STATE OF OHIO, Plaintiff-Appellee, - vs - MATTHEW R. HAROLD, Defendant-Appellant.
CASE NO. 2014-P-0012
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS ELEVENTH APPELLATE DISTRICT PORTAGE COUNTY, OHIO
March 16, 2015
2015-Ohio-954
CYNTHIA WESTCOTT RICE, J.
Criminal Appeal from the Portage County Court of Common Pleas, Case No. 2013 CR 0257. [Cite as State v. Harold, 2015-Ohio-954.]
Judgment: Affirmed.
Victor V. Vigluicci, Portage County Prosecutor, and Kristina Drnjevich, Assistant Prosecutor, 241 South Chestnut Street, Ravenna, OH 44266 (For Plaintiff-Appellee).
George C. Keith, 135 Portage Trail, P.O. Box 374, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223 (For Defendant-Appellant).
CYNTHIA WESTCOTT RICE, J.
{¶1} Appellant, Matthew R. Harold, appeals his conviction, following a jury trial, of illegal manufacture of methamphetamine (“meth“), illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of meth, and aggravated possession of meth. At issue is whether appellant‘s conviction was supported by sufficient, credible evidence. For the reasons that follow, we affirm.
{¶3} Deputy James Kordinak of the Portage County Sheriff‘s Office testified that on February 13, 2013, he was dispatched to meet a Joseph Brown near the Mogadore Reservoir in Suffield Township, Portage County. Mr. Brown had called the Portage County Sheriff‘s Office and reported a possible meth lab. He reported that, while walking in the area, he found a five-gallon bucket on the side of the road, opened the lid, and smelled a strong chemical odor emanating from inside the bucket.
{¶4} Upon arrival, Mr. Brown led Deputy Kordinak to the site. Mr. Brown pointed out the bucket, which Deputy Kordinak said was about 100 feet from the road. The Portage County Sheriff‘s Office Dispatch Center advised Deputy Kordinak that the Portage County Drug Task Force had been informed and were on their way to investigate. Mr. Brown and Deputy Kordinak waited until officers from the task force arrived.
{¶5} Detective Steve Lincoln of the Portage County Sheriff‘s Office, assigned to the Portage County Drug Task Force and certified to investigate clandestine labs, testified that on February 13, 2013, he was assigned to investigate a possible meth lab on the side of the road at Lansinger and Ticknor Roads.
{¶7} Detective Lincoln removed the seven one-pot meth labs from the bucket, opened each, and took samples of the chemicals inside. He later sent the samples to the State Fire Marshal for analysis. He said the one-pot meth labs presented a risk of fire and explosion and respiratory illness. He sent the samples to the Fire Marshal, rather than B.C.I., because the samples were also a fire hazard and, as a result, B.C.I. would not accept them. After the samples were taken, a hazmat company was called to remove the hazardous chemicals from the site. Detective Lincoln also sealed the rubber glove in an evidence bag and submitted it to B.C.I. for DNA analysis in an attempt to determine the owner of the meth labs.
{¶8} Sometime later, B.C.I. advised Detective Lincoln that DNA was found inside the glove and that in uploading the DNA into the Combined DNA Index System (“CODIS“), a computerized program designed to house DNA profiles from suspects and
{¶9} Detective Lincoln then obtained a search warrant to extract DNA from appellant. Appellant‘s whereabouts were unknown so the detective also obtained an arrest warrant for him. Appellant eventually turned himself in. Detective Lincoln obtained DNA swabs from appellant‘s cheeks, sealed them in evidence bags, and sent them to B.C.I. Several months later, B.C.I. sent a report to the task force, confirming a match between the DNA found inside the glove and the DNA taken from appellant.
{¶10} Emily Feldenkris, forensic scientist with B.C.I. in the DNA section, testified that making a DNA comparison is a four-step process, which involves: (1) extraction of DNA from cells; (2) quantification, where the scientist determines the amount of DNA available; (3) amplification, a chemical Xeroxing process that allows the scientist to make millions of copies of the target areas on the DNA being analyzed; and (4) comparison of the DNA obtained from evidence to a known standard.
{¶11} Ms. Feldenkris said that the glove found in the bucket was examined by a forensic biologist at B.C.I., who swabbed the area inside the glove and then sent the swabs to the DNA section for analysis.
{¶12} Ms. Feldenkris developed a DNA profile from the swabs taken from the glove. A DNA profile consists of a series of numbers that represent different characteristics that are present at 15 different locations on the DNA. Those numbers constitute the DNA profile used by the DNA section in making comparisons. She also developed a separate DNA profile from the swabs taken from appellant. She compared the two profiles and determined that appellant could not be excluded as the source of
{¶13} Christa Rajendram, chemist with the State Fire Marshal Forensic Lab, testified she tested three samples of liquids taken from the suspected meth labs found in the five-gallon bucket. One sample contained petroleum distillate, which is found in ignitable liquids such as paint thinners, charcoal starters, and lamp oils, and two other samples contained sodium hydroxide, which is lye. She concluded these chemicals are consistent with the manufacture of meth.
{¶14} One of the elements of appellant‘s illegal-manufacturing and illegal possession-of-chemicals charges in Counts One and Two of the indictment, respectively, is that he was previously convicted of illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs. The parties stipulated that appellant was previously convicted of that offense in 2006.
{¶15} Appellant presented no witnesses or exhibits on his behalf and the state‘s evidence was therefore undisputed.
{¶16} The jury found appellant guilty of all three counts. The court referred the matter for a pre-sentence investigation.
{¶17} The case came on for sentencing. The court noted that in September 2005, appellant was convicted of illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs and aggravated possession of drugs and placed on probation. Seven months later, in April 2006, appellant was convicted in another case of attempted
{¶18} The court sentenced appellant on Count One, illegal manufacture of meth, to seven years in prison. On Count Two, illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of meth, the court sentenced appellant to two years. On Count Three, aggravated possession of meth, the court sentenced appellant to one year. The court ordered all sentences to be served concurrently to each other, for a total of seven years in prison.
{¶19} Appellant appeals his conviction, asserting five assignments of error. Because the first three assignments of error are related, they are considered together. They allege:
{¶20} “[1.] The trial court erred in failing to grant Mr. Harold‘s motion for judgment of acquittal on all charges, as the evidence presented was not legally sufficient to support a conviction.
{¶21} “[2.] The trial court erred to the detriment of Mr. Harold when it gave great weight to DNA evidence when the state hadn‘t established the required chain of custody.
{¶22} “[3.] Mr. Harold‘s convictions are against the manifest weight of the evidence.”
{¶23} An appellate court reviewing the sufficiency of the evidence examines the evidence admitted at trial and determines whether, after viewing the evidence in a light most favorable to the state, any rational trier of fact could have found the essential elements of the crime proven beyond a reasonable doubt. State v. Jenks, 61 Ohio St. 3d 259, 273 (1991). “On review for sufficiency, courts are to assess not whether the state‘s evidence is to be believed, but whether, if believed, the evidence against a
{¶24} An appellate court also applies the foregoing test in reviewing the trial court‘s ruling on a motion for directed verdict under
{¶25} In contrast, a court reviewing the manifest weight observes the entire record, weighs the evidence and all reasonable inferences, and considers the credibility of the witnesses. Thompkins, supra, at 387. The court determines whether, in resolving conflicts in the evidence and deciding witness credibility, the trier of fact clearly lost its way and created such a manifest miscarriage of justice that the judgment must be reversed and a new trial ordered. Id. The discretionary power to grant a new trial should only be exercised in the exceptional case in which the evidence weighs heavily against the conviction. Id. Witness credibility rests solely with the finder of fact, and an appellate court is not permitted to substitute its judgment for that of the jury. State v. Awan, 22 Ohio St. 3d 120, 123 (1986). The role of the reviewing court is to engage in a limited weighing of the evidence in determining whether the state properly carried its burden of persuasion. Thompkins, supra, at 390. If the evidence is susceptible to more than one interpretation, an appellate court must interpret it in a manner consistent with the verdict. State v. Banks, 11th Dist. Ashtabula No. 2003-A-0118, 2005-Ohio-5286, ¶33.
{¶27}
{¶28} “‘Possession of drugs can be either actual or constructive.‘” State v. Herman, 11th Dist. Portage No. 2008-P-0067, 2009-Ohio-1318, ¶38, quoting State v. Rollins, 3d Dist. Paulding No. 11-05-08, 2006-Ohio-1879, ¶22. “Even if the contraband is not in a suspect‘s ‘immediate physical possession,’ the suspect may still constructively possess the item, so long as the evidence demonstrates that he or she ‘was able to exercise dominion and control over the controlled substance.‘” Herman, supra, at ¶41, quoting State v. Lee, 11th Dist. Trumbull No. 2002-T-0168, 2004-Ohio-6954, ¶41. “To prove constructive possession, ‘[i]t must also be shown that the person was
{¶29} Constructive possession of contraband may be proven solely by circumstantial evidence. Rollins, supra. “‘“[C]ircumstantial evidence and direct evidence inherently possess the same probative value and therefore should be subjected to the same standard of proof.“‘” Herman at ¶39, quoting State v. Biros, 78 Ohio St. 3d 426, 447 (1997), quoting Jenks, supra, at paragraph one of the syllabus.
{¶30}
{¶31} Appellant argues that the state‘s evidence was insufficient to prove that he knowingly manufactured meth, knowingly possessed chemicals used to manufacture meth, or that he knowingly possessed meth. We do not agree.
{¶32} The state presented direct, scientific evidence that appellant‘s DNA was found on the area inside the glove. Moreover, Detective Lincoln testified that makers of meth wear rubber gloves like the glove found in the bucket to protect their skin from the chemicals and acids used to make meth. In addition, the glove was found with seven meth labs and chemicals and other items used to manufacture meth. There were no items in the bucket that were unrelated to the manufacture of meth. Ms. Rajendram of the State Fire Marshal‘s Office said that the chemicals extracted from the meth labs in the bucket contained lye and petroleum distillate, which is consistent with the manufacture of meth. Further, while it is unclear exactly when the glove and other items were placed in the bucket, it was recent enough that the contents of the bucket still produced a strong chemical odor.
{¶34} For appellant‘s manifest-weight challenge, he argues the jury improperly found the DNA evidence was credible because the state failed to prove the chain of custody of the glove. We do not agree.
{¶35} The admission or exclusion of relevant evidence, such as the glove at issue here, is within the trial court‘s discretion. State v. Robb, 88 Ohio St. 3d 59, 68 (2000). Absent an abuse of discretion, as well as a showing of prejudice, an appellate court will not disturb the ruling of the trial court as to the admissibility of evidence. State v. Martin, 19 Ohio St. 3d 122, 129 (1985).
{¶36} This court in State v. Blumensaadt, 11th Dist. Lake No. 2000-L-107, 2001 Ohio App. LEXIS 4283 (Sep. 21, 2001), stated:
{¶37} Evidence may be authenticated by testimony that a matter is what it is claimed to be.
{¶38} Further, when a chemical analysis is involved, the chain of custody must be established up to the moment of analysis since this provides the basis for the expert testimony and makes that testimony relevant. Conley, supra.
{¶39} Here, the record shows that Detective Lincoln placed the glove in an evidence bag and sealed it. His partner Detective Centa, who was on scene with him, did not touch the glove, but filled out a form that was submitted with the glove to B.C.I. Matthew Noah, evidence custodian with the Portage County Drug Task Force,
{¶40} Moreover, Ms. Feldenkris said the DNA testing process was reliable as all steps were performed by qualified scientists, and controls were in place for each step of the test to ensure that the test was working properly and that none of her equipment was contaminated or malfunctioning. Contrary to appellant‘s argument, Ms. Feldenkris did not state she was unsure her testing methods were working properly. Rather, she merely stated that, during a second test she ran as a control, a small amount of additional information was generated, but the amount was so low she could not make any conclusion about its source. In any event, she said that this did not detract from her conclusion about appellant being the source of the DNA inside the glove and the expected frequency of occurrence of that DNA.
{¶41} Appellant argues that the jury improperly gave the DNA evidence great weight. However, in light of the testimony presented regarding B.C.I.‘s procedures, the jury was entitled to find, as it obviously did, that there were no breaks in the chain of
{¶42} Appellant also asserts a manifest-weight challenge based on the evidence presented by the state in support of the three counts of which appellant was convicted. In light of the presence of appellant‘s DNA inside the glove; the fact that the glove was found in the bucket containing seven meth labs, chemicals, and other items used to manufacture meth; and the fact that the bucket was dumped recent enough for its contents to still emanate a strong chemical odor, this is not the exceptional case in which the evidence weighs heavily against the conviction such that the verdict was against the manifest weight of the evidence.
{¶43} The jury, as the trier of fact, was entitled to believe the officers and expert witnesses, which it obviously did. In doing so, we cannot say the jury clearly lost its way and created such a manifest miscarriage of justice that appellant was entitled to a new trial.
{¶44} We therefore hold the state presented sufficient, credible evidence to support appellant‘s conviction.
{¶45} Appellant‘s first, second, and third assignments of error are overruled.
{¶46} For appellant‘s fourth assigned error, he contends:
{¶47} “The trial court erred to the detriment of Mr. Harold when it imposed sentence upon him without any review or consideration of
{¶49} 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:
{¶50} (a) That the record does not support the sentencing court‘s findings under division (B) or (D) of section
{¶51} (b) That the sentence is otherwise contrary to law.
{¶52} In State v. Mathis, 109 Ohio St. 3d 54, 2006-Ohio-855, the Supreme Court held that at sentencing:
{¶53} [I]n exercising its discretion the court must carefully consider the statutes that apply to every felony case. Those include
{¶54} Appellant argues the trial court did not consider the guidelines and factors in
{¶55} The Supreme Court in Adams held: “A silent record raises the presumption that a trial court considered the factors contained in
{¶56} This court adopted the Adams rule in State v. Rattay, 11th Dist. Lake No. 13-048, 1988 Ohio App. LEXIS 4594, *8 (Nov. 18, 1988).
{¶57} Prior to the Supreme Court‘s holding in State v. Foster, 109 Ohio St. 3d 1, 2006-Ohio-856 and post-Foster, Ohio Appellate Districts have repeatedly followed the Supreme Court‘s holding in AdamsAdams rule in State v. Poindexter, 7th Dist. Mahoning No. 05 MA 45, 2006-Ohio-3525, ¶10. Also, in State v. Muhammad, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 88834, 2007-Ohio-4303, the Eighth District held: “In exercising its discretion, * * * the trial court must consider the factors set forth in
{¶58} From our review of the record, it is clear that the trial court considered the purposes and principles of felony sentencing and the seriousness and recidivism factors in the sentencing statutes in imposing appellant‘s sentence. The trial court had presided over appellant‘s trial and had heard the evidence in the case. The court stated in appellant‘s sentencing entry that it had considered the presentence report, appellant‘s comments, and the evidence presented by counsel. While the court did not specifically mention
{¶59} In light of the foregoing, the record shows that the trial court considered the sentencing guidelines in
{¶60} Appellant‘s fourth assignment of error is overruled.
{¶61} For his fifth and final assignment of error, appellant alleges:
{¶62} “The cumulative effect of the errors committed by the trial court combined to deny Mr. Harold due process and a fair trial as guaranteed by the United States and Ohio Constitutions.”
{¶63} In State v. DeMarco, 31 Ohio St. 3d 191 (1987), paragraph two of the syllabus, the Supreme Court of Ohio recognized the cumulative error doctrine. Pursuant to this doctrine, “a conviction will be reversed where the cumulative effect of errors in a trial deprives a defendant of the constitutional right to a fair trial even though each of numerous instances of trial court error does not individually constitute cause for reversal.” State v. Garner, 74 Ohio St. 3d 49, 64 (1995). The doctrine is not applicable unless the record reveals numerous instances of trial court error. Id.; State v. Davis, 62 Ohio St. 3d 326, 348 (1992) (“Inasmuch as the other propositions [of law] are not well taken, their cumulative effect cannot be error.“)
{¶64} Appellant argues that the alleged errors set forth in his previous assigned errors amounted to cumulative error. However, since appellant‘s other assigned errors are not well taken, their cumulative effect is not error. Id. Because appellant has failed to demonstrate numerous instances of trial court error, the cumulative error doctrine does not apply.
{¶65} Appellant‘s fifth assignment of error is overruled.
DIANE V. GRENDELL, J.,
THOMAS R. WRIGHT, J.,
concur.