2005 Ohio 6717 | Ohio Ct. App. | 2005
Lead Opinion
{¶ 2} The two victims described their family's living conditions in terms that would have given Charles Dickens pause. Gus lost his job and his house. He and his wife (the mother of the two victims) were forced to seek shelter with the victims' maternal grandparents. The grandparents did not like Gus and forbade him from entering the house, so he and his wife were forced to live in the garage. This animosity toward Gus went so far as to deny him the use of the bathroom, causing him and his wife to use a bucket as a substitute for a toilet. Gus and his wife had the girls collect wood from neighborhood construction sites to fire a stove they used in the garage. One of the victims claimed that Gus disciplined her by beating her with a board that had nails in it.
{¶ 3} The victims collectively described a lengthy period of sexual abuse where Gus would touch them inappropriately with his fingers or mouth. In other episodes, he would conclude beatings by rubbing their backsides and saying "is this better?" One of the victims testified that Gus would rub his genitals against her or try to rub her genitals. Both victims testified that Gus threatened to kill them if they told anyone what he had done.
{¶ 4} Eventually, both victims were removed from the custody of their mother and Gus. They had been exhibiting dangerous behavior — one of the victims began to cut herself while the other victim admitted trying to hurt her sister by throwing a vase at her. The maternal aunt who took both girls into her home after their removal from Gus and the mother said that the victims exhibited extremely disruptive behavior, including screaming and banging their heads. One of the victims was placed into a hospital and later transferred to a specialized care facility. This victim was later diagnosed with, among other things, reactive attachment disorder, post traumatic stress disorder and dysthymic disorder.
This is so partly because the specific time and date of the offense are not elements of the offense. See State v. Sellards
(1985),
{¶ 7} While Gus concedes that exact dates are not required, he maintains that the state failed to establish any time frame whatsoever for when the offenses occurred. This argument is disproved by ample testimony showing that the assaults occurred once Gus and his wife moved into the maternal grandparents' garage. The victims moved in with the grandparents in June 2001 and were removed from that home in March 2002. Consequently, the dates of the multiple offenses occurred during that time frame.
{¶ 9} R.C.
{¶ 10} The testimony, viewed in a light most favorable to the state, showed that both victims testified that Gus would touch them in their pubic regions, their breasts and buttocks. The younger victim testified that Gus was "always touching" her genital area with his fingers and mouth. When asked how many times, she replied, "every day." The older victim testified that Gus touched her genital area more than five times, and touched her breast approximately 10 times. In addition, she testified that Gus would make her rub his genitals and that he would rub his genitals against her. Both victims testified that Gus warned them not to tell anyone what he had done, and that he would kill them if they did.
{¶ 11} This evidence is sufficient to establish the elements of gross sexual imposition as charged in relation to the older victim. The older victim testified to a minimum of 15 incidents, and the jury convicted Gus of only three counts of gross sexual imposition. The jury thus had more than sufficient proof to satisfy conviction on three counts.
{¶ 12} Likewise, the evidence supports all of the gross sexual imposition counts charged in relation to the younger victim. The jury found Gus guilty of nine counts in this respect, and this number corresponded to testimony that Gus had used his finger and his mouth "more than ten times." It is true that the younger victim made statements that Gus was "always doing it" and that "he did it so much, I don't even remember" the number of times that the touching occurred. Standing alone, these statements might have been problematic, but taken in conjunction with testimony that the offenses occurred more than 10 times, we find the state established sufficient evidence to prove the offenses.
{¶ 14} Because Gus did not object to any of the evidence he now cites to as being erroneously admitted, we can only review it for plain error. "Plain error" exists when it is demonstrated that the outcome of the trial clearly would have been different but for the error. State v. Long (1978),
{¶ 15} Victim impact evidence is excluded because it is irrelevant and immaterial to the guilt or innocence of the accused — it principally serves to inflame the passion of the jury. See State v. White (1968),
{¶ 16} With these precedents in mind, we are unable to say that admission of the victims' statements was erroneous, much less plain error. The emotional scars of sexual abuse are as real as the physical scars caused by physical assaults. Just as the victim of a felonious assault may testify to the treatment needed as a result of the assault in order to prove that the assault actually did occur, so may the victim of a sexual assault testify to the lingering trauma suffered as a result of that abuse. Of course, there must be a foundation for the emotional trauma, and the state presented testimony from mental health providers and social workers that the victims' acts of cutting themselves were indicative of emotional pain. That evidence was circumstantially sufficient to tie in the course of sexual contact with the adverse consequences suffered by the victims.
{¶ 18} Evid.R. 404(B) prohibits the use of evidence of other crimes, wrongs, or acts to prove the character of a person in order to show that the person acted in conformity therewith. The evidence may be admissible for another purpose, however, such as to prove identity or knowledge. Id. When other acts evidence is offered for a proper purpose, it is still subject to the limitations placed on all other evidence under Evid.R. 402 and 403. Because there is always the risk that other acts evidence might be unduly prejudicial, the United States Supreme Court has established factors to be considered by the courts: (1) the other crimes evidence must have a proper purpose, (2) the proffered evidence must be relevant, (3) its probative value must outweigh its potential for unfair prejudice, and (4) the court must charge the jury to consider the other crimes evidence only for the limited purpose for which it is admitted. Huddleston v. UnitedStates (1988),
{¶ 19} Gus offers a two-page litany of allegedly improper examples of other acts evidence, but some of those examples can be rejected out-of-hand as not falling within Evid.R. 404(B). For example, testimony by the victims concerning the treatment they required, their attempts to kill themselves, even running away from home were not examples of "acts" done by Gus. These were acts of the victims, and thus not within the confines of Evid.R. 404(B) since they bore no relation to showing that Gus acted in conformity therewith.
{¶ 20} Of the cited examples which do arguably constitute those acts of Gus, we see nothing that would rise to the level of plain error. Many of the acts refer to the living conditions endured by the victims. For example, that they lived in a garage and used buckets in lieu of toilets, that they were forced to walk two miles to school, that one of the victims had to cut wood with a dull saw, and that their water would be turned off. None of these were "acts" of Gus in the sense that they were intended to prove his character and that he acted in conformity therewith; rather, they described conditions existing at the time.
{¶ 21} Of those statements which are more arguably within Evid.R. 404(B), they suggested that Gus beat the victims when they failed to complete their chores, that Gus stole money from the victims' grandfather, and that he bought and used drugs. None of these acts were offered for a permissible purpose under Evid.R. 404(B) since they failed to show any of the exceptions permitted by the rule.
{¶ 22} Nevertheless, we cannot say that they rose to the level of plain error in that the outcome of the trial would have been different had they not been admitted into evidence. Indeed, Gus testified in his own defense and, while denying committing the charged acts of abuse, admitted that he lost his job and wound up in financial straits. He denied beating the victims, but did admit that they would receive "swats" or be "smacked" with a paddle. He further admitted to being a paranoid schizophrenic and having bipolar disorder. Although he claimed to have taken his medication during the time frame encompassed by the criminal charges, he admitted that he did not do so "when I first got there [the grandparents' garage], but a little while after." He also pointed out that without his medication, he could not stand to be around other people.
{¶ 23} In short, the erroneously admitted other acts evidence would not have risen to the level of plain error because other evidence, properly admitted, achieved the same goal. Thus, we cannot say the outcome of trial would have been different had the court sustained objections to the offending testimony.
{¶ 25} As Gus notes, when the court chooses to impose consecutive sentences, it must make specific findings for doing so and give its reasons for making those findings. R.C.
{¶ 26} "If multiple prison terms are imposed on an offender for convictions of multiple offenses, the court may require the offender to serve the prison terms consecutively if the court finds that the consecutive service is necessary to protect the public from future crime or to punish the offender and that consecutive sentences are not disproportionate to the seriousness of the offender's conduct and to the danger the offender poses to the public, and if the court also finds any of the following:
{¶ 27} "(a) The offender committed one or more of the multiple offenses while the offender was awaiting trial or sentencing, was under a sanction imposed pursuant to section
{¶ 28} "(b) At least two of the multiple offenses were committed as part of one or more courses of conduct, and the harm caused by two or more of the multiple offenses so committed was so great or unusual that no single prison term for any of the offenses committed as part of any of the courses of conduct adequately reflects the seriousness of the offender's conduct.
{¶ 29} "(c) The offender's history of criminal conduct demonstrates that consecutive sentences are necessary to protect the public from future crime by the offender.
{¶ 30} R.C.
{¶ 31} The court found that consecutive sentences were necessary to protect the public and punish Gus, and were not disproportionate to his conduct and the danger that he posed. It specifically found that a single prison term would not adequately reflect the seriousness of Gus' conduct. The court's reasons for making these findings were based on the emotional and psychological injuries caused to the victims. The court noted that Gus held and abused a position of trust relative to the victims in order to facilitate the offenses. Moreover, the court found that the multiple counts showed that he engaged in a pattern of abuse against the victims.
{¶ 32} The court's reasons fully justified its findings.
{¶ 34} Likewise, Gus argues that the imposition of consecutive sentences violated his constitutional rights. Again, we considered and rejected this argument in Lett.
{¶ 37} There is a two-pronged analysis in reviewing a claim for ineffective assistance of counsel. First, we must determine whether counsel's assistance was ineffective; that is, whether counsel's performance fell below an objective standard of reasonable representation and was violative of any of his essential duties to the client. If we find ineffective assistance of counsel, we must then determine whether or not the defense was actually prejudiced by counsel's ineffectiveness such that the reliability of the outcome of the trial is suspect. This requires a showing that there is a reasonable probability that but for counsel's unprofessional error, the outcome of the trial would have been different. Strickland v. Washington (1984),
{¶ 38} Crim.R. 8(A) states that "two or more offenses may be charged in the same indictment * * * if the offenses charged * * * are of the same or similar character, or are based on two or more acts * * * constituting * * * part of a course of criminal conduct." Crim.R. 14 provides for relief from prejudice that results from joinder of offenses or defendants for trial. However, a defendant claiming error in the trial court's refusal to sever offenses or defendants under Crim.R. 14 has the burden of affirmatively showing that his rights were prejudiced by the joinder. State v. Torres (1981),
{¶ 39} "When a defendant claims that he was prejudiced by the joinder of multiple offenses, a court must determine (1) whether evidence of the other crimes would be admissible even if the counts were severed, and (2) if not, whether the evidence of each crime is simple and distinct. If the evidence of other crimes would be admissible at separate trials, any `prejudice that might result from the jury's hearing the evidence of the other crime in a joint trial would be no different from that possible in separate trials,' and a court need not inquire further. For this reason, we first address the extent to which evidence of each of these crimes would be admissible in the other trials if the counts were severed as requested by the defendant." (Citations omitted.)
{¶ 40} The bulk of the evidence relating to the actual offenses offered by the victims would have qualified as viable other acts evidence under Evid.R. 404(B). For example, both victims gave such similar descriptions of the commission of the offenses that the testimony of one could have gone toward establishing plan and opportunity for the other. The ongoing nature of the abuse would have supported the states' offer of this kind of evidence, so it is unclear to us whether a motion to sever would have been granted prior to trial. An attorney has no obligation to make unfounded or futile motions. State v. Wolf,
Cuyahoga App. No. 83632,
{¶ 41} In any event, the record would not support a conclusion that the outcome of trial would have been different even if we were to have found that counsel did violate an essential duty to Gus. The state presented compelling evidence of abuse. The testimony of the victims, viewed most favorably to the state, more than supports the jury's verdict, regardless of any omissions by counsel.
Judgment affirmed in part, vacated in part and remanded.
Costs assessed against plaintiff-appellee.
The court finds there were reasonable grounds for this appeal.
It is ordered that a special mandate issue out of this court directing the Common Pleas Court to carry this judgment into execution. The defendant's conviction having been affirmed, any bail pending appeal is terminated. Case remanded to the trial court for execution of sentence.
A certified copy of this entry shall constitute the mandate pursuant to Rule 27 of the Rules of Appellate Procedure.
Sean C. Gallagher, J., concurs. Ann Dyke, P.J., dissents with Separate Opinion.
Dissenting Opinion
{¶ 43} I respectfully dissent. I would conclude that a new trial is warranted due to the introduction of improper other acts evidence (including evidence of poor living conditions, inappropriate chores, harsh discipline, thefts from neighbors and relatives, and drug use), and victim impact evidence (including the girls' foster care histories, and claims that they cut themselves due to this abuse). I would find this evidence to be prejudicial in and of itself, and in light of the lack of specificity establishing the twelve individual offenses of which defendant was convicted.
{¶ 44} The younger girl (born in 1990) testified that when she and her older sister got home from school, defendant would instruct one to go in the garage and the other to wait outside. The girl testified that defendant raped and molested her in the garage and was "always touching" her vaginal area with his fingers and mouth, and was "always doing it." (Tr. 193). She did not remember how many times and stated that "He did it so much, I don't even remember." (Tr. 198)
{¶ 45} She stated that defendant took his clothes off at these times and once tried to put his private part into her mouth. He threatened to hurt or kill her if she told anyone.
{¶ 46} Although she indicated on direct questioning that defendant did not put his private part in her, she stated that she reported to Det. McPike that defendant had put his penis inside her and that it hurt.
{¶ 47} The younger girl also testified that she started cutting herself as a "way to get away from the pain of the abuse for awhile." (Tr. 199) She ultimately left this home because of abuse and now resides at Bellfaire because she "needed treatment for anger and to get over the rape." (Tr. 184-185)
{¶ 48} The older girl, (born in 1989) testified that after school, the girls had to do chores, including mowing the lawn, cleaning up after the dogs, dumping and cleaning the bucket that the family used as a bathroom in the garage, and cleaning the grandfather's house. Defendant would then find a reason for her to be in trouble. In these instances, he would send the other girls out of the garage and molest this girl.
{¶ 49} According to the girl, defendant spanked her and began "rubbing * * * butt" and this was "all that [she could] remember." (Tr. 273).
{¶ 50} In another instance, he followed her into the house as she was changing, asked her how wild she was, and began to rub her genitals. She further stated that he did not penetrate her, but he rubbed her vaginal area, under her clothing, more than five times. In addition, he touched her breasts approximately ten times.
{¶ 51} The girl also testified that he would make her rub his genitals, and rubbed his genitals against her butt. She frequently cried and he threatened that he would make her suck his genitals if she did not stop crying.
{¶ 52} She also testified that she has cut herself because of what happened to her while living on Sackett Avenue.
{¶ 53} Defendant was convicted of nine counts of gross sexual imposition upon the younger girl, and three counts of gross sexual imposition upon the older girl.
{¶ 54} Within his third assignment of error, defendant provides a list, nearly two pages long of other acts evidence which he claims prejudiced the outcome of this trial.
{¶ 55} Evid.R. 404(B) provides that evidence of other acts is not admissible to prove the character of a person in order to show that the accused acted in conformity therewith. See, e.g.,State v. Curry (1975),
{¶ 56} "While `other acts' evidence may not be used to prove criminal propensity, such evidence may be admissible `if (1) there is substantial proof that the alleged other acts were committed by the defendant, and (2) the evidence tends to prove notice, opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, identity, or absence of mistake or accident.'" State v. Lowe,
{¶ 57} Generally, "an accused cannot be convicted of one crime by proving he committed other crimes or is a bad person."State v. Jamison (1990),
{¶ 58} "The purpose behind this rule is to prevent an accused from being placed in the unenviable position of having to defend him or herself for two distinct offenses at trial: those crimes which the accused is currently on trial for, and additional illegal activity that the accused allegedly committed in the past." State v. Kanetsky (June 11, 1999), Trumbull App. No. 97-T-0162.
{¶ 59} Moreover, "a criminal conviction cannot be based, in whole or in part, upon the `bad character of the defendant theory.'" State v. Pollard (April 13, 2001), Ashtabula App. No. 99-A-0072.
{¶ 60} Due to the "possible prejudicial effect that extrinsic acts evidence may have in the minds of the trier of fact, Evid.R. 404(B) and R.C.
{¶ 61} In this matter, a tremendous volume of "other acts" testimony was admitted in this matter, including, as noted by the defense, that defendant did not work and lounged all day, evidence of stealing from the neighbors and the grandfather, drug use, poor living conditions, age-inappropriate chores, poor parenting, and extremely harsh discipline.
{¶ 62} Clearly, the evidence pertaining to discipline, and required chores which were associated with discipline or opportunities to deal with the girls privately is relevant to defendant's opportunity, preparation or plan. However, in my view, there is not a sufficient nexus to justify the remainder of the tremendous volume of this other acts evidence in this matter. I would also conclude that this evidence was prejudicial to the outcome of defendant's trial, as there was little specificity to establish distinct offenses, at least in relation to the charges involving the younger girl. It therefore appears that the convictions were based upon the "bad character of the defendant" rather than upon evidence of his offenses. Indeed, as this court noted in State v. Hemphill, Cuyahoga App. No. 85431,
{¶ 63} This court explained:
{¶ 64} "With regard to specific instances, [the victim] testified that the conduct occurred in defendant's bedroom after he had sent the other children outside to clean the van. She briefly mentioned reporting to others of incidents when defendant fell on her then had sex with her and she testified to another incident after her baptism which occurred when she slept in the basement.
{¶ 65} "The state also presented evidence that defendant would rub her chest "any chance he got" (Tr. 214), and put his mouth on her private part at least twice. Penetration was not established, however. State v. Falkenstein, Cuyahoga App. No. 83316,
{¶ 66} "Apart from the foregoing, no additional evidence was offered as to actual numbers or specific incidents. * * *
{¶ 67} "Accordingly, defendant's conviction for one count of gross sexual imposition, one count of rape of a girl under thirteen with the furthermore clause alleging force, and one count of rape with the furthermore clause alleging force, are all supported by sufficient evidence. We hereby vacate defendant's convictions for the remaining offenses."
{¶ 68} In this matter, I would conclude that the evidence was not sufficient to establish twelve separate incidents connecting to the twelve separate offenses of which defendant was convicted. The younger girl testified that defendant raped and molested her in the garage and was "always touching" her vaginal area with his fingers and mouth, and was "always doing it." (Tr. 193). She did not remember how many times and stated that "He did it so much, I don't even remember." (Tr. 198). The older girl testified that defendant rubbed her under her clothing, more than five times, touched her breasts approximately ten times, made her rub his genitals, and rubbed his genitals against her butt. As to specific instances, she stated that defendant spanked her and began "rubbing * * * butt" but this was "all that [she could] remember." (Tr. 273) He also once followed her into the house as she was changing, asked her how wild she was, and began to rub her genitals.
{¶ 69} I am troubled by the lack of specificity as to the offenses for which defendant was convicted.
{¶ 70} I would also note that extensive improper victim impact evidence was presented. "Victim impact evidence is excluded because it is irrelevant and immaterial to the guilt or innocence of the accused — it principally serves to inflame the passion of the jury." State v. Loyed, Cuyahoga App. No. 83075,
{¶ 71} In other words, evidence of the consequences of a crime on the victim's family do nothing to prove whether the offense had been committed — it chiefly serves as a distraction for the trier of fact. Id.
{¶ 72} Here, both girls testified that they cut themselves due to "the abuse" and "because of what happened" while they lived on Sacket Avenue. Even assuming that the girls are competent to connect the cutting to this particular matter, as opposed to the allegations of abuse from their biological father, being separated from their mother, having been in various foster homes, or any of the other events of their lives, this evidence was simply inflammatory and not illustrative of the nature and circumstances of the crimes. Cf. State v. Lorraine (1993),
{¶ 73} In accordance with all of the foregoing, I would conclude that prejudicial error tainted the outcome of this matter and I would reverse and remand for a new trial.
