Com. v. Sebolka, N. , 205 A.3d 329 ( 2019 )

J-S01017-19
2019 Pa. Super. 58
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA : IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF
: PENNSYLVANIA
:
v. :
:
:
NANCY ANN SEBOLKA :
:
Appellant : No. 321 MDA 2018
Appeal from the Judgment of Sentence January 10, 2018
In the Court of Common Pleas of Wyoming County Criminal Division at
No(s): CP-66-CR-0000080-2016
BEFORE: PANELLA, P.J., MURRAY, J., and PELLEGRINI*, J.
OPINION BY MURRAY, J.: FILED FEBRUARY 25, 2019
Nancy Ann Sebolka (Appellant) appeals from the judgment of sentence
imposed after a jury found her guilty of two counts of endangering the welfare
of a child (EWOC), two counts of corruption of minors, and two counts of
criminal solicitation to commit simple assault.1 After careful review, we affirm
Appellant’s convictions, but vacate her judgment of sentence and remand for
further proceedings consistent with this decision.
The trial court detailed the facts and procedural history of this case as
follows:
On or about November 24, 2015, the Meshoppen Borough
Police Department arrested and subsequently charged [Appellant]
with three (3) counts of [(EWOC)], 18 Pa.C.S. § 4304, a felony of
the third degree, three (3) counts of corruption of minors, 18
Pa.C.S. § 6301, a misdemeanor of the first degree, three (3)
counts of criminal solicitation/simple assault, 18 Pa.C.S. §
[902]/18 Pa.C.S. § 2701, a misdemeanor of the second degree
and two (2) counts of criminal conspiracy to commit simple
____________________________________________
1 18 Pa.C.S.A. §§ 4304(a)(1), 6301(a)(1)(i), 2701(a)(1), 902(a).
*Retired Senior Judge assigned to the Superior Court.
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assault. The basis of these charges were set forth in the Criminal
Information[,] which stated, in pertinent part, that [Appellant] did
knowingly endanger the welfare of three (3) juveniles, namely
[L.B.], [K.L.B.], and [K.B.], by feeding them small amounts of
food, making them work before they could eat, making them eat
food they did not like as punishment, making them think of and
carry out harsh and brutal punishments on each other, hitting
them, locking them out of the house, making one of the male
juveniles use a bucket outside as a bathroom, refusing to allow
them in the house during the day, sleeping outside in a shed,
making them walk around for hours, and all of the children were
underweight, malnourished and had distended abdomens.
On November 13, 2017, the matter was tried by a jury. Prior
to the commencement of the jury trial, Counsel for [Appellant]
made an oral motion to dismiss one count of [(EWOC)], one count
of corruption of minors and one count of criminal solicitation to
commit simple assault on the basis that at the time of the
preliminary hearing, the District Magistrate, after full hearing, did
not bind over charges as they related to the youngest child, [L.B.].
The Commonwealth did not object to said motion and as such, the
motion was granted. This issue was again addressed during the
trial.
At the time of the trial, [K.L.B.], whose date of birth is [], was
seventeen (17) years old and [a high school student] residing with
his paternal grandparents, brother [K.B.] and sister [L.B.]. (H.T.
11/13/17, pp. 127-8). [K.L.B.]’s . . . biological mother . . . lives
[out of state]. [K.L.B.]’s parents separated . . . and at that time
[K.L.B.] and his siblings went to reside with their father at paternal
grandparents’ home.
Sometime in 2009, Father met [Appellant] and in or around
August of 2012, Father and the children moved into [Appellant]’s
home with [Appellant] and her eighteen (18) year old daughter,
[].
* * *
Sometime after moving in with [Appellant], Father got a new
job where he primarily worked the night shift and the children
were left with [Appellant]. Because of his work schedule, Father
slept most of the day. During the summer, [Appellant] and the
children typically woke up between 10:00 am and noon and
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[Appellant] would give each child half a cup of oatmeal for
breakfast. [L.B.], who was twelve (12) years old at the time she
gave her testimony, testified that she would wake up between
eight or nine o’clock but that she was not allowed out of her room
until [Appellant] woke around noon. [K.L.B.] and his siblings
would eat breakfast together but [Appellant] would not allow them
to speak.
* * *
Typically, the children were not allowed in the house, with the
exception of [L.B.] to use the bathroom or to watch [Appellant]’s
granddaughter. [Appellant] kept all of the doors to the house
locked and the boys would go to the bathroom outside and
defecate in a five-gallon bucket without wiping themselves.
[Appellant] would place a jug of water out for the children,
together with three different colored cups. The children would
often pick berries or wild onions for food. Dinner typically
consisted of a salad or spaghetti and was served at 6:00 pm.
Again, the siblings would eat dinner together without permission
to speak. [L.B.] testified that the children would eat oatmeal
around noon and have salad and/or chicken for dinner around six
o’clock and those were the only times the children ate, except for
picking berries outside. After dinner, the children would either go
back outside or go to their bedrooms that did not have any light.
They were not allowed to watch television. The children were
allowed to shower two (2) to three (3) times per week.
* * *
During the school year, the children typically woke about a half
hour before the bus arrived, were fed a half of a cup of oatmeal
and provided a bag lunch of a sandwich, popcorn or pretzels, a
piece of fruit and a water. [K.L.B.] testified that he usually ate
his lunch on the bus ride to school because he was not fulfilled
from the oatmeal. [K.L.B.] testified that he would often eat
condiments for lunch, occasionally the lunch ladies would provide
him with a lunch and he would take leftover fruit and/or milk from
friends.
* * *
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On several occasions, [Appellant] asked [K.L.B.] to punish his
brother by hitting him and beating him up. In or around August
of 2015, [K.L.B]’s brother, [K.B.], stole crackers or some sort of
granola bar and [Appellant] found out about it. [K.B.], who was
fourteen years old at the time he testified, testified that when
[Appellant] realized the crackers were missing, she woke all of the
children up at 2:00 am and when [K.B.] admitted to taking the
crackers, [Appellant] forced [him] to walk outside in the rain for
about twenty to thirty minutes. [Appellant also] punished [K.B.]
by making him sand the deck of their home by hand.
* * *
[K.B.] ran away from home on several occasions. On August
24, 2015 Cindy Miner (hereinafter “Ms. Miner”) was working at
D&C Fuel on Route 6 in Washington Township, Wyoming County
as a shift supervisor for the night shift. When she arrived at work
at approximately 9:15 pm, she noticed a small, dirty boy wearing
torn up clothes trying to buy a bag of chips. Ms. Miner’s cashier
gave the boy the bag of chips and Ms. Miner then found the boy
sitting on a picnic table bench and she approached him. Ms. Miner
th[e]n made him chicken fingers and fries and the child ate the
meal in its entirety. Ms. Miner then called 9-1-1 and Meshoppen
Borough Chief of Police John Krieg (hereinafter “Chief Krieg”)
arrived.
Chief Krieg testified that when he first saw [K.B.], he . . .
noticed his dirty and ripped clothing and that he had a cut on his
knee. [K.B.] informed Chief Krieg that he got the cut because he
told [Appellant] he did not want to sand the porch and so
[Appellant] directed [K.L.B.] to punish [K.B.]. Chief Krieg
contacted CYS and proceeded to [Appellant]’s house. Chief Krieg
spoke with [Appellant] and directed [K.L.B.] to go outside.
Thereafter, Chief Krieg attempted to speak with [K.L.B.] who was
quiet and looking over his shoulder. Chief Krieg realized
[Appellant] was staring at [K.L.B.] and so Chief Krieg directed her
to wait inside with the door closed. After speaking with [K.L.B.],
Chief Krieg learned that the children were not allowed to eat until
their work was done. Chief Krieg took custody of all three children
and then turned them over to Wyoming County Children and
Youth Services (hereinafter “CYS”). While transporting the
children, they asked if they could have food when they got to
where they were going.
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* * *
Megan Georgia (hereinafter “Ms. Georgia”) is a school
counselor . . . and testified that she provided counseling services
to [K.L.B.] beginning in the 2011/2012 school year when he was
brought to her office by cafeteria workers and staff members. Ms.
Georgia had approximately four (4) or five (5) parent conferences
with [Father] regarding academic issues, behavioral concerns and
concerns about [K.L.B.] eating from a school garbage can. On a
couple of occasions, Ms. Georgia assisted [K.L.B.] in cleaning out
his locker. Cafeteria workers would frequently give [K.L.B.] food
and he would store it in his locker. Often times, the food would
begin to smell and so Ms. Georgia would assist [K.L.B.] in cleaning
out the locker. Ms. Georgia testified that [Father] and [K.L.B.]
participated in a CASSP meeting, which was an interagency
meeting to get services in place for [K.L.B.] and to attempt to get
[him] access to medical services.
* * *
Rebecca Grimaud Chilson (hereinafter “Dr. Chilson”) [testified]
as an expert in the field of pediatrics for the purposes of this trial
on November 15, 2017. Both [K.L.B.] and [K.B.] were patients of
Dr. Chilson. More specifically, [K.L.B.] came under Dr. Chilson’s
care on or about October 3, 2014. . . . During this visit, [K.L.B.]
indicated to Dr. Chilson that his step-mother was not feeding him
as much as he would like. Dr. Chilson stressed the importance of
a well-balanced diet with [K.L.B.] and [Father].
Thereafter, on August 27, 2015[,] Dr. Chilson again saw
[K.L.B.] when his foster parents and CYS brought all three children
for an exam. Dr. Chilson noted [K.L.B.]’s distended abdomen and
high-pitched bowel sounds that were abnormal. Dr. Chilson
testified that this was a result of his gut being overwhelmed by
the increased calorie and food intake, which is also known as
refeeding syndrome. Formal counseling was recommended for
the children, smaller and more frequent portions of food were
recommended and child neglect was noted. [K.L.B.] was again
seen by Dr. Chilson on September 18, 2015 to follow up on his
elevated liver enzymes and low vitamin D levels. After another
round of labs, Dr. Chilson noted that the laboratory results had
[returned] to normal levels.
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[K.B.] was also treated by Dr. Chilson and he first was seen on
September 22, 2014[.] Dr. Chilson noted that [K.B.] was small
for his age and therefore recommended increasing his caloric
intake. [K.B.] was again seen on May 21, 2015 when his paternal
grandmother brought him for a visit because his required sixth
grade physical was overdue. [K.B.] informed Dr. Chilson of his
home life and his hunger. As a result, Dr. Chilson placed a call
with CYS to voice her concerns. [K.B.] was again seen on August
27, 2015 when he presented with his siblings, foster parents and
CYS. [K.B.] explained to Dr. Chilson his reasons for running away
on August 24, 2015. A heart murmur, which he did not have
previously, was noted and an EKG and echo was recommended.
[K.B.] also had elevated liver enzymes and low vitamin D levels.
However, after repeat labs, these levels returned to normal levels.
On November 15, 2017, the jury returned verdicts of guilt
against [Appellant] on the following criminal offenses:
a. Case No.: 2016-CR-80A, Endangering the Welfare of
Children (F-3);
b. Case No.: 2016-CR-80B, Endangering the Welfare of
Children (F-3);
c. Case No.: 2016-CR-80C, Corruption of Minors (M-1);
d. Case No.: 2016-CR-80D, Corruption of Minors (M-1);
e. Case No.: 2016-CR-80E, Criminal Solicitation to Commit
Simple Assault (M-2); and
f. Case No.: 2016-CR-80F, Criminal Solicitation to Commit
Simple Assault (M-2).
Thereafter on January 10, 2018, this [c]ourt . . . sentenced
[Appellant] to an aggregate sentence of not less than twenty-one
(21) months to not more than eighty-four (84) months in a state
institution.
[Appellant] filed Post Sentence Motions, which were denied by
Court Order dated January 19, 2018. [Appellant] then filed a
Supplemental Post-Sentence Motion for Judgment of Acquittal
and/or Arrest of Judgment and/or New Trial and to Modify or
Reconsider Sentence, which was denied as moot by this [c]ourt
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on January 22, 2018. [Appellant] filed a direct appeal to the
Pennsylvania Superior Court[.]
Trial Court Opinion, 5/7/18, at 1-11 (record citations and footnote omitted).
On appeal, Appellant presents the following issues for review:
1. WAS THE COMMONWEALTH’S EVIDENCE INSUFFICIENT TO
SUSTAIN GUILTY VERDICTS BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT
AGAINST THE APPELLANT?
2. WERE THE VERDICTS AGAINST THE WEIGHT OF THE
EVIDENCE?
3. DID THE COURT ERR BY ADMITTING PORTIONS OF THE
TESTIMONY OF [L.B.], WHO WAS NOT A NAMED COMPLAINANT
AT THE START OF THE TRIAL?
4. DID THE COURT ERR BY FAILING TO INSTRUCT JURY ON
IGNORANCE OR MISTAKE OF FACT REGARDING THE CHARGE OF
[EWOC]?
5. DID THE COURT ERR BY PRECLUDING CERTAIN TESTIMONY
OF THE CHARACTER AND FACT WITNESSES, BOBBI JO
KARPINSKI AND [K]RISTINA SEBOLKA, RESULTING IN
PREJUDICE TO [APPELLANT]?
6. DID THE COURT ERR BY PRECLUDING THE ADMISSION OF
RELEVANT EVIDENCE CONCERNING THE ELEVATED BMI AND
OBESE CONDITION OF THE COMPLAINANT, [K.L.B.] FOLLOWING
HIS REMOVAL FROM [APPELLANT’S] RESIDENCE IN 2015?
7. THE COURT ERRED BY STATING A PERSONAL OPINION ABOUT
THE CREDIBILITY OF THE COMMONWEALTH’S EXPERT WITNESS
DR. CHILSON.
8. DID THE COURT ABUSE ITS DISCRETION BY FAILING TO
IMPOSE A SENTENCE PURSUANT TO THE RRRI ACT?
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Appellant’s Brief at 5-6.2
Appellant’s first issues presents three distinct sufficiency of the evidence
challenges. In reviewing a challenge to the sufficiency of the evidence, our
standard of review is as follows:
As a general matter, our standard of review of sufficiency
claims requires that we evaluate the record in the light most
favorable to the verdict winner giving the prosecution the benefit
of all reasonable inferences to be drawn from the evidence.
Evidence will be deemed sufficient to support the verdict when it
establishes each material element of the crime charged and the
commission thereof by the accused, beyond a reasonable doubt.
Nevertheless, the Commonwealth need not establish guilt to a
mathematical certainty. Any doubt about the defendant’s guilt is
to be resolved by the fact finder unless the evidence is so weak
and inconclusive that, as a matter of law, no probability of fact
can be drawn from the combined circumstances.
The Commonwealth may sustain its burden by means of wholly
circumstantial evidence. Accordingly, [t]he fact that the evidence
establishing a defendant’s participation in a crime is circumstantial
does not preclude a conviction where the evidence coupled with
the reasonable inferences drawn therefrom overcomes the
presumption of innocence. Significantly, we may not substitute
our judgment for that of the fact finder; thus, so long as the
evidence adduced, accepted in the light most favorable to the
Commonwealth, demonstrates the respective elements of a
defendant’s crimes beyond a reasonable doubt, the appellant’s
convictions will be upheld.
Commonwealth v. Franklin, 69 A.3d 719, 722-23 (Pa. Super. 2013)
(internal quotations and citations omitted). Importantly, “the jury, which
passes upon the weight and credibility of each witness’s testimony, is free to
____________________________________________
2 We note that Appellant has abandoned her seventh issue in her appellate
brief.
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believe all, part, or none of the evidence.” Commonwealth v. Ramtahal,
33 A.3d 602, 607 (Pa. 2011).
First, Appellant challenges the sufficiency of the evidence with respect
to her EWOC convictions. Section 4304(a)(1) defines EWOC as follows:
(a) Offense defined.--
(1) A parent, guardian or other person supervising the welfare
of a child under 18 years of age, or a person that employs or
supervises such a person, commits an offense if he knowingly
endangers the welfare of the child by violating a duty of care,
protection or support.
18 Pa.C.S.A. § 4304(a)(1).
Appellant asserts that the Commonwealth failed to prove that Appellant
knowingly violated a duty of care as to either K.L.B. or K.B. Section 302(b)
of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code states:
(2) A person acts knowingly with respect to a material element of
an offense when:
(i) if the element involves the nature of his conduct or the
attendant circumstances, he is aware that his conduct is of that
nature or that such circumstances exist; and
(ii) if the element involves a result of his conduct, he is aware
that it is practically certain that his conduct will cause such a
result.
18 Pa.C.S.A. § 302(b).
This Court has employed a three-prong test to determine whether the
Commonwealth’s evidence is sufficient to prove that a defendant knowingly
violated a duty of care under Section 4304(a)(1):
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(1) the accused must be aware of his or her duty to protect the
child; (2) the accused must be aware that the child is in
circumstances that could threaten the child’s physical or
psychological welfare; and (3) the accused either must have failed
to act, or must have taken action so lame or meager that such
actions cannot reasonably be expected to protect the child’s
welfare.
Commonwealth v. Smith, 956 A.2d 1029, 1038 (Pa Super. 2008)
(quotations and citations omitted).
Appellant contends that she made a “reasonable, legitimate mistake as
to the necessary caloric intake requirements of children of varying ages,
weights, heights, and body types.” Appellant’s Brief at 24. Additionally,
Appellant maintains that the Commonwealth failed to prove that she was
aware “that the complainants[] were in circumstances that could threaten
their physical or psychological welfare and that [Appellant] has either failed to
act or has taken action so lame or meager that such actions cannot reasonably
be expected to protect complainants’ welfare.” Id.
We disagree. The record is replete with evidence demonstrating that
Appellant knowingly placed K.L.B. and K.B. in circumstances that threatened
their physical or psychological welfare, and she took actions that could not
reasonably be expected to protect the children’s welfare. Contrary to
Appellant’s claims, the record reflects that K.L.B. and K.B. were severely
underfed. Appellant fed the children a half cup of oatmeal for breakfast and
a salad or spaghetti for dinner. N.T., 11/13/17, at 142-45; 11/14/17, at 18.
Although the children took lunch with them to school, K.L.B. testified that he
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ate his lunch on the way to school because he did not get enough for breakfast,
which led him to eat condiments for lunch, get food from his friends or the
cafeteria staff, or retrieve uneaten food from the garbage. N.T., 11/13/17, at
146-47; N.T., 11/14/17, at 234. When they were not in school, the children
would often pick wild berries for food because they did not get enough to eat
at home. N.T., 11/13/17, at 141, 193. K.L.B. and K.B. were so malnourished
that after they were placed in foster care, they exhibited distended abdomens
and high-pitched bowel sounds indicating that their bodies were overwhelmed
by the increased food intake. N.T., 11/15/17, at 21, 30, 45. Both K.L.B. and
K.B. had elevated liver enzymes and low vitamin D levels as a result of
malnutrition. Id. at 22-23, 45-47. After several weeks in foster care, the
boys’ laboratory results returned to normal levels. Id. at 26, 47.
In addition to causing malnourishment, Appellant forced the children to
live in an environment devoid of hygiene. Appellant forced K.L.B. and K.B. to
defecate outdoors in a five-gallon bucket without toilet paper, N.T., 11/14/17,
at 69-70, 87-88, 118-19, and only allowed them to shower one to three times
a week. N.T., 11/13/17, at 145; N.T., 11/14/17, at 88, 124.
The record further reflects that Appellant inflicted psychological damage
on the children. For example, the children were not allowed to speak during
meals. N.T., 11/13/17, at 136. After dinner, Appellant permitted the children
to either go back outside or go to their bedrooms, which did not have any
light. N.T., 11/13/17, at 143-44. Perhaps worst, the record reveals that on
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several occasions, Appellant forced K.L.B. to punish K.B., his younger brother,
by beating him. N.T., 11/13/17, at 151-52, 194-95; N.T., 11/14/17, at 27,
71, 94-95.
We conclude, based on the overabundance of evidence in the certified
record, that Appellant not only knowingly placed K.L.B. and K.B. in
circumstances that threatened their physical or psychological welfare, but also
deliberately acted in a manner that could not reasonably be expected to
protect the children’s welfare. Appellant’s arguments to the contrary are
entirely unavailing. Accordingly, Appellant’s challenge to the sufficiency of the
evidence relating to her EWOC convictions is meritless.
Second, Appellant challenges the sufficiency of the evidence with
respect to her corruption of minors convictions. Section 6301(a)(1)(i) of the
Pennsylvania Crimes Code provides:
(a) Offense defined.--
(1)(i) Except as provided in subparagraph (ii), whoever, being
of the age of 18 years and upwards, by any act corrupts or
tends to corrupt the morals of any minor less than 18 years of
age, or who aids, abets, entices or encourages any such minor
in the commission of any crime, or who knowingly assists or
encourages such minor in violating his or her parole or any
order of court, commits a misdemeanor of the first degree.
18 Pa.C.S.A. § 6301(a)(1)(i). “Actions that tend to corrupt the morals of a
minor are those that would offend the common sense of the community and
the sense of decency, propriety and morality which most people entertain.”
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Commonwealth v. Snyder, 870 A.2d 336, 351 (Pa. Super. 2005)
(quotations and citations omitted).
Appellant’s corruption of minors convictions stem from her demands
that K.L.B. strike K.B. whenever Appellant perceived that K.B. misbehaved.
Appellant asserts that the Commonwealth “failed to establish that [she] acted
in a manner to corrupt the morals of [the] complainants.” Appellant’s Brief at
26. Specifically, Appellant contends that because her instructions to K.L.B.
“were only to strike [K.B.] rather than give a savage beating[,]” that the
evidence is insufficient to sustain her corruption of minors convictions. Id.
At the outset, we note that Appellant admits that she instructed K.L.B.
to strike K.B. Appellant’s Brief at 26. Without question, Appellant’s demands
that K.L.B. beat K.B., his younger brother, to the point of bruising K.B., and
her insistence that K.B. receive these beatings, constitute actions that offend
the common sense of the community and the sense of decency, propriety and
morality that most people entertain. See Snyder, 870 A.2d at 351. Thus,
this concession alone is sufficient to sustain Appellant’s corruption of minors
convictions, as Appellant’s actions in this respect speak for themselves.
Moreover, Appellant’s assertion that the evidence is insufficient to sustain her
corruption of minors convictions because she only instructed K.L.B. to hit K.B.
and did not ask him to give K.B. a “savage beating,” not only strains credulity,
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but is also unsupported by any authority. Accordingly, we conclude that
Appellant’s challenge to her corruption of minors convictions is meritless.3
Third, Appellant challenges the sufficiency of the evidence with respect
to her solicitation to commit simple assault convictions. Section 902(a) of the
Pennsylvania Crimes Code defines solicitation as follows:
(a) Definition of solicitation.--A person is guilty of solicitation
to commit a crime if with the intent of promoting or facilitating its
commission he commands, encourages or requests another
person to engage in specific conduct which would constitute such
crime or an attempt to commit such crime or which would
establish his complicity in its commission or attempted
commission.
18 Pa.C.S.A. § 902(a). Section 2701 states that “a person is guilty of assault
if he . . . attempts to cause or intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causes
bodily injury to another.” 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 2701(a)(1). “Bodily injury” is any
“impairment of physical condition or substantial pain.” 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 2301.
Appellant does not dispute that she on multiple occasions instructed
K.L.B. to beat K.B. Instead, she asserts that the use of force was justified
under Section 509 of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code as a disciplinary action.
____________________________________________
3 Additionally, with respect to K.L.B., Appellant concedes that she encouraged
K.L.B. to commit the crime of simple assault. Section 2701 of the
Pennsylvania Crimes Code states that “a person is guilty of assault if he . . .
attempts to cause or intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury
to another.” 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 2701(a)(1). “Bodily injury” is any “impairment
of physical condition or substantial pain.” 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 2301. The record
clearly reflects, and Appellant admits, that on numerous occasions she
instructed K.L.B. to hit K.B. and that K.B. suffered bruising as a result. N.T.,
11/13/17, at 151-52, 194-95; N.T., 11/14/17, at 27, 71, 94-95. Thus, we
could sustain Appellant’s corruption of minors convictions on this basis.
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We disagree. Section 509 provides, in pertinent part, as follows:
The use of force upon or toward the person of another is justifiable
if:
(1) The actor is the parent or guardian or other person similarly
responsible for the general care and supervision of a minor or
a person acting at the request of such parent, guardian or other
responsible person and:
(i) the force is used for the purpose of safeguarding or
promoting the welfare of the minor, including the preventing
or punishment of his misconduct; and
(ii) the force used is not designed to cause or known to
create a substantial risk of causing death, serious bodily
injury, disfigurement, extreme pain or mental distress or
gross degradation.
18 Pa.C.S.A. § 509(1).
As Section 509 plainly states, the defense of justification is only
available where the “the force is used for the purpose of safeguarding or
promoting the welfare of the minor” and “is not designed to cause or known
to create . . . mental distress or gross degradation.” Id. Appellant’s actions
in this case do not fit within the constructs of Section 509(1). Given that
Appellant asked K.L.B. to beat K.B. and laughed when he did, see N.T.,
11/13/17, at 151-52, the application of force was in no way meant to promote
the welfare of K.B. and was clearly designed to cause pain, mental distress,
and degradation. See N.T., 11/13/17, at 151-52, 194-95; N.T., 11/14/17, at
27, 71, 94-95. Accordingly, Appellant’s challenge to her solicitation to commit
simple assault convictions is meritless.
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For her second issue, Appellant argues that the trial court erred in
denying her post-sentence motion in which she argued that her verdicts were
against the weight of the evidence. Specifically, Appellant bases her weight
claim on the assertion that the testimony of K.L.B., L.B., and K.B. was
unreliable because they were children having difficulty dealing with separation
from their biological mother, and because they failed to report their allegations
of abuse in a timely fashion.
Our standard of review for a claim that the verdict was against the
weight of the evidence is as follows:
A motion for a new trial based on a claim that the verdict is
against the weight of the evidence is addressed to the discretion
of the trial court. Commonwealth v. Widmer, [] 744 A.2d 745,
751-52 ([Pa.] 2000); [Commonwealth v. Brown, 648 A.2d
1177, 1189 (Pa. 1994)]. A new trial should not be granted
because of a mere conflict in the testimony or because the judge
on the same facts would have arrived at a different conclusion.
Widmer, 744 A.2d at 752. Rather, “the role of the trial judge is
to determine that ‘notwithstanding all the facts, certain facts are
so clearly of greater weight that to ignore them or to give them
equal weight with all the facts is to deny justice.’” [Id.] (citation
omitted). It has often been stated that “a new trial should be
awarded when the jury’s verdict is so contrary to the evidence as
to shock one’s sense of justice and the award of a new trial is
imperative so that right may be given another opportunity to
prevail.” Brown, 648 A.2d at 1189.
An appellate court’s standard of review when presented with a
weight of the evidence claim is distinct from the standard of review
applied by the trial court:
Appellate review of a weight claim is a review of
the exercise of discretion, not of the underlying
question of whether the verdict is against the weight
of the evidence. Brown, 648 A.2d at 1189. Because
the trial judge has had the opportunity to hear and
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see the evidence presented, an appellate court will
give the gravest consideration to the findings and
reasons advanced by the trial judge when reviewing a
trial court’s determination that the verdict is against
the weight of the evidence. Commonwealth v.
Farquharson, 354 A.2d 545 (Pa. 1976). One of the
least assailable reasons for granting or denying a new
trial is the lower court’s conviction that the verdict was
or was not against the weight of the evidence and that
a new trial should be granted in the interest of justice.
Widmer, 744 A.2d at 753 (emphasis added).
Commonwealth v. Clay, 64 A.3d 1049, 1054-55 (Pa. 2013).
As set forth in our discussion of Appellant’s sufficiency claims, the
consistent testimony of the three children, their school counselors, and Dr.
Chilson, indicates that Appellant: withheld food from K.L.B. and K.B., made
K.L.B. beat K.B., locked the children out of the house, made the boys use a
bucket outdoors for their toilet, limited bathing to a few times per week –
causing the children behavioral and physical problems, including, inter alia,
malnourishment, distended abdomens, elevated liver enzymes and insufficient
vitamin D. Thus, contrary to her assertions, Appellant’s multiple convictions
of EWOC, corruption of minors, and criminal solicitation to commit simple
assault, in no way shock one’s sense of justice. The trial court did not abuse
its discretion in determining that the verdicts were consistent with the weight
of the evidence.
For her third issue, Appellant argues that the trial court abused its
discretion in allowing L.B. to testify about Appellant’s mistreatment of L.B. and
her siblings. Appellant asserts that because L.B. was not a named
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complainant under any of the charges, her testimony was irrelevant and
prejudicial.
Our standard of review is as follows:
It is well settled that the admission of evidence is solely within the
discretion of the trial court, and a trial court’s evidentiary rulings
will be reversed on appeal only upon an abuse of that discretion.
An abuse of discretion will not be found based on a mere error of
judgment, but rather occurs where the court has reached a
conclusion that overrides or misapplies the law, or where the
judgment exercised is manifestly unreasonable, or the result of
partiality, prejudice, bias or ill-will.
Commonwealth v. Hicks, 151 A.3d 216, 224 (Pa. Super. 2016) (quotations,
citations and brackets omitted), appeal denied, 168 A.3d 1287 (Pa. 2017).
As our Supreme Court has explained, generally, “all relevant evidence,
i.e., evidence which tends to make the existence or non-existence of a
material fact more or less probable, is admissible, subject to the
prejudice/probative value weighing which attends all decisions upon
admissibility.” Commonwealth v. Dillon, 925 A.2d 131, 136 (Pa. 2007).
“The court may exclude relevant evidence if its probative value is outweighed
by a danger of one or more of the following: unfair prejudice, confusing the
issues, misleading the jury, undue delay, wasting time, or needlessly
presenting cumulative evidence.” Pa.R.E. 403. “Unfair prejudice means a
tendency to suggest decision on an improper basis or to divert the jury’s
attention away from its duty of weighing the evidence impartially.” Pa.R.Evid.
403 (comment).
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Appellant’s trial counsel objected to three questions during the
Commonwealth’s direct examination of L.B. – whether L.B. lost weight under
Appellant’s care, how L.B. felt when she was hungry, and whether she had
experienced stomach pains. N.T., 11/14/17, at 29-35. Of these three
questions, L.B. only responded to the first, indicating that she had lost weight
under Appellant’s care. See id. Not only was this testimony relevant, as it
tended to corroborate the claims regarding Appellant’s withholding of food,
but Appellant’s assertion that L.B.’s answer to this one question unfairly
prejudiced her and diverted the jury’s attention away from its duty of weighing
the evidence impartially, is tenuous at best. Accordingly, we conclude that
the trial court did not abuse its discretion in permitting L.B.’s testimony.
For her fourth issue, Appellant argues that the trial court erred in
declining to provide the jury with a mistake of fact instruction. Specifically,
Appellant asserts that she was entitled to a mistake of fact instruction on her
EWOC charge because she did not knowingly fail to provide the children with
enough food to satisfy their daily caloric intake requirements, but rather was
mistaken and unaware of how much food they needed on a daily basis.
The standard of review regarding the denial of a jury instruction is well
settled. “Our standard of review when considering the denial of jury
instructions is one of deference – an appellate court will reverse a court’s
decision only when it abused its discretion or committed an error of law.”
Commonwealth v. Galvin, 985 A.2d 783, 799 (Pa. 2009).
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Section 304 of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code, which governs the
defense of mistake of fact, provides:
Ignorance or mistake as to a matter of fact, for which there is
reasonable explanation or excuse, is a defense if:
(1) the ignorance or mistake negatives the intent, knowledge,
belief, recklessness, or negligence required to establish a
material element of the offense; or
(2) the law provides that the state of mind established by such
ignorance or mistake constitutes a defense.
18 Pa.C.S.A. § 304.
This Court has explained the mistake of fact defense as follows:
It is well established that a bona fide, reasonable mistake of fact
may, under certain circumstances, negate the element of criminal
intent. 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 304 (providing, inter alia, that ignorance
or mistake as to a matter of fact, for which there is a reasonable
explanation or excuse, is a defense if “the ignorance or mistake
negatives the intent, knowledge, recklessness, or negligence
required to establish a material element of the offense”)[.] It is
not necessary that the facts be as the actor believed them to be;
it is only necessary that he have a bona fide and reasonable belief
in the existence of facts which, if they did exist, would render an
act innocent.
Commonwealth v. Scott, 73 A.3d 599, 603 (Pa. Super. 2013) (quotations
and citations omitted).
We conclude that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in declining
to instruct the jury on the mistake of fact defense. Appellant is both a parent
and a grandparent. At trial, Appellant professed her passion for nutrition, and
the children’s father indicated that Appellant had read books and magazines
on the subject. N.T., 11/15/17, at 216-17, 297. Additionally, as discussed
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extensively above, K.L.B. and K.B. were underfed to the point that their health
was jeopardized. Appellant’s assertion that she made a mistake of fact as to
how much she needed to feed K.L.B. and K.B., and that this alleged mistake
is a reasonable explanation for their malnourishment, is completely
unavailing. As a parent and grandparent with a self-professed interest in
nutrition, Appellant could not have possessed a bona fide and reasonable
belief that she was providing the children with enough food. See Scott, 73
A.3d at 603. Accordingly, the trial court properly declined to provide the jury
with an instruction on the mistake of fact defense.
For her fifth issue, Appellant argues that the trial court abused its
discretion by precluding the eyewitness testimony of Bobbi Jo Karpinski
(Karpinski), Appellant’s sister, and Kristina Sebolka (Sebolka), Appellant’s
daughter. Appellant asserts that their testimony was relevant because it
would have revealed their personal observations of the home, meals, and
familial interactions, and would have contradicted the Commonwealth’s theory
of guilt with respect to the crimes charged. In response, the Commonwealth
argues that the trial court appropriately limited Karpinski’s and Sebolka’s
testimony to character evidence because Appellant had violated Pennsylvania
Rule of Criminal Procedure 573 by failing to disclose the names and addresses
of the eyewitnesses.
Rule 573 provides, in relevant part, as follows:
(C) Disclosure by the Defendant.
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(1) In all court cases, if the Commonwealth files a motion for
pretrial discovery, upon a showing of materiality to the
preparation of the Commonwealth’s case and that the request is
reasonable, the court may order the defendant, subject to the
defendant’s rights against compulsory self-incrimination, to allow
the attorney for the Commonwealth to inspect and copy or
photograph any of the following requested items:
* * *
(b) the names and addresses of eyewitnesses whom the
defendant intends to call in its case-in-chief, provided that the
defendant has previously requested and received discovery
under paragraph (B)(2)(a)(i).
* * *
(E) Remedy. If at any time during the course of the proceedings
it is brought to the attention of the court that a party has failed to
comply with this rule, the court may order such party to permit
discovery or inspection, may grant a continuance, or may prohibit
such party from introducing evidence not disclosed, other than
testimony of the defendant, or it may enter such other order as it
deems just under the circumstances.
Pa.R.Crim.P. 573(C)(1)(b), (e).
In rejecting Appellant’s claim, the trial court explained:
Counsel for [Appellant] called [Appellant]’s daughter, [Kristina]
Sebolka, and [Appellant]’s sister, Bobbi Jo Karpinski to testify.
(H.T. 11/15/17, pp. 230, 303). During each witness’ testimony,
Counsel for the Commonwealth made an objection. (H.T.
11/15/17, pp. 233-236, 304-311). The Commonwealth made a
discovery request to the defense asking for the identification of
any eye witnesses the defense intended to call at trial. [Appellant]
never provided a list to the Commonwealth. As a result, these
witnesses’ testimony was limited to character testimony[] only.
Trial Court Opinion, 5/7/18, at 14.
On June 13, 2017 (approximately five months prior to trial), the
Commonwealth filed a Rule 573 motion, which the trial court granted the
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following day. Appellant, however, never provided the Commonwealth with
the names and addresses of the eyewitnesses she intended to call at trial.
The trial transcript indicates that it was the Commonwealth’s understanding
that, consequently, Appellant had called Karpinski and Sebolka as character
witnesses only. N.T., 11/15/17, at 233-36, 304-10. When Appellant’s counsel
began to treat them as eyewitnesses, the Commonwealth objected, and the
trial court sustained the objection based on Appellant’s violation of Rule
573(C)(1)(b). Id. Appellant fails, in any manner, to refute the trial court’s
determination that she violated Rule 573. Accordingly, we conclude that the
trial court did not abuse its discretion in limiting Karpinski and Sebolka’s
testimony to character evidence. See Pa.R.Crim.P. 573(E).
For her sixth issue, Appellant argues that the trial court abused its
discretion in denying her request to introduce evidence of K.L.B.’s Body Mass
Index (BMI) both before and after the time he lived with Appellant. Appellant
asserts that this testimony was admissible under the res gestae exception to
show that K.L.B. had struggled with his health prior to living with Appellant
and she was merely helping him to lose weight.
The res gestae exception “to the general proscription against evidence
of other criminal acts is also known as the ‘complete story’ rationale, as
such evidence is admissible in order ‘to complete the story of the crime on
trial by proving its immediate context of happenings near in time and place.’”
Commonwealth v. King, 959 A.2d 405, 417 n.3 (Pa. Super. 2008)
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(emphasis added and citations omitted). Evidence subject to this exception
is admissible only “where the probative value of the evidence outweighs the
tendency to prejudice the jury.” Id.
In rejecting this claim, the trial court explained:
While Dr. Chilson was testifying, Counsel for [Appellant]
wanted to question Dr. Chilson about the records of Dr. Diamond,
the children’s current pediatrician and the pediatrician for the
children prior to moving into [Appellant]’s home. Dr. Chilson
indicated that she had not seen those records. (H.T. 11/15/17, p.
64). An objection was made by the Commonwealth on the basis
that Counsel for [Appellant] was attempting to have Dr. Chilson
testify regarding Dr. Diamond’s records, specifically [K.L.B.]’s
body mass index (hereinafter “BMI”) from October of 2015
through October of 2016. (H.T. 11/15/17, pp. 65-84). Counsel
for [Appellant] wanted to introduce records that reflect that prior
to moving to [Appellant]’s residence, [K.L.B.] had a BMI of 99 and
that at the time of trial, [K.L.B.] had a BMI of 98, in order to
suggest that [K.L.B.] was grossly overweight. Counsel for
[Appellant] argued that this evidence was relevant to show that
the child had a problem with food and that [Appellant] was simply
helping the child lose weight. (H.T. 11/15/17, pp. 73-5). Counsel
for [Appellant] was permitted to question Dr. Chilson about the
children’s BMI prior to moving in with [Appellant]. However, this
[c]ourt held that the children’s BMI approximately one year after
they were removed from [Appellant]’s home was not relevant.
Trial Court Opinion, 5/7/18, at 14-15.
Preliminarily, we point out that contrary to Appellant’s claims, the trial
court did permit her to question Dr. Chilson regarding K.L.B.’s BMI prior to the
time he lived with Appellant. See N.T., 11/15/17, at 73-75. Regarding the
res gestae exception, Appellant’s claim is nonsensical, as evidence of K.L.B.’s
BMI in no way fits with the definition of the rule because it is not evidence of
a prior crime. Moreover, we note that Appellant cites no authority to support
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her claim that this evidence is admissible under the res gestae exception.
Therefore, the trial court did not abuse its discretion in declining to admit
evidence of K.L.B.’s BMI after he no longer lived with Appellant.
Finally, Appellant argues that the trial court erred in failing to find
Appellant eligible for the Recidivism Risk Reduction Incentive (RRRI) program,
61 Pa.C.S.A. §§ 4501-4512. Appellant contends that the trial court wrongly
concluded that her conviction for solicitation to commit simple assault
precluded her from receiving status as an eligible offender under the RRRI
Act.
The question of whether a defendant is RRRI eligible “presents a
question of statutory construction and implicates the legality of the sentence
imposed.” Commonwealth v. Quiles, 166 A.3d 387, 392 (Pa. Super. 2017)
(quotations and citation omitted). “Therefore, our standard of review is de
novo and the scope of our review is plenary.” Id. (quotation and citation
omitted).
Appellant’s RRRI claim presents a question of statutory interpretation.
“Generally speaking, under the rule of lenity, penal statutes are to be strictly
construed, with ambiguities resolved in favor of the accused.”
Commonwealth v. Lynn, 114 A.3d 796, 818 (Pa. 2015). Our Supreme Court
has explained:
In matters involving statutory interpretation, the Statutory
Construction Act directs courts to ascertain and effectuate the
intent of the General Assembly. 1 Pa.C.S. § 1921(a). A statute’s
plain language generally provides the best indication of legislative
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intent. In construing the language, however, and giving it effect,
we should not interpret statutory words in isolation, but must read
them with reference to the context in which they appear.
The United States Supreme Court also takes a contextual
approach in assessing the plain language of statutes and in
determining if an ambiguity exists. See generally King v.
Burwell, [] 135 S .Ct. 2480, 2489 [] (2015) (“If the statutory
language is plain, we must enforce it according to its terms. But
oftentimes the meaning – or ambiguity – of certain words or
phrases may only become evident when placed in context. So
when deciding whether the language is plain, we must read the
words in their context and with a view to their place in the overall
statutory scheme.” (internal quotation marks and citations
omitted)); Yates v. United States, [] 135 S. Ct. 1074, 1081-82
[] (2015) (“‘[T]he plainness or ambiguity of statutory language is
determined [not only] by reference to the language itself, [but as
well by] the specific context in which that language is used, and
the broader context of the statute as a whole.’ Ordinarily, a word’s
usage accords with its dictionary definition. In law as in life,
however, the same words, placed in different contexts, sometimes
mean different things.” (internal citations omitted)).
Commonwealth v. Giulian, 141 A.3d 1262, 1267-68 (Pa. 2016) (some
citations omitted or modified).
The RRRI program “permits offenders who exhibit good behavior and
who complete rehabilitative programs in prison to be eligible for reduced
sentences.” Commonwealth v. Hansley, 47 A.3d 1180, 1186 (Pa. 2012).
Section 4503 defines an “eligible offender,” in relevant part, as follows:
“Eligible offender.” A defendant or inmate convicted of a
criminal offense who will be committed to the custody of the
department and who meets all of the following eligibility
requirements:
(1) Does not demonstrate a history of present or past violent
behavior.
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2) Has not been subject to a sentence the calculation of which
includes an enhancement for the use of a deadly weapon as
defined under law or the sentencing guidelines promulgated by
the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing or the attorney
for the Commonwealth has not demonstrated that the
defendant has been found guilty of or was convicted of an
offense involving a deadly weapon or offense under 18 Pa.C.S.
Ch. 61 (relating to firearms and other dangerous articles) or
the equivalent offense under the laws of the United States or
one of its territories or possessions, another state, the District
of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or a foreign
nation.
(3) Has not been found guilty of or previously convicted of or
adjudicated delinquent for or an attempt or conspiracy to
commit a personal injury crime as defined under section 103
of the act of November 24, 1998 (P. L. 882, No. 111), known
as the Crime Victims Act, except for an offense under 18
Pa.C.S. § 2701 (relating to simple assault) when the offense is
a misdemeanor of the third degree, or an equivalent offense
under the laws of the United States or one of its territories or
possessions, another state, the District of Columbia, the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or a foreign nation.
(4) Has not been found guilty or previously convicted or
adjudicated delinquent for violating any of the following
provisions or an equivalent offense under the laws of the United
States or one of its territories or possessions, another state,
the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or
a foreign nation:
18 Pa.C.S. § 4302(a) (relating to incest).
18 Pa.C.S. § 5901 (relating to open lewdness).
18 Pa.C.S. Ch. 76 Subch. C (relating to Internet child
pornography).
Received a criminal sentence pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S. §
9712.1 (relating to sentences for certain drug offenses
committed with firearms).
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Any offense for which registration is required under 42
Pa.C.S. Ch. 97 Subch. H (relating to registration of sexual
offenders).
(5) Is not awaiting trial or sentencing for additional criminal
charges, if a conviction or sentence on the additional charges
would cause the defendant to become ineligible under this
definition.
(6) Has not been found guilty or previously convicted of
violating section 13(a)(14), (30) or (37) of the act of April 14,
1972 (P.L. 233, No. 64),2 known as The Controlled Substance,
Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, where the sentence was
imposed pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. § 7508(a)(1)(iii), (2)(iii),
(3)(iii), (4)(iii), (7)(iii) or (8)(iii) (relating to drug trafficking
sentencing and penalties).
61 Pa.C.S.A. § 4503.
Upon review, we conclude that the trial court erred in failing to designate
Appellant RRRI-eligible. The trial court determined that Appellant was not
RRRI-eligible based on Subsection (3) of Section 4503 because of her
“conviction[s] of simple assault[,]” which were graded as second-degree
misdemeanors. Trial Court Opinion, 5/7/18, at 16. Appellant, however, was
not found guilty of simple assault, but rather was convicted of solicitation to
commit simple assault. Subsection (3) plainly states that in order for a
defendant to be RRRI-eligible, he or she must not have “been found guilty of
or previously convicted of or adjudicated delinquent for or an attempt or
conspiracy to commit a personal injury crime[,]” such as the crime of simple
assault when graded as at least a second-degree misdemeanor. See 61
Pa.C.S.A. § 4503. Thus, because Subsection (3) does not include the crime
of solicitation, we are bound by the plain language, and solicitation to commit
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a personal injury crime cannot preclude a criminal defendant from RRRI-
eligibility. See Giulian, 141 A.3d at 1267-68. Accordingly, the trial court
improperly determined that Appellant was not RRRI-eligible based on her
solicitation to commit simple assault convictions.
The Commonwealth argues that Appellant is not RRRI-eligible based on
Subsection (1) of Section 4503 because her convictions of solicitation to
commit simple assault demonstrates a history of present or past violent
behavior. Although the behavior underlying Appellant’s solicitation to commit
simple assault is reprehensible, the Commonwealth does not cite, and our
research did not produce, any legal authority to indicate that solicitation to
commit a personal injury crime demonstrates “a history of present of past
violent behavior” under Section 4503. As our Supreme Court has explained,
“Section 4503’s list of disqualifying offenses . . . include[s] both violent and
potentially non-violent crimes[,]” which “suggests the Legislature did not
intend for all crimes of violence to be disqualifying in and of themselves.”
Commonwealth v. Cullen-Doyle, 164 A.3d 1239, 1243-44 (Pa. 2017)
(quotations and citations omitted; emphasis in original). Therefore, we hold
that Subsection (1) does not preclude Appellant’s RRRI-eligibility in this case.
Based on the foregoing, we affirm Appellant’s convictions, but vacate
her judgment of sentence and remand for further proceedings consistent with
this decision.
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Judgment of sentence affirmed in part and vacated in part. Case
remanded. Jurisdiction relinquished.
Judgment Entered.
Joseph D. Seletyn, Esq.
Prothonotary
Date: 02/25/2019
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