State v. Jones
2016 Ohio 7277
Ohio Ct. App.2016Background
- Police conducted nighttime surveillance at a Barberton residence after an informant reported that Richard Keith and an unidentified man would manufacture methamphetamine that evening.
- Detective Laurella smelled a chemical odor and observed a window fan turned on; officers entered and discovered an active meth lab (including a hissing two‑liter reaction bottle) and numerous precursor chemicals.
- Michael Jones was found in a bedroom, fully clothed beside his sleeping 15‑year‑old cousin; he appeared nervous and was arrested.
- At the station, Jones admitted participating in the meth production: bringing pseudoephedrine, using acetone to break down pills, cutting batteries for lithium, and adding cold‑pack chemicals; NPLEx records showed recent pseudoephedrine purchases by Jones.
- A jury convicted Jones of (1) illegal assembly/possession of chemicals to manufacture methamphetamine in the vicinity of a juvenile, (2) illegal manufacture of methamphetamine in the vicinity of a juvenile, and (3) child endangering; sentences ran concurrently for a total of seven years.
- On appeal Jones challenged (A) sufficiency of the evidence (Crim.R. 29 denial) and (B) that the verdicts were against the manifest weight of the evidence; the Ninth District affirmed.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument (State) | Defendant's Argument (Jones) | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Whether evidence was sufficient to sustain convictions / whether Crim.R. 29 should have been granted | Evidence (admissions, NPLEx purchases, presence near active lab, items consistent with manufacture) proves Jones knowingly possessed chemicals and manufactured methamphetamine | Jones contends mere presence in the house and absence of drug items in his bedroom are insufficient to prove knowledge or participation | Court held evidence was sufficient; Crim.R. 29 denial proper; convictions sustainable |
| 2. Whether verdicts were against the manifest weight of the evidence | Jury reasonably credited Jones’ confession and other corroborating evidence; verdicts not a miscarriage of justice | Jones points to defense testimony (Keith) asserting Jones was asleep and not involved; argues jury lost its way | Court held convictions are not against the manifest weight; jury credibility determinations upheld |
Key Cases Cited
- State v. Jenks, 61 Ohio St.3d 259 (standard for reviewing sufficiency of the evidence)
- State v. Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d 380 (standard for reviewing manifest‑weight claims)
- State v. Otten, 33 Ohio App.3d 339 (articulation of manifest‑weight review factors)