State v. Kaufhold , 2020 Ohio 3835 ( 2020 )

[Cite as State v. Kaufhold, 2020-Ohio-3835.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS
TWELFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT OF OHIO
BUTLER COUNTY
STATE OF OHIO, :
Appellee, : CASE NO. CA2019-09-148
: OPINION
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:
DAVID T. KAUFHOLD, :
Appellant. :
CRIMINAL APPEAL FROM BUTLER COUNTY COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
Case No. CR2018-11-2011
Michael T. Gmoser, Butler County Prosecuting Attorney, John C. Heinkel, Government
Services Center, 315 High Street, 11th Floor, Hamilton, Ohio 45011, for appellee
Santen & Hughes, H. Louis Sirkin, 600 Vine Street, Suite 2700, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, for
appellant
S. POWELL, J.
{¶ 1} Appellant, David T. Kaufhold, appeals his conviction in the Butler County
Court of Common Pleas after a jury found him guilty of rape and sexual battery. Kaufhold
also appeals the trial court's decision to sentence him to a mandatory seven-year prison
term for the charge of rape. For the reasons outlined below, we affirm Kaufhold's conviction.
{¶ 2} On November 20, 2018, the Butler County Grand Jury returned an indictment
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charging Kaufhold with rape in violation of R.C. 2907.02(A)(1)(c), a first-degree felony, and
sexual battery in violation of R.C. 2907.03(A)(2), a third-degree felony. The charges arose
after it was alleged Kaufhold had vaginal intercourse with the victim, P.C., when her ability
to resist or consent was substantially impaired as a result of her becoming intoxicated by
drugs and/or alcohol while she and Kaufhold were on a dinner date on the evening of June
26, 2016.
{¶ 3} The matter ultimately proceeded to a four-day jury trial that concluded on June
28, 2019. At trial, the jury heard testimony from 13 witnesses. This included testimony from
Kaufhold, P.C., P.C.'s son ("J.C."), P.C.'s daughter-in-law ("W.B.C."), two nurses who
treated P.C. for her injuries, and the state's expert witness, the chief toxicologist with the
Hamilton County Coroner's Office. After hearing this testimony, the jury returned a verdict
finding Kaufhold guilty as charged on both the rape and sexual battery offenses.
{¶ 4} On August 27, 2019, the trial court held a sentencing hearing. During this
hearing, the trial court determined the rape and sexual battery offenses were allied offenses
of similar import that merged for purposes of sentencing. The state electing to proceed on
the charge of rape, the trial court sentenced Kaufhold to serve a mandatory seven-year
prison term for rape. The trial court also ordered Kaufhold to pay a fine, classified Kaufhold
as a Tier III sex offender, and notified Kaufhold that he would be subject to a five-year
postrelease control term following his release from prison. Kaufhold now appeals, raising
six assignments of error for review.
{¶ 5} Assignment of Error No. 1:
{¶ 6} THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN OVERRULING MR. KAUFHOLD'S MOTION
FOR JUDGMENT OF ACQUITTAL.
{¶ 7} In his first assignment of error, Kaufhold argues the trial court erred by denying
his Crim.R. 29(A) motion for acquittal. Kaufhold also argues his conviction was against the
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manifest weight of the evidence. We disagree.
{¶ 8} The standard of review for a denial of a Crim.R. 29(A) motion for acquittal is
the same as the standard of review for a sufficiency of the evidence claim. State v.
Robinson, 12th Dist. Clermont No. CA2015-01-013, 2015-Ohio-4533, ¶ 37.
{¶ 9} Whether the evidence presented is legally sufficient to sustain a verdict is a
question of law. State v. Grinstead, 194 Ohio App.3d 755, 2011-Ohio-3018, ¶ 10 (12th
Dist.). When reviewing the sufficiency of the evidence underlying a criminal conviction, an
appellate court examines the evidence to determine whether such evidence, if believed,
would convince the average mind of the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. State
v. Intihar, 12th Dist. Warren No. CA2015-05-046, 2015-Ohio-5507, ¶ 9. 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. Jenks, 61 Ohio St.3d 259 (1991), paragraph two of the syllabus.
This test "requires a determination as to whether the state has met its burden of production
at trial." State v. Boles, 12th Dist. Brown No. CA2012-06-012, 2013-Ohio-5202, ¶ 34, citing
State v. Wilson, 12th Dist. Warren No. CA2006-01-007, 2007-Ohio-2298, ¶ 33.
{¶ 10} Unlike a challenge to the sufficiency of the evidence, a manifest weight of the
evidence challenge examines the "inclination of the greater amount of credible evidence,
offered at a trial, to support one side of the issue rather than the other." State v. Barnett,
12th Dist. Butler No. CA2011-09-177, 2012-Ohio-2372, ¶ 14. To determine whether a
conviction is against the manifest weight of the evidence, an appellate court must look at
the entire record, weigh the evidence and all reasonable inferences, consider the credibility
of the witnesses, and determine whether in resolving the 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. Morgan, 12th Dist. Butler
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Nos. CA2013-08-146 and CA2013-08-147, 2014-Ohio-2472, ¶ 34. An appellate court will
overturn a conviction due to the manifest weight of the evidence only in extraordinary
circumstances when the evidence presented at trial weighs heavily in favor of acquittal.
State v. Blair, 12th Dist. Butler No. CA2014-01-023, 2015-Ohio-818, ¶ 43.
{¶ 11} As noted above, the jury found Kaufhold guilty of rape in violation of R.C.
2907.02(A)(1)(c). Pursuant to that statute, "[n]o person shall engage in sexual conduct with
another who is not the spouse of the offender" when (1) "the other person's ability to resist
or consent is substantially impaired because of a mental or physical condition" and (2) "the
offender knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the other person's ability to resist
or consent is substantially impaired because of a mental or physical condition * * *."
{¶ 12} The jury also found Kaufhold guilty of sexual battery in violation of R.C.
2907.03(A)(2). Pursuant to that statute, "[n]o person shall engage in sexual conduct with
another, not the spouse of the offender" when "[t]he offender knows that the other person's
ability to appraise the nature of or control the other person's own conduct is substantially
impaired." As defined by R.C. 2907.01(A), the term "sexual conduct" includes vaginal
intercourse between a male and female.
{¶ 13} Kaufhold does not dispute that he and P.C. had sex on the evening of June
26, 2016. Kaufhold instead argues that (1) the sex was consensual, or (2) if not consensual,
there was no evidence to indicate he either knew or had reasonable cause to believe P.C.'s
ability to resist or consent was substantially impaired as a result of her becoming intoxicated
by drugs and/or alcohol before they had sex.
{¶ 14} As defined by R.C. 2901.22(B), a person acts knowingly when, regardless of
purpose, "the person is aware that the person's conduct will probably cause a certain result
or will probably be of a certain nature." The statute also provides that "[a] person has
knowledge of circumstances when the person is aware that such circumstances probably
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exist." Id. "Absent a defendant's admission regarding his knowledge, whether a person
acts knowingly can only be determined from all the surrounding facts and circumstances,
including the doing of the act itself." State v. Hilton, 12th Dist. Butler No. CA2015-03-064,
2015-Ohio-5198, ¶ 20, citing State v. Robinson, 12th Dist. Fayette No. CA2005-11-029,
2007-Ohio-354, ¶ 18. This is because "the intent of an accused person is only in his mind
and is not ascertainable by another * * *." State v. Blanton, 12th Dist. Madison No. CA2005-
04-016, 2006-Ohio-1785, ¶ 22, quoting State v. Huff, 145 Ohio App.3d 555, 563 (1st
Dist.2001).
{¶ 15} Although not defined by the Ohio Revised Code, "'the phrase 'substantially
impaired' * * * must be given the meaning generally understood in common usage.'" State
v. Kilbarger, 12th Dist. Fayette No. CA2013-04-013, 2014-Ohio-2341, ¶ 10, quoting State
v. Zeh, 31 Ohio St.3d 99, 103 (1987). "The Ohio Supreme Court has held that 'substantial
impairment' must be established by demonstrating a present reduction, diminution or
decrease in the victim's ability, either to appraise the nature of her conduct or to control her
conduct." State v. Anglin, 12th Dist. Butler No. CA2018-03-058, 2019-Ohio-588, ¶ 16, citing
State v. Zeh, 31 Ohio St.3d 99, 103-104 (1987). "Substantial impairment may be proven
by the victim's own testimony." Id. at ¶ 17.
{¶ 16} Substantial impairment may also "be proven by the testimony of persons who
had some interaction with the victim and by permitting the trier of fact to obtain its own
assessment of the victim's ability to either appraise or control [his or] her conduct." State
v. Z.G.B., 12th Dist. Warren No. CA2016-04-029, 2016-Ohio-7195, ¶ 15, citing State v. Bai,
12th Dist. Butler No. CA2010-05-116, 2011-Ohio-2206, ¶ 54. "A substantial-impairment
determination is made on a case-by-case basis, with great deference to the factfinder."
State v. Kilbarger, 12th Dist. Fayette No. CA2013-04-013, 2014-Ohio-2341, ¶ 11. This is
necessary given the fact that "there can be a fine, fuzzy, and subjective line between
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intoxication and impairment." State v. Hatten, 186 Ohio App.3d 286, 2010-Ohio-499, ¶ 23
(2d Dist.), quoting State v. Doss, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 88443, 2008-Ohio-449, ¶18.
{¶ 17} After a full and thorough review of the record, we find the state provided
extensive evidence to prove P.C. did not consent to having sex with Kaufhold. The state
also provided extensive evidence that, if believed, proved Kaufhold either knew or had
reasonable cause to believe P.C.'s ability to resist or consent was substantially impaired as
a result of her becoming intoxicated by drugs and/or alcohol. This includes evidence
indicating Kaufhold knew P.C. had consumed one alcoholic beverage before he arrived at
the restaurant for their dinner date, as well as evidence indicating Kaufhold knew P.C. then
drank one, and possibly two, more alcoholic beverages at the restaurant during their date.
{¶ 18} After consuming the second of these three alcoholic beverages, P.C. testified
that she told Kaufhold that the drinks were making her "really woozy right now." However,
rather than telling P.C. to stop drinking, P.C. testified that Kaufhold instead told her that she
"will be fine" and instructed her to eat some of the appetizer she had ordered for the table.
P.C. testified that Kaufhold also told her to keep drinking the last of the three alcoholic
beverages, telling her to "drink this," "[y]ou've got to drink this," "[h]ave a sip, have a sip,
you have to drink this one."
{¶ 19} Because the alcoholic beverages were making her feel "really woozy," P.C.
testified that she stood up from the table and told Kaufhold that she did not "feel good."
When asked what happened next, P.C. testified that the next thing she remembers is
"waking up" face down on a mattress in what she later learned was Kaufhold's bedroom
feeling "just terrible," "excruciating pain" in her vagina and anus "telling [Kaufhold] to get off
[her]." P.C. testified that she then "laid there to try to get energy" before grabbing her
clothes off of the bedroom floor and going to the bathroom.
{¶ 20} Once in the bathroom, P.C. testified that it took her "forever" to get dressed,
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that she "couldn't get her pants on," and that she "never did put [her] shoes on." P.C. also
testified that she "just couldn't * * * walk." However, although generally unable to walk, P.C.
testified that she eventually made it back into the bedroom where she "just fell back on the
mattress." P.C. testified that Kaufhold then came back into the bedroom "and he said, oh
no. You are not staying here. You are going home." To this, P.C. testified that she
responded, "okay."
{¶ 21} P.C. testified that Kaufhold then helped her up from the mattress and escorted
her outside to his truck where she "passed out again." When asked what happened next,
P.C. testified that the next thing she remembers is being dropped off at her car outside the
restaurant where she met Kaufhold for dinner earlier that evening. Upon being dropped off
at her car, P.C. testified that she then stood by her car and watched as Kaufhold drove
away. P.C. testified that at that time she did not know where her purse, or her keys, "or
anything was."
{¶ 22} P.C. testified that she was eventually able to locate her belongings "over to
the right of [her]," but that her "glasses were broke." P.C. then testified that she got into her
car and locked the door. P.C. testified that she then "tore [her] purse up" looking for her
phone. Upon finding her phone, P.C. testified that she "went to call [her] niece," but instead
accidentally called her son, J.C. "And I heard my son's voice. And he said, mom. And I
said [J.C.], I think I've been raped. And he said, what? And I said I think I've been raped."
{¶ 23} P.C. testified that she then drove away from the restaurant and out onto the
street towards the freeway. At this time, P.C. testified that she was still on the phone with
her son, J.C., and later her daughter-in-law, W.B.C. Describing this call, P.C. testified:
[W]e kept getting disconnected and [J.C.] kept calling me back.
And I had already started driving and when he called back the
one time, he said I want you to talk to [W.B.C.], who is my
daughter-in-law. And she said, [P.C.], where are you at? And I
said, I don't know. I said I'm going home. I said I don't know.
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And she said, pull over. We'll find you. Pull over. I said, no, I'm
too scared. I said I want to go home.
{¶ 24} P.C. testified that the conversation between her and W.B.C. continued as
follows:
And [W.B.C.] said, no. Pull over. And then she started yelling,
pull over. Pull over. And I said I am just passing [the freeway],
like that. And she said, pull over now. And I said no, I will make
it to [the next town off the freeway]. I said I think I can make it
to [that town]. She said I'm going to stay on the phone with you.
And I said I will pull over when I get to [that town]. And I don't
remember driving across the ramp, but I made it to [the town].
{¶ 25} Once there, P.C. testified that she pulled over in a drug store parking lot and
"passed out again" while she waited for J.C. and W.B.C. to arrive and take her to the
hospital. Asked to explain what happened next, P.C. testified that the next thing she
remembers is J.C. opening her car door and picking her up "like a ragdoll and carrying [her]
to his car, literally carrying [her] to his car." P.C. testified that she then "passed out again"
while W.B.C. drove her "straight to the hospital."
{¶ 26} P.C.'s testimony was corroborated by testimony from both her son, J.C., and
her daughter-in-law, W.B.C. J.C. testified that an "upset" P.C. called him and told him that
she had just been raped. To this, J.C. testified that he told P.C. that he and W.B.C. would
come get her and take her to the hospital. J.C. testified that he and W.B.C. then left their
house and started driving to P.C. J.C. testified that he and W.B.C. eventually located P.C.
approximately 15 to 20 minutes later "slumped over" in her car parked in a drug store
parking lot. Explaining further what he saw when first contacting P.C., J.C. testified:
I pulled up – pulled up behind –pulled up beside her and got out.
Opened her car door, and she was crouched over in the driver's
seat. And obviously, I couldn't understand anything she was
saying. So I just picked her up over my –picked her up out of
the car, and put her over my shoulder, and carried her to my
vehicle. And that's when we went to [the hospital].
{¶ 27} J.C. also testified that P.C. "couldn't walk," that her hair was a "mess," that
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she was not wearing shoes, and that P.C.'s purse was "dumped out in the passenger seat."
{¶ 28} W.B.C. similarly testified that P.C. called J.C. "so upset" and told him that she
had just been raped. W.B.C. testified that she and J.C. then left their house to go find P.C.
and take her to the hospital. W.B.C. testified that during this time she stayed on the phone
with P.C. who was "hysterical, crying, sobbing, scared." Also explaining what she saw when
first contacting P.C., W.B.C. testified:
When we pulled up, [J.C.] pulled up on her passenger's side.
And he jumped out and went around to her. And when I got out
and around the truck, [P.C.] was trying to stand holding onto the
door and the car and crying. And [J.C.] was helping hold her
up. And he was trying to talk to her. * * * She was saying, I just
want to go home. I just want to go home. I'm so sorry. And I
just want to go home. But she was trying to stand.
{¶ 29} Continuing, W.B.C. testified:
So [J.C.] couldn't get her to walk, so he threw her over his
shoulder like a bag of potatoes or something, and took her to
the car, buckled her in my passenger's seat. And while he was
doing that, I got in the car and grabbed her shoes, her purse,
everything that she dumped out of her purse, her wallet, and
everything in case she needed her insurance card.
{¶ 30} W.B.C. also testified that P.C. "had a bloody nose, her hair was a mess, her
clothes were disheveled," and "she didn't have shoes on." W.B.C. further testified that
"when we got there and I walked around the car and I saw [P.C.], I knew that something
happened." When asked if it seemed "significant" to see P.C. in such a state, W.B.C.
testified, "Yes." This is because, according to W.B.C., "[P.C.] does not leave the house,
even for the grocery store, without fixing herself up. She's always put together – jewelry
and all."
{¶ 31} Once at the hospital, P.C. testified that she had a panic attack and felt like
she had "been ran over by a truck." One of the two nurses who treated P.C. for her injuries
additionally testified P.C. appeared "[t]earful, drowsy," and "very sleepy." The second of
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the two nurses who treated P.C. for her injuries also testified that P.C. was "tearful," that
she "felt awful," and that she was "embarrassed." This same nurse further testified that
P.C. was "freaking out" and that it was apparent that P.C. had been "given something to
make her incapacitated, because of the blackout." The state's expert witness, the chief
toxicologist with the Hamilton County Coroner's Office, also testified that P.C.'s blood-
alcohol level would have been between .128 and .198 at the time she was raped, both of
which are well over the legal limit of .08.
{¶ 32} In his defense, Kaufhold testified and refuted P.C.'s testimony claiming that
the sex between them was consensual. Although acknowledging that P.C. was a "little
tipsy" and "stumbled for a second" getting up from the table at the restaurant during their
dinner date, Kaufhold also testified that there was no reason for him to believe P.C.'s ability
to resist or consent was substantially impaired prior to having sex when she had drank, at
most, three alcoholic beverages.
{¶ 33} Given the jury's verdict, the jury clearly did not find Kaufhold's testimony
credible. As the trier of fact, this was well within the jury's province. That Kaufhold's
testimony contradicted the testimony offered by the state does not mean the jury's verdict
was based on insufficient evidence. See State v. Gross, 12th Dist. Preble No. CA2018-01-
001, 2018-Ohio-4557, ¶ 18, 29 (appellant's conviction for rape was supported by sufficient
evidence where the victim testified that she woke up, face down on the couch, with her
underwear and jeans around her ankles while appellant was on top of her, naked, "humping
her from behind").
{¶ 34} It also does not mean the jury's verdict was against the manifest weight of the
evidence. This is because "[a] conviction is not against the manifest weight of the evidence
simply because the trier of fact believed the testimony offered by the prosecution." State v.
Lunsford, 12th Dist. Butler No. CA2019-07-116, 2020-Ohio-965, ¶ 14, citing State v.
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Crossty, 12th Dist. Clermont Nos. CA2017-01-003 thru CA2017-01-005, 2017-Ohio-8267,
¶ 68. That is to say, "[w]hen there is a conflict in the testimony of witnesses, it is for the trier
of fact to determine the weight and credibility to be given to such evidence." State v.
Marcum, 12th Dist. Butler No. CA2017-05-057, 2018-Ohio-1009, ¶ 31, citing State v.
DeHass, 10 Ohio St.2d 230 (1967), paragraph one of the syllabus.
{¶ 35} This holds true irrespective of whether Kaufhold gave P.C. something to make
her physically incapacitated, whether it was a combination of P.C.'s medication and alcohol
that hindered her ability to resist, or whether it was the alcohol alone that caused P.C. to
black out and wake up feeling like she had "been ran over by a truck." The fact remains
that the state presented extensive evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that
Kaufhold knew, or had reason to believe, that P.C. was substantially impaired prior to having
sex. Therefore, because the state presented more than enough evidence to prove Kaufhold
guilty behind a reasonable doubt, the jury's verdict finding Kaufhold guilty of rape and sexual
battery was supported by sufficient evidence and was not against the manifest weight of
the evidence. Accordingly, finding no merit to any of the arguments raised herein,
Kaufhold's first assignment of error is overruled.
{¶ 36} Assignment of Error No. 2:
{¶ 37} THE COURT ERRED BY SUSTAINING THE STATE'S OBJECTION TO
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE STATE'S COMPLAINANT'S FINANCIAL HISTORY.
{¶ 38} In his second assignment of error, Kaufhold argues the trial court violated his
right to confront his accuser and fundamentally impaired his ability to present his defense
when it prohibited him from cross-examining P.C. about her alleged "financial difficulties"
when questioning her about any possible motive she may have for "fabricating the
allegations" against him. However, as the record indicates, Kaufhold had already cross-
examined P.C. about her finances to the full extent that he intended prior to the state's
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objection. Kaufhold in fact specifically notified the trial court at sidebar that he had already
reached "the extent of [his] questions" by the time the state objected. Therefore, when
considering Kaufhold was permitted to question P.C. about her "financial difficulties" to the
full extent that he intended before the state objected, Kaufhold cannot show that his right to
confront his accuser was violated. Nor can Kaufhold show that his ability to present his
defense was fundamentally impaired. The record instead indicates that Kaufhold did
exactly what he intended to do with this line of questioning; i.e., imply that P.C. had made
up the allegations against him in hopes that she would receive a significant financial payout.
Accordingly, finding no error in the trial court's decision, Kaufhold's second assignment of
error lacks merit and is overruled.
{¶ 39} Assignment of Error No. 3:
{¶ 40} THE COURT ERRED IN FAILING TO CURE THE STATE'S PREVALENT
MISCONDUCT.
{¶ 41} In his third assignment of error, Kaufhold argues the state engaged in several
instances of prosecutorial misconduct that denied him a fair trial. We disagree.
{¶ 42} "For a conviction to be reversed because of prosecutorial misconduct, a
defendant must prove the prosecutor's acts were improper and that they prejudicially
affected the defendant's substantial rights." State v. Harner, 12th Dist. Clinton No. CA2019-
05-011, 2020-Ohio-1184, ¶ 29, citing State v. Elmore, 111 Ohio St.3d 515, 2006-Ohio-6207,
¶ 62. To demonstrate prejudice, a defendant must show that the improper acts were so
prejudicial that the outcome of the trial would clearly have been different had those improper
acts not occurred. State v. Jones, 12th Dist. Butler No. CA2006-11-298, 2008-Ohio-865, ¶
21.
{¶ 43} The focus of "an inquiry into allegations of prosecutorial misconduct is upon
the fairness of the trial, not upon the culpability of the prosecutor." State v. Gray, 12th Dist.
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Butler No. CA2011-09-176, 2012-Ohio-4769, ¶ 57. Prosecutorial misconduct "is not
grounds for error unless the defendant has been denied a fair trial." State v. Olvera-Guillen,
12th Dist. Butler No. CA2007-05-118, 2008-Ohio-5416, ¶ 27. "The accused is to be given
a fair trial, not a perfect trial." State v. Kaaz, 12th Dist. Clinton No. CA2016-05-010, 2017-
Ohio-5669, ¶ 102, citing Michigan v. Tucker, 417 U.S. 433, 94 S.Ct. 2357 (1974); State v.
Landrum, 53 Ohio St.3d 107, 112 (1990) (noting that a defendant is not guaranteed an
"error free, perfect trial").
{¶ 44} Kaufhold initially argues the state engaged in prosecutorial misconduct when
it "fabricated evidence" during its closing argument when it argued that P.C. "could" have
suffered "a blackout" as a result of her combining her medication with alcohol. However,
as a simple review of the record reveals, that is exactly what the state's expert witness, the
chief toxicologist with the Hamilton County Coroner's Office, testified to as part of the state's
case-in-chief. Specifically, when asked if P.C.'s act of combining her medications with
alcohol would account for her blacking out, the toxicologist testified that it was "possible"
that the combination caused P.C. to suffer "unconsciousness or memory loss."
{¶ 45} The word "possible" is defined by the Merriam-Webster online dictionary as
"being within the limits of ability, capacity, or realization." Similarly, the word "could" is
defined by the Merriam-Webster online dictionary as the past tense of the word "can," which
is separately defined as being "physically or mentally able to." Testifying that something
was "possible" is essentially the same as testifying that something "could" have happened.
Or, as applied to the facts of this case, the toxicologist testifying that it was "possible" that
P.C.'s "unconsciousness or memory loss" was caused by her combining medication with
alcohol is essentially the same as the state arguing during its closing argument that P.C.
"could" have suffered "a blackout" when she combined her medication with alcohol.
Therefore, Kaufhold's claim alleging the state engaged in prosecutorial misconduct when it
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"fabricated evidence" during its closing argument by stating P.C. "could" have suffered "a
blackout" as a result of her combining medication with alcohol lacks merit.
{¶ 46} Kaufhold also argues the state engaged in prosecutorial misconduct when it
"misstated the evidence" and "misled the jury" throughout the trial and during its closing
argument by improperly inferring that he may have given P.C. some type of "date rape drug"
prior to having sex when there was no evidence to corroborate this "theory."
{¶ 47} Kaufhold's argument, however, is nothing more than a challenge to the
organizational effectiveness in which the state presented its case. The fact that the state
was able to present a compelling case that convinced the jury of Kaufhold's guilt beyond a
reasonable doubt does not mean the state engaged in prosecutorial misconduct. There
was also nothing improper about the state commenting on "what the evidence has shown
and what reasonable inferences may be drawn therefrom" during its closing argument.
State v. Lott, 51 Ohio St.3d 160, 165 (1990). This includes the possibility that Kaufhold may
have given P.C. some type of "date rape drug" prior to having sex. Therefore, Kaufhold's
claim alleging the state engaged in prosecutorial misconduct when it "misstated the
evidence" and "misled the jury" by improperly inferring that he may have given P.C. some
type of "date rape drug" lacks merit.
{¶ 48} Kaufhold next argues the state engaged in prosecutorial misconduct when it
"misstated the law" by "misstating the allegations" in the bill of particulars when it notified
the jury during its closing argument that it was not required to prove beyond a reasonable
doubt exactly what incapacitating substance(s) caused P.C. to become substantially
impaired in order to secure a conviction for rape in violation of R.C. 2907.02(A)(1)(c).
However, despite Kaufhold's claims, the record is clear that the state restricted its proof to
the indictment and the allegations set forth in the bill of particulars. That is to say, the state
restricted its case to proving beyond a reasonable doubt that Kaufhold had sex with P.C.
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when her ability to resist or consent was substantially impaired as a result of her becoming
intoxicated by drugs and/or alcohol when he knew or had reasonable cause to believe that
her ability to resist or consent was substantially impaired.
{¶ 49} Exactly what incapacitating substance(s) caused P.C. to become
substantially impaired that evening, be it drugs, alcohol, or a combination of both, was not
an element of the offense that the state was required to prove. That is, stated differently,
proof that P.C. consumed a specific type of alcohol along with a specific type of drug is not
an element that needed to be proven to secure a conviction for rape in violation of R.C.
2907.02(A)(1)(c). Therefore, Kaufhold's claim that the state engaged in prosecutorial
misconduct when it "misstated the law" by "misstating the allegations" in the bill of
particulars during its closing argument when it notified the jury that it was not required to
prove beyond a reasonable doubt exactly what caused P.C. to become substantially
impaired in order to secure a conviction for rape in violation of R.C. 2907.02(A)(1)(c) lacks
merit. Accordingly, finding no merit to any of the arguments raised by Kaufhold herein,
Kaufhold's third assignment of error is overruled.
{¶ 50} Assignment of Error No. 4:
{¶ 51} MR. KAUFHOLD RECEIVED INEFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL.
{¶ 52} In his fourth assignment of error, Kaufhold argues he received ineffective
assistance of counsel. We disagree.
{¶ 53} "Counsel is strongly presumed to have rendered adequate assistance and
made all significant decisions in the exercise of reasonable professional judgment." State
v. Burns, 12th Dist. Clinton No. CA2013-10-019, 2014-Ohio-4625, ¶ 7, citing State v.
Hendrix, 12th Dist. Butler No. CA2012-05-109, 2012-Ohio-5610, ¶ 14. To prevail on an
ineffective assistance of counsel claim, Kaufhold must show that (1) his trial counsel's
performance fell below an objective standard of reasonableness and that (2) he was
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prejudiced as a result. State v. Ward-Douglas, 12th Dist. Warren No. CA2011-05-042,
2012-Ohio-4023, ¶ 96, citing Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 687-688, 693, 104
S.Ct. 2052 (1984).
{¶ 54} In order to demonstrate prejudice, Kaufhold must establish that, but for his
trial counsel's errors, there is a reasonable probability that the result of trial would have
been different. State v. Kinsworthy, 12th Dist. Warren No. CA2013-06-053, 2014-Ohio-
1584, ¶ 42. A "reasonable probability" is a probability that is "sufficient to undermine
confidence in the outcome." State v. Burke, 97 Ohio St.3d 55, 2002-Ohio-5310, ¶ 6, quoting
Strickland at 694. The failure to make an adequate showing on either prong is fatal to an
ineffective assistance of counsel claim. State v. Zielinski, 12th Dist. Warren No. CA2010-
12-121, 2011-Ohio-6535, ¶ 50.
{¶ 55} Kaufhold initially argues he received ineffective assistance of counsel when
his trial counsel failed to object to the "numerous" alleged instances of prosecutorial
misconduct discussed more fully above in his third assignment of error. However, because
this court has already determined that Kaufhold's arguments alleging the state engaged in
"numerous" instances of prosecutorial misconduct lacked merit, we also find no merit to
Kaufhold's claim that his trial counsel was deficient for failing to object to the "numerous"
alleged instances of prosecutorial misconduct addressed within our discussion of the third
assignment of error.
{¶ 56} Kaufhold also argues he received ineffective assistance when his trial counsel
allowed Kaufhold to testify in his own defense, thereby "subjecting [him] to a detrimental
cross-examination without potential benefit." However, as this court has stated previously,
which defense to pursue at trial is a matter of trial strategy. Kinsworthy, 2014-Ohio-1584 at
¶ 43, citing State v. Murphy, 91 Ohio St.3d 516, 524 (2001). "This includes the decision as
to whether to call the defendant to testify on his [or her] own behalf." State v. Gearhart,
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12th Dist. Warren No. CA2017-12-168, 2018-Ohio-4180, ¶ 24, citing State v. Huber, 8th
Dist. Cuyahoga No. 98128, 2013-Ohio-97, ¶ 9 ("[a] decision regarding whether to call a
defendant to testify on his own behalf during the course of trial is a matter of trial strategy");
see, e.g., Cleveland v. Jordan, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 103451, 2016-Ohio-4957, ¶ 20
(appellant's ineffective assistance of counsel claim lacked merit because the decision
whether to call appellant to testify on her own behalf was "a matter of trial strategy that we
cannot second-guess on appeal").
{¶ 57} That the trial strategy used to defend against the charges was ultimately
unsuccessful does not amount to ineffective assistance of counsel. State v. Davis, 12th
Dist. Butler No. CA2012-12-258, 2013-Ohio-3878, ¶ 25. This makes sense when
considering "[t]he ultimate decision of whether a defendant will testify on his own behalf is
the defendant's." State v. Ryan, 6th Dist. Wood No. WD-05-064, 2006-Ohio-5120, ¶ 24,
citing State v. Edwards, 119 Ohio App.3d 106, 109 (10th Dist.1997). This holds true even
if, like here, that decision may have hindered trial counsel's overall defense strategy that
(1) the sex was consensual or (2), if not consensual, that there was no evidence to indicate
Kaufhold either knew or had reasonable cause to believe P.C.'s ability to resist or consent
was substantially impaired as a result of her becoming intoxicated by drugs and/or alcohol
prior to having sex. Therefore, Kaufhold's claim that he received ineffective assistance
when his trial counsel allowed him to testify in his own defense lacks merit.
{¶ 58} Kaufhold next argues that he received ineffective assistance when trial
counsel failed to object to the state asking Kaufhold how many first dates with women he
met online ended with them having sex, as well as for allowing his prior conviction for
operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol be revealed to the jury. But,
contrary to Kaufhold's claim, "[t]rial counsel is not ineffective for choosing, for tactical
reasons, not to pursue every possible trial objection." State v. Raypole, 12th Dist. Fayette
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Butler CA2019-09-148
No. CA2014-05-009, 2015-Ohio-827, ¶ 24. That is to say, the "[f]ailure to make objections
does not automatically constitute ineffective assistance of counsel * * * ." State v. Homer,
12th Dist. Warren No. CA2003-12-117, 2006-Ohio-1432, ¶ 15, citing State v. Conway, 108
Ohio St.3d 214, 2006-Ohio-791, ¶ 168. This is because "[o]bjections tend to disrupt the
flow of a trial and are considered technical and bothersome by a jury." State v. Steele, 12th
Dist. Butler No. CA2003-11-276, 2005-Ohio-943, ¶ 100, citing State v. Hill, 75 Ohio St.3d
195, 211 (1996). That would certainly have been the case here when considering this
evidence carried little weight, if any, as it relates to the serious nature of the charges
Kaufhold faced. Kaufhold's claim otherwise lacks merit.
{¶ 59} Kaufhold additionally argues that he received ineffective assistance when trial
counsel failed to file a motion to suppress the "phone location records illegally obtained"
from his phone without a search warrant in violation of the United States Supreme Court's
decision in Carpenter v. United States, __ U.S. __, 138 S.Ct. 2206 (2018). However, as
the record indicates, a search warrant was obtained for Kaufhold's phone prior to the phone
being searched and his phone's location records being seized. The search warrant, as well
as the phone location records obtained in connection with the search warrant, was then
provided to Kaufhold's trial counsel in discovery. Therefore, Kaufhold's claim that he
received ineffective assistance of counsel when his trial counsel failed to file a motion to
suppress his phone's location records lacks merit.
{¶ 60} Kaufhold finally argues that he received ineffective assistance when his trial
counsel failed to "investigate or even inquire about" the DNA of an unknown male found in
P.C.'s underwear. But, when considering Kaufhold admitted to having sex with P.C., the
fact that the DNA of an unknown male was found in P.C.'s underwear was not pertinent to
his trial counsel's trial strategy that, as noted above, (1) the sex was consensual or (2), if
not consensual, that there was no evidence to indicate Kaufhold either knew or had
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reasonable cause to believe P.C.'s ability to resist or consent was substantially impaired.
"[T]rial strategy, even debatable strategy, is not a basis for finding ineffective assistance of
counsel." State v. Woody, 12th Dist. Clinton No. CA2019-01-001, 2020-Ohio-621, ¶ 10.
Therefore, Kaufhold's claim that he received ineffective assistance when his counsel failed
to "investigate or even inquire about" the DNA of an unknown male found in P.C.'s
underwear lacks merit. Accordingly, finding no merit to any of the arguments raised by
Kaufhold herein, Kaufhold's fourth assignment of error is overruled.
{¶ 61} Assignment of Error No. 5:
{¶ 62} CUMULATIVE ERROR.
{¶ 63} In his fifth assignment of error, Kaufhold argues his conviction must be
reversed under the "cumulative error" doctrine. Pursuant to the cumulative error doctrine,
"a conviction will be reversed where the cumulative effect of errors in a trial deprives a
defendant of the constitutional right to a fair trial even though each of numerous instances
of trial court error does not individually constitute cause for reversal." State v. McClurkin,
12th Dist. Butler No. CA2007-03-071, 2010-Ohio-1938, ¶ 105. So, in order for the
cumulative error doctrine to apply, "an appellate court must find that multiple errors, none
of which individually rose to the level of prejudicial error, actually occurred in the trial court."
State v. Cramer, 12th Dist. Butler No. CA2003-03-078, 2004-Ohio-1712, ¶ 67, citing State
v. DeMarco, 31 Ohio St.3d 191, 197 (1987). However, as discussed more fully above, no
such error, harmless or otherwise, occurred here. Therefore, because this court has found
no merit to any of Kaufhold's assignments of error discussed above, Kaufhold cannot
demonstrate cumulative error. State v. Hoop, 12th Dist. Brown No. CA2011-07-015, 2012-
Ohio-992, ¶ 59. Accordingly, finding the cumulative error doctrine inapplicable to the case
at bar, Kaufhold's fifth assignment of error lacks merit and is overruled.
{¶ 64} Assignment of Error No. 6:
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{¶ 65} THE COURT ERRED BY SENTENCING MR. KAUFHOLD TO A
MANDATORY SEVEN YEAR INCARCERATION TERM.
{¶ 66} In his sixth assignment of error, Kaufhold takes exception to the mandatory
nature of his seven-year prison sentence imposed by the trial court for rape in violation of
R.C. 2907.02(A)(1)(c). However, pursuant to R.C. 2929.13(F)(2), a sentence imposed for
"any rape, regardless of whether force was involved and regardless of the age of the victim,"
is mandatory by operation of law. See, e.g., State v. Vancleve, 12th Dist. Clermont No.
CA2016-06-039, 2016-Ohio-7546, ¶ 13 (a trial court is required to impose a mandatory
prison term for a rape conviction in accordance with R.C. 2929.13[F][2]); State v. Nian, 5th
Dist. Delaware No. 15CAA070052, 2016-Ohio-5146, ¶ 43 (a rape conviction carries with it
a mandatory prison term under R.C. 2929.13[F][2] "whereby the defendant is ineligible for
judicial release"). Therefore, because any rape, regardless of whether force was involved
and regardless of the age of the victim, carries with it a mandatory prison term pursuant to
R.C. 2929.13(F)(2), the trial court did not err by ordering Kaufhold to serve a mandatory
seven-year prison term when sentencing him for rape in violation of R.C. 2907.02(A)(1)(c).
Accordingly, finding no error in the trial court's decision, Kaufhold's sixth assignment of error
lacks merit and is overruled.
{¶ 67} Judgment affirmed.
HENDRICKSON, P.J., and RINGLAND, J., concur.
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