State v. GoffState v. Goff
{¶ 1} Appellant, John T. Goff, appeals from his conviction by a jury and a sentence from the Summit County Court of Common Pleas. We affirm.
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{¶ 2} On June 8, 2001, a Summit County Grand Jury indicted Goff for two counts of rape, two counts of sexual battery, and one count of child endangering. The charges arose from several incidents alleged by Goffs teen-aged stepdaughter, S.G., who claimed that Goff and her mother, Narda (Goffs wife) artificially inseminated S.G. with Goffs sperm against her will. The insemination resulted in pregnancy and the subsequent birth of a child to S.G. Goff was convicted by a jury on all counts and was sentenced on October 8, 2002. At the sentencing, Goff was also adjudicated a sexual predator. Goff timely appealed, raising six assignments of error.
II
Assignment of Error No. 1
“The trial court erred when it determined that Mrs. Goffs out-of-court statements qualified as admissible hearsay underEvid.R. 804(B)(3) .”
(¶ 3} In the first assignment of error, Goff argues that it was error to admit out-of-court statements made by Narda. Goff avers that because Narda believed that her behavior was not criminal and that her statements would not incriminate her, the statements did not qualify as “statements against interest” for purposes of applying
{¶ 4} A trial court has broad discretion to admit evidence, and an appellate court will not disturb a trial court’s decision unless the trial court has abused its discretion and the defendant has been materially prejudiced.
State v. Long
(1978),
{¶ 5} Generally, out-of-court statements offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted are inadmissible hearsay.
{¶ 6} To fall within the hearsay exception as a statement against interest under
{¶ 7} Second, it must be shown that the statement tended to subject the declarant to criminal liability and that a reasonable person, in declarant’s position, would not have made the statement unless it was true.
Gilliam,
{¶ 8} Last, corroborating circumstances must exist to indicate the trustworthiness of the statement.
Gilliam,
{¶ 9} In the instant case, there are sufficient corroborating circumstances that indicate that the statement is trustworthy. Corroborating testimony was provided by the victim; by Julie Ainslee, who is a clinical social worker; and by Greg Suchy, who first encouraged the victim to go to the police. Consequently, we find *66 that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in determining that Narda’s statements were trustworthy and in admitting her statements. Goffs first assignment of error is overruled.
Assignment of Error No. 2
“Admitting Mrs. Goffs out-of-court statements through the testimony of detective Mifflin violated Mr. Goffs federal and state constitutional rights to confrontation.”
{¶ 10} In his second assignment of error, Goff argues that when the trial court allowed Narda’s statements into evidence through the testimony of Detective Mifflin, Goffs constitutional right to cross-examine Narda regarding those statements was violated.
{¶ 11} In general, the Confrontation Clause and the hearsay rules protect the same values as a result of their commonality in origin; nevertheless, the proscriptions of the Confrontation Clause cannot be likened with the general rule prohibiting the admission of hearsay statements.
White v. Illinois
(1992),
{¶ 12} The Confrontation Clause, which is encapsulated within the Sixth Amendment of the Constitution, is the right of an accused “to be confronted with the witnesses against him” and ensures that a defendant will not be convicted based upon charges of unseen, unknown, and unchallengeable witnesses. Sixth Amendment, United States Constitution;
Lee v. Illinois
(1986),
{¶ 13} In
Ohio v. Roberts
(1980),
{¶ 14} “To be admissible under the Confrontation Clause, hearsay evidence used to convict a defendant must possess indicia of reliability by virtue of its inherent trustworthiness, not by reference to other evidence at trial.”
Wright,
{¶ 15} We have already determined that Narda was unavailable to testify; therefore, we must determine whether Narda’s statements, as shown by the totality of the circumstances, possess the required indicia of reliability. Narda went to the police station and gave her statement voluntarily, without being given promises or any consideration in exchange for her statement. Narda did not attempt to exonerate herself and inculpate Goff solely but admitted her role and her presence during the inseminations. Narda admitted that she participated even though the victim seemed reluctant to continue in the plan. Therefore, we find that Narda’s statements satisfied the indicia-of-reliability prong and did not violate the Confrontation Clause. Accordingly, Goffs second assignment of error is overruled.
Assignment of Error No. 3
“The trial court’s denial of the Goffs motions to suppress statements in violated due process, Fifth and Sixth Amendment, and state constitutional rights.” (Sic.)
{¶ 16} In his third assignment of error, Goff states that any statements he made to the Stow Police Department, the Portage County Department of Jobs and Family Services, and the Portage County Prosecuting Attorney should have been suppressed. The state responds that the issue is moot, as none of Goffs statements was used as evidence at the trial.
{¶ 17} In the motion to suppress, which was denied in the trial court, Goff claims that his statements made to law enforcement personnel were involuntary in that “the interrogation took place in a suggestive and coercive manner violative of [his] constitutional rights.” Further, Goff states that when the statements were made, he had not been advised of his Miranda rights and he made the statements under the threat of losing custody of his child.
{¶ 18} Upon a review of the trial court testimony and the exhibits admitted into evidence, we agree with the state’s position that the issue is moot. Goffs statements made to the Stow Police Department, the Portage County Department of Jobs and Family Services, and the Portage County Prosecuting Attorney were not offered into evidence either through witnesses or through exhibits and, consequently, were not presented to the jury. “An appellate court does not have a duty to decide moot issues.”
State v. Johnston
(Dec. 15, 1993), 9th Dist. No. 16137, at 3,
*68 Assignment of Error No. 4
“The trial court’s instruction allowing the jury to find the force element of rape through the existence of a parental relationship was plain error and/or counsel’s failure to object to it denied Mr. Goff his constitutional right to effective assistance of counsel.”
{¶ 19} In the fourth assignment of error, Goff alleges that the jury instruction was erroneous in that the jury was instructed that the parental relationship between the parties satisfied the element of force. This argument was not raised in the trial court; therefore, Goff asks this court to review the jury instructions for plain error. Further, Goff claims that the trial attorney’s failure to object was ineffective assistance of counsel. We will address each argument in turn, beginning with the plain-error argument.
{¶ 20} “Plain errors or defects affecting substantial rights may be noticed although they were not brought to the attention of the [trial] court.”
{¶ 21} The jury instructions given stated:
“Force of parent or other authority figure. When the relationship between the victim and the defendant is one of child and parent or stepparent, the element of force need not be openly displayed or physically brutal. It can be subtle or slight and psychological or emotionally powerful. If you find beyond a reasonable doubt that under the circumstances in evidence the victim’s will was overcome by fear or duress or intimidation, the element of force has been proved.”
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{¶ 22} The parent’s position of authority and power, in relation to a child’s vulnerability, creates a unique situation of dominance and control in which explicit threats and displays of force are not necessary to effect a parent/abuser’s purpose.
State v. Eskridge
(1988),
{¶ 23} Ohio Jury Instructions provides:
“11. FORCE OF PARENT OR OTHER AUTHORITY FIGURE. When the relationship between the victim and the defendant is one of child and (parent) (describe other authority figure), the element of force need not be openly displayed or physically brutal. It can be (subtle)(slight) and (psychological)(emotionally powerful). If you find beyond a reasonable doubt that under the circumstances in evidence the victim’s will was overcome by fear or duress (intimidation), the element of force has been proved.” 4 Ohio Jury Instructions (2003) 238, Section 507.02(A)(1).
{¶ 24} In reviewing the jury instructions for plain error, we find that the first prong requiring the deviation from a legal rule is not satisfied. The jury instructions provided were consistent with the model instructions given in Ohio Jury Instructions, as well as applicable case law; therefore, there is no plain error in the substance of the jury instructions provided.
{¶ 25} In order to show ineffective assistance of counsel, it must be shown that (1) counsel’s performance was deficient to the point that representation was not adequate to meet Sixth Amendment guarantees; and (2) “the deficient performance prejudiced the defense.”
Strickland v. Washington
(1984),
{¶ 26} Because the jury instructions provided were not erroneous, trial counsel’s failure to object to the instructions did not prejudice the defense and does *70 not amount to ineffective assistance of counsel. Goffs fourth assignment of error is overruled.
Assignment of Error No. 5
“The imposition of maximum and consecutive sentences was disproportionate to sentences imposed for similar crimes committed by similarly situated offenders in violation [of] the principals [sic] and purposes of Ohio’s sentencing plan and was contrary to law.”
{¶ 27} In his fifth assignment of error, Goff contends that he was treated dissimilarly from Narda when he was sentenced. Narda was also convicted of crimes arising from the insemination of S.G., and Goff maintains that it is contrary to the purposes and principles of the sentencing statute to impose a three-year sentence upon Narda, and then to impose two consecutive ten year sentences, the maximum allowed, upon Goff for crimes arising under the same set of facts. Further, Goff argues, the evidence does not support the imposition of consecutive maximum sentences.
{¶ 28} The purposes and principles of the felony sentencing statute are codified at
“(A) A court that sentences an offender for a felony shall be guided by the overriding purposes of felony sentencing. The overriding purposes of felony sentencing are to protect the public from future crime by the offender and others and to punish the offender. To achieve those purposes, the sentencing court shall consider the need for incapacitating the offender, deterring the offender and others from future crime, rehabilitating the offender, and making restitution to the victim of the offense, the public, or both.
“(B) A sentence imposed for a felony shall be reasonably calculated to achieve the two overriding purposes of felony sentencing set forth in division (A) of this section, commensurate with and not demeaning to the seriousness of the offender’s conduct and its impact upon the victim, and consistent with sentences imposed for similar crimes committed by similar offenders.”
{¶ 29} The following section of the code,
“Unless otherwise required * * * a court that imposes a sentence under this chapter upon an offender for a felony has discretion to determine the most effective way to comply with the purposes and principles of sentencing set forth insection 2929.11 of the Revised Code. In exercising that discretion, the court shall consider the factors set forth in divisions (B) and (C) of this section relating to the seriousness of the conduct and the factors provided in divisions (D) and (E) of this section relating to the likelihood of the offender’s recidivism *71 and, in addition, may consider any other factors that are relevant to achieving those purposes and principles of sentencing.”R.C. 2929.12(A) .
{¶ 30}
{¶ 31} Goff does not argue that the trial court did not consider the factors or make the required findings on the record, but that he was treated differently from and less deferentially than Narda when sentenced, in violation of the purposes of the sentencing statute.
{¶ 32} Goff was convicted of two counts of rape in violation of
{¶ 33} Because Goff was convicted of two felonies of the first degree and Narda was not, we do not find that the trial court abused its discretion or violated the purposes of the felony sentencing statute in sentencing Goff more severely than Narda. Further, at Goffs sentencing, the trial court stated that Narda’s sentence was more lenient because Narda was abused by Goff and “did not willingly and voluntarily go along with this aberration.” Therefore, Goffs fifth assignment of error is overruled.
Assignment of Error No. 6
“The court erred by adjudicating Mr. Goff a sexual predator in the absence of sufficient evidence that would establish by clear and convincing evidence a likelihood to engage in the future in a sexually oriented offense.”
{¶ 34} In this assignment of error, Goff argues that there was insufficient evidence to prove by clear and convincing evidence that he is likely to engage in a sexually oriented offense in the future and, therefore, that he should not have been adjudicated a sexual predator. Specifically, Goff claims that “the purpose and nature of the insemination was [sic] for procreation, not sexual
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gratification.” Further, Goff points out that not all the factors of
{¶ 35} A sexual predator is defined as a person who “has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to committing a sexually oriented offense and is likely to engage in the future in one or more sexually oriented offenses.”
“(a) The offender’s or delinquent child’s age;
“(b) The offender’s or delinquent child’s prior criminal or delinquency record regarding all offenses, including, but not limited to, all sexual offenses;
“(c) The age of the victim of the sexually oriented offense for which sentence is to be imposed or the order of disposition is to be made;
“(d) Whether the sexually oriented offense for which sentence is to be imposed or the order of disposition is to be made involved multiple victims;
“(e) Whether the offender or delinquent child used drugs or alcohol to impair the victim of the sexually oriented offense or to prevent the victim from resisting;
“(f) If the offender or delinquent child previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to, or been adjudicated a delinquent child for committing an act that if committed by an adult would be, a criminal offense, whether the offender or delinquent child completed any sentence or dispositional order imposed for the prior offense or act and, if the prior offense or act was a sex offense or a sexually oriented offense, whether the offender or delinquent child participated in available programs for sexual offenders;
“(g) Any mental illness or mental disability of the offender or delinquent child;
“(h) The nature of the offender’s or delinquent child’s sexual conduct, sexual contact, or interaction in a sexual context with the victim of the sexually oriented offense and whether the sexual conduct, sexual contact, or interaction in a sexual context was part of a demonstrated pattern of abuse;
“(i) Whether the offender or delinquent child, during the commission of the sexually oriented offense for which sentence is to be imposed or the order of disposition is to be made, displayed cruelty or made one or more threats of cruelty;
“(j) Any additional behavioral characteristics that contribute to the offender’s or delinquent child’s conduct.”R.C. 2950.09(B)(3) .
{¶ 36} In order for a sexual offender to be labeled a sexual predator, the state must prove by clear and convincing evidence that the offender has been convicted of a sexually oriented offense and that the offender is likely to be a repeat sexual
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offender in the future.
State v. Eppinger
(2001),
{¶ 37} The record from the trial court contains a judgment entry that states:
“Upon consideration of the factors set forth inR.C. 2950.09 and the evidence presented herein, the Court FINDS by clear and convincing evidence that the Defendant engaged in acts which indicate he is a SEXUAL PREDATOR.”
{¶ 38} In support of the finding, the trial court stated that “the crimes committed were exacerbated by:
“(1) the difference between the offender’s age and the victim’s age;
“(2) The age of the victim; and
“(3) The offender was in a position of trust and used that position to facilitate the offenses.”
{¶ 39} Further, the transcript from the sentencing hearing demonstrates that the trial court considered the age of the victim at the time of the offenses, her ongoing emotional immaturity in spite of her chronological age, the nature of the offense, the presence of a pattern of abuse, Goffs age, the parent-child relationship between the parties, and the ultimate birth of a child to a victim who confessed a lack of devotion to the child due to the circumstances of conception. The trial court found that a sexual-predator designation was warranted given all of the above factors.
{¶ 40} For an offender to be adjudicated a sexual predator, the Revised Code requires a conviction for a sexually oriented offense and a finding that there is the likelihood of recidivism.
{¶ 41} Goffs sixth assignment of error is overruled.
Ill
{¶ 42} Goffs six assignments of error are overruled. The judgment of the Summit County Court of Common Pleas is affirmed.
Judgment affirmed.