STATE OF OHIO, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. ROBERT LEE FAST, Defendant-Appellant.
CASE NO. 2019-A-0089
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO ELEVENTH APPELLATE DISTRICT ASHTABULA COUNTY
Decided: July 26, 2021
2021-Ohio-2548
Criminal Appeal from the Court of Common Pleas Trial Court No. 2018 CR 00267 Judgment: Affirmed.
OPINION
Colleen M. O’Toole, Ashtabula County Prosecutor, and Shelley M. Pratt, Assistant Prosecutor, 25 West Jefferson Street, Jefferson, OH 44047 (For Plaintiff-Appellee).
William P. Bobulsky, William P. Bobulsky Co., LPA, 1612 East Prospect Road, Ashtabula, OH 44004 (For Defendant-Appellant).
{¶1} Appellant, Robert Lee Fast (“Mr. Fast”), appeals from the judgment of the Ashtabula County Court of Common Pleas sentencing him to an aggregate prison term of 40 to 100 years following a jury trial in which he was found guilty of four counts of rape. The offenses occurred in 1990 and 1991 and involved Mr. Fast’s niece when she was a child.
{¶2} Mr. Fast presents four assignments of error, contending that the trial court erred by (1) denying his motion to dismiss the indictment based on the statute of limitations; (2) granting the state’s motion in limine and restricting his cross-examination of the victim in relation to her alleged drug use and addiction; and (3) imposing sentences pursuant to an improperly amended indictment. Mr. Fast also contends that the state presented insufficient evidence to sustain a conviction on count 4 of the indictment and that the jury’s verdicts were against the manifest weight of the evidence.
{¶3} After a careful review of the record and pertinent law, we find as follows:
{¶4} (1) The state’s prosecution was not barred by the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations was tolled until the victim turned age 18 and was increased to 20 years by subsequent legislation.
{¶5} (2) The trial court did not abuse its discretion in granting the state’s motion in limine. The trial court’s ruling is supported by a sound reasoning process and is consistent with the legal authority regarding the admissibility of evidence concerning a witness’s drug use. In addition, the trial court’s ruling did not prohibit Mr. Fast from cross-examining the victim about drug use or addiction related in time or place to any of the charged offenses.
{¶6} (3) The state presented sufficient evidence for a reasonable jury to conclude that the rape offense charged in count 4 occurred in 1991. The discrepancy between the victim’s trial testimony and her written statement to the police involved the weight of the evidence rather than its sufficiency.
{¶7} (4) After reviewing the entire record and weighing the evidence and all reasonable inferences, we find that the jury did not clearly lose its way or create a manifest miscarriage of justice. Given the totality of the evidence, we cannot say that inconsistencies or conflicting evidence rendered the victim’s testimony so incredible as to be unbelievable.
{¶8} (5) Mr. Fast has not established that his sentence is clearly and convincingly contrary to law.
{¶9} Thus, we affirm the judgment of the Ashtabula County Court of Common Pleas.
Substantive and Procedural History
{¶10} The victim, E.L., was born on March 24, 1981. Mr. Fast is her mother’s brother, i.e., her uncle. E.L. alleged that Mr. Fast sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions as a child.
The Alleged Offenses
{¶11} According to E.L., Mr. Fast first sexually assaulted her during the summer of 1990 when she was nine years old. At the time, E.L. resided in Roaming Shores, Ohio, with her mother; her sister, A.G., who is five years older than her; and her stepfather. According to A.G., she and E.L. would go to the First Baptist Church in Jefferson on Wednesdays for dinner and activities. A.G. also signed them up for
{¶12} Mr. Fast resided in a small, second-floor apartment in Jefferson with his long-time girlfriend, Deborah Harden (“Ms. Harden”). E.L. stayed at Mr. Fast’s apartment during one week in the summer of 1990 to attend vacation bible school, and she slept on his living room couch.
{¶13} One evening, E.L. was lying on the couch watching television, and Mr. Fast was sitting on a chair. Ms. Harden was sleeping in the bedroom with the door closed. Mr. Fast turned the station to pornography, where a man and a woman were engaging in intercourse. Mr. Fast then exposed himself, and he and E.L. engaged in sexual activity involving the touching of Mr. Fast’s genitals and fellatio. Afterward, Mr. Fast told E.L. to lie on the couch and go to bed. E.L. buried her head in the pillow and tried to go to sleep.
{¶14} According to E.L., Mr. Fast sexually assaulted her again during the same week. E.L. returned to Mr. Fast’s home from vacation bible school. As she was walking up the driveway, Mr. Fast was waxing his car. She went into the kitchen to get something to drink. Mr. Fast followed her, gave her a Lynchburg Lemonade, and told her to drink it. E.L. drank some of the beverage. Mr. Fast led E.L. into the bedroom, where they engaged in sexual activity involving digital penetration, vaginal intercourse, and fellatio. Afterward, Mr. Fast told E.L. that she would never tell anyone because they would not believe her and that she was “just a little liar.”
{¶15} Mr. Fast denied any sexual activity with E.L. and stated that she never stayed at his Jefferson apartment. According to Mr. Fast, the apartment was too small for guests. He further denied any knowledge of the vacation bible school at the First Baptist Church or that E.L. attended it.
{¶16} Mr. Fast’s long-time partner, Ms. Harden, also denied that E.L. ever spent the night at their Jefferson apartment. They occasionally had friends come over to play cards but did not have overnight guests because there was no place for them to stay. Ms. Harden was aware of the existence of the vacation bible school from the sign on the church but denied that E.L. or A.G. ever stayed at their Jefferson apartment to attend it.
{¶17} According to E.L., Mr. Fast also sexually assaulted her during the summer of 1991 when she was ten years old. E.L.’s mother worked during the day, so A.G. watched her at their house in Roaming Shores. E.L. rode her bike to go swimming with her neighbors at a pool located a few blocks away. Mr. Fast showed up and played in the pool with E.L. and her friends. He was wearing a bright blue Speedo-type bathing suit.
{¶18} When it was time to leave, Mr. Fast said he would take E.L. home. He put her bike in his car, which was a maroon Camaro. Instead of driving E.L. home, Mr. Fast drove in the opposite direction to an oil well drive. He told E.L. to get out of the car despite her concerns about getting home late. Mr. Fast had E.L. remove her bathing suit and subsequently engaged in anal intercourse with her. Afterward, Mr. Fast told E.L to put her bathing suit back on and said no one would believe her if she told anyone because she was “just a little liar.”
{¶19} He told E.L. to get back in the car and drove her to her house. A.G. was waiting at the end of the driveway because E.L. was late. When E.L. got out of the car, she could barely walk, and A.G. asked her what happened. Mr. Fast told her that E.L. fell off her bike.
{¶21} E.L. never reported the sexual assaults until she became an adult. She told her future wife at age 21 and A.G. at age 22. After E.L. told A.G. that she had been sexually abused, A.G. did not speak to her for a year.
{¶22} In September 2017, E.L., accompanied by A.G., her wife, and her mother, confronted Mr. Fast at his and Ms. Harden’s residence in Jefferson. E.L. told Mr. Fast, “I am done keeping your secrets, you are dead to me.” Mr. Fast responded by asking what E.L. wanted from him. E.L. told him, “You’re dead to me,” walked away, and got into her vehicle. According to Ms. Harden, Mr. Fast was stunned and sat on the ground “with his mouth dropped open.”
Police Report and Investigation
{¶23} In December 2017, E.L., accompanied by her mother, went to the Jefferson Police Department to file charges against Mr. Fast. She spoke with Sergeant Aaron Dumperth (“Sgt. Dumperth”), who asked her to write out a statement. E.L. wrote for several hours that morning but did not finish. She came back the next day and wrote for several more hours. Sgt. Dumperth described E.L. as being emotionally distraught at some points.
{¶24} For the alleged offenses occurring in Jefferson, the year 1990 appears in parentheses. For the alleged offense occurring in Roaming Shores, E.L. identified the year as 1992.
{¶25} After E.L. completed her statement, Sgt. Dumperth spoke with personnel at the First Baptist Church. He obtained bible school program pamphlets from 1989 and 1990. A.G.’s name appears in the 1989 program; E.L.’s name does not appear in either program.
{¶26} Sgt. Dumperth also interviewed A.G. via telephone and E.L.’s wife. He did not attempt to collect any physical evidence for DNA testing due to the lengthy period of time between the alleged offenses and E.L.’s reporting of them.
Indictment
{¶27} In April 2018, the Ashtabula County Grand Jury indicted Mr. Fast on six counts of rape involving a person less than 13 years of age in violation of
{¶28} The indictment alleged the following time periods and locations for each of the charged offenses:
{¶29} Counts 1, 2, and 3: On or between March 24 and December 31 of 1990 in Jefferson.
{¶30} Count 4: On or between March 24 and December 31 of 1991 in Roaming Shores.
{¶31} Counts 5 and 6: On or between June 1 and September 1 of 1992 in Roaming Shores and in Rome, New Lyme, and Lenox Townships.
{¶33} Count 8: On or between May 1 and May 31 of 2000 in the states of Ohio and West Virginia.
{¶34} Mr. Fast appeared through counsel and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Pretrial Motions
{¶35} The parties filed several pretrial motions. Relevant to this appeal, the state filed a “motion in limine to prohibit irrelevant evidence or testimony.” According to the state, E.L. disclosed to investigators that, on some instances, Mr. Fast gave her alcohol and marijuana prior to sexually abusing her, which the state conceded was relevant evidence. However, the state contended that evidence regarding E.L.’s alcohol or drug use “unrelated in time or place to the offenses charged” was irrelevant and prejudicial and, therefore, inadmissible. The state sought an order prohibiting the defense from questioning E.L. or presenting evidence or testimony regarding her alcohol or drug use “unrelated in time or place to the offenses charged.”
{¶36} Mr. Fast opposed the state’s motion, contending that evidence relating to E.L.’s “drug addiction and other problems during the period of time referenced after the dates set forth in the Indictment” bore directly upon E.L.’s credibility and her ability to accurately recall evidence that the state sought to introduce.
{¶37} Mr. Fast filed a motion to dismiss the indictment based on the six-year statute of limitations set forth in the version of
{¶38} The trial court held a hearing on pending pretrial motions. The trial court heard testimony from E.L. in relation to Mr. Fast’s motion to dismiss. She testified that she was born on March 24, 1981, and turned 18 in 1999; she first disclosed the alleged sexual assaults to her future wife and her sister when she was over the age of 21; and she had had not disclosed the alleged sexual assaults prior to turning 18. The trial court found that the statute of limitations did not begin to run until March 24, 1999, and overruled Mr. Fast’s motion to dismiss.
{¶39} The defense presented argument in opposition to the state’s motion in limine. According to the defense, E.L. indicated in her statement to police that she was a “drug addict” and was using marijuana during the time period alleged in count 8, i.e., May 2000. The defense contended that this evidence was directly and materially related to count 8. In addition, E.L.’s ongoing drug use and addiction was relevant to her ability to recall events that allegedly occurred 29 years prior. Following the defense’s argument, the trial court stated that it would grant the state’s motion in limine.
{¶40} The trial court subsequently filed a judgment entry overruling Mr. Fast’s motion to dismiss, finding that the statute of limitations was increased to 20 years; it did not begin to run until E.L. turned 18; and the indictment was filed before the statute of limitations had expired.
{¶41} The trial court filed a separate judgment entry granting the state’s motion in limine without setting forth its reasoning.
Jury Trials
{¶43} In May 2019, the matter proceeded to a jury trial on the seven remaining counts in the indictment. The jury returned not guilty verdicts on counts 5, 6, and 7 and failed to reach verdicts on counts 1 through 4. The state requested that the matter be reset for a retrial on the latter counts.
{¶44} The state filed a motion to amend counts 1 through 4 of the indictment to state that the offenses were “aggravated” felonies of the first degree rather than felonies of the first degree based on the version of
{¶45} The trial court filed a judgment entry granting the state’s motion to amend and overruling Mr. Fast’s objection. The trial court determined that the amendment would not change the name or identity of the charged offenses and that jeopardy had not attached to counts 1 through 4 because the jury did not reach a verdict in the first trial.
{¶46} In September 2019, the matter proceeded to a retrial on counts 1 through 4. Prior to the state’s case-in-chief, the defense renewed its motion to dismiss the indictment, which the trial court overruled.
{¶47} The defense also made a proffer in anticipation of E.L.’s testimony. According to the defense, E.L.’s oral and written statements to the Jefferson Police Department referenced alcohol and drug use/abuse as a teenager and drug addiction. The defense argued that such issues were relevant to E.L.’s “memory,” “lack of memory,” and “accuracy of memory” regarding the alleged incidents from 1990 and 1991 and requested permission to cross-examine E.L. about them.
{¶48} The trial court inquired whether it had previously reviewed the issue in ruling on the state’s motion in limine, and defense counsel confirmed that it had. The trial court further inquired whether there was a basis to believe that E.L. was using any alcohol or drugs of abuse in calendar years 1990 or 1991, and defense counsel confirmed there was not. The trial court stated that its previous ruling would stay; it would continue to enforce the previously-granted motion in limine; and there would be no examination regarding E.L.’s alcohol and drug abuse that occurred long after the allegations in counts 1 through 4.
{¶49} As its case-in-chief, the state presented testimony from E.L., A.G., and Officer Dumperth. During E.L.’s testimony, she described the alleged events underlying counts 1 through 4 in very specific detail.
{¶50} Following the state’s presentation of its evidence, the defense moved for acquittal pursuant to
{¶51} The defense presented testimony from Ronald McCloud, who was Mr. Fast’s former co-worker and attested to Mr. Fast’s reputation for good character and truthfulness; Ms. Harden; and Mr. Fast.
{¶52} The defense submitted as exhibits the vacation bible school programs from 1989 and 1990; a diagram of Mr. Fast’s Jefferson apartment that he had prepared; and a photograph from a family event in 1998 that included Mr. Fast, Ms. Harden, and E.L. The defense used Sgt. Dumperth’s police report during its cross-examination of the state’s witnesses but did not offer it into evidence. After resting, the defense renewed its
Post-trial Motions
{¶54} Following the trial court’s filing of its judgment on the verdict, Mr. Fast filed a motion for judgment of acquittal pursuant to
Sentencing
{¶55} At the sentencing hearing, the trial court sentenced Mr. Fast to terms of actual incarceration of 10 to 25 years in prison on each count, with count 2 to be served consecutive to count 1; count 3 to be served consecutive to counts 1 and 2; and count 4 to be served consecutive to counts 1, 2 and 3; for an aggregate term of actual incarceration of 40 to 100 years. The trial court filed a judgment entry memorializing the jury’s guilty verdicts and Mr. Fast’s sentences.
{¶56} Mr. Fast appealed and presents the following four assignments of error for our review1:
{¶57} “[1.] The trial court committed prejudicial error by failing to grant Defendant’s Motion to Dismiss the indictment based upon the statute of limitations set forth in
{¶58} “[2.] The trial court committed prejudicial error by granting the State’s Motion in Limine and restricting Defendant’s cross-examination of [E.L.] relative to her drug use and addiction.
{¶59} “[3.] The trial court committed judicial error by failing to grant Defendant’s Motions for Acquittal and Motion for New Trial.
{¶60} “[4.] The trial court committed prejudicial error in the sentencing of Defendant.”
Motion to Dismiss
{¶61} In his first assignment of error, Mr. Fast contends that the trial court erred in denying his motion to dismiss the indictment.
Standard of Review
{¶62} We review a trial court’s decision on a motion to dismiss pursuant to a de novo standard of review. State v. Rode, 11th Dist. Portage No. 2010-P-0015, 2011-Ohio-2455, ¶ 14.
Statute of Limitations
{¶63} Mr. Fast contends that counts 1 through 4 of the indictment were barred from prosecution by virtue of the six-year statute of limitations set forth in the former version of
{¶64} The former version of
{¶65} In Hensley, the victims were still minors at the time the abuse was reported and prosecution commenced. Several appellate districts subsequently determined that the tolling of the statute of limitations adopted in Hensley ceases when the victim reaches the age of majority. See State v. Hughes, 633 N.E.2d 1217, 1219 (12th Dist.1994); State v. McGraw, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 65202, 1994 WL 264401, *4 (June 16, 1994); State v. Weiss, 96 Ohio App.3d 379, 384, 645 N.E.2d 98 (5th Dist.1994); State v. Webber, 101 Ohio App.3d 78, 81, 654 N.E.2d 1351 (9th Dist.1995); State v. Elsass, 105 Ohio App.3d 277, 281, 663 N.E.2d 1019 (10th Dist.1995); State v. Hammons, 3d Dist. Defiance No. 4-95-3, 1995 WL 737526, *3 (Dec. 14, 1995); State v. Wooldridge, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 17708, 1999 WL 812363, *8 (Oct. 8, 1999).
{¶66} Effective March 9, 1999,
{¶67} Thus,
Analysis
{¶68} Based on the foregoing authority, the state’s prosecution of the rape offenses in counts 1 through 4 of the indictment was not barred by the statute of limitations. Counts 1 through 3 alleged rape offenses occurring between March 24, 1990, and December 31, 1990, when E.L. was 9 years old. Count 4 alleged a rape offense occurring between March 24, 1991, and December 31, 1991, when E.L. was 10 years old. At the time these rape offenses were committed, the six-year statute of limitations set forth in the former version of
{¶69} On March 9, 1999, the statute of limitations for rape was increased to 20 years. Since E.L. had not reported the rape offenses to a responsible adult and was three weeks away from her eighteenth birthday, the 20-year statute of limitations became applicable. However, it remained tolled until E.L. turned 18 on March 24, 1999. As a result, the state was required to prosecute Mr. Fast prior to March 24, 2019. The indictment was filed in April 2018; thus, the statute of limitations had not expired.
{¶70} Our conclusion is in accord with those of our sister districts that have applied the foregoing authority to similar facts. See State v. Warren, 168 Ohio App.3d 288, 2006-Ohio-4104, 859 N.E.2d 998, ¶ 13-14 (8th Dist.); State v. Picard, 5th Dist. Richland No. 2009 CA 0108, 2010-Ohio-6358, ¶ 55-68; State v. Bowling, 12th Dist. Butler No. CA2014-01-017, 2015-Ohio-360, ¶ 9-15.
{¶71} Mr. Fast’s first assignment of error is without merit.
Motion in Limine
{¶72} In his second assignment of error, Mr. Fast contends that the trial court erred by granting the state’s motion in limine regarding E.L.’s alleged drug use and addiction. According to Mr. Fast, the trial court’s ruling restricted his right of cross-examination in violation of
Standard of Review
{¶73} Both the Supreme Courts of the United States and Ohio have held that the “‘extent of cross-examination with respect to an appropriate subject of inquiry is within the sound discretion of the trial court.’” State v. Green, 66 Ohio St.3d 141, 147, 609 N.E.2d 1253 (1993), quoting Alford v. United States, 282 U.S. 687, 691, 694, 51 S.Ct. 218, 75 L.Ed. 624 (1931). “Thus, when the trial court determines that certain evidence will be * * * excluded from trial, it is well established that the order or ruling of the court will not be reversed unless there has been a clear and prejudicial abuse of discretion.” O’Brien v. Angley, 63 Ohio St.2d 159, 163, 407 N.E.2d 490 (1980).
{¶74} An abuse of discretion is the trial court’s “‘failure to exercise sound, reasonable, and legal decision-making.’” State v. Beechler, 2d Dist. Clark No. 09-CA-54, 2010-Ohio-1900, ¶ 62, quoting Black’s Law Dictionary 11 (8th Ed.Rev.2004). When the issue on review has been confided to the discretion of the trial court, the mere fact that the reviewing court would have reached a different result is not enough, without more, to find error. Id.
Right of Cross-examination
{¶75} The
{¶76} The right of cross-examination includes the right to impeach a witness’s credibility. Green at 147. Under
{¶77} “However, the Confrontation Clause guarantees only ‘an opportunity for effective cross-examination, not cross-examination that is effective in whatever way, and to whatever extent, the defense might wish.’” (Emphasis sic.) State v. Lang, 129 Ohio St.3d 512, 2011-Ohio-4215, 954 N.E.2d 596, ¶ 83, quoting Delaware v. Fensterer, 474 U.S. 15, 20, 106 S.Ct. 292, 88 L.Ed.2d 15 (1985). “Trial courts have ‘wide latitude * * * to impose reasonable limits on such cross-examination based on concerns about, among other things, harassment, prejudice, confusion of the issues, the witness’ safety, or interrogation that is repetitive or only marginally relevant.’” State v. McKelton, 148 Ohio St.3d 261, 2016-Ohio-5735, 70 N.E.3d 508, ¶ 170, quoting Delaware v. Van Arsdall, 475 U.S. 673, 679, 106 S.Ct. 1431, 89 L.Ed.2d. 674 (1986).
{¶78} These principles are further reflected in
Relevancy and Prejudice
{¶79} Under
{¶80} Evidence of a witness’s drug use may be probative of his or her capacity or ability to observe, remember, or relate under
{¶81} Thus, this court has held that “the credibility of testimony can be attacked through evidence of a witness’s intoxication at the time of the matter about which the witness seeks to testify.” (Emphasis added.) Kenney v. Fealko, 75 Ohio App.3d 47, 51, 598 N.E.2d 861 (11th Dist.1991). “Such evidence is relevant to the issue of credibility, since it questions the ability of the witness to correctly perceive the events which allegedly occurred.” Id.
{¶82} Similarly, federal courts have held that “‘a witness’s use of drugs may not be used to attack his or her general credibility, but only his or her ability to perceive the underlying events and testify lucidly at trial.’” United States v. March, 114 Fed.Appx. 671, 674 (6th Cir.2004), quoting Jarrett v. United States, 822 F.2d 1438, 1446 (7th Cir.1987).
Analysis
{¶83} Mr. Fast first contends that the trial court erred because evidence regarding E.L.’s drug use and addiction was directly related to her ability to accurately recall events that allegedly occurred 28 years prior to trial.
{¶84} We acknowledge that E.L.’s credibility and her ability to recall the alleged incidents underlying counts 1 through 4 were crucial aspects of the state’s case against Mr. Fast. However, Mr. Fast never asserted that E.L. was using drugs or alcohol at any time during 1990 or 1991. At trial, the defense conceded that there was no basis to believe that E.L. was using drugs of abuse or alcohol during 1990 or 1991.
{¶85} Although the trial court did not expressly set forth its reasoning in granting
{¶86} Mr. Fast next contends that the trial court erred because the time period in which E.L. allegedly abused drugs and became an addict, i.e., her “teenage years,” encompassed the ten-year time period referenced in the original eight counts of the indictment, i.e., May 24, 1990, through May 31, 2000.
{¶87} Contrary to Mr. Fast’s suggestion, the indictment did not allege a continuing course of conduct occurring over a ten-year period. For instance, counts 1 through 3 alleged separate offenses related in time and location, while count 4 alleged an offense related in time but at a different location. The offenses alleged counts 5 through 8 were each unrelated in time and location to counts 1 through 4.
{¶88} In addition, Mr. Fast’s use of the phrase “teenage years” is imprecise. At the hearing on Mr. Fast’s motion in limine, defense counsel contended that E.L. referenced being a drug addict and using drugs on the date of the offense charged in count 8, which allegedly occurred on or between May 1 through May 31, 2000. During
oral argument in this case, Mr. Fast‘s appellate counsel confirmed that this argument relates to the time period alleged in count 8.
{¶89} Even if we presume E.L. was using or was addicted to drugs during May 2000, it does not appear that the trial court‘s ruling would have prohibited Mr. Fast from cross-examining E.L. about it. The state‘s motion in limine sought an order prohibiting the defense from questioning E.L. regarding her alcohol or drug use “unrelated in time or place to the offenses charged.” E.L.‘s alleged drug use during May 2000 was arguably related in time or place to count 8.
{¶90} Even if the trial court‘s ruling could be construed as being improperly overbroad, Mr. Fast cannot demonstrate resulting prejudice. The trial court subsequently granted the state‘s motion to dismiss count 8. Drug use or addiction during May 2000 is not arguably related in time or place to counts 1 through 4, which alleged conduct occurring in 1990 and 1991. Thus, any potentially prejudicial effect of the trial court‘s ruling was subsequently eliminated.
{¶91} Accordingly, we conclude that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in granting the state‘s motion in limine.
{¶92} Mr. Fast‘s second assignment of error is without merit.
Sufficiency of the Evidence
{¶93} Within his third assignment of error, Mr. Fast contends that the trial court erred by denying his motions for acquittal and motion for a new trial based on the deficiencies in the state‘s evidence.
Standard of Review
{¶94}
{¶95}
{¶96} Thus, when a defendant makes a
{¶97} Pursuant to
{¶98} “‘“[S]ufficiency” is a term of art meaning that legal standard which is applied to determine whether the case may go to the jury or whether the evidence is legally sufficient to support the jury verdict as a matter of law.‘” State v. Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d 380, 386, 678 N.E.2d 541 (1997), quoting Black‘s Law Dictionary 1433 (6th Ed.1990). “In essence, sufficiency is a test of adequacy.” Id. “An appellate court‘s function when reviewing the sufficiency of the evidence to support a criminal conviction is to examine the evidence admitted at trial to determine whether such evidence, if believed, would convince the average mind of the defendant‘s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.” State v. Jenks, 61 Ohio St.3d 259, 574 N.E.2d 492 (1991), paragraph two of the syllabus. “The relevant inquiry is whether, after viewing the evidence in a light most favorable to the prosecution, any rational trier of fact could have found the essential elements of the crime proven beyond a reasonable doubt.” Id.
{¶99} When evaluating the adequacy of the evidence, we do not consider its credibility or effect in inducing belief. Thompkins at 386-387. Rather, we decide whether, if believed, the evidence can sustain the verdict as a matter of law. Id.
Analysis
{¶100} Mr. Fast contends that E.L.‘s testimony was “completely deficient” to establish that the rape offense in count 4 occurred in 1991, as charged in the indictment. According to Mr. Fast, E.L.‘s testimony referenced the year 1992.
{¶101} Count 4 of the indictment charged Mr. Fast with rape involving a person less than 13 years of age in violation
{¶102} E.L. testified that she was born on March 24, 1981, and that this offense occurred during the summer of 1991 when she was ten years old. During cross-examination, E.L. conceded that she identified the year as 1992 in her written statement
{¶103}“[THE STATE]: Who is the man who touched you and penetrated you in 1990?
{¶104}“[E.L.] Robert Fast.
{¶105}“[THE STATE]: 1991?
{¶106}“[E.L.] Robert Fast.”
{¶107} Thus, we conclude the state presented sufficient evidence for a reasonable jury to conclude that the rape offense charged in count 4 occurred in 1991. The discrepancy between E.L.‘s trial testimony and her written statement to the police involved the weight of the evidence rather than its sufficiency.
{¶108} Accordingly, the discussed portion of Mr. Fast‘s third assignment of error is without merit.
Manifest Weight of the Evidence
{¶109} Within his third assignment of error, Mr. Fast contends that the jury‘s verdicts were against the manifest weight of the evidence.
Standard of Review
{¶110}“[W]eight of the evidence addresses the evidence‘s effect of inducing belief.” State v. Wilson, 113 Ohio St.3d 382, 2007-Ohio-2202, 865 N.E.2d 1264, ¶ 25. “In other words, a reviewing court asks whose evidence is more persuasive—the state‘s or the defendant‘s?” Id. “‘The court, reviewing the entire record, weighs the evidence and all reasonable inferences, considers the credibility of witnesses and determines whether in resolving conflicts in the evidence, the jury clearly lost its way and created such a manifest miscarriage of justice that the conviction must be reversed and a new trial ordered.‘” Thompkins, supra, at 387, quoting State v. Martin, 20 Ohio App.3d 172, 175, 485 N.E.2d 717 (1st Dist.1983).
{¶111}“‘When a court of appeals reverses a judgment of a trial court on the basis that the verdict is against the weight of the evidence, the appellate court sits as a ‘thirteenth juror’ and disagrees with the factfinder‘s resolution of the conflicting testimony.‘” Id., quoting Tibbs v. Florida, 457 U.S. 31, 42, 102 S.Ct. 2211, 72 L.Ed.2d 652 (1982). “‘The discretionary power to grant a new trial should be exercised only in the exceptional case in which the evidence weighs heavily against the conviction.‘” Id., quoting Martin at 175.
Analysis
{¶112} Mr. Fast contends that the evidence supporting counts 1 through 3 are contradicted by the “multiple deficiencies” in E.L.‘s testimony and the testimony of other witnesses.
{¶113} Mr. Fast has failed to cite any portion of the record or relevant legal authority in support of this proposition, in violation of
{¶114} Given the long period of time between the alleged offenses and E.L.‘s report to police, the state‘s case against Mr. Fast necessarily depended heavily on matters of witness credibility. “[T]he credibility of the witnesses is primarily for the trier of the facts.” State v. DeHass, 10 Ohio St.2d 230, 227 N.E.2d 212 (1967), paragraph one of the syllabus. “The choice between credible witnesses and their conflicting testimony rests solely with the finder of fact and an appellate court may not substitute its own judgment for that of the finder of fact.” State v. Awan, 22 Ohio St.3d 120, 123, 489 N.E.2d 277 (1986). A fact finder is free to believe all, some, or none of the testimony of each witness appearing before it. State v. Fetty, 11th Dist. Portage No. 2011-P-0091, 2012-Ohio-6127, ¶ 58.
{¶115} Further, when reviewing a judgment under a manifest-weight-of-the evidence standard, a court has an obligation to presume that the findings of the trier of fact are correct. Id. at ¶ 59. This presumption arises because the fact finder had an opportunity to view the witnesses and observe their demeanor in weighing their credibility. Id.
{¶116} At trial, E.L. testified in great detail regarding Mr. Fast‘s alleged sexual assaults. Certain aspects of E.L.‘s testimony was bolstered by consistent testimony from the other witnesses.
{¶117} For example, A.G. confirmed the general dysfunction present in their household as children; that she and E.L. were affiliated with the First Baptist Church in Jefferson; that they attended the vacation bible school at the church during certain summers; that E.L. stayed at Mr. Fast‘s Jefferson apartment during one summer to attend the school; and the general events surrounding the alleged Roaming Shores rape offense.
{¶118} Mr. Fast and Ms. Harden each confirmed details regarding the layout of their Jefferson apartment; that Mr. Fast wore a blue Speedo; and that Mr. Fast owned a red Camaro. Mr. Fast confirmed some of the events surrounding the alleged Roaming Shores rape offense.
{¶119} The jury also heard Mr. Fast‘s steadfast denials that he sexually assaulted E.L. and both Mr. Fast‘s and Ms. Harden‘s testimony that E.L. never stayed overnight at their Jefferson apartment, despite her description of it.
{¶120} The jury was in the best position to view these witnesses and determine their respective credibility. Despite the defense‘s best efforts, the jury chose to believe E.L.‘s version of events.
{¶121} In addition, as the defense demonstrated, E.L.‘s trial testimony contained some inconsistences in comparison to her written statement to police. For instance, E.L. stated that the Roaming Shores rape offense occurred in 1992 rather than 1991 and identified the location of Mr. Fast‘s former Jefferson apartment building as being replaced by Rite Aid rather than Drug Mart. These inconsistencies do not weigh heavily against Mr. Fast‘s convictions, as the evidence supports an inference that they were errors in recollection.
{¶122} We also note the evidence indicating E.L.‘s name does not appear in either the 1989 or 1990 vacation bible school program pamphlets. However, A.G.‘s name appears in the 1989 program, which confirms aspects of her testimony. In addition, A.G. testified that she did see not the names of some children who did attend and did not recognize the names of other children who were listed in the program pamphlet as attending. Thus, this evidence also does not weigh heavily against Mr. Fast‘s convictions, as the evidence supports an inference that the program pamphlets were not entirely factually accurate.
{¶123} Given the totality of the evidence, we cannot say that inconsistencies or conflicting evidence rendered E.L.‘s testimony so incredible as to be unbelievable. Accordingly, the jury did not clearly lose its way and create a manifest miscarriage of justice in weighing the evidence.
{¶124} The remainder of Mr. Fast‘s third assignment of error is without merit.
{¶125} In his fourth and final assignment of error, Mr. Fast contends that the trial court imposed his sentences after a second trial pursuant to an improperly amended indictment, which constituted an abuse of discretion and was in violation of law.
Standard of Review
{¶126} The standard of review for felony sentences is governed by
{¶127}“The court hearing an appeal under division (A), (B), or (C) of this section shall review the record, including the findings underlying the sentence or modification given by the sentencing court.
{¶128}“The appellate court may increase, reduce, or otherwise modify a sentence that is appealed under this section or may vacate the sentence and remand the matter to the sentencing court for resentencing. The appellate court‘s standard for review is not whether the sentencing court abused its discretion. The appellate court may take any action authorized by this division if it clearly and convincingly finds either of the following:
{¶129}“(a) That the record does not support the sentencing court‘s findings under division (B) or (D) of section 2929.13, division (B)(2)(e) or (C)(4) of section 2929.14, or division (I) of section 2929.20 of the Revised Code, whichever, if any, is relevant;
{¶130}“(b) That the sentence is otherwise contrary to law.”
{¶131}“‘Clear and convincing evidence is that measure or degree of proof which is more than a mere “preponderance of the evidence,” but not to the extent of such certainty as is required “beyond a reasonable doubt” in criminal cases, and which will produce in the mind of the trier of facts a firm belief or conviction as to the facts sought to be established.‘” Marcum at ¶ 22, quoting Cross v. Ledford, 161 Ohio St. 469, 120 N.E.2d 118 (1954), paragraph three of the syllabus.
Law and Analysis
{¶132}
{¶133}“The court may at any time before, during, or after a trial amend the indictment, information, complaint, or bill of particulars, in respect to any defect, imperfection, or omission in form or substance, or of any variance with the evidence, provided no change is made in the name or identity of the crime charged.” (Emphasis added.)
{¶134} Although Mr. Fast contends that the trial court‘s amendment was “improper” and “in violation of law,” he has failed to develop an argument or cite any relevant legal authority in support of this proposition.
{¶135} In any event, we note that the Supreme Court of Ohio has held that ”
{¶136} For example, in Davis, the court found reversible error where the amendment
{¶137} In this case, counts 1 through 4 of the indictment charged Mr. Fast with rape in violation
{¶138} At the first jury trial, the jury failed to reach verdicts on these counts. Prior to retrial, the state filed a motion to amend the indictment to state that the offenses in counts 1 through 4 were “aggravated” felonies of the first degree based on the version of
{¶139} Under these facts,
{¶140} This court and others have permitted amendments in similar circumstances. For example, in State v. Wellman, 4th Dist. Pickaway No. 85 CA 5, 1986 WL 9078 (Aug. 20, 1986), the indictment was amended to state that an aggravated burglary offense in violation of
{¶141} In State v. Ryan, 11th Dist. Ashtabula No. 1316, 1988 WL 363194 (Jan. 22, 1988), the indictment was amended to change the numerical designation of a rape offense from
{¶142} Our conclusion is not changed by the fact that the amendment occurred prior to a retrial on counts 1 through 4.
{¶143}“The Double Jeopardy Clause of the United States Constitution prohibits (1) a second prosecution for the same offense after acquittal, (2) a second prosecution for the same offense after conviction, and (3) multiple punishments for the same offense.” State v. Brown, 119 Ohio St.3d 447, 2008-Ohio-4569, 895 N.E.2d 149, ¶ 10. “[J]eopardy does not terminate when the jury is discharged because it is unable to agree.” Richardson v. United States, 468 U.S. 317, 326, 104 S.Ct. 3081, 82 L.Ed.2d 242 (1984).
{¶144} Here, the jury failed to reach verdicts on counts 1 through 4 at the first trial. Therefore, Mr. Fast was not retried for the same offenses after acquittal or conviction.
{¶145} Accordingly, Mr. Fast has not established that his sentence is clearly and convincingly contrary to law.
{¶146} Mr. Fast‘s fourth assignment of error is without merit.
{¶147} For the foregoing reasons, the judgment of the Ashtabula County Court of Common Pleas is affirmed.
THOMAS R. WRIGHT, J.,
MATT LYNCH, J.,
concur.