Franks v. State

758 S.E.2d 604 | Ga. Ct. App. | 2013

MCMILLIAN, Judge.

Co-defendants Charles Randall Franks (“Franks”) and Richard Clayton Long (“Long”) appeal following the denial of their motions for new trial after they were each convicted of one count of attempted . trafficking by manufacturing methamphetamine.¹ As his sole enumeration of error on appeal, Franks challenges the sufficiency of the evidence to support his conviction. Long also asserts that the evidence was insufficient to support his conviction and further argues that the trial court erred in failing to give his requested charges on the lesser included offenses of possession of a drug-related object and unlawful possession of pseudoephedrine.

Viewed in the light most favorable to the verdict,² the evidence demonstrates that on or about June 4, 2010, Detective John Helton of the Dalton Police Department was investigating a report that someone had shoplifted rat poison from a grocery store. That investigation led Helton to the home of Franks’ brother, Allen. Franks arrived while Helton was talking with his brother. The Franks brothers denied any knowledge of the shoplifting incident, but Franks indicated that Long might have been involved.

Franks then escorted Helton to the nearby house where Franks said Long and he lived. Helton said that Franks hurried to get ahead of him and appeared a little fidgety and nervous. Helton also noticed that Franks appeared to have some difficulty walking, and he later discovered that Franks had recently suffered a burn on his lower left side. The injury was severe enough to require a trip to the emergency room. Franks said he was burned when a Coleman camping lantern exploded. When they got close to the house, Franks yelled to Long that he was there and he had the police with him. After speaking with Helton about the reported shoplifting, Long gave Helton consent to search the house.

Long did not own the house, but the owner allowed Long to stay there. He had been living there for about a year. The house was in poor condition. With the exception of one bedroom that was enclosed with paneling, the house had few finished interior walls, and it had no electricity or running water. The living room contained what appeared to be a fire pit where someone had cut a hole in the floor and placed rocks in it. Long had boarded up all the doors except one, which could be locked from the inside.

During the search, Helton observed a number of items in the bedroom that he believed related to a methamphetamine manufacturing lab (“meth lab”), including blister packs containing what appeared to be pseudoephedrine tablets, syringes, bottles containing tri-level liquids, jars and canisters with tubing running out of them, and an open container with a “mashed-up” substance and a potato masher inside. Helton then placed Long and Franks under arrest and notified the drug unit.

Detectives Dwayne Holmes and Shannon Ramsey of the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office narcotics unit assisted the Dalton Police Department in investigating the reported meth lab at Long’s house. Both had special training and experience in the detection and dismantling of meth labs. When they arrived at the house, the officers noticed a chemical odor that, based upon their training and experience, they associated with a meth lab. After obtaining a search warrant, several officers on the scene, including Holmes, donned protective clothing and respirators and began removing items from the house, while Ramsey stayed outside to catalogue the items seized.

The detectives removed a number of items from the bedroom and living room area of the home that they found to be consistent with items typically found in meth labs. These items included:

— bi-level and tri-level liquids in various bottles and jars, including Mason jars;³

— containers of a red liquid that appeared to be red phosphorous, a chemical used in the manufacture of methamphetamine;⁴

— a plastic bowl containing a metal potato masher, strainer, and a reddish paste substance suspected of being red phosphorous;

— plastic bottles cut in half and containing a white powdery substance;

— a bug sprayer altered to act as a gas generator;

— canisters of Coleman fuel, which is used as a solvent to remove ephedrine from pseudoephedrine⁵ during the manufacturing process;

— coffee filters, which are often used to filter ephedrine from the soaking solution;

— several spoons with powdery residue, one of which tested positive for methamphetamine; and

— a hollowed-out light bulb, taken from a jacket pocket in the bedroom, fashioned as a smoking device with residue that tested positive for methamphetamine, as well as ephedrine and/or pseudoephedrine.

The State tendered Ray Grossman, Chief of Police of Cohutta, Georgia, as an expert in methamphetamine production and methamphetamine-related products, and the court qualified him without objection. Grossman testified that he had worked approximately 200 red phosphorous meth labs. And during special training he received from the Drug Enforcement Administration and the State, he was required to manufacture methamphetamine using the red phosphorous method. He identified the items seized as components of “an average meth lab,” and he said that these items could not be anything else but a meth lab. He explained in detail how each of the components were used in the manufacturing process. Grossman testified from his review of the crime scene photographs that the meth. lab at Long’s house was “inactive,” i.e., the methamphetamine had already been “cooked off” leaving only “remnants.” Grossman stated that in his experience it was not unusual to find components of a lab dispersed after the manufacturing process is complete. Moreover, Grossman stated that electricity was not required for a meth lab; a portable heating device, such as a Coleman camp stove, would be sufficient. He also said that it was not unusual for the smell of methamphetamine to linger after the manufacturing process is complete.

Case No. A13A0118

1. Franks argues that this evidence was insufficient to support his conviction for attempted trafficking by manufacturing methamphetamine. We disagree.

On appeal from a criminal conviction, we view the evidence in the light most favorable to support the jury’s verdict, and the defendant no longer enjoys a presumption of innocence; moreover, this Court determines evidence sufficiency and does not weigh the evidence or determine witness credibility. Resolving evidentiary conflicts and inconsistencies, and assessing witness credibility, are the province of the factfinder, not this Court. As long as there is some evidence, even though contradicted, to support each necessary element of the [Sjtate’s case, this Court will uphold the jury’s verdict.

(Citations omitted.) Gentry v. State, 281 Ga. App. 315, 319 (2) (635 SE2d 782) (2006).

Under former OCGA § 16-13-31 (f), “[a]ny person who knowingly manufactures methamphetamine,... or any mixture containing ... methamphetamine ... in violation of this article commits the felony offense of trafficking methamphetamine. . . .” The term “[manufacture” is defined in pertinent part as “the production, preparation, propagation, compounding, conversion, or processing of a controlled substance, either directly or indirectly by extraction from substances of natural origin, or independently by means of chemical synthesis .. . .” OCGA § 16-13-21 (15). And “[a] person commits the offense of criminal attempt when, with intent to commit a specific crime, he performs any act which constitutes a substantial step toward the commission of that crime.” OCGA § 16-4-1.

Franks argues that the evidence was insufficient to prove that they lived at the house and argues that their “mere presence” is not sufficient to support his conviction. He also asserts that the evidence did not establish beyond a reasonable doubt that he took any substantial step toward manufacturing methamphetamine, as required for a conviction for criminal attempt.

“Mere presence, without proof of participation, is insufficient to support a conviction.” (Citation omitted.) Sherrer v. State, 289 Ga. App. 156, 159 (2) (656 SE2d 258) (2008). Rather, the State was required to show that Franks had the power and intent to exercise control over the meth lab components. Id.

[E]vidence merely showing that contraband was found in the residence occupied by the defendant is insufficient to support a conviction if it affirmatively appears from the evidence that other persons had equal access to the contraband and therefore an equal opportunity to commit the offense Whether or not in a given case circumstances are sufficient to exclude every reasonable hypothesis save the guilt of the accused is primarily a question for determination by the jury.

(Citations omitted; emphasis in original.) Howard v. State, 291 Ga. App. 386, 388 (662 SE2d 203) (2008).

Moreover, “[a]n act constituting a ‘substantial step’ is one done in pursuance of the intent, and more or less directly tending to the commission of the crime. In general, the act must be inexplicable as a lawful act, and must be more than mere preparation.” (Citation and punctuation omitted.) Taylor v. State, 320 Ga. App. 596 (1) (740 SE2d 327) (2013). Nevertheless, it cannot “accurately be said that no preparations can amount to an attempt. The question, then, is one of degree, depending upon the circumstances of each case.” (Citation omitted.) Rainey v. State, 319 Ga. App. 858, 859 (1) (a) (738 SE2d 685) (2013).

Although someone else owned the house and no evidence existed that either Long or Franks had signed a formal lease, the owner testified that he allowed Long to stay there, and if Long let other people stay there, “that was his business.” Franks told Helton that he lived in the house with Long, and Long’s ex-wife testified that Franks and Long lived there at the time of their arrest. She even identified the individual beds in the bedroom where they slept. This evidence was sufficient to connect Franks and Long to the house and the rooms in which the manufacturing components and the items containing methamphetamine residue were found.

The evidence also showed that Franks appeared nervous around Helton and supported an inference that he rushed ahead to alert Long to the officer’s presence. Moreover, Grossman testified that it was not uncommon for flash fires to occur in the methamphetamine manufacturing process, and Franks had suffered a serious burn a few days earlier. Although Franks attributed his injury to a Coleman lantern explosion, police found Coleman fuel in the house, and the evidence showed that it was commonly used as a solvent in meth labs. We find that this evidence, although circumstantial, was sufficient to support a finding that Franks and Long shared joint constructive possession of the items seized. Clyde v. State, 298 Ga. App. 283, 285 (1) (680 SE2d 146) (2009); Espinoza v. State, 244 Ga. App. 96, 99 (5) (534 SE2d 824) (2000); Wilson v. State, 231 Ga. App. 525, 526 (1) (499 SE2d 911) (1998).

Here, Long and Franks were charged with trafficking by knowingly manufacturing a mixture containing less than 200 grams of methamphetamine. Grossman testified that the items seized appeared to have been used in the red phosphorous process for manufacturing methamphetamine.⁶ He said the process was complete and the lab disassembled, and the jury could have found that the items seized evidenced various steps in the manufacturing process. For example, a bug sprayer had been converted into a gas generator and the hose leading from it was stained red, probably from contact with red phosphorous or iodine according to Grossman; liquids had been poured together and had apparently separated again into various levels; a paste containing what appeared to be red phosphorous was created; plastic jugs contained residue and one appeared melted; and another had been converted into a funnel. A chemical odor associated with meth labs lingered around the house, and methamphetamine residue was found on a spoon and the light bulb smoking device near the meth lab components.

We find that this and the other evidence at trial was sufficient to support a jury finding that Franks and Long had taken a substantial step toward manufacturing methamphetamine. See Womble v. State, 290 Ga. App. 768, 770-771 (2) (660 SE2d 848) (2008) (processing and possession of methamphetamine oil constituted substantial step toward commission of manufacturing methamphetamine); Drammeh v. State, 285 Ga. App. 545, 547-548 (1) (646 SE2d 742) (2007) (circumstantial evidence sufficient to establish substantial step toward attempted marijuana trafficking where defendant merely entered a car containing large quantity of marijuana that would have been detectable from its odor and defendant refused to provide information to police). Compare Thurman v. State, 295 Ga. App. 616, 618 (1) (673 SE2d 1) (2008) (physical precedent only) (reversing conviction for criminal attempt where defendants charged with attempting to manufacture methamphetamine in the future and during a traffic stop of defendants’ car, police smelled odor associated with meth labs and search of car revealed only an unopened bottle of Heet, one pack of cold pills containing pseudoephedrine, a large unopened bottle of iodine, and some plastic tubing).

Accordingly, the evidence was sufficient to support Franks’ conviction beyond a reasonable doubt.

Case No. A13A0932

2. We find Long’s assertion that the evidence was insufficient to support his conviction to be meritless for the reasons set forth in Division 1 above.

3. Long further asserts that the trial court erred at trial in denying his written requests to charge on the lesser included offenses of possession of a drug-related object and possession of pseudoephedrine, and thus that it erred in denying his motion for new trial on this ground. In its order denying Long’s motion, the trial court acknowledged that these crimes were lesser included offenses, and that “it was error for the court to fail to give the charges requested by [Long],” but the court determined that its error was harmless.⁷

In determining whether one crime is a lesser included offense of another crime for purposes of requests to charge, this Court held unanimously that we apply the “required evidence” test set out in Drinkard v. Walker, 281 Ga. 211 (636 SE2d 530) (2006). See Stuart v. State, 318 Ga. App. 839, 842-843 (734 SE2d 814) (2012) (required evidence test applicable in determining whether jury charge on lesser included offense required). “Under the ‘required evidence’ test, the question is not whether the evidence actually presented at trial establishes the elements of the lesser crime, but whether each offense requires proof of a fact which the other does not.” (Citation omitted.) Id. at 841.

As indicted in this case,⁸ the trafficking statute, OCGA § 16-13-31 (f), required proof that the defendants manufactured a mixture of methamphetamine. Under the pertinent provisions of OCGA § 16-13-30.3 (b) (2), the crime of possession of pseudoephedrine requires proof of possession of “any amount” of pseudoephedrine with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine. And the crime of possession of a drug-related object under the pertinent language of OCGA § 16-13-32.2 (a) requires proof that a defendant used, or possessed “with the intent to use, any object or materials of any kind for the purpose of. .. manufacturing, compounding, converting, producing, processing, preparing ... a controlled substance.”

Thus, as indicted in this case, the trafficking statute required proof of at least one element that the other two statutes do not — the manufacture of a mixture of methamphetamine. And OCGA § 16-13-30.3 requires proof that the trafficking statute does not — the possession of pseudoephedrine; neither the trafficking statute nor the indictment make any reference to that drug. Similarly, we find thatOCGA § 16-13-32.2 also requires proof ofan element notrequired for the crime of trafficking as charged in this case. The trafficking statute, as indicted, does not require proof that a defendant possessed drug-related objects with the intent to use them for manufacture. Therefore, we find that the crimes set out in OCGA §§ 16-13-30.3 (b) (2) and 16-13-32.2 (a) are not lesser included offenses of the crime of trafficking in methamphetamine as indicted in this case. Cf. Myers v. State, 2012 Ark. 143 (400 SW3d 231) (2012) (possession of drug paraphernalia with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine not a lesser included offense of manufacturing methamphetamine); State v. Haynes, 3 So3d 272, 278-280 (A), (B) (Ala. Crim. App. 2008) (possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to manufacture requires proof of different elements than, and is not a lesser included offense of, manufacturing a controlled substance); State v. Schoonover, 281 Kan. 453, 501 (E) (133 P3d 48) (2006) (possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to manufacture is not a lesser included offense of manufacturing methamphetamine); Hester v. State, 362 Ark. 373, 392-393 (208 SW3d 747) (2005) (crimes of possession of pseudoephedrine and possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to manufacture not lesser included offenses of manufacturing methamphetamine); State v. Welch, 198 Ariz. 554, 558 (12 P3d 229) (2000) (possession of drug-related paraphernalia not a lesser included offense of manufacturing a dangerous drug).

Decided December 16, 2013. Timothy L. Kimble, for appellant (case no. A13A0118). George B. Sparks, Michael R. McCarthy, for appellant (case no. A13A0932). Herbert M. Poston, Jr., District Attorney, Susan L. Franklin, George J. Souther, Assistant District Attorneys, for appellee.

Accordingly, we find no error in the trial court’s decision not to give the requested charges, and thus the trial court properly denied the motion for new trial.

Judgments affirmed.

Andrews, P. J., and Dillard, J., concur.

1 Franks and Long were indicted jointly for trafficking by manufacturing methamphetamine, but the jury convicted them of the lesser included offense.

2 Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307 (99 SCt 2781, 61 LE2d 560) (1979).

3 Although these liquids tested negative for methamphetamine and ephedrine, a pH test indicated that the liquids were very basic, and the GBI chemist from the state crime lab testified that the liquids could have been used for extracting the methamphetamine during the manufacturing process.

4 The red liquid and paste was never tested because the GBI crime lab refuses, as a matter of safety, to accept certain substances used in meth labs, including red phosphorous, iodine and lithium batteries.

5 These drugs are precursors to methamphetamine in the manufacturing process.

6 Grossman acknowledged, however, that the manufacturing process will not always successfully result in the production of methamphetamine.

7 We do not address this issue as it applies to Franks because he did not assert it as error on appeal. We note that Franks did not submit written requests to charge on these lesser included offenses, but his trial attorney excepted to the trial court’s failure to give the charge on possession of drug-related objects as requested by Long. Pretermitting whether this would have been sufficient to preserve the issue for appeal, we nevertheless would have been required to review the failure to charge on these offenses for plain error if Franks had raised the issue on appeal. State v. Kelly, 290 Ga. 29, 32 (2) (a), n. 2 (718 SE2d 232) (2011). But “even in ‘plain error’ review, [our appellate courts] require that ‘an appealing party properly assert( ) an error.’ [Cit.]” Moore v. State, 290 Ga. 805, 808 (2), n. 3 (725 SE2d 290) (2012). See also Court of Appeals Rules 22 and 25 (regarding enumeration of errors and argument and authority).

8 In applying the Drinkard test, we consider the crimes as indicted and not every possible manner of committing a particular crime. Wilson v. State, 285 Ga. 224, 226 (2) (675 SE2d 11) (2009) (“considering the wording of the count of the indictment charging [the crime] in the case at bar and the instructions given the jury by the trial court” in determining that no merger occurred); Herrera v. State, 306 Ga. App. 432, 435 (3) (702 SE2d 731) (2010) (considering crime as indicted in determining whether merger occurred).