Com. v. Spady, N. ( 2015 )

J-S43031-15
NON-PRECEDENTIAL DECISION - SEE SUPERIOR COURT I.O.P. 65.37
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF
PENNSYLVANIA
Appellee
v.
NATHANIEL A. SPADY
Appellant No. 3090 EDA 2013
Appeal from the Judgment of Sentence October 1, 2013
In the Court of Common Pleas of Delaware County
Criminal Division at No(s): CP-23-CR-0001950-2010;
CP-23-CR-0007802-2012
BEFORE: GANTMAN, P.J., PANELLA, J., and OLSON, J.
MEMORANDUM BY GANTMAN, P.J.: FILED AUGUST 25, 2015
Appellant, Nathaniel A. Spady, appeals from the judgment of sentence
entered in the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas, following his jury
trial convictions for nine (9) counts of sexual abuse of children, two (2)
counts each of rape of a child, statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviate
sexual intercourse (“IDSI”), and indecent assault, and one (1) count each of
corruption of minors and criminal use of communication facility.1 We affirm
the convictions but vacate the judgment of sentence and remand for
resentencing.
____________________________________________
1
18 Pa.C.S.A. §§ 6312, 3121(c), 3122.1, 3123, 3126, 6301, 7512,
respectively.
J-S43031-15
In its opinion, the trial court fully and correctly set forth the relevant
facts and procedural history of this case. Therefore, we have no reason to
restate them.
Appellant raises four issues for our review:
DID THE TRIAL COURT ERR IN PROHIBITING APPELLANT
FROM PRESENTING TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE THROUGH
[N.K.] AND HIMSELF OF AN ADMISSION BY AN ALTERNATE
PERPETRATOR, [A.C., JR.] (“BUTCHY”) THAT HE WAS THE
INDIVIDUAL WHO SEXUALLY ABUSED THE VICTIM?
DID THE TRIAL COURT ERR IN PROHIBITING APPELLANT
FROM QUESTIONING THE COMMONWEALTH WITNESSES
AND PRESENTING EVIDENCE ABOUT THE ALLEGED
SEXUAL ABUSE OF THE VICTIM BY…, [A.C., JR.]
(“BUTCHY”)[?]
DID THE TRIAL COURT ERR BY DENYING APPELLANT HIS
6TH AMENDMENT RIGHT TO CONFRONTATION BY BEING
PROHIBITED FROM CROSS-EXAMINING [VICTIM] AND
COMMONWEALTH WITNESSES ABOUT [A.C., JR.]
(“BUTCHY”), THE ALTERNATE PERPETRATOR?
DID THE TRIAL COURT ERR IN DENYING APPELLANT’S
MOTION TO SUPPRESS HIS STATEMENT GIVEN ON
DECEMBER 18, 2009 SINCE IT WAS COERCED AND
INDUCED UNDER A WAIVER THAT WAS NOT KNOWING,
VOLUNTARY AND INTELLIGENT?
(Appellant’s Brief at 4).
After a thorough review of the record, the briefs of the parties, the
applicable law, and the well-reasoned opinion of the Honorable Gregory M.
Mallon, we conclude Appellant’s issues merit no relief. The trial court
opinion comprehensively discusses and properly disposes of the questions
presented. (See Trial Court Opinion, filed August 21, 2014, at 12-20 and
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J-S43031-15
Appendix A) (finding: (1-2) court properly prohibited Appellant from
presenting evidence regarding Butchy as alternate perpetrator; Appellant
sought to question his grandfather, N.K., about phone call N.K. had
received, wherein Butchy admitted molesting Victim; court found proposed
testimony constituted inadmissible hearsay; although Butchy allegedly made
statement against penal interest and was unavailable at time of trial,
Appellant failed to show statement was made under reliable circumstances;
moreover, proposed testimony amounted to collateral matter that did not
make it less likely Appellant had committed offenses at issue; proposed
testimony would only show that Butchy possibly committed separate sexual
assault; (3) court did not deny Appellant’s right to confront witnesses
against him; defense counsel vigorously cross-examined Commonwealth’s
witnesses; court did not obstruct Appellant’s ability to subpoena Butchy;
additionally, Victim identified Appellant as abuser; Appellant admitted
molesting Victim and provided details about sexual assaults; (4) police
interview with Appellant on December 18, 2009 did not amount to functional
equivalent of arrest; Appellant voluntarily drove to detective’s office and
agreed to answer all questions; detective informed Appellant he could stop
answering questions at any time; interview lasted approximately thirty
minutes, and Appellant was not handcuffed or restrained in any way; even if
interview constituted custodial detention, detective gave Appellant proper
warnings and Appellant executed knowing and voluntary waiver of rights
-3-
J-S43031-15
after warnings2 from detective). Accordingly, we affirm Appellant’s
convictions on the basis of the trial court opinion.
Nevertheless, we see in the certified record that Appellant was
sentenced on the convictions for rape of a child and IDSI, pursuant to 42
Pa.C.S.A. § 9718.3 Section 9718(a)(1) sets forth a mandatory minimum
sentence of ten years’ imprisonment where a defendant is convicted of IDSI
involving a victim who is less than sixteen (16) years of age. Section
9718(a)(3) sets forth a mandatory minimum sentence of ten (10) years’
imprisonment where a defendant is convicted of rape of a child. Section
9718(c) states that these statutory provisions shall not be an element of the
crime and applicability of the statute shall be determined at sentencing by a
preponderance of the evidence. 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 9718(c).
Recently, this Court directly addressed the constitutionality of Section
9718 in Commonwealth v. Wolfe, 106 A.3d 800 (Pa.Super. 2014), where
the trial court had imposed mandatory minimum sentences for multiple IDSI
convictions, pursuant to Section 9718(a)(1). On appeal, this Court struck
____________________________________________
2
Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436, 86 S. Ct. 1602, 16 L. Ed. 2d 694 (1966).
3
The sentencing order does not specifically mention imposition of the
mandatory minimum sentences. Nevertheless, the Commonwealth informed
the court of the applicability of the mandatory minimum statute immediately
after the announcement of the verdict. (See N.T. Trial, 12/6/12, at 259.)
At the subsequent sentencing hearing, the court announced it had
considered “[t]he mandatory requirements of four of the convictions.” (See
N.T. Sentencing Hearing, 5/8/13, at 165.) Thereafter, the court sentenced
Appellant in compliance with Section 9718.
-4-
J-S43031-15
down Section 9718, as facially unconstitutional. Id. (citing Alleyne v.
United States, ___ U.S. ___, 133 S. Ct. 2151, 186 L. Ed. 2d 314 (2013).
Alleyne is applicable to all criminal cases still pending on direct review.
Commonwealth v. Newman, 99 A.3d 86 (Pa.Super. 2014) (en banc).
“An unconstitutional statute is ineffective for any purpose
[as] its unconstitutionality dates from the time of its
enactment and not merely from the date of the decision
holding it so.” Commonwealth v. Michuck, 686 A.2d
403, 407 ([Pa.Super.] 1996), appeal denied, 548 Pa. 668,
698 A.2d 593 (1997). “If no statutory authorization exists
for a particular sentence, that sentence is illegal and
subject to correction. An illegal sentence must be
vacated.” Commonwealth v. Stevenson, 850 A.2d
1268, 1271 (Pa.Super. 2004) (en banc). We can raise and
review an illegal sentence sua sponte. Commonwealth v.
Oree, 911 A.2d 169, 172 (Pa.Super. 2006), appeal denied,
591 Pa. 699, 918 A.2d 744 (2007).
Commonwealth v. Muhammed, 992 A.2d 897, 903 (Pa.Super. 2010).4
Instantly, the jury convicted Appellant on two counts each of rape of a
child and IDSI of a child. At sentencing, the court appears to have applied
Section 9718. Given this Court’s binding decision in Wolfe, we must vacate
the judgment of sentence in its entirety and remand for resentencing. See
Commonwealth v. Bartrug, 732 A.2d 1287 (Pa.Super. 1999), appeal
denied, 561 Pa. 651, 747 A.2d 896 (1999) (holding sentencing error on one
count in multi-count case generally requires all sentences for all counts to be
____________________________________________
4
Appellant’s reply brief also raises the legality of his sentence, based inter
alia on Alleyne, Commonwealth v. Hopkins, ___ A.3d ___, 2015 WL
3949099 (Pa. June 15, 2015), and Wolfe.
-5-
J-S43031-15
vacated so court can restructure entire sentencing scheme). See also
Commonwealth v. Goldhammer, 512 Pa. 587, 593, 517 A.2d 1280, 1283
(1986), cert. denied, 480 U.S. 950, 107 S. Ct. 1613, 94 L. Ed. 2d 798 (1987))
(stating generally if appellate court alters overall sentencing scheme, then
remand for re-sentencing is proper). Accordingly, we affirm Appellant’s
convictions but vacate the judgment of sentence and remand for
resentencing without the mandatory minimums.
Judgment of sentence vacated; case remanded for resentencing.
Jurisdiction is relinquished.
Judgment Entered.
Joseph D. Seletyn, Esq.
Prothonotary
Date: 8/25/2015
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF DELA WARE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CRIMINAL DIVISION
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA NO~
7802~12
v.
NATHANIEL SPADY
OPINION
Mallon, J. Filed: ija1/1Lf
Nathaniel Spady, appeals from the Judgment of Sentence entered by this Court on May 8,
2013. The nature and history of the case are as follows:
FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY
Following an investigation by the Criminal Investigation Division of Delaware County,
the Defendant was arrested and charged with rape of a child, involuntary deviate sexual
intercourse, and related offenses in connection with allegations that he engaged in sexual conduct
with his ten year old cousin, S.P. Following a three day trial, a jury found the Defendant guilty of
1
two (2) counts of rape, two (2) counts of statutory sexual assault,2 two (2) counts of involuntary
deviate sexual intercourse,3 two (2) counts of indecent assault," one count of corruption of a
minor,5 four (4) counts of sexual abuse of children: photographing or depicting on computer
sexual acts,6 five (5) counts of sexual abuse of children: possession of child pornography.i and
one count of criminal use of a communication facility. 89
1
18 Pa.C. S.A § 3121 (c). This charge was part of the case docketed at 1950-10.
218
Pa.C.S.A § 3122.1. This charge was part ofthe case docketed at 1950-10.
3
18 Pa.C.S.A § 3123(b). This charge was part of the case docketed at 1950-10.
4
18 Pa.C.S.A § 3126(a) (7). This charge was part of the case docketed at 1950-10.
5
18 Pa.C.S.A § 6301(a) (1). This charge was part of the case docketed at 1950-10.
6
18 Pa.C.S.A § 6312(d) (1). This charge was part of the case docketed at 7802-12.
7
18 Pa.C.S.A § 6312(d) (1). This charge was part of the case docketed at 7802-12.
8
18 Pa.C.S.A §7512(a). This charge was part of the case docketed at 7802-12.
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On May 8, 2013, this Court sentenced the Defendant as follows:
On docket number 1950-10:
• Count 1: rape of a child, a felony of the first degree, 14 to 28 years of state incarceration
with 12 years of consecutive probation.
• Count 2: rape of a child, a felony of the first degree, 10 to 20 years of state incarceration
concurrent to count 1, with 10 years of consecutive probation, concurrent to count 1.10
• Count 7: involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, a felony of the first degree, 10 to 20
years of state incarceration concurrent to count 2, with 10 years of consecutive probation,
concurrent to count 2.
• Count 8: involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, a felony of the first degree, 10 to 20
years of state incarceration concurrent to count 7, with 10 years of consecutive probation,
concurrent to count 7.
• Count 22: indecent assault, a felony of the third degree, one to two years of state
incarceration concurrent to count 8, with 5 years of consecutive probation, concurrent to
count 8.
• Count 23: indecent assault, a felony of the third degree, one to two years of state
incarceration concurrent to count 22, with 5 years of consecutive probation, concurrent to
count 22.
• Count 31 : corruption of minors, a misdemeanor of the first degree, one to two years of
state incarceration concurrent to count 23, with 5 years of consecutive probation,
concurrent to count 23.
Additionally, the Defendant was found to be ineligible for RRRI, was ordered to comply
with the rules and regulations governing probation and parole, and ordered to submit to DNA
testing and lifetime registration under Megan's Law. The Defendant was ordered to have no
direct or indirect contact with the victim and the computers and peripherals were ordered to be
seized.
9
1°The Defendant's first trial resulted in a hung jury on February 6, 2012.
Counts 4 and 5 merged for sentencing purposes.
2
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On docket number 7802-12:
• Count 5: child pornography, a felony of the second degree, two to four years of state
incarceration with 6 years of consecutive probation.
• Count 6: child pornography, a felony of the second degree, two to four years of state
incarceration concurrent to count 5, with 6 years of consecutive probation, concurrent to
count 5.
• Count 7: child pornography, a felony of the second degree, two to four years of state
incarceration concurrent to count 6, with 6 years of consecutive probation, concurrent to
count 6.
• Count 8: child pornography, a felony of the second degree, two to four years of state
incarceration concurrent to count 7, with 6 years of consecutive probation, concurrent to
count 7.
• Count 9: child pornography, a felony of the third degree, one to two years of state
incarceration concurrent to count 8, with 5 years of consecutive probation, concurrent to
count 8.
• Count 10: child pornography, a felony of the third degree, one to two years of state
incarceration concurrent to count 9, with 5 years of consecutive probation, concurrent to
count 9.
• Count 11: child pornography, a felony of the third degree, two to four years of state
incarceration concurrent to count 10, with 5 years of consecutive probation, concurrent to
count 10.
• Count 12: child pornography, a felony of the third degree, two to four years of state
incarceration concurrent to count 11, with 5 years of consecutive probation, concurrent to
count 11.
• Count 13: child pornography, a felony of the third degree, two to four years of state
incarceration concurrent to count 12, with 5 years of consecutive probation, concurrent to
count 12.
• Count 59: criminal use of a communication facility, a felony of the third degree, one to
two years of state incarceration concurrent to count 13, with 5 years of consecutive
probation, concurrent to count 13.
Post sentence motions were filed on May 16, 2013, and after a hearing and extensive
briefs from counsel, this Court denied in part and granted in part the Defendant's prayer for
relief. In an Order dated October 1, 2013, the Court granted the Defendant's motion for
3
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reconsideration of his sentence and amended the Defendant's sentence as follows: On docket
# 195 0-10, Count 1, rape of a child, the court changed its initial sentence of 14 to 28 years of state
incarceration with 12 years of consecutive probation to 12 to 24 years of incarceration followed
by 16 years of consecutive probation. On docket #7802-12, Count 5, child pornography, the
Court changed its initial sentence of two to four years of state incarceration with 6 years of
consecutive probation to two to four years of incarceration to run concurrent to the sentence
imposed on docket #1950-10. The rest of the sentence remained the same. Thereafter, on
11
November 15, 2013, Appellant filed the instant appeal, necessitating this Opinion.
FACTUAL BACKGROUND
On June 24, 2009, Lieutenant David Peifer, of the Delaware County Criminal
Investigation Division, conducted an online internet investigation in an attempt to identify
individuals that were sharing and possessing child pornography through the Gnutella network.
As a result of his investigation, Lieutenant Peifer captured two files containing child
pornography. Lieutenant Peifer downloaded the files and traced the IP address to a computer
located in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. The IP address was assigned to Verizon Internet
Services, and Lieutenant Peifer obtained a subpoena in order to identify the subscriber. The
subscriber was identified as who lived in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. N.T.,
12/4/2012, p. 52. Lieutenant Peifer obtained a search warrant, and went to the residence on July
14, 2009. Id. at 52-53; see also Affidavit of Probable Cause.
When Lieutenant Peifer arrived at the residence, he advised · N~ ~" · that a
computer located at the address had been sharing child pornography. Three computers were
seized from the residence, including one in the basement that had a user account name of
11
Counsel was appointed for the Defendant, and several extensions for her 1925(b) statement
were granted as she reviewed the extensive record in this case.
4
. I
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"Devon" and which was identified as the sharing computer. N.T., 12/4/2012, pp. 53-54.
Lieutenant Peifer was told that Devon lived in the basement of the house. Id. at 54. Devon was
not home at the time the search warrant was executed, and Lieutenant Peifer told Devon's
grandfather; N" k."" ·, that he would like to speak to Devon. Id. at 55.
The following day, July 15, 2009, Nathaniel "Devon" Spady, (hereinafter "Defendant"),
went to the Office of the Criminal Investigation Division (hereinafter "CID"), located at the
Delaware County Courthouse. Id. at 55. He was interviewed by Lieutenant Peifer. During the
interview, the Defendant told Lieutenant Peifer that he used a file sharing program called
Lime Wire on his computer and searched for files by entering search terms such as "teen" and
"girls." See Commonwealth Exhibit C-6. The Defendant's interview with Lieutenant Peifer was
tape recorded. This tape was played for the jury at trial and admitted as Commonwealth Exhibit
C-5. N.T., 12/4/2012, p. 57. Following the interview, the Defendant left with his grandfather. Id.
at 60.
After the computers, which included an Apple, a Compaq Presario, and a Dell Latitude,
were seized from the residence, they were sent to Harrisburg to be analyzed. Id. at 62. A report
was provided to CID in December of 2009. Id. The report revealed that ninety-six (96) files
containing images of children under the age of eighteen engaged in sexual acts or poses were
recovered from the computers. N.T., 12/5/12, v. I, p. 12; see also Commonwealth Exhibit C-24.
Nine (9) files of apparent child pornography were recovered from the Apple computer and
eighty-seven (87) files of apparent child pornography were recovered from the Compaq Presario
computer. N.T., 12/5/12, v. I, p. 12. At trial, counsel for the Commonwealth and Defendant
stipulated that the images and videos found on the three computers depicted a child engaging in a
prohibited sexual act or the simulation of such an act, and that the child at the time [was] under
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the age of 18. See Commonwealth Exhibit C-27. The report, authored by Special Agent David
Buckwash, an expert in the field of computer forensics, explained that five (5) notable pictures
were found on the Apple computer, ninety-three (93) notable pictures were found on the Compaq
Presario, and seven (7) notable pictures were found on the Dell Latitude. N.T., 12/5/12, v. I, p.
14.
Agent Buckwash described to the jury that apparent pictures are those that "when viewed,
[thatJ are apparent that they are child pornography." Id at 14. Agent Buckwash described
notable pictures as "a picture that if you look at it, it's not 100 percent apparent that it is child
pornography." Id at 13. He explained that notable pictures are generally extracted and brought to
an investigator and then to someone with a certain degree of medical expertise that can confirm
or deny that the picture does in fact depict a person under the age of 18. Id at 13.
Four (4) images were taken by a camera or cell phone and were linked to a Yahoo email
account in the Defendant's name. N.T., 12/4/2012, pp. 61-64. Two (2) photos were found on an
Apple computer that was located in the basement of the residence and were downloaded by a
user on June 13, 2009. N.T., 12/4/12, pp. 126-27; see also Commonwealth Exhibit C-23;
Commonwealth Exhibit C-21. Several more photographs were downloaded by a user on June 23,
2009 and July 8, 2009. Id at 129. Agent Buckwash testified to a reasonable degree of forensic
certainty that eight pictures recovered from the Apple computer were viewed and saved by a user
named "Devon." N.T., 12/5/12, v. I, pp. 26-27.
EXIF Data12 was also extracted from the computer. Id at 33. The report found that the
images recovered from the Apple computer were taken with a Samsung cell phone on June 23,
12
EXIF stands for exchangeable image file format. See N.T., 12/5/12, v. I, pp. 32-33. "EXIF is a
standard used for digital pictures. And EXIF data consists of data that's embedded in each
picture file taken with a digital camera or a cell phone with a digital camera. And the EXIF data
6
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2009. Id at 34. These files were accessed by a Yahoo usemame "Devon." Id at 35-36. After he
received the report, Lieutenant Peifer contacted the Defendant's grandfather and asked him if he
would bring the Defendant back to CID headquarters so that they could talk about some of the
images that were found on the computer. N.T., 12/4/12, p. 65.
When the Defendant arrived for the second interview in early December of 2009,
Lieutenant Peifer told him that he didn't have to answer any questions, that he wasn't under
arrest, and that he was free to leave at any time Id at 65-,66. Lieutenant Peifer told the Defendant
that they found some pictures on the computer, and asked the Defendant if he knew who the girl
in the pictures was. Id at 66. The Defendant told the Lieutenant that he did not know who she ·
was. Id. The Defendant's grandfather, N~ \< a ,, who was also present in the interview
room, then looked at the Defendant and said "you know who that is. That's your cousin:" Id The
Defendant then told Lieutenant Peifer that it was his cousin in the picture. Id. This interview was
not recorded. Id. at 67. ~ ~ K" then provided the Lieutenant with a name and address for
the girl in the photographs and the information was then passed on to Detective Robin Clark. Id.
The Defendant was permitted to leave following this interview. Id
Detective Robin Clark of CID interviewed the then ten year old victim, S.P., on
..~·. ::
December I Ith and December 16th of 20Q9 .. N.T.; 12/4/12, pp. 6, 17, 68. These interviews were
. ,;; '·· '
tape recorded and admitted as evidence and played and published to the jury at trial. Id at 10-12,
18-19; see Commonwealth Exhibits C-17 and C-20.
S.P. often slept in the living room at her grandparents' house. When she was seven, eight
and nine, she would go to their home a lot. N.T., 12/3/12, pp. 112-13. When she was sleeping,
includes things like the make and model of the device used .to take that picture, the date and time
it was taken, shutter settings, F-stop settings, the resolution of the picture, things like that." Id
(testimony of Agent Steven Arter)
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the Defendant would wake her up and "force [her] to do stuff." Id at 115-116. He would pull her
pants down and force her to perform oral sex on him. Id at 116-117. S.P. testified that the
Defendant put his penis in her vagina "just a little bit." Id. at 118-119. She explained that this
occurred in the basement of the house that it hurt. Id. at 120. S.P. testified that the Defendant
took pictures of her in the kitchen with his cell phone, and he instructed her to pull her shirt up.
Id. at 122. She explained that these incidents occurred over a long period of time, and that she
was afraid that she would get in trouble if she told anyone. Id. at 125.
Following her interviews with S.P., Detective Clark made arrangements for the
Defendant to come in to CID for a third interview.13 N.T., 12/4/12, p. 68. On December 18,
2009, the Defendant arrived to CID after 5 P.M. Id. at 69. The Defendant sat in a conference
room with Lieutenant Peifer and Detective Clark and was given his Miranda Warnings. Id at 69.
Detective Clark went over the Defendant's rights by utilizing a form entitled "Criminal
Investigation Division Procedure Before Questioning" with the Defendant. Id. at 69; see also
Commonwealth Exhibit C-7. The form was dated 12/18/09 with a time of either 5:03 or 5:08
P.M.14 Id at 70. A tape recorder was turned on at 5:48 P.M. and turned off at 6:08 P.M. Id. at
103. During the interview, the Defendant admitted that he took the photographs of his cousin
S.P. with his cell phone. N.T., 12/4/12, p. 82. He also admitted to engaging in sexual acts with
his cousin when she was 8 or 9 years old. See Commonwealth Exhibit C-9. Following this
interview, the Defendant was placed under arrest and charged with the crimes set forth above.
N.T.,12/4/12, p. 83.
The Defendant took the stand at trial and denied having any sexual contact with S.P.,
denied taking any photographs of his cousin, and denied downloading child pornography. N.T.,
13
By this time, the Defendant was 18, so his grandfather was not called. N.T., 12/4/12, p. 68.
14
The handwriting documenting the time on this document was illegible..
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12/5/12, v. II, p. 257. According to the Defendant, before he went into the initial interview on
July 15, 2009 with Lieutenant Peifer, he and his grandfather had agreed that the Defendant
would "cooperate with [Lieutenant Peifer]" and "tell [Lieutenant Peifer] what he wants" because
he was a juvenile and "in the law they're sometimes [] lighter on juveniles than they are on
adults." Id at 262-63. The Defendant also testified that he believed that S.P. had a crush on him,
and that a result, he had made it a point to stay away from her. Id. at 278.
Throughout the Defendant's trial there was conflicting testimony presented with regard to
the facts underlying the encounter between the Defendant and the detectives on December 18,
2009. The Defendant admitted to freely signing the Miranda form provided by the detectives. Id
at 294. The Defendant also agreed that he consented to having the interview recorded. Id at 294-
95. According to the Defendant, the detectives did not start the tape at the beginning of the
interview. Id. at 294-95. The Defendant testified that during the 45 minutes that elapsed from
when he signed the Miranda form until the tape was started, the detectives laid out their case to
him. Id. Lieutenant Peifer agreed that they had conducted a "pre-interview" of the Defendant
before they turned on the tape that lasted for at least a half an hour. N.T., 12/4/12, pp. 112-13;
124-25. According to both Lieutenant Peifer and the Defendant, Lieutenant Peifer and Detective
Clark confronted the Defendant with the accusations made by S.P. during this time. Id
Lieutenant Peifer testified that he told the Defendant about the general accusations made by S.P.,
and that the Defendant provided the details. Id. at 113. According to the Defendant, Lieutenant
Peifer and Detective Clark were threatening and coercive. Id. at 289-301. According to the
Defendant, Lieutenant Peifer took his keys when he arrived at the courthouse on December 18,
2009. N.T., 12/5/12, v. II, p. 288. The Defendant claimed that Lieutenant Peifer screamed at him.
Id. at 297-99. On the other hand, Lieutenant Peifer testified that he did not make any threats to
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the Defendant. N.T., 12/4/12, p. 71. Lieutenant Peifer conceded that the Defendant initially
denied the allegations against him. Id. at 104-06.
The Defendant testified at trial that he gave the detectives the names of several other
suspects that he believed they should be interviewed about his cousin's accusations. N.T.,
12/5/12, v. II, p. 291. According to the Defendant, "[t]hey weren't trying to hear that. They
wasn't trying to hear anything I had to say. The only thing they were trying to say is this is what
she said and this is what you're going to say." Id. at 291. The Defendant denied having abused
S.P. According to the Defendant, during the 45 minutes preceding the taped recorded interview,
he cried and denied the allegations against him, and then agreed to provide a confession, as he
claimed the detectives wanted. Id. at 291-301. The Defendant maintained that none of what he
said in his statement was true. Id. at 302.
The jury came back and found the Defendant guilty of the crimes set forth above. In his
concise statement of matters complained of on appeal pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of
Appellate Procedure 1925(b), the Defendant asserts the following:
(1) Whether the Trial Court erred in refusing to grant Defendant's Motion to Suppress
Defendant's statements of July 15, 2009 and December 18, 2009 since both
statements were coerced, induced and given under duress and therefore, not
voluntarily given.
(2) Whether the Trial Court erred in limiting the testimony of the Defendant's expert
witness, Dr. Glen Skoler, concerning false confession evidence, at the request of the
Commonwealth in the second trial despite the Court's ruling at the first trial whereby
the witness was permitted to testify more completely and which resulted in a hung
Jury.
(3) Whether the Trial Court erred in prohibiting the Defendant from presenting
testimony through N~ K·- .' or Nathaniel Spady or presenting any evidence of
an admission by an alternate perpetrator, A,(!..., , Jr. (a/k/a Butchy) that he
was the individual who sexually abused the victim.
(4) Whether the Trial Court erred in prohibiting the Defendant from presenting evidence
or questioning the Commonwealth witnesses about the alleged sexual abuse of the
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victim by an alternate perpetrator, /\. (:., , Jr. (a/k/a Butchy), who was the
step-brother of the alleged victim and who had made an admission that he had abused
the victim.
(5) Whether the Trial Court erred by denying the Defendant's 6th Amendment right to
present evidence on his behalf and his right to confrontation when the Court ruled
that the Defendant could not make any reference to A..
c., 1, Jr. (a/k/a
Butchy) as the alternative perpetrator at trial.
(6) Whether the evidence was insufficient to convict the Defendant on the charge of
child pornography since the Commonwealth was unable to prove beyond a
reasonable doubt that Defendant was the culprit and that he intentionally or
knowingly possessed such materials since there was testimony that multiple persons
had access to the three computers confiscated from within the home where the
Defendant resided and, furthermore, the verdict was contrary to the weight of the
evidence.
(7) Whether the evidence was insufficient to convict the Defendant on the charge of
Criminal Use Communication Facility since the Commonwealth was unable to prove
beyond a reasonable doubt that this Defendant was the individual that used any of the
computers that were confiscated in the commission of a felony or that the Defendant
was the individual who owned, possessed or had access to the cell phone depicting
the image of the victim and, furthermore, the verdict was contrary to the weight of
the evidence.
(8) Whether the evidence was insufficient to convict the Defendant on the charge of
Rape of a Child since the Commonwealth was unable to prove beyond a reasonable
doubt that a crime occurred on Thanksgiving 2009 since the victim did not testify
that the incident occurred on that date and there was testimony that several persons
were awake and present in the room throughout the night where the alleged incident
had occurred and, furthermore, the verdict was contrary to the weight of the
evidence.
(9) Whether the evidence was insufficient to convict the Defendant on the charge of
Statutory Sexual Assault since the Commonwealth was unable to prove beyond a
reasonable doubt that a crime occurred on Thanksgiving 2009 since the victim did
not testify that the incident occurred on that date and there was testimony that several
persons were awake and present in the room throughout the night where the alleged
incident had occurred and, furthermore, the verdict was contrary to the weight of the
evidence.
(10) Whether the evidence was insufficient to convict the Defendant on the charge of
Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse with a Child since the Commonwealth was
unable to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the crime occurred on Thanksgiving
2009 since the victim did not testify that the incident occurred on that date and there
was testimony that several persons were awake and present in the room throughout
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the night where the alleged incident had occurred and, furthermore, the verdict was
contrary to the weight of the evidence.
( 11) Whether the evidence was insufficient to convict the Defendant on the charge of
Indecent Assault since the Commonwealth was unable to prove beyond a reasonable
doubt that a crime occurred on Thanksgiving 2009 since the victim did not testify
that the incident occurred on that date and there was testimony that several persons
were awake and present in the room throughout the night where the allege incident
occurred and, furthermore, the verdict was contrary to the weight of the evidence.
DISCUSSION
A. Motion to Suppress
Defendant first argues that the Court erred in refusing to grant Defendant's Motion to
Suppress. This Court held a hearing on Appellant's "Motion to Suppress Statements" on
November 9, 2010, and on March I, 2011, the Court issued an Order denying said motion.
The appellate court's standard of review in addressing a challenge to a trial court's
suppression of evidence ruling in a criminal trial is limited to determining whether the factual
findings are supported by the record and whether the legal conclusions drawn therefrom are
correct. Commonwealth v. McDonald, 881 A.2d 858, (Pa. Super. 2005). This Court's Order
setting forth its findings of fact and conclusions of law is attached to this Opinion and is entitled
"Appendix A." The Court respectfully submits that it did not err in denying said motion.
B. ExpertTestimony
The Defendant also maintains that the Court erred in limiting the testimony of the
Defendant's expert witness concerning false confession evidence.
The admissibility of an expert opinion is governed by Rule 702 of the Pennsylvania Rules
of Evidence and provides: "[i]f scientific, technical or other specialized knowledge beyond that
possessed by a layperson will assist the trier of fact to understand the evidence or to determine a
fact in issue, a witness qualified as an expert by knowledge, skill, experience, training or
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education n:i,ay testify thereto in the form of an opinion or otherwise." Pa.RE. 702. Expert
testimony is admissible when it involves explanations and inferences not within the range of
ordinary training, knowledge, intelligence, and experience. Commonwealth v. Minerd, 562 Pa.
46, 753 A.2d 225 (2000).
Moreover, the admission of expert scientific testimony is an evidentiary matter for the
trial court's discretion and should not be disturbed on appeal unless the trial court abuses its
discretion. An abuse of discretion may not be found merely because an appellate court might
have reached a different conclusion, but requires a result of manifest unreasonableness, or
partiality, prejudice, bias, or ill-will, or such lack of support so as to be clearly erroneous.
Commonwealth v. Szakal, 50 A.3d 210, 227 (Pa. Super. 2012) (citing Grady v. Frito-Lay, Inc.,
576 Pa. 546, 839 A.2d 1038, 1046 (2003)).
In the case sub judice, the Defendant offered the testimony of Dr. Glen Skoler at trial.
Prior to commencement of trial, the Commonwealth made a motion to exclude any testimony
from Dr. Skoler regarding coerced confessions, and argued that the concept is one within the
purview of the general understanding of a potential juror. The Commonwealth provided this
Court with the Superior Court case of Commonwealth v. Szakal. In Szakal, the Superior Court
determined that the trial court did not err in denying a defendant's request to call an expert in the
field of false confessions given that the testimony would not assist the triers of fact. However, in
the instant case, this Court did not exclude the testimony of Dr. Skoler as in Szakal, but rather,
permitted him to testify generally with respect to false confessions. The Court respectfully
submits that the Defendant's claim to the contrary is without merit.
C. Three
Next, the Defendant claims that the Court erred in prohibiting any testimony "through
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N, "-. ·_ or Nathaniel Spady or presenting any evidence of an [alleged] admission [madeJ
by an [alleged] alternate perpetrator, A., C..,., 1, Jr. (a/k/a Butchy) that he was the
individual who sexually abused the victim." See Concise Statement of Matters Complained of on
Appeal Pursuant to Rule l 925(b), p. 1.
In the case sub judice, defense counsel made an offer of proof regarding defense witness
·. See 12/5/12, v. 1, p. 41. N.ei \< ~ is the grandfather of both the
Defendant and the victim in this case, and he legally adopted the Defendant as his son. Id. at 43,
48. N. \<..., 'I .5 daughter, : l • f: ., is married to a man named A• C... ~ . Id.
{?, \l ~ y is ()... ~C... '» son Id at 43-44. A~~~ > Jr. goes by the
nickname "Butchy." Id. at 44. . !'1 e K. was called to the stand out of the presence of the
jury during the Defendant's trial and he testified that Butchy had called him following the
Defendant's first trial and told him that he wanted to get something off his conscience - that he
was the one that had been molesting S.P. Id at 45. This alleged telephone call allegedly occurred
in March, approximately one month after the Defendant's first trial ended in a mistrial.15 Id at
49. According to . N • K~ , he told Butchy to call his stepmother [S.P.'smother], his dad,
and the Defendant and tell them about this. Id. He gave Butchy the Defendant's telephone
number and told Butchy to let him know how he made out after he called the Defendant. Id. at
45. According to . NGK. , he did not contact the police of tell anyone else about this
conversation. Id at 50. According to f\L \<.. , after he received the initial call from
Butchy, Butchy called him once more and asked for the Defendant's number. Id. at 50. That was
the last time that · N , K~ · heard from Butchy. Id.
During the Defendant's trial and out of the presence of the jury, this Court heard
15The
Defendant's first trial ended with a hopelessly deadlockedjury and a mistrial was declared.
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argument on the admissibility of N4 \(, >s proposed testimony regarding what Butchy
17
had allegedly told him.16 Following argument, this Court found that the proposed testimony
was hearsay and not admissible, even though on its face was a declaration against penal interest.
N.T., 12/5/12, pp. 183-199. Additionally, this Court found that this evidence was also a collateral
matter that would not make it any less likely that the Defendant had in fact committed the crimes
charged. Id. The Court relied on the case of Commonwealth v. Bracero, 515 Pa. 355, 528 A.2d
936 (1987) and Commonwealth v. Nash, 457 Pa. 296, 324 A.2d 344 (1974), and found that,
while the Defendant had shown that Butchy was unavailable, he did not show that the statement
at issue was made under reliable circumstances. 12/5/12, v. l, p. 196-199.
The admissibility of evidence is a matter solely within the discretion of the trial court and
will be reversed only where a clear abuse of discretion occurs. Commonwealth v. Foy, 531 Pa.
322, 612 A.2d 1349 (1992). Under the Pennsylvania Rules of Evidence, statements against
16
Initially, the court entered an Order on November 28, 2012 precluding at trial any statements
made by k· t!.. For the sake of clarification, this Order precluded the testimony of
«.« . .;-=:w. - or "Butchy." At the time this Order was entered this Court was unaware that
this individual's father was. ~. (:'...,
17
In the case sub Judice, the Commonwealth argued the following:
What I'm saying here is that there is no probative value. The fact that another
person may have molested the victim does not make it less likely that this
Defendant also molested this victim. There is a substantial prejudicial effect
because this jury could be confused by starting to hear that there's another person
that sexually assaulted this child. We've been through cases before where defense
attorneys try to suggest that somebody else committed a crime. And they're
permitted to do that in cases where there's one specific crime and it's either
suspect A or suspect B. They're not permitted to do it in this case where there are
multiple incidents involving this child and multiple people that could have
committed some or all of them. And it's not either suspect A or B. It may well be
both. It's our contention that certainly this Defendant, the defense may be able to
make the jury believe it could be somebody else, too. That doesn't prove that this
Defendant didn't do it. So that's not - this information is. not, in any way,
probative. But it is highly prejudicial in that it will substantially confuse the jury
N.T., 12/5/12, v.l, pp. 194-195.
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interest are not excluded as hearsay if the declarant is unavailable as a witness. Pa.RE. Rule.
804(b ). A statement against interest is a statement that:
(A) a reasonable person in the declarant's position would have made only if the
person believed it to be true because, when made, it was so contrary to the
declarant's proprietary or pecuniary interest or had so great a tendency to
invalidate the declarant's claim against someone else or to expose the declarant to
civil or criminal liability; and
(B) is supported by corroborating circumstances that clearly indicate its
trustworthiness, if it is offered in a criminal case as one that tends to expose the
declarant to criminal liability.18
Pa.RE., Rule 804(b) (3).
A declarant is considered to be unavailable as a witness if the declarant:
(1) is exempted from testifying about the subject matter of the declarant's
statement because the court rules that a privilege applies; (2) refuses to testify
about the subject matter despite a court order to do so; (3) testifies to not
remembering the subject matter; (4) cannot be present or testify at the trial or
hearing because of death or a then-existing infirmity, physical illness, or mental
illness; or (5) is absent from the trial or hearing and the statement's proponent has
not been able, by process or other reasonable means, to procure (A) the declarant's
attendance, in the case of a hearsay exception under Rule 804(b)(l) or (6); or (B)
the declarant's attendance or testimony, in the case of a hearsay exception under
Rule 804(b)(2), (3), or (4).
Pa.RE., Rule 804(a).
In order for a statement against interest to be admissible, considerable assurance of the
reliability of such a declaration is required. Bracero, 515 Pa at 365, 528 A.2d at 940 (internal
citation omitted). "[l]t is not rare for friends, peers and family members to go to extraordinary
lengths to help an accused win an acquittal or avoid a jail sentence." Id. In the instant case,
or Butchy, could not be located to testify at trial. Defense counsel's case
aide, Melissa Ellingsworth, testified that she had attempted to serve a subpoena to Butchy. N.T.,
12/5/12, v. I, pp. 168-69. She explained that she had gone to his last known residence on
18
This rule is identical to F.R.E. 804(b) (3).
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December 3, 2012 and was told by an individual at that address that Butchy did not live there
and that he did not know where Butchy lived. Id. at 1 71, 175. The individual refused to provide
Ms. Ellingsworth with his name and abruptly closed the door. Id. Ms. Ellingsworth then
approached the door of the residence for a second time, and was then greeted by a man who
identified himself as /.1. \A1 who stated that he was Butchy's grandfather. Id at 172-
73. He explained that he owned the property and did not have a forwarding address or telephone
number for Butchy. Id. Upon hearing this, this Court conceded that Butchy was in fact
unavailable.
However, upon consideration of the testimony offered by N, K.. , this Court was
not convinced that Butchy's alleged statement was made under circumstances that provided a
requisite assurance of reliability and trustworthiness. His statement was allegedly made after the
conclusion of the Defendant's first trial, and he provided no details involving when or where he
had allegedly molested S.P. Such a general statement that Butchy had "wanted to get something
off his conscience [and] that he was the one that had been molesting S.P." was not reliable nor
trustworthy.
In the alternative, this Court also found that the alleged confession was a collateral issue.
N.T., 12/5/12, pp. 196-197. The Court relied on the Pennsylvania Superior Court's holding in
Commonwealth v. Holder, 815 A.2d 1115 (Pa. Super. 2003) and the Pennsylvania Supreme
Court's holding in Commonwealth v. Johnson, 536 Pa. 153, 638 A.2d 940 (1994). In Johnson,
the Court held that testimony of an alleged prior sexual encounter between a victim and another
was a collateral matter and thus inadmissible. Johnson, 638 A.2d 942-43.
The Court also relied upon Commonwealth v. Smith. 482 A.2d 1124 (Pa. Super. 1984). In
Smith, the trial court refused to allow the defense to raise a prior altercation that the victim in the
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case had been involved in by stating that [t]he prior incident was irrelevant to the charges against
[the Defendant] and would have raised collateral issues serving only to distract the jurors from
the relevant circumstances of the parties' conduct at times pertinent to the offense with which
[the Defendant] had been charged." Smith, 482 A.2d at 1127. This Court saw this alleged
confession by missing witness Butchy to be similarly collateral.
In the instant case, this Court found that the proposed testimony of J3 u.kdtr
would only show that the victim was possibly the victim of another sexual assault. As in Holder,
the matter was collateral because an allegation that another individual had sexually abused the
victim did not bear directly on whether or not the Defendant did also. See Holder, 815 A.2d at
1119. Accordingly, no relief is due.
D. Four
The Defendant similarly claims that the court "erred in prohibiting the Defendant from
presenting evidence or questioning the Commonwealth witnesses about the alleged sexual abuse
of the victim by an alternate perpetrator,_ AJ:_ . :Sv~
1 (a/k/a Butchy), who was the step-
brother of the alleged victim and who had made an admission that he had abused the victim." See
Concise Statement of Matters Complained of on Appeal Pursuant to Rule 1925(b), p. 1.
The Court respectfully submits that this claim is without merit, as this would only distract
the jurors from the ultimate issue. The Court relies on the reasoning set forth in the preceding
section.
E. Five
Next, the Defendant asserts that the Court "erred by denying the Defendant's 6th
Amendment right to present evidence on his behalf and his right to confrontation when the Court
ruled that the Defendant could not make any reference to A ~ e ~ 1 S <"•. (a/k/a Butchy) as
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the alternative perpetrator at trial." See Concise Statement of Matters Complained of on Appeal
Pursuant to Rule 1925(b), p. 2.
The Confrontation Clause of the Sixth Amendment, applicable to the states through the
due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, provides that in all criminal prosecutions, the
accused shall enjoy the right to be confronted with the witnesses against him. Commonwealth v.
Robins, 571 Pa. 248, 812 A.2d 514 (2002). In general, the Supreme Court has indicated that the
Clause reflects a preference for face-to-face confrontation at trial, and that the primary interest
protected is the right of cross-examination. Id.
In the instant case, the Defendant confronted his accusers and was represented by an able
trial attorney who vigorously cross examined the Commonwealth's witnesses. It is respectfully
submitted that there was no violation of the Confrontation Clause in this case.
Both the Pennsylvania and federal constitutions provide a criminal defendant with the
right to compulsory process to obtain witnesses in his favor. Commonwealth v. Lyons, 833 A.2d
245, 253-54 (Pa. Super. 2003). This Court never denied the Defendant his right to compulsory
process in this case. The Defendant complains that the Court would not allow him or N, K •
to testify about the contents of an alleged hearsay telephone conversation that allegedly
occurred between Ne \<0 and A. ~Cg I T'0> . ("Butchy"). This Court never
obstructed the Defendant's ability to subpoena Butchy for trial. To the contrary, the Court made
every accommodation it could to defense counsel in their attempt to get Butchy to appear during
the Defendant's trial. During the course of the Defendant's trial, defense counsel's process server
went with a subpoena in hand to the address provided by the Defendant for Butchy only to be
told that he no longer lived there and that there was no address that he could provide for him.
The substance of the Defendant's complaint is stated above. This Court would not allow
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'N., l<. ~ · to tell the jury the contents of an alleged telephone conversation that he had
allegedly had with Butchy. Again, as stated above, the Court found that though Butchy was not
available there were not sufficient corroborating circumstances that indicated the trustworthiness
of the alleged statement. See Pa.RE. Rule 804(3). It is interesting to note that the alleged
substance of the alleged telephone call from Butchy was that Butchy "was bothered · · his
conscience was bothering him and that he wanted to get it off his chest and he didn't know what
to do.... [because he was] the one that was molesting S.P." N.T., 12/5/12, v. 1, p. 45.
Nevertheless, after he supposedly said this to N t \(..; ·, Butchy never did anything
concrete to help the Defendant-not the least of which, to stick around for the Defendant's
second trial.
In the alternative and as set forth above, in the case sub Judice, the Defendant sought to
introduce collateral and irrelevant evidence intended to persuade the jury that Butchy had
molested the minor victim himself. The problem with the Defendant's claim is that 1) S.P. said it
was the Defendant who abused her, without any mention of Butchy, 2) the Defendant admitted
committing these crimes and provided details, including details as to time and location, and 3)
naked pictures of S.P. were located on the Defendant's computer. On the other hand, Butchy's
alleged confession provided no details. It could very well be that Butchy too molested S.P. and
he too was somehow responsible for the child pornography. However, this did not exculpate the
Defendant. Because this evidence was not relevant to the crimes charged, this Court refused to
permit the Defendant to cross examine anyone regarding this alleged confession. See
Commonwealth v. Holder, 815 A.2d 1115, 1118-1119 (Pa. Super. 2003) (testimony that
someone other than the defendant had abused the victim before the alleged incident with the
defendant did not bear directly on her reputation for chastity and was not relevant to the
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defendant's guilt or innocence). The Court respectfully submits that the Defendant's
constitutional rights were not violated by this ruling. Accordingly, no relief is due.
F. Sufficiency of the Evidence
Next, the Defendant raises several challenges to the sufficiency of the evidence. In
\
evaluating a challenge to the sufficiency of the evidence, the reviewing court must determine
whether, viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the Commonwealth as verdict
winner, together with all reasonable inferences therefrom, the trier of fact could have found that
each and every element of the crimes charged was established beyond a reasonable doubt.
Commonwealth v. Lee, 956 A.2d 1024, 1027 (Pa. Super. 2008) (internal citations and quotations
omitted). Unless the evidence presented at trial is "so weak and inconclusive that, as a matter of
law, no probability of fact can be drawn from the combined circumstances," the verdict should
not be disturbed on appeal. Id. at 1027-28 (citing Commonwealth v. Davis, 799 A.2d 860, 866
(Pa. Super. 2002)).
a. Child Pornography
First, the Defendant argues that the evidence was insufficient to convict the Defendant of
child pornography, because "the Commonwealth was unable to prove beyond a reasonable doubt
that Defendant was the culprit and that he intentionally or knowingly possessed such materials
since there was testimony that multiple persons had access to the three computers confiscated
from within the home where the Defendant resided." See Concise Statement of Matters
Complained of on Appeal Pursuant to Rule 1925(b), p. 2.
Following the trial, the Defendant was found guilty of five counts of possessing child
pornography by photographing or depicting sexual acts on a computer, 18 Pa.C.S.A §6312(d)(l)
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and five counts of possessing child pornography, 18 Pa.C.S.A §6312(d)(l). The Defendant
19
appears to be challenging the latter charge.
At trial, this Court instructed the jury, that in order to find the Defendant guilty of
possessing child pornography by photographing or depicting sexual acts on a computer, they
must find that each of the following elements had been proven beyond a reasonable doubt:
First, that the Defendant knowingly photographed, depicted on a computer a child
engaging in a prohibited sexual act or simulation of such an act. Second, that the
child was at the time under the age of 18. For purposes of this trial, a prohibited
act means nudity, if the nudity is depicted for the purposes of sexual simulation or
gratification of any person who might view the photograph, video tape, computer
depiction or film.
N.T., 12/6/13, p. 232.
At trial, this Court instructed the jury, that in order to find the Defendant guilty of
possessing child pornography, they must find that each of the following four elements had been
proven beyond a reasonable doubt:
First, that the Defendant possessed, controlled, intentionally viewed a photograph
or computer depiction. The term intentionally viewed means that the Defendant
deliberately, purposely and voluntarily viewed material depicting a child under
age 18 years of age, engaged in a prohibited sexual act or the simulation - -
simulation of such an act. The term does not mean inadvertent or accidental
viewing of such material. Second, that the item depicted a child engaging in a
prohibited sexual act or the simulation of such act. Third, that the child was at the
time under the age of 18. And fourth, that the Defendant did so knowingly. In
other words, the Defendant was aware of what he possessed or controlled, the
nature of its contents, and that the child involved was under the age of 18. The
term depicted means, pictured or showed. For the purpose of this trial, a
prohibited sexual act means nudity, if the nudity is depicted for the purpose of
sexual stimulation or gratification of any person who might view the depiction.
N.T., 12/6/13, pp. 232-234.
Viewed in the light most favorable to the Commonwealth, the evidence supports that the
Defendant was guilty of both possessing child pornography by photographing or depicting sexual
19
Nonetheless, the Court addresses the sufficiency of the evidence for both charges.
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acts on a computer and possession of child pornography. While the Defendant maintains that the
evidence was insufficient because he presented evidence "that multiple persons had access to the
three computers confiscated from within the home where [he] resided", it was well within the
jury's province to determine which evidence to believe. See Commonwealth v. Koehler, 914
A.2d 427, 437 (Pa. Super. 2006) (totality of the circumstances presented at trial permitted the
jury to infer defendant's ownership, use and ability to access the computer at aunt's home where
pornography was recovered). The finder of fact, while passing upon the credibility of the
witnesses and the weight of the evidence presented, is free to believe all, part, or none of the
evidence. Commonwealth v. Jones, 886 A.2d 689, 704 (Pa. Super. 2005).
At trial, the Commonwealth established that the images of S.P. that were recovered from
the Apple computer were taken with a Samsung cell phone and accessed by a Yahoo email
account that bore the Defendant's user name. See N.T., 12/5/12, v. I., pp. 34-36. The Defendant
lived in the basement of the house. N.T., 12/4/2012, p. 54.
The Commonwealth introduced evidence in which the Defendant readily admitted to
detectives that he had taken photographs of his cousin, S.P., in the kitchen. See Commonwealth
Exhibit C-9. The jury viewed these photographs at trial, and it was within their province to
determine whether these photographs depicted child pornography. S.P. corroborated this
evidence and testified that the Defendant took pictures of her in the kitchen with his cell phone.
N.T., 12/3/12, p. 122. She testified that she was wearing her underwear and was told by the
Defendant to pull her shirt up and pull her underwear down, and that she complied. Id. S.P.
testified that Detective Clark asked her about these pictures when she went to the courthouse. Id.
at 123. Looking at the evidence in a light most favorable to the Commonwealth as verdict
winner, this Court believes that this evidence was sufficient to sustain his convictions for
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possessing child pornography by photographing or depicting sexual acts on a computer.
The Commonwealth also introduced evidence in which the Defendant told detectives that
he had downloaded LimeWire and viewed pornography on this computer. See Commonwealth
Exhibit C-6. He used search terms such as "teen" and "girls." Id. The Commonwealth
established that the Defendant had done so knowingly, as the Defendant told detectives that he
used specific search terms and then clicked on files to download them. Id. He was aware that the
files were kept in a video share folder and told detectives that there were approximately ten (10)
images of child pornography on his computer. Id. Commonwealth and the defense stipulated at
trial that all images found on the computers in this case depicted a child under the age of 18
engaging in a prohibited sexual act or simulation of such an act. See Commonwealth Exhibit C-
27. Lastly, the Defendant acknowledged that an Apple · computer had been used to download
pornography and that he had the computer for about a year and a half. See Commonwealth
Exhibit C-6. The Defendant resided in the basement. The Court submits that, viewing the
evidence in a light most favorable to the Commonwealth as verdict winner, there was sufficient
evidence to support the verdict of possession of child pornography.
b. Criminal Use of a Communication Facility
The Defendant maintains that the evidence was insufficient for a jury to convict him of
Criminal Use Communication Facility "since the Commonwealth was unable to prove beyond a
reasonable doubt that this Defendant was the individual that used any of the computers that were
confiscated in the commission of a felony or that the Defendant was the individual who owned,
possessed or had access to the ceU phone depicting the image of the victim." See Concise
Statement of Matters Complained of on Appeal Pursuant to Rule 1925(b), p. 2.
In order to sustain a conviction under 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 7512, the Commonwealth must
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prove that the defendant (1) knowingly and intentionally used a communication facility; (2)
knowingly, intentionally or recklessly facilitated an underlying felony; and (3) the underlying
felony occurred. Commonwealth v. Moss, 852 A.2d 374, 382 (Pa. Super. 2004). In the case sub
Judice, the Defendant used his computer to download child pornography. Based upon the
Commonwealth's evidence, the Defendant admitted to the detectives that he had downloaded
LimeWire and had knowingly downloaded the files containing child pornography. It was up to
the jury to determine which, if any, evidence to believe. The Court respectfully submits that the
evidence was sufficient to sustain this conviction.
c. Rape of a Child
Next, the Defendant argues that the evidence was insufficient to convict the Defendant on
the charge of Rape of a Child, 18 Pa.C.S.A §3121(c), "since the Commonwealth was unable to
prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a crime occurred on Thanksgiving 2009 since the victim
did not testify that the incident occurred on that date and there was testimony that several persons
were awake and present in the room throughout the night where the alleged incident had
occurred." See Concise Statement of Matters Complained of on Appeal Pursuant to Rule
1925(b), p. 2.
In the case sub Judice, this Court instructed the jury of the following:
[a] person commits rape of a child when the person engages in sexual intercourse
with a child who is less than [] 13 years of age. Under our Crimes Code, such a
rape can be committed by either a male or a female upon a child of the same or
opposite sex. Sexual intercourse has a particular meaning in criminal law. Sexual
intercourse occurs if a man's penetrates the female sexual organ or the mouth or
anus of a person. Sexual intercourse also occurs is the tongue penetrates the
female sexual organ. The slightest degree of penetration is sufficient, and no
emission of semen is required for sexual intercourse to occur under criminal law.
It is immaterial whether the child consented to the contact. Consent of the child is
no defense. It is also no defense if the Defendant did not know the age of the child
or the child lied about his or her age, or the Defendant honestly believed that the
child was 13 or older, or the Defendant reasonably believed that the child was 13
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or older.
N.T., 12/6/13, pp. 226-27. The testimony of the victim standing alone is sufficient proof upon
which to find a defendant guilty of a sexual offense. See 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 3106; see also N.T.,
12/6/12, p. 215.
Moreover, the Court also instructed the jury of the following:
[t]he informations filed in this alleges that the crime was committed on dates
beginning in January of 2007, continuing through November of 2009. Now you
are not bound by the dates -- date alleged in the informations filed. It is not an
essential element of the crimes charged. You may find that defendant guilty if you
are satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that he committed the crimes charged on
or about the date charged in the criminal informations, even though you are not
satisfied that he committed it on the particular date alleged in the information.
N.T., 12/6/12, pp. 215-16.
In viewing the evidence in a light most favorable to the Commonwealth, this Court finds
that sufficient evidence was presented for the jury to convict the Defendant of rape. At trial,
evidence was presented that the Defendant admitted to penetrating the victim in this case. He
told detectives that he "tried to have intercourse but it didn't work." See Commonwealth Exhibit
C-9. He told the detectives that his penis "didn't go all the way in." Id. He told detectives that he
attempted to have sex with S.P. three times. Id He told the detectives that the last time that he
had sex with S.P. was around Thanksgiving of 2009. Id. The Defendant told the detectives that
he turned 18 years old prior to this incident, on November 16th. Id.
S.P. testified that when she was seven, eight and nine, she would go to her grandmother's
home a lot. N.T., 12/3/12, pp. 112-13. She would sometimes spend ·the night, and sleep in the
living room. Id at 113. While S.P. couldn't remember exactly what age she was at the time, she
did remember that there were times when she slept at her grandmother's house when the
Defendant would wake her up and force her to pull her pants down. Id. at 115-1 7. She testified
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that the Defendant would force her to put her mouth on his penis. Id at 117. This happened on
more than one occasion. Id. at 117-18. She testified that the Defendant put his penis in her vagina
"just a little." Id. 118-19. She explained that it hurt. Id. at 120. She testified that this happened a
couple of times in the living room. Id. at 121. She further explained that her brother was asleep
in the living room when this occurred and her grandparents were upstairs. Id at 120. She also
testified that this occurred once in the basement. Id. at 121.
This Court finds that it was not determinative that there was testimony presented by the
defense at trial that several persons were awake and present in the room throughout the night
where the alleged incident had occurred. This Court submits that it was up to the jury to
determine which testimony to believe. The Court respectfully submits that the evidence was
sufficient to sustain the Defendant's conviction of rape.
d. Statutory Sexual Assault
The Defendant argues that the evidence was insufficient to convict the Defendant on the
charge of Statutory Sexual Assault "since the Commonwealth was unable to prove beyond a
reasonable doubt that a crime occurred on Thanksgiving 2009 since the victim did not testify that
the incident occurred on that date and there was testimony that several persons were awake and
present in the room throughout the night where the alleged incident had occurred." See Concise
Statement of Matters Complained of on Appeal Pursuant to Rule 1925(b),p. 2.
At the outset, the Court restates that the date of the offense was not an element of the
crime that was required to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. The Defendant
maintains that the evidence was insufficient because the Commonwealth did not prove that the
crime occurred on Thanksgiving of 2009. This assertion is belied by the record.
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This Court cannot discern whether the Defendant complains that the Commonwealth
20
failed to establish a specific date on which the crime of statutory sexual assault was committed.
Assuming he does, the Court addresses this issue herein. It is well settled that the date of the
commission of the offense must be fixed with reasonable certainty. Commonwealth v. Devlin,
460 Pa. 508, 512, 333 A.2d 888, 890 (1975). The Rules of Criminal Procedure require that the
information include the date when the offense is alleged to have been committed, if the precise
date is known, and the day of the week if it is an essential element of the offense charged,
provided that if the precise date is not known or if the offense is a continuing one, an allegation
that it was committed on or about any date within the period fixed by the statute of limitations
shall be sufficient. Pa.R.Crim.P. Rule 560(B) (3). See also Commonwealth v. Brooks, 7 A.2d 852
(Pa. Super. 2010) ("Case law has further 'established that the Commonwealth must be afforded
broad latitude when attempting to fix the date of offenses which involve a continuous course of
conduct."') (internal citation omitted). Such was the case here.
In the case sub judice, the informations charging the Defendant with statutory sexual
assault set forth the following: "The District Attorney of Delaware County by this Information
charges that on (or about) diverse dates beginning in January 2007 and continuing through
December 2009 in said County, the defendant Nathaniel A Spady did engage with sexual
intercourse with [S.P.]"
The Defendant was charged with committing sexual offenses against S.P. over the course
of several years. At trial, S.P. testified that she was between the ages of 7 and 9 when this
occurred. N.T. 12/3/12, pp. 112-13. While she could not pinpoint the exact dates, at trial, the
20 A review of the record reveals that the Defendant did not raise this issue before or during trial.
Accordingly, the Court submits that this issue is waived. See Pa.RAP. 302(a) ([i]ssues not
raised in the lower court are waived and cannot be raised for the first time on appeal). Assuming
arguendo, that the Defendant did preserve this claim, no relief is due.
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Commonwealth introduced a statement provided by the Defendant in which he admitted to
engaging in sexual activity with S.P. See Commonwealth Exhibit C-9. It was the Defendant
himself who laid out the dates to the detectives and told them that the last time that this occurred
was in Thanksgiving of 2009. Id This Court finds that the Commonwealth established that the
crime of statutory sexual assault occurred within the timeframe charged in the informations in
this case.
At the conclusion of the Defendant's trial, the jury was correctly instructed as follows:
"To find the Defendant guilty of [statutory sexual assault], you must find the following
four elements have been proven beyond a reasonable doubt:
First, that the Defendant had sexual intercourse with [S.P.];
Second, that [S.P.] was a child under the age of 16;
Third, that the Defendant was four or more years older than the child; and
Fourth, the Defendant and the child were not married to one another.
For the purposes of this crime, sexual intercourse has a special meaning. In a case
like this where the parties are of the opposite sex, sexual intercourse includes not
only ordinary intercourse but also oral or anal intercourse. There must be some
penetration, however slight. In other words, the penetration may be partial and
very brief. It is not necessary that the male emit any semen. Now as my statement
of the elements indicate, it is immaterial whether the child consented to the
intercourse. Consent of the child is no defense."
N.T., 12/6/13, pp. 227-28.
At trial, the Commonwealth proved each of these elements beyond a reasonable doubt.
First, through the testimony of the victim, they established that the Defendant had sexual
intercourse with her. She testified that he put his penis inside of her vagina "a little bit" and that
he forced her to put her mouth on his penis. N.T. 12/3/12, pp. 116-19. Accordingly, the
Commonwealth established penetration, however slight. The Commonwealth also established
that the Defendant and the victim had engaged in oral sex. Second, the Commonwealth
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established that the victim as under 16 years of age. She testified at trial that she was between the
age of 7 and 9 when these incidents occurred. Id. at 112-13. Third, the Commonwealth
established that the Defendant was at least four years older than the victim. The Defendant told
the detectives that he was 14 or 15 when he first began to have sexual intercourse with S.P. See
Commonwealth Exhibit C-9. He told the detectives that S.P. was maybe 8 or 9 years old at this
time. Id Lastly, it was established that the Defendant was the victim's cousin. They were not
married to one another. Accordingly, this Court submits that the evidence was sufficient to
convict the Defendant of statutory sexual assault.
e. Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse
Next, the Defendant argues that the evidence "was insufficient to convict the Defendant
on the charge of Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse with a Child since the Commonwealth
was unable to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the crime occurred on Thanksgiving 2009
since the victim did not testify that the incident occurred on that date and there was testimony
that several persons were awake and present in the room throughout the night where the alleged
incident had occurred." See Concise Statement of Matters Complained of on Appeal Pursuant to
Rule l 925(b ), p. 2.
Again, the Court submits that the Commonwealth was not required to prove the exact
date of the incident beyond a reasonable doubt.21 The Court submits that the evidence was
sufficient to find the Defendant guilty of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse. A person
commits involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, a felony of the first degree, when
the person engages in deviate sexual intercourse with a complainant who is less than 13 years of
age. 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 3123(b).
21 The Court has set forth its analysis on this issue in the preceding section. For the sake of
brevity, it will not restate its analysis here.
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[I]n order to sustain a conviction for involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, the
Commonwealth must establish the perpetrator engaged in acts of oral or anal
intercourse, which involved penetration however slight. In order to establish
penetration, some oral contact is required. Moreover, a person can penetrate by
use of the mouth or the tongue.
Commonwealth v. Wilson, 825 A.2d 710 (citing Commonwealth v. L.N., 787 A.2d 1064, 1070
(Pa. Super. 2001) (internal citations omitted).
The jury was instructed as follows:
A person commits involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child when the
person engages in deviate sexual intercourse with a child who is less than 13 years
of age. Under our Crimes Code, such an offense can be committed by either a
male or a female upon a child of the same or opposite sex. Deviate sexual
intercourse has a particular meaning in criminal law. By deviate I do not mean to
apply a value judgment either way. Deviate is a legal term that should not be
confused with . the word deviant, which is often has a negative connotation.
Deviate sexual intercourse occurs if a man's penis penetrates the mouth or anus of
a person, or if a person's tongue penetrates the sexual organ of a woman. Deviate
sexual intercourse also occurs if a person uses a physical object not part of his or
her body to penetrate the anus of another person or the sexual organ of a woman
for any purposes other than a good faith medical, hygienic or law enforcement
purposes. For all forms of deviate sexual intercourse the slightest degree of
penetration is sufficient, and no emission of semen is required. It is immaterial
whether the child consented to the contact. Consent of the child is no defense. It is
also no defense if the child did not know - excuse me. It is also no defense if the
Defendant did not know the age of the child, or the child lied about his or her age,
or the Defendant honestly believed that the child was 13 years or older, or the
Defendant reasonably believed that the child was 13 or older.
N.T., 12/6/12, pp. 228-229.
At the Defendant's trial, the victim, S.P. testified that the Defendant would pull her pants
down and force her to perform oral sex on him. N.T., 12/3/13, pp. 118-119. The Defendant told
the detectives that this occurred approximately six to seven times. See Commonwealth Exhibit
C-9. The Defendant told detectives that S.P. would climb under the covers in his room in the
basement. Id. He told detectives that he put his hand on the back of her head. Id. Viewed in a
light most favorable to the Commonwealth, this conduct constituted oral intercourse and
involved penetration however slight. This Court submits that the evidence was sufficient to
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convict the Defendant of this crime.
f. IndecentAssault
Lastly, the Defendant argues that the evidence was insufficient to convict the Defendant
on the charge of indecent assault "since the Commonwealth was unable to prove beyond a
reasonable doubt that a crime occurred on Thanksgiving 2009 since the victim did not testify that
the incident occurred on that date and there was testimony that several persons were awake and
present in the room throughout the night where the allege incident occurred." See Concise
Statement of Matters Complained of on Appeal Pursuant to Rule 1925(b), p. 3.
The Court submits that the evidence was sufficient to sustain the Defendant's conviction
for indecent assault.
A person is guilty of indecent assault is the person has indecent contact with the
complainant, causes the complainant to have indecent contact with the person or
intentionally causes the complainant to come into contact with seminal fluid,
urine or feces for the purpose of arousing sexual desire in the person or the
complainant and the complainant is less than 13 years of age.
18 Pa.C.S.A. § 3126(7). The date of the crime is not an element of this offense.
In order to find the Defendant guilty of indecent assault of a child, the jury was required
to find that the following elements were proven beyond a reasonable doubt:
First, that the Defendant had indecent contact with [S.P.], or caused [S.P] to have
indecent contact with him. To prove that the Defendant had indecent contact with the
alleged victim, or caused the alleged victim to have indecent contact with him, the
Commonwealth must prove that the Defendant brought about a touching of the sexual or
other intimate body of one of them by the other, and that the Defendant did so for the
purpose of arousing or gratifying his own or the victim's sexual desires. Contact may be
indecent even though the clothing of the Defendant or the victim prevents their flesh from
touching.
Now second, the second element is that [S.P.] was less than 13 years of age. Now it is no
defense if the Defendant did not know the age of the child, or the child lied about his or
her own age, or the Defendant honestly believed that the child was 13 or older, or the
Defendant reasonably believed that the child was 13 or older. If you find that these
elements have been proven beyond a reasonable doubt, you should find the Defendant
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guilty.
N.T., 12/6/12, pp. 229-231.
In the case sub judice, the Defendant was found guilty of two counts of indecent assault.
At trial, the Defendant admitted that S.P. had touched his penis for his own sexual gratification.
He testified that this this occurred approximately six to seven times. See Commonwealth Exhibit
C-9. Accordingly, the Commonwealth established that the Defendant caused S.P. to have
indecent contact with him, satisfying the first element of the offense. The Commonwealth also
established the second element of the offense that S.P. was less than 13 years of age when this
occurred. The Defendant told the detectives that S.P. was between 7 and 9 years old when these
events occurred. See Commonwealth Exhibit C-9. S.P. also testified at trial, and recalled that she
was approximately seven, eight or nine when this occurred. N.T., 12/3/12, pp. 112-13. The
Commonwealth established both of these elements beyond a reasonable doubt. The Court
submits there was sufficient evidence to support the verdict of indecent assault.22
G. Weight of the Evidence
Additionally, the Defendant challenges the weight of the evidence on the above crimes. A
challenge to the weight of the evidence will only be reversed when "the lower court's verdict is so
contrary to the evidence as to shock one's sense of justice." See Commonwealth v. Cousar, 593 Pa. 204,
223, 928 A.2d 1025, 1035 (2007); Commonwealth v. Keaton, 556 Pa. 442, 464, 729 A.2d 529, 540-41
(1999); Commonwealth v. Barnhart, 434 A.2d 191, 192 (Pa.Super. 1981).
It is well established that the weight of the evidence is exclusively for the finder of fact
who is free to believe all, part, or none of the evidence and to determine the credibility of the
witnesses. Commonwealth v. Nahavandian, 849 A.2d 1221, 1231 (Pa. Super. 2004);
22
The Court again relies on its analysis in the preceding sections addressing the Defendant's
complaint challenging the date of the offense.
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Commonwealth v. Hunter, 768 A.2d 1136, 1142 (Pa. Super. 2001). The Court cannot substitute .
its judgment for that of the trier of fact. Commonwealth v. Holley, 945 A.2d 241, 246 (Pa. Super.
2008).
It is well established that a motion for a new trial alleging that the verdict was against the
weight of the evidence is addressed to the discretion of the trial court. Commonwealth v. Cousar,
593 Pa. 204, 223, 928 A.2d 1025, 1035 (2007). The trial court will award a new trial only when
the jury's verdict is so contrary to the evidence as to shock one's sense of justice. Id On appeal,
the reviewing court is to determine whether the trial judge's discretion was properly exercised,
and relief will only be granted where the facts and inferences of record disclose a palpable abuse
of discretion. Id
Pennsylvania Rule of Criminal Procedure 607 states, in relevant part, that "[a] claim that
the verdict was against the weight of the evidence shall be raised with the trial judge in a motion
for a new trial" in a written or oral motion before the court prior to sentencing, or in a post-
sentence motion. Pa.R.Crim.P. 607(a) (1)-(3). Moreover, the comment to the rule clearly
establishes that "[t]he purpose of this rule is to make it clear that a challenge to the weight of the
evidence must be raised with the trial judge or it will be waived." Pa.R.Crim.P. 607, comment.
Failure to challenge the weight of the evidence presented at trial in an oral or written motion
prior to sentencing or in a post-sentence motion will result in waiver of the claim.
Commonwealth v. Bond, 604 Pa. l, 985 A.2d 810, 820 (2009).
This Court's review of the record has failed to uncover a challenge to the weight of the
evidence. Accordingly, the Court submits that the Defendant's claims related to the weight of the
evidence are waived.
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Bearing this in mind, assuming arguendo that the Defendant had preserved this claim,
this Court submits that the jury's verdict was not so contrary to the evidence presented at trial as
to shock one's sense of justice. The jury was free to believe the testimony of certain of the
Commonwealth1s witnesses and to disbelieve the testimony of others. Commonwealth v.
Griscavage, 512 Pa. 540, 517 A.2d 1256 (1986). It is evident that the jury chose to believe the
testimony of the Commonwealth's witnesses over those offered by the defense, namely, the
Defendant himself. This Court does not believe the jury's verdict was shocking in this case. It is
not for this Court to substitute its own judgment for that of the jury in the Defendant's case.
CONCLUSION
In light of the aforementioned, it is respectfully submitted that the verdict is supported by
the record and applicable legal authority, and that there is no merit to the Defendant's appeal. It
is for the reasons set forth above that this court respectfully submits that his Judgment of
Sentence be affirmed.
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APPENDIX A
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF DELAWARE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CRIMINAL DIVISION
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA NO. 1950-10
v.
NATHANIEL SPADY
Michael Gallantino, Esquire, Attorney for the Commonwealth
Robert T. Datner, Esquire, Attorney for the Defendant
DECISION
Presently before the Court is Defendant's "Motion to Suppress Statements." Following an
evidentiary hearing held on November 9, 2010, this Court publishes the following:
I. FINDINGS OF FACT
1. A criminal complaint was filed against the Defendant, Nathaniel Spady, on
December 19, 2009. The Defendant is charged with the crime of rape and
related offenses.
2. On November 9, 2010, Defendant, through counsel, filed a "Motion to
Suppress Statements" in which he argued that the arrest of the Defendant
was illegal, without probable cause, and without lawful warrant of arrest.
Defendant also maintains that statements provided to detectives were not
knowingly, intelligently, or voluntarily given and were obtained in violation of
his rights under the United States Constitution and the laws and Constitution
of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. oL
:c:
c
rno
3. This Court took testimony and heard argument on Defendan~~ion~n
~:x:,.-ri I
):>,- - r-ff·
November 9, 2010. Detective Robin Clark and Lieutenant Davi~eife/i, of the
....,Co -0 rn
~ J-0
Criminal Investigation Division of Delaware County, testified at ~~rinQ.,,
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----~- --··-·--·---· - --------------.--~---~--
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4. On the evening of December 18, 2009, the Defendant drove to the Criminal
Investigation Division's office (hereinafter "CID''), to meet with Detective
Clark. N.T., 11/9/10, pp. 11-12, 37.
5. Detective Clark had arranged the meetlnq with the Defendant following an
interview that she had conducted with the alleged victim in this case several
days prior. lei. at 35.
6. The Defendant arrived at the Delaware County courthouse, where CID is
located, at approximately 5 P.M. Id. at 49. Because it was after business
hours, the Defendant was met by Lieutenant Peifer, who let him into the
building and to CID. Id. at 37-38; 64.
7. Detective Clark met the Defendant inside
J
of CID. Id. at 37. CID is located in
the basement of the Delaware County courthouse. Id. at 38-39. Upon
entering CID, the Defendant was directed to a small conference room. Id. at
65. The room contains a large table and several chairs. Id. at 38. The room
has no windows. Id. at 38-39.
8. Detective Clark, Lieutenant Peifer, and the Defendant were the only people
present in the room. Id. at 39.
9. Detective Clark told the Defendant that he could sit wherever he wanted in
the conference room. Id. at 42. The Defendant selected a chair on the
opposite side of the table, across from Detective Clark and Lieutenant Peifer.
Id.
10. Once they sat down, Detective Clark spoke to the Defendant about why he
was there and advised him of alleqations that had been made against him.
2
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Id. at 12. Detective Clark asked the Defendant if he was willing to give an
interview. Id. The Defendant agreed with this request. Id.
11. Detective Clark explained that she then read through a form which she
referred to as "a Mirandareport." Id. at 12. The form was introduced by the
Commonwealth at the suppression hearing and entitled "Criminal
Investigation Division Procedure Before Questioning." See CW-Exhibit 1.
Detective Clark explained that she read each question on the form and then
asked the Defendant if he understood each question that she was asking. Id.
at 14.
12. Detective Clark first advised the Defendant that he had "the right to remain
silent, [and that] anything you say can be used against you in a court of
law." Id. at 14. The Defendant was asked if he understood this, and
answered yes. Id. at 15. The Defendant then wrote his initials1 next to the
question on the form. Id. at 15. The Defendant was then advised that he had
the right to talk to a lawyer before answering any questions and to have a
lawyer present during questioning. Id at 15-16. The Defendant responded
that he understood this and he wrote his initials on the form. Id. at 16.
Detective Clark then informed the Defendant that "if you could not afford a
lawyer, you have a right to have a lawyer appointed for you free of charge
for any questions you are asked and during any questioning." Id. at 16. The
Defendant stated that he understood this, and initialed the form. Id.
Detective Clark then advised the Defendant that he had the right to stop at
1
The Defendant, who also goes by the name Devon Spady, wrote the initials "D.S." N.T., 11/7/10, p.15,
24.
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any time and refuse to answer any questions. Id. at 16. The Defendant
stated that he understood this, and initialed the form. Id. at 17.
13. Finally, Detective Clark asked the Defendant to read the following paragraph,
which was also contained on the form: "I understand my rights and I
understand what my rights are. I am willing to make a statement and answer
questions. I do not want a lawyer at this time. I understand and know what I
am doing. No promises or threats have been made to me and no pressure or
coercion of any kind have been used against me." Id. at 17; See also CW-
Exhibit 1. The Defendant read this paragraph, signed it, and stated that he
understood it. Id. at 12, 18. Detective Clark also signed the form. Id. at 18.
The Defendant remained seated across from Detective Clark and Lieutenant
Pfeiffer during this time. Id. at 14.
14. It was established that by this point, the Defendant had been in CID between
thirty to forty minutes. Id. at 50. Detective Clark stated that she wrote the
time, which was either 5:03 P.M. or 5:08 P.M., on the form down as soon as
she and the Defendant sat down at the conference table in CID, before she
read the Defendant his rights. Id. at 46-49.
15. Detective Clark then informed the Defendant that the interview would be
recorded. Id. at 19. A tape recorder was placed in the middle of the table. Id.
at 42. An audiotape of the Interview on December 18, 2009 was played for
the Court at the suppression hearing on November 9, 2010. At the
commencement of the interview, a time of 5:48 P.M. was indicated.
4
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16. Lieutenant Peifer remained in the room throughout the interview. Id. at 23.
The interview, which ended at 6:08 P.M., lasted approximately a half an
hour. Id. at 46-48.
17. Detective Clark testified that the Defendant was free to get up and leave
whenever he wanted to, but stated that she did not explicitly advise him that
he could do so. Id. at 52.2 Lieutenant Peifer could not recall advising the
Defendant that he was free to leave. Id. at 82.
18. The Defendant was not in handcuffs during the interview. Id. at 85.
19. There was nothing blocking the Defendant's exit from the conference room,
and there was a door located behind him in the room. Id. at 40, 85.
20. During the interview, the Defendant made certain incriminating statements.
Id at 86. Specifically, the Defendant admitted that he had engaged in sexual
activity with the alleged victim in the case. Id.
21. Following the interview, the Defendant was placed under arrest. Id at 24,
86. The Defendant was thereafter charged with the aforementioned crimes.
22. At no point during the interview did the Defendant state that he wanted a
lawyer. Id. at 86.
23. At no point during the interview did the Defendant state that he wanted to
leave. Id. at 86.
24. The Defendant spent a total of approximately one hour in the CID office,
from his arrival at 5:00 P.M. until the conclusion of the interview, which was
at 6:08 P.M. Id. at 49.
2 Detective Clark did, however, inform the Defendant that he could stop at any time and refuse to answer
and further questions prior to commencing the interview. See N.T. 11/9/10, pp. 16-17. The Defendant
indicated that he understood this. Id.
5
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25. This court found the testimony of Detective Clark and Lieutenant Peifer to be
credible.
II. CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
Voluntariness of Defendant's Statements
1. As a preliminary manner, the Court must determine whether or not the
Defendant was "in custody" so as to trigger his right to Miranda warnings
when he was interviewed on December 18, 2010.
2. A person is in custody for Miranda3 purposes only when he "is physically
denied his freedom of action In any significant way or is placed in a situation
in which he reasonably believes that his freedom of action or movement is
restricted by the interrogation." Commonwealth v. Johnson, 556 Pa. 216, 727
A.2d 1089, 1100 (1999).
3. Police detentions become custodial when under the totality of the
circumstances the conditions and/or duration of the detention become so
coercive as to become the functional equivalent of arrest. Commonwealth v.
Busch, 713 A.2d 97, 100 (Pa. Super. 1998).
4. "Among the factors the court utilizes in determining, under the totality of the
circumstances, whether the detention became so coercive as to constitute
the functional equivalent of a formal arrest are: the basis for the detention;
the duration; the location; whether the suspect was transferred against his
will, how far, and why; whether restraints were used; the show, threat or use
of force; and the methods of investigation used to confirm or dispel
suspicions." Busch, 713 A.2d at 101.
3
Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436, 86 S. Ct. 1602, 16 L. Ed. 2d 694 (1966).
6
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5. In the Instant case, the Defendant was under no obligation to drive to CID
and speak to Detective Clark. When he arrived at ~e courthouse, where the
office was located, the Defendant was not handcuffed or restrained in any
way. The Defendant was told that he was free to sit wherever he wanted
after he entered the room· In which the Interview was conducted, and there
was a door located behind him In the room. The recorded Interview lasted
approximately a half an hour. There was no evidence presented at the
hearing that the interview was conducted in any coercive or threatening
manner.
6. Based upon the totality of the circumstances, Including, the fact that the
Defendant was not transported to CID against his will, but instead,
voluntarily drove himself there; the fact that the Defendant agreed to answer
questions and was told that he could stop at any time; and the duration of
the interview, which was approximately a half an hour, and which was, in
this Court's view, not an excessive period of time, all show that the
conditions and duration of the interview on December 18, 2010 did not
become so coercive as to amount to the functional equivalent of arrest.
7. Even if this Court were to find that the interview was in fact a custodial
detention,4 this Court finds that the Defendant, after being informed of his
rights under Miranda by Detective Clark, knowingly and voluntarily waived
them before the interview was conducted.
8. A confession obtained during a custodial interrogation is admissible where
the accused's right to remain silent and right to counsel have been explained
7
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and the accused has knowingly and voluntarily waived those rights.
Commonwealth v. D'Amato, 514 Pa. 471, 526 A.2d 300 {1987).
9. The test for determining voluntariness of a confession and whether an
accused knowingly waived his or her rights looks to the totality of the
circumstances surrounding the giving of the confession. Commonwealth v.
Freeman, 573 Pa. 532, 827 A.2d 385, 410 (2003); Commonwealth v.
Edmiston, 535 Pa. 210, 634 A.2d 1078 (1993), (overruled on other grounds).
Some of the factors to be considered include: the duration and means of
interrogation; the accused's physical and psychological state; the conditions
attendant to the detention; the attitude exhibited by the police during the
interrogation; and any and all other factors which may serve to drain one's
powers of resistance to suggestion and coercion. Edmiston, 535 Pa. at 227-
228, 634 A.2d at 1087.
10. In determining voluntariness, the question "is not whether the defendant
would have confessed without interrogation, but whether the interrogation
was so manipulative or coercive that it deprived the defendant of his ability
to make a free and unconstrained decision to confess." Commonwealth v.
Nester, 551 Pa. 157, 163, 709 A.2d 879, 882 (1998).
11. As indicated herein, the Defendant was fully apprised of, and expressly
waived, his Miranda rights, Including the right to counsel and the right to
remain silent, before any substantive questioning by Detective Clark began.
See Commonwealth v. Jones, 546 Pa. 161, 178-79, 683 A.2d 1181, 1189
4
At the suppression hearing held in the instant matter, the Commonwealth agreed with the defense's
position that the Defendant was in custody on December 18, 2009 when he was Interviewed at OD. N.T.,
11/9/20, pp. 6-7.
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(1996) (fact that suspect was read Miranda rights lmmedlately prior to
making statement weighed !n favor of finding voluntariness).
I
12. Before the interview began, the Defendant answered the questions posed by
Detective Clark that were contained in the form. The Defendant Indicated
that he understood his rights and was willing to waive them. He also read,
signed and indicated that he understood the following: "I understand my
rights and I understand what my rights are. I am willing to make a statement
and answer questions. I do. not want a lawyer at this time. I understand and
know what I am doing. No promises or threats have been made to me and
no pressure or coercion of any kind have been used against me." This Court
finds that the Defendant was well aware that he had a right not to talk to the
:,
officers If he chose not to.
13. Another factor that Indicated the voluntariness of the Defendant's waiver was
the fact that the Defendant voluntarily drove himself to the CID office. See
Edmiston, 535 Pa. 210, 634 A.2d 1078 (1993) (defendant's decision to come
voluntarily to police station for interview was factor evidencing lack of
coercion). Other factors Included the duration of the interview, which lasted
approximately a half an hour, and, as stated above, was, In this Court's view,
not an excessive amount of time; the fact that the Defendant was not
handcuffed or restrained in any way; and the fact that Detective Clark and
Lieutenant Pfeiffer did not threaten or coerce the Defendant at any point
throughout the interview.
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14. Based upon the totality of the circumstances, this Court finds that the
Defendant's confession and waiver of his right to remain silent was knowing,
Intelligent and voluntary.
15. In conclusion, this Court finds that the Defendant was not subject to a
custodial interrogation, and that, any coercive factors inherent in the
stationhouse setting of the interview were more than offset by Detective
Clark's administration of Miranda warnings and the Defendant's voluntary
waiver of those rights.
Arrest
1. The Defendant also challenges the legality of his arrest, which he claims was
Illegal, without probable cause, and without lawful warrant of arrest.
t »
2. To be constitutionally valid, an arrest with or without a warrant must be
based upon probable cause, but it is only the probability-not a prima fade
showing-of criminal ·activity that is the standard of probable cause for a
warrantless arrest. Commonwealth v. Brown, 627 A.2d 1217, 1219 (Pa.
Super. 1993).
3. Whether probable cause exists ls a highly fact-sensitive inquiry that must be
based on the totality. ·Of the circumstances as viewed through the eyes of a
prudent, reasonable, cautious police officer guided by experience and
training. Commonwealth v. Clark, 558 Pa. 157, 164, 735 A.2d 1248, 1252
(1999). Under the totality of the circumstances test, probable cause exists
where the facts and circumstances within the officer's knowledge are
sufficient to warrant a person of reasonable caution in the belief that an
offense has been or is being committed. Id.
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·,
4. In the Instant case, the Defendant was arrested without a warrant. However,
the Defendant's arrest occurred after he provided incriminating statements to
Detective Clark, in which he admitted to committing certain criminal acts. It
was only after the Interview had concluded that the Defendant was placed
under arrest.
5. This Court finds that the Defendant's statements provided Detective Clark
and Lieutenant Peifer with sufficient information to believe that the
Defendant had committed a crime, and iii turn, gave them probable cause to
arrest. Commonwealth v. Edmiston, 535 Pa. 210, 228, 634 A.2d 1078, 1087
(1993) (a voluntary confession by a defendant that he committed an offense
establishes probable cause to arrest) (overruled on other grounds).
WHEREFORE, we enter the following:
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