State v. Johnson , 2014 Ohio 1694 ( 2014 )

[Cite as State v. Johnson, 2014-Ohio-1694.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS
TWELFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT OF OHIO
FAYETTE COUNTY
STATE OF OHIO, :
Plaintiff-Appellee, : CASE NO. CA2013-04-012
: OPINION
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:
SPENCER A. JOHNSON, :
Defendant-Appellant. :
CRIMINAL APPEAL FROM FAYETTE COUNTY COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
Case No. 13 CRI 00002
Jess C. Weade, Fayette County Prosecuting Attorney, John M. Scott, Jr., 110 East Court
Street, Washington C.H., Ohio 43160, for plaintiff-appellee
Susan R. Wollscheid, P.O. Box 841, Washington C.H., Ohio 43160, for defendant-appellant
RINGLAND, P.J.
{¶ 1} Defendant-appellant, Spencer Johnson, appeals from his conviction and
sentence in the Fayette County Court of Common Pleas for burglary and possession of
criminal tools. For the reasons detailed below, we affirm.
{¶ 2} On January 11, 2013, appellant was indicted on two counts of burglary, two
counts of attempted burglary, and one count of possessing criminal tools. The charges arose
out of allegations that on December 12, 2012, appellant burglarized the house of John and
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Lois Rhoades, and attempted to burglarize two neighboring properties, all in the city of
Washington Court House. In committing the burglary at the Rhoades' property, it was
alleged appellant used a box cutter to cut a hole in the Rhoades' metal-screened patio,
unlocked the exterior patio door, and then removed a window to enter the home. When
appellant entered the home, the Rhoades' security system activated, thus causing appellant
to flee from the scene. Appellant was discovered in the neighborhood shortly thereafter still
in possession of the box cutter.
{¶ 3} On March 21, 2013, appellant filed a motion to suppress, which the trial court
denied. The matter then proceeded to trial on April 3, 2013. In its case-in-chief, the state
called Lois Rhoades' daughter who was house-sitting at the time of the burglary, four
witnesses who observed appellant's suspicious activity, and four investigating police officers
who responded to the scene of the crime.
{¶ 4} Following presentation of the state's evidence, appellant's counsel moved
pursuant to Crim.R. 29 for acquittal on all charges based on insufficient evidence. The trial
court granted appellant's motion for acquittal on the two counts of attempted burglary
involving the two neighboring properties. However, the trial court denied the motion for
acquittal on the remaining two counts of burglary involving the Rhoades' property, as well as
the charge of possession of criminal tools. Appellant did not introduce any evidence in his
defense and the matter proceeded to the jury.
{¶ 5} Following deliberations, the jury found appellant guilty of one count of burglary
and one count of possession of criminal tools. Appellant, however, was found not guilty on
the second count of burglary. Subsequently, the trial court imposed a three-year prison term
for the count of burglary and a one-year prison term for the count of possession of criminal
tools, to be served concurrently. Appellant now appeals from his conviction and sentence,
raising four assignments of error for review. For ease of discussion, we will address the
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assignments of error out of order.
{¶ 6} Assignment of Error No. 3:
{¶ 7} THE TRIAL COURT PREJUDICIALLY ERRED BY DENYING APPELLANT'S
MOTION TO SUPPRESS.
{¶ 8} In his third assignment of error, appellant argues the trial court erred in denying
his motion to suppress any alleged incriminating statements made following his arrest. In
support of this claim, appellant contends he was too intoxicated to make a knowing and
intelligent waiver of his Miranda rights. Therefore, appellant asserts that his Miranda waiver
was invalid and any statements or observations regarding his demeanor were inadmissible.
We find no merit to this argument.
{¶ 9} Appellate review of a ruling on a motion to suppress presents a mixed question
of law and fact. State v. Cochran, 12th Dist. Preble No. CA2006-10-023, 2007-Ohio-3353, ¶
12. "When considering a motion to suppress, the trial court, as the trier of fact, is in the best
position to weigh the evidence in order to resolve factual questions and evaluate witness
credibility." State v. Harsh, 12th Dist. Madison No. CA2013-07-025, 2014-Ohio-251, ¶ 9;
State v. Linnik, 12th Dist. Madison No. CA2004-06-015, 2006-Ohio-880, ¶ 27. Therefore,
when reviewing the denial of a motion to suppress, a reviewing court is bound to accept the
trial court's findings of fact if they are supported by competent, credible evidence. State v.
Oatis, 12th Dist. Butler No. CA2005-03-074, 2005-Ohio-6038. However, an appellate court
"independently reviews the trial court's legal conclusions based on those facts and
determines, without deference to the trial court's decision, whether as a matter of law, the
facts satisfy the appropriate legal standard." Cochran at ¶ 12; Harsh at ¶ 10.
{¶ 10} "When a suspect is questioned in a custodial setting, the Fifth Amendment
requires that he receive Miranda warnings to protect against compelled self-incrimination."
State v. Wesson, 137 Ohio St.3d 309, 2013-Ohio-4575, ¶ 34. "A suspect may then
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knowingly and intelligently waive these rights and agree to make a statement." Id. As noted
by the First District Court of Appeals in State v. Jillson, 1st Dist. Hamilton No. C-110430,
2012-Ohio-1034:
The state again bears the burden of proving by a preponderance
of the evidence that a defendant voluntarily provided a
statement. A court must look at the totality of the circumstances
in making such a determination, including the age, mentality, and
prior criminal experience of the accused; the length, intensity,
and frequency of interrogation; the existence of physical
deprivation or mistreatment; and the existence of threat or
inducement. Intoxication is one factor to consider in this analysis,
but intoxication in and of itself will not render a confession or
statement involuntary.
Id. at ¶ 17 (citations omitted); see also State v. Monticue, 2d Dist. Miami No. 06-CA-33, 2007-
Ohio-4615, ¶ 10; State v. Lewis, 10th Dist. Franklin No. CA 97APA09-1263, 1998 WL 1998WL 418913, *2 (July 21, 1998).
{¶ 11} In denying appellant's motion, the trial court found the state had met its burden
of proof and determined appellant had provided the statements voluntarily and in accordance
with law. In so holding, the trial court first noted the uncontroverted fact that Miranda
warnings were provided to appellant prior to the statements. In addition, the trial court also
found the police interrogation of appellant had been proper and there was sufficient evidence
to show appellant was oriented and not intoxicated at the time. Based on our review of the
record, we find no error in the trial court's denial of appellant's motion to suppress.
{¶ 12} In opposing appellant's motion to suppress, the state presented the testimony
of Sergeant Russell Lowe and Officer Ron Sockman, both of whom are police officers with
the City of Washington Court House, who were present during appellant's arrest and
subsequent interrogation at the Washington Court House police station. Both Sergeant Lowe
and Officer Sockman testified that appellant was provided with Miranda warnings and
appellant stated that he understood his rights. Sergeant Lowe and Officer Sockman further
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testified that appellant did not appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, nor did
appellant exhibit any objective indicators of drug or alcohol consumption, such as slurred
speech or an odor of an alcoholic beverage.
{¶ 13} Additionally, Officer Sockman testified appellant displayed signs that he was
fully aware and understood what was going on at the time, including appellant's later request
to invoke his right to counsel. On the other hand, appellant testified that he had been on a
two-day drug and alcohol binge and had no recollection of the interview with police on the
date of his arrest. Appellant presented no corroborating evidence with respect to his claim of
intoxication.
{¶ 14} After a thorough review of the record, we find no error in the trial court's finding
that appellant had full awareness of his constitutional rights and that the statements he made
during the course of the interview with police were not involuntary. Although appellant claims
he was intoxicated and under the influence of drugs at the time of his interrogation, the
testimony provided by Sergeant Lowe and Officer Sockman clearly indicates appellant
exhibited none of the objective signs of intoxication. Moreover, appellant's testimony
regarding his level of intoxication was not corroborated by any other evidence in the record.
Therefore, we find the trial court's findings of fact were supported by competent, credible
evidence. Accordingly, the trial court did not err in denying appellant's motion to suppress.
Appellant's third assignment of error is overruled.
{¶ 15} Assignment of Error No. 2:
{¶ 16} THE TRIAL COURT PREJUDICIALLY ERRED BY ACCEPTING [A] GUILTY
VERDICT WITH INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE AND AGAINST THE MANIFEST WEIGHT OF
THE EVIDENCE.
{¶ 17} In his second assignment of error, appellant argues his conviction for burglary
and possession of criminal tools is based on insufficient evidence and against the manifest
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weight of the evidence. We disagree.
{¶ 18} The legal concepts of sufficiency of the evidence and weight of the evidence
are separate and distinct. State v. Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d 380, 386 (1997). "In reviewing
the sufficiency of the evidence underlying a criminal conviction, an appellate court examines
the evidence in order to determine whether such evidence, if believed, would support a
conviction." State v. Boles, 12th Dist. Brown No. CA2012-06-012, 2013-Ohio-5202, ¶ 34.
"The 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." State v. Tenace, 109 Ohio St.3d 255, 2006-Ohio-2417,
¶ 37, quoting State v. Jenks, 61 Ohio St .3d 259 (1991), paragraph two of the syllabus.
{¶ 19} On the other hand, "a manifest weight challenge concerns the inclination of the
greater amount of credible evidence, offered in a trial, to support one side of the issue rather
than the other." State v. Cummings, 12th Dist. Butler No. CA2006-09-224, 2007-Ohio-4970,
¶ 12. In determining whether a conviction is against the manifest weight of the evidence, the
court, reviewing the entire record, weighs the evidence and all reasonable inferences,
considers the credibility of witnesses, and determines 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. State v. Hibbard, 12th
Dist. Butler Nos. CA2001-12-276, CA2001-12-286, 2003-Ohio-707, ¶ 10. A unanimous
concurrence of all three judges on the court of appeals panel reviewing the case is required
to reverse a judgment on the weight of the evidence in a jury trial. Thompkins at 389.
{¶ 20} "Because sufficiency is required to take a case to the jury, a finding that a
conviction is supported by the weight of the evidence must necessarily include a finding of
sufficiency. Thus, a determination that a conviction is supported by the weight of the
evidence will also be dispositive of the issue of sufficiency." State v. Malott, 12th Dist. Butler
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Nos. CA2007-02-006, CA2007-02-007, CA2007-02-008, 2008-Ohio-2114, ¶ 18; State v.
Wilson, 12th Dist. Warren No. CA2006-01-007, 2007-Ohio-2298, ¶ 35. Therefore, we will
first examine whether appellant's convictions are supported by the manifest weight of the
evidence.
{¶ 21} Appellant was convicted of one count of burglary and one count of possessing
criminal tools. The crime of burglary is defined in R.C. 2911.12, and provides:
(A) No person, by force, stealth, or deception, shall do any of the
following:
***
(3) Trespass in an occupied structure or in a separately secured
or separately occupied portion of an occupied structure, with
purpose to commit in the structure or separately secured or
separately occupied portion of the structure any criminal offense.
R.C. 2911.12(A)(3); State v. Newman, 12th Dist. Fayette No. CA2012-08-024, 2013-Ohio-
2053, ¶ 22. The crime of possessing criminal tools is defined under R.C. 2923.24 and
provides "[n]o person shall possess or have under the person's control any substance,
device, instrument, or article, with purpose to use it criminally."
{¶ 22} Based on our review of the record, we find the jury's verdict was not against the
weight of the evidence and was therefore supported by sufficient evidence. Here, the state
presented uncontested evidence that the Rhoades' property had been burglarized. To enter
the home, the perpetrator cut a hole in the Rhoades' metal-screened patio, reached through
that hole to unlock the exterior patio door, and then removed a window to enter the home. It
was also undisputed that the home security system was triggered as a result of the burglary,
which resulted in the call to police.
{¶ 23} To link appellant to the scene of the crime, the state introduced the testimony of
the investigating police officers who discovered footprints in the snow that were consistent
with the shape and pattern of the shoes worn by appellant at the time of his arrest. For
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instance, Officer Shannon Long, who is trained in basic and advanced tactical training,
testified that she followed those footprints leading from the house, which aided in the chase
and eventual capture of appellant. Additionally, the state introduced exhibits demonstrating
the similarity in the footprint found in the Rhoades' back yard and the shoe worn by appellant
at the time of his arrest.
{¶ 24} In addition to the evidence recovered at the scene, the state also presented the
testimony of neighbors who identified appellant's suspicious behavior and reported the
activity to the police. For example, the state introduced the testimony of Jeremy Truex who
testified that he caught appellant peering through the back patio window of the Truex house.
When Truex confronted appellant, Truex testified that appellant stated he was searching for
his dog, which he described as a Yellow Labrador. Thereafter, the state introduced the
testimony of Rowland LeMaster who testified that appellant approached his door and again
mentioned that he was missing his dog, however, this time appellant described the missing
dog as an Irish Setter. Appellant's suspicious activity was further described by Officer
Sockman who testified that appellant stated he was in the neighborhood in order to track and
hunt deer, despite the fact that deer hunting was not allowed in the area. When confronted
with that fact, Officer Sockman testified appellant changed his story and stated that he was
looking for his dog, which appellant this time described as a Beagle.
{¶ 25} Furthermore, the state also presented testimony consistent with a scheme or
plot to commit a burglary and further corroborated the testimony presented by Truex and
LeMaster. For instance, the state presented the testimony of Rita Farris who testified that she
twice observed appellant knock on a door, only to quickly leave the area when the
homeowner's dog began barking. Also, the state presented the testimony of Anthony
Hamilton who observed appellant running through back yards in an apparent attempt to flee
the scene of the crime. Finally, it is undisputed that appellant was found in possession of a
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box cutter. The box cutter was fully capable and, indeed, consistent with the cut found in the
Rhoades' screen door which allowed entry into the patio area.
{¶ 26} In light of the evidence presented, we conclude the jury did not clearly lose its
way in finding that appellant was guilty of burglary and possession of criminal tools. The
evidence presented by the state was sufficient to place appellant at the scene of the crime
and to establish all material elements of the crimes. Although much of the evidence
presented by the state was circumstantial, we note that circumstantial evidence has the same
probative value as direct evidence and indeed, in some circumstances, "may also be more
certain, satisfying and persuasive than direct evidence." State v. Marcum, 4th Dist. Gallia
No. 12CA6, 2013-Ohio-5333, ¶ 47; State v. Williams, 5th Dist. Stark No. 2013CA000165,
2014-Ohio-598, ¶ 22; State v. Milby, 12th Dist. Warren No. CA2013-02-014, 2013-Ohio-
4331, ¶ 39. Therefore, we find the evidence presented by the state could lead a reasonable
jury to conclude that appellant committed both the crimes of burglary and possession of
criminal tools. Accordingly, appellant's convictions are based on sufficient evidence and
supported by the weight of the evidence. Appellant's second assignment of error is
overruled.
{¶ 27} Assignment of Error No. 4:
{¶ 28} THE TRIAL COURT VIOLATED ANTHONY BROWN'S [sic] DUE PROCESS
RIGHTS AND COMMITTED PLAIN ERROR WHEN IT FAILED TO DECLARE A MISTRIAL
DUE TO IRREPARABLE, PREJUDICIAL STATEMENTS UNRELATED TO THE CRIMES
FOR WHICH HE WAS ON TRIAL.
{¶ 29} In his fourth assignment of error, appellant argues the trial court erred by not
granting a mistrial after Officer Sockman testified that appellant admitted he was in the
neighborhood to complete a drug transaction. We disagree.
{¶ 30} A mistrial should not be ordered merely because of some error or irregularity at
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trial. State v. Partin, 12th Dist. Butler No. CA2012-09-189, 2013-Ohio-2858, ¶ 15; State v.
Sidibeh, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 10AP-331, 2011-Ohio-712, ¶ 44. A reviewing court will not
reverse a trial court's decision to grant a mistrial absent an abuse of discretion. State v.
Motz, 12th Dist. No. CA2009-10-137, 2010-Ohio-2170, ¶ 12. An abuse of discretion
connotes more than an error in law or judgment; it implies that the court's attitude is
unreasonable, arbitrary, or unconscionable. State v. Barnes, 94 Ohio St.3d 21, 23 (2002);
State v. Rose, 12th Dist. Butler No. CA2011-11-214, 2012-Ohio-5607, ¶ 11. Furthermore,
"[a]n appellate court will not disturb the exercise of this discretion absent a showing that the
accused has suffered material prejudice." Partin at ¶ 15, quoting State v. Blankenship, 102
Ohio App.3d 534, 549 (12th Dist.1995).
{¶ 31} The record reflects that Officer Sockman, on direct examination, testified that
appellant stated he was in the neighborhood in order to complete a drug transaction.
Appellant promptly objected to the statement and the trial court sustained appellant's
objection. Immediately thereafter the trial court issued a curative instruction:
Okay I am going to sustain [the] objection in part Ladies and
Gentleman you're not to consider anything regarding this answer
as it related to alleged drug usage or activity. That is certainly
not an issue for you to concern yourself with so you are to
consider that you did not hear that term from this witness, next
question.
Although the trial court sustained appellant's objection, appellant did not move for a mistrial
until after the state had presented all of its remaining testimony and rested its case-in-chief.
Following appellant's request at the close of evidence, the trial court denied appellant's
motion for a mistrial.
{¶ 32} Based on our review of the record, we find the trial court did not err in denying
appellant's motion for a mistrial. Although Officer Sockman's testimony was objectionable,
the circumstances in this case do not warrant a mistrial. The trial court sustained appellant's
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objection and then immediately offered a curative instruction. Appellant did not move for a
mistrial until much later in the trial at the close of evidence and therefore appellant's request
was untimely. See, e.g., State v. Hairston, 9th Dist. Lorain No. 05CA008768, 2006-Ohio-
4925, ¶ 50; Nozik v. McDonald, 11th Dist. Lake Nos. 97-L-235, 97-L-252, 1999 WL 454503,
*5 (June 25, 1999). Moreover, while appellant may claim the trial court's curative instruction
was insufficient, "curative instructions have been held to be an effective means of remedying
errors or irregularities that occur during trial" and the jury is presumed to follow any curative
instructions issued by the trial court. Motz at ¶ 23, quoting State v. Thornton, Clermont App.
No. CA2008-10-092, 2009-Ohio-3685, ¶ 13.
{¶ 33} We are further assisted in this determination by the fact that appellant was
found not guilty on the second count of burglary as it indicates the jury was able to properly
set aside the allegations involving drug use on the other related count of burglary. In
conclusion, the record does not support a finding that the trial court abused its discretion in
denying appellant's motion for a mistrial. Therefore, appellant's fourth assignment of error is
overruled.
{¶ 34} Assignment of Error No. 1:
{¶ 35} THE TRIAL COURT PREJUDICIALLY ERRED BY SENTENCING APPELLANT
TO THE MAXIMUM TERM ALLOWED ON EACH OFFENSE.
{¶ 36} In his first assignment of error, appellant argues the trial court erred in
sentencing appellant to the maximum prison term on both convictions. Appellant alleges the
trial court failed to take into account the proper considerations contained in R.C. 2929.12,
including appellant's military service and lack of prior criminal history. We find no merit to this
argument.
{¶ 37} At the outset, we note that both parties' briefs recite an outdated standard of
review. This court no longer reviews felony sentences under an abuse of discretion
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standard. State v. Crawford, 12th Dist. Clermont No. CA2012-12-088, 2013-Ohio-3315, ¶ 6-
7; State v. Moore, 2014-Ohio-765. Rather, we review felony sentences pursuant to the
standard of review set forth in R.C. 2953.08(G)(2) to determine whether the imposition of
those sentences is clearly and convincingly contrary to law. State v. Stamper, 12th Dist.
Butler No. CA2012-08-166, 2013-Ohio-5669, ¶ 9. A sentence is not clearly and convincingly
contrary to law where the record supports the trial court's findings under R.C. 2929.14(C)(4)
and where the trial court considers the purposes and principles of R.C. 2929.11, as well as
the factors listed in R.C. 2929.12, properly applies postrelease control, and sentences
appellant within the permissible statutory range. Id.{¶ 38} In the present case, appellant was convicted of burglary, a third-degree felony,
and possession of criminal tools, a fifth-degree felony. A third-degree felony is punishable by
a prison term of nine, 12, 18, 24, 30, or 36 months. R.C. 2929.14(A)(3)(b); R.C
2911.12(A)(3). A fifth-degree felony is punishable by a prison term of six, seven, eight, nine,
ten, 11, or 12 months. R.C. 2929.14(A)(5); R.C. 2923.24(A,C). Thus, the trial court's
sentence of three years for the third-degree felony conviction and one year on the fifth-
degree felony conviction, to be served concurrently, fell within the permissible statutory range
for the offenses.
{¶ 39} In making its sentencing decision, the trial court considered all of the relevant
seriousness and recidivism factors set forth in R.C. 2929.11 and R.C. 2929.12. According to
R.C. 2929.12(B)(2), conduct may be considered more serious when "[t]he victim of the
offense suffered serious physical, psychological, or economic harm as a result of the
offense." The factors set forth in R.C. 2929.12 are nonexclusive and provides that the trial
court may consider "any other relevant factors." R.C. 2929.12 (B). As a result, the trial court
considered appellant's conduct to be more serious and stated:
I do find [appellant's] conduct more serious based on the
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economic harm generated to the Rhoads [sic] family. I also find
the fact that [appellant] had a box cutter on or about his person
to be a more serious form of the offense and the fact that he
engaged in stealth as he worked his way through the
neighborhood either to cover his tracks or to search out other
victims. Nothing indicating his conduct is less serious.
Recidivism * * * nothing indicating recidivism is more likely I
assume there is a drug overlay to this as there generally is. So
other than that nothing indicating recidivism is more likely the
only factor indicating recidivism is less likely is his lack of prior
record.
{¶ 40} Based on our review of the record, we find no error in the trial court's
sentencing decision. The trial court properly considered all relevant sentencing factors
including, the purposes and principles of R.C. 2929.11, as well as the factors listed in R.C.
2929.12 and the trial court's sentence was clearly within the permissible statutory range for
the offense. Although the record reflects that appellant previously served in the U.S. Military
that fact alone does not excuse the seriousness of his criminal activities. See e.g., State v.
Boysel, 3rd Dist. Van Wert No. 15-10-09, 2011-Ohio-1732, ¶ 19; State v. Gabel, 8th Dist.
Cuyahoga No. 91788, 2009-Ohio-3735, ¶ 13. Accordingly, appellant's first assignment of
error is overruled.
{¶ 41} Judgment affirmed.
S. POWELL and HENDRICKSON, JJ., concur.
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