific findings. The state further argues the trial court's
entry form finding appellant guilty, as well the court's sentencing entry, both set forth the
No. 13AP-512 19
level of each offense and, therefore, the requirements of R.C. 2945.75 were satisfied. We
agree.
{¶ 60} Ohio courts have held that, in a case in which a defendant waives a jury trial
and tries his case to the court, a trial court's "journal entry memorializing its judgment of
conviction is functionally equivalent to a 'verdict form' as contemplated by Pelfrey," and
"[n]othing in the Rules of Criminal Procedure requires a court sitting without a jury to
complete a verdict form." State v. Sims, 8th Dist. No. 89261, 2007-Ohio-6821, ¶ 20.
Rather, "the court issues a 'judgment of conviction' which must set forth 'the plea, the
verdict or findings, and the sentence.' " Id., citing Crim.R. 32(C). Thus, a trial court's
judgment of conviction stating that it found the defendant "guilty of 'carrying concealed
weapons [R.C.] 2923.12 – F4 as charged in count(s) 2 of the indictment * * * was in full
compliance with R.C. 2945.75 because it was a guilty verdict that stated the degree of the
offense for which [the defendant] was found guilty." Id.{¶ 61} Here, the entry form signed by the trial judge (on April 5, 2013) indicates
the court found appellant "[g]uilty as he stands charged in the Indictment," and it lists
each offense as "F1." Further, the court's judgment entry, filed May 28, 2013, indicates
that the court returned a verdict finding appellant guilty of two counts of trafficking in
cocaine, "Felonies of the First Degree," and one count of illegal manufacture of drugs, "a
Felony of the First Degree."
{¶ 62} Appellant next argues the trial court erred in failing to merge Counts 1 and 2
under R.C. 2941.25. Appellant contends the factual scenario in the instant case satisfies
both prongs of the test in State v. Johnson, 128 Ohio St.3d 153, 2010-Ohio-6314 for
determining whether offenses are allied offenses of similar import under R.C. 2941.25.
{¶ 63} In State v. Cummings, 8th Dist. No. 100657, 2014-Ohio-3717, ¶ 28, the
court discussed the holding in Johnson as follows:
In [Johnson], the Ohio Supreme Court clarified the test used
to determine whether offenses are allied offenses of similar
import under R.C. 2941.25. Under this test, courts must first
determine "whether it is possible to commit one offense and
commit the other with the same conduct." Johnson at ¶ 48. If
it is possible to commit both offenses with the same conduct,
courts must next determine whether the offenses were, in fact,
committed by the same conduct. If the offenses are committed
No. 13AP-512 20
either separately or with a separate animus, the offenses will
not merge. Id. at ¶ 51.
{¶ 64} We note that appellant has cited no Ohio authority for the proposition that
the offenses at issue are allied offenses. Even assuming, however, that the offenses could
be committed with the same conduct, we agree with the state that the facts of the instant
case indicate appellant committed two separate acts. Specifically, the first act occurred
when appellant knowingly sold cocaine in an amount equal to or exceeding 27 grams to
the undercover officer, the transaction being complete when the detective received the
cocaine in exchange for $1,400. The second act occurred when appellant asked the
purchaser if he wanted the drugs "cooked." The detective responded affirmatively, and
gave appellant an additional amount of money ($80); appellant then went to the kitchen
where he "cooked" the cocaine and repackaged it. Because the record indicates two
separate acts, the trial court did not commit plain error in failing to merge Counts 1 and 2.
{¶ 65} Appellant further argues that the trial court erred by failing to make
requisite findings under R.C. 2929.14 prior to imposing consecutive sentences. We agree.
{¶ 66} In State v. Jones, 10th Dist. No. 14AP-80, 2014-Ohio-3740, ¶ 16, this court
held: "It is established in this district that 'when the record demonstrates that the trial
court failed to make the findings required by R.C. 2929.14(C)(4) before imposing
consecutive sentences on multiple offenses, "appellant's sentence is contrary to law and
constitutes plain error." ' " Id., quoting State v. Ayers, 10th Dist. No. 13AP-371, 2014-
Ohio-276, ¶ 15, quoting State v. Wilson, 10th Dist. No. 12AP-551, 2013-Ohio-1520, ¶ 18.
{¶ 67} The state concedes that the trial court did not comply with the requirements
of R.C. 2929.14(C)(4), but requests that we find no plain error from the trial court's failure
to make the necessary statutory findings. This court, however, has previously addressed
and rejected such arguments. See Jones at ¶ 17; State v. Hunter, 10th Dist. No. 13AP-196,
2013-Ohio-4013, ¶ 9. Thus, we conclude that this matter must be remanded to the trial
court for resentencing to make the requisite findings under R.C. 2929.14(C)(4). See State
v. Hubbard, 10th Dist. No. 11AP-945, 2013-Ohio-2735, ¶ 87 ("Because the trial court
failed to comply with R.C. 2929.14(C)(4), by failing to make any of the required findings
on the record before imposing consecutive sentences, we must vacate defendant's
sentence and remand the case for resentencing."). In light of our finding that the trial
No. 13AP-512 21
court failed to comply with R.C. 2929.14(C)(4), requiring a remand for resentencing,
appellant's remaining argument challenging his aggregate 16-year sentence is moot.
Accordingly, appellant's fifth assignment of error is overruled in part and sustained in
part.
{¶ 68} Based on the foregoing, appellant's first, second, third, and fourth
assignments of error are overruled, the fifth assignment of error is overruled in part and
sustained in part, the judgment of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas is
affirmed in part and reversed in part, and this matter is remanded to that court for
resentencing.
Judgment affirmed in part, reversed in part;
cause remanded with instructions.
TYACK and KLATT, JJ., concur.
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