STATE OF OHIO v. CHAD MAGNONE
Appellate Case No. 2015-CA-94
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO SECOND APPELLATE DISTRICT CLARK COUNTY
September 30, 2016
2016-Ohio-7100
Trial Court Case No. 2015-CR-150; (Criminal Appeal from Common Pleas Court)
Rendered on the 30th day of September, 2016.
MEGAN M. FARLEY, Atty. Reg. No. 0088515, Assistant Clark County Prosecuting Attorney, 50 East Columbia Street, Fourth Floor, Springfield, Ohio 45502 Attorney for Plaintiff-Appellee
JON PAUL RION, Atty. Reg. No. 0067020, NICOLE RUTTER-HIRTH, Atty. Reg. No. 0081004, P.O. Box 10126, Dayton, Ohio 45402 Attorneys for Defendant-Appellant
WELBAUM, J.
Facts and Course of Proceedings
{¶ 2} On March 23, 2015, the Clark County Grand Jury returned a 20-count indictment charging Magnone with multiple counts of Pandering Obscenity Involving a Minor, Pandering Sexually-Oriented Matter Involving a Minor, and Illegal Use of a Minor
{¶ 3} On July 17, 2015, the trial court held a hearing on Magnone‘s motion to suppress. At the hearing, the trial court heard testimony from both Magnone and Detective Sandra Fent of the Springfield Police Department. Their testimony indicated that on December 16, 2014, Magnone‘s girlfriend found child pornography on Magnone‘s computer and brought a copy of it to the police department. After interviewing Magnone‘s girlfriend and reviewing the material, Detective Fent executed a search warrant at Magnone‘s home and took possession of his computer, which was later sent away for a forensic examination.
{¶ 4} Following the search, Detective Fent and her partner, Detective Pergram, made contact with Magnone at the post office in Enon, Ohio, where Magnone worked as postmaster. Detective Fent testified that Magnone voluntarily agreed to speak with her and Detective Pergram about his computer and, due to privacy concerns, opted to discuss the matter with them at a nearby police station. In addition, Detective Fent testified that she made it clear to Magnone that he would be returned to work following the interview. Magnone testified that he agreed to speak with the detectives, but that he did not recall whether he was given an option to have the interview somewhere other than the police station. He did, however, recall Detective Fent telling him he would be taken back to
{¶ 5} Both Detective Fent and Magnone testified that Magnone was transported to the police station in a police cruiser and was patted down before entering the cruiser. The cruiser was driven by a third officer, Lieutenant Holler, who also conducted the pat-down search. Detective Fent testified that Lieutenant Holler arrived after the detectives contacted the Enon Police Department as a courtesy to let the department know that the detectives were going to be in its jurisdiction.
{¶ 6} Magnone testified that upon arriving at the police station, he was taken to a small interview room. He claimed that during the interview, Detective Pergram was positioned in front of the room‘s door, which made him feel as though he could not leave. Magnone also testified that Detective Fent took his cell phone and told him that, based on his statements, he was subject to felony charges. Magnone further claimed that he was never told that he could leave the interview and believed that he was in custody.
{¶ 7} The State presented a video recording of the interview as State‘s Exhibit No. 1 and played it for the trial court at the suppression hearing. The interview was approximately 24 minutes long and showed a relaxed, casual conversation between Magnone and the detectives. The video confirmed Detective Fent‘s testimony that she ensured the interview-room door was unlocked and that Magnone was never handcuffed or placed under arrest on the day of the interview. Indeed, Magnone was returned to the post office after the interview and was not arrested until March 25, 2015, three months after the interview took place.
{¶ 8} As to the substance of the video, five minutes into the interview, Detective Fent asked Magnone: “Is there anything on your computer that‘s questionable as to
{¶ 9} After Magnone‘s admission, Detective Fent asked Magnone if he had a cell phone. Upon learning that he had a cell phone, Detective Fent said “we‘re going to need to take that.” Detective Fent then provided Magnone with a consent form allowing the detectives to search his phone, which Magnone read and signed. Thereafter, Magnone asked the detectives about the possible charges and punishment. Detective Fent responded that, based on his statements, he could be subject to anywhere between a second and fourth-degree felony. She also told Magnone that she did not know what the punishment would be, as it depended on what was found on his computer and whether he had a criminal record.
{¶ 10} Following the suppression hearing, the trial court issued a written decision overruling Magnone‘s motion to suppress on grounds that he was not subject to a custodial interrogation that required Miranda warnings. After the trial court denied the motion, Magnone negotiated a plea agreement with the State and pled no contest to two second-degree-felony counts of Pandering Sexually-Oriented Matter Involving a Minor in violation of
{¶ 11} Magnone subsequently appealed from his conviction and filed an appellate brief raising three assignments of error for this court‘s review. The matter then proceeded to oral argument where Magnone presented an issue not raised in his brief. We permitted the parties to submit briefs on the new issue, which Magnone designated as a supplemental assignment of error. For purposes of clarity, we will begin our review with Magnone‘s supplemental assignment of error.
Supplemental Assignment of Error
{¶ 12} Magnone‘s Supplemental Assignment of Error is as follows:
MR. MAGNONE‘S CONVICTIONS AND SENTENCES FOR ILLEGAL USE OF A MINOR IN NUDITY-ORIENTED MATERIAL WERE IMPROPER AS THE OFFENSES WERE FELONIES OF THE FIFTH DEGREE, NOT FELONIES OF THE FOURTH DEGREE.
{¶ 13} Under his Supplemental Assignment of Error, Magnone contends that his conviction and sentence for the two counts of Illegal Use of a Minor in Nudity-Oriented Material or Performance in violation of
Whoever violates this section is guilty of illegal use of a minor in a nudity-oriented material or performance. * * * Except as otherwise provided in this division, whoever violates division (A)(3) of this section is guilty of a felony of the fifth degree. If the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a violation of this section or section
2907.321 or2907.322 of the Revised Code, illegal use of a minor in a nudity-oriented material or performance in violation of division (A)(3) of this section is a felony of the fourth degree. * * *
(Emphasis added.)
{¶ 15} From the foregoing statute, it is clear that a violation of
{¶ 16} We agree with the parties and find that Magnone was improperly convicted and sentenced for two fourth-degree felony counts of Illegal Use of a Minor in Nudity-Oriented Material or Performance, as it is clear that the offenses are felonies of the fifth degree. We therefore need not address Magnone‘s ineffective assistance claim as it is now rendered moot.
{¶ 17} Magnone‘s Supplemental Assignment of Error is sustained.
{¶ 18} Magnone‘s First Assignment of Error is as follows:
THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN OVERRULING MAGNONE‘S MOTION TO SUPPRESS BECAUSE HE WAS IN CUSTODY WHEN INTERROGATED AT THE POLICE STATION, REQUIRING MIRANDA WARNINGS.
{¶ 19} Under his First Assignment of Error, Magnone contends the trial court erred in failing to suppress the statements he made to the detectives at the police station. Magnone maintains that at the time he was questioned by the detectives, he was subject to a custodial interrogation that required Miranda warnings. He claims that because the detectives failed to Mirandize him, his statements are inadmissible and should have been suppressed. We disagree.
{¶ 20} When reviewing a trial court‘s ruling on a motion to suppress, “an appellate court must accept the trial court‘s findings of fact if they are supported by competent, credible evidence.” State v. Burnside, 100 Ohio St.3d 152, 2003-Ohio-5372, 797 N.E.2d 71, ¶ 8, citing State v. Fanning, 1 Ohio St.3d 19, 437 N.E.2d 583 (1982). “Accepting these facts as true, the appellate court must then independently determine, without deference to the conclusion of the trial court, whether the facts satisfy the applicable legal standard.” Id., citing State v. McNamara, 124 Ohio App.3d 706, 707 N.E.2d 539 (4th Dist.1997). Thus, “[i]n reviewing the trial court‘s ruling on a motion to suppress evidence, this court is governed by the de novo standard of review and must accept the findings of fact made by the trial court if they are supported by competent, credible evidence.” (Citation omitted.) State v. Johnson, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 23693, 2010-Ohio-6224,
{¶ 21} “The right to [Miranda] warnings is grounded in the Fifth Amendment‘s prohibition against compelled self-incrimination.” State v. Strozier, 172 Ohio App.3d 780, 2007-Ohio-4575, 876 N.E.2d 1304, ¶ 16 (2d Dist.), citing Moran v. Burbine, 475 U.S. 412, 420, 106 S.Ct. 1135, 89 L.Ed.2d 410 (1986). “The procedural safeguards prescribed by Miranda apply only when persons are subjected to ‘custodial interrogation.‘” State v. Thomas, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 20643, 2005-Ohio-3064, ¶ 27, citing Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436, 444, 86 S.Ct. 1602, 16 L.Ed.2d 694 (1966). “‘Custodial interrogation’ means questioning initiated by the police after the person has been taken into custody or otherwise deprived of his freedom to the degree associated with a formal arrest.” (Citations omitted.) State v. Vineyard, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 25854, 2014-Ohio-3846, ¶ 32.
{¶ 22} “In order to determine whether a person is in custody for purposes of receiving Miranda warnings, courts must first inquire into the circumstances surrounding the questioning and, second, given those circumstances, determine whether a reasonable person would have felt that he or she was not at liberty to terminate the interview and leave.” State v. Hoffner, 102 Ohio St.3d 358, 2004-Ohio-3430, 811 N.E.2d 48, ¶ 27, citing Thompson v. Keohane, 516 U.S. 99, 112, 116 S.Ct. 457, 133 L.Ed.2d 383 (1995). Therefore, “the test for custody is an objective test.” State v. Chenoweth, 2d Dist. Miami No. 2010 CA 14, 2011-Ohio-1276, ¶ 8, citing California v. Beheler, 463 U.S. 1121, 1125, 103 S.Ct. 3517, 77 L.Ed.2d 1275 (1983). “The subjective views of the interviewing officer and the suspect are immaterial to the determination of whether a custodial interrogation was conducted.” (Citations omitted.) State v. Earnest, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 26646, 2015-Ohio-3913, ¶ 22. Accord State v. Gray, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 26139, 2016-Ohio-1419, ¶ 74.
{¶ 23} “The factors a court should consider in applying this reasonable person test include whether the encounter takes place in surroundings that are familiar to the suspect; the number of law enforcement officers present, as well as their conduct and demeanor; the degree of physical restraint imposed; and the duration and character of the interrogation.” (Citation omitted.) State v. Farrell, 2d Dist. Miami No. 99-CA-24, 1999 WL 812249, *3 (Oct. 8, 1999). The following are some other more specific factors that this court has considered:
- What was the location where the questioning took place—i.e., was the defendant comfortable and in a place a person would normally feel free to leave? For example, the defendant might be at home as opposed to being in the more restrictive environment of a police station;
- Was the defendant a suspect at the time the interview began * * *;
- Was the defendant‘s freedom to leave restricted in any way;
- Was the defendant handcuffed or told he was under arrest;
- Were threats * * * made during the interrogation;
- Was the defendant physically intimidated during the interrogation;
- Did the police verbally dominate the interrogation;
- What was the defendant‘s purpose for being at the place where questioning took place? * * *;
- Were neutral parties present at any point during the questioning;
- Did police take any action to overpower, trick, or coerce the defendant
into making a statement.
(Citations omitted.) State v. Estepp, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 16279, 1997 WL 736501, *4 (Nov. 26, 1997).
{¶ 24} In Oregon v. Mathiason, 429 U.S. 492, 97 S.Ct. 711, 50 L.Ed.2d 714 (1977), the United States Supreme Court found no custodial interrogation where the defendant voluntarily came to the police station in response to a detective leaving his card at the defendant‘s apartment. Id. at 493-495. The defendant initially called the detective and the detective asked the defendant where it would be convenient for them to meet. Id. at 493. After the defendant indicated that he had no preference, the detective suggested that they meet at the police station, to which the defendant agreed. Id. The officer subsequently interviewed the defendant at the police station in a closed office for half an hour, telling him at the outset that he was not under arrest. Id. Once the interview was over, the defendant left the station. Id.
{¶ 25} The court in Mathiason stated that:
In the present case, * * * there is no indication that the questioning took place in a context where respondent‘s freedom to depart was restricted in any way. He came voluntarily to the police station, where he was immediately informed that he was not under arrest. At the close of a 1/2-hour interview respondent did in fact leave the police station without hindrance. It is clear from these facts that Mathiason was not in custody “or otherwise deprived of his freedom of action in any significant way.”
{¶ 26} In addition, the court explained that:
Such a noncustodial situation is not converted to one in which Miranda applies simply because a reviewing court concludes that, even in the absence of any formal arrest or restraint on freedom of movement, the questioning took place in a “coercive environment.” Any interview of one suspected of a crime by a police officer will have coercive aspects to it, simply by virtue of the fact that the police officer is part of a law enforcement system which may ultimately cause the suspect to be charged with a crime. But police officers are not required to administer Miranda warnings to everyone whom they question. Nor is the requirement of warnings to be imposed simply because the questioning takes place in the station house, or because the questioned person is one whom the police suspect. Miranda warnings are required only where there has been such a restriction on a person‘s freedom as to render him “in custody.” It was that sort of coercive environment to which Miranda by its terms was made applicable, and to which it is limited.
{¶ 27} In State v. Bowman, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 18176, 2001 WL 43099, (Jan. 19, 2001), we found no custodial interrogation where two detectives first questioned the defendant at his apartment in the presence of his girlfriend and then asked the defendant if he would accompany them to the police department for further questioning. Id. at *5. The defendant testified that when the detectives asked him to come down to the station, he said, “I am going to get my shirt. Tell [my girlfriend] I will be back.” Id. The defendant further said that the detectives repeatedly told him they would bring him back in a couple
{¶ 28} In State v. Stahl, 2d Dist. Greene No. 2004-CA-69, 2005-Ohio-2239, we found no custodial interrogation where the defendant voluntarily appeared at the Xenia police station to meet with a detective to discuss the molestation of his five-year-old niece. Id. at ¶ 7-9. At the time of the interview, the defendant had not been arrested and police still were investigating the case. Id. at ¶ 9. Nothing in the record suggested that the detective prevented the defendant from leaving the interview room or in any way restricted his freedom of movement. Id. The defendant also returned home after speaking with the detective. Id. In light of these facts, we found the record devoid of any facts from which we reasonably could conclude that the defendant was in custody for purposes of Miranda. Id.
{¶ 29} In this case, Magnone argues that he was subject to a custodial interrogation requiring Miranda warnings because he was: (1) confronted by detectives at his place of employment; (2) questioned at a police station; (3) transported to the police station in a police cruiser; (4) patted down before entering the cruiser; (5) taken to a small interview room and positioned in a manner that prevented him from leaving the room; and (6) never told he was free to leave the interview. Magnone also argues that after he admitted to downloading the offending photos, the detectives took his cell phone and advised him that, based upon his statements, he faced felony charges. As a result of
{¶ 30} In overruling Magnone‘s motion to suppress, the trial court found that Magnone voluntarily chose to be questioned at the police station for purposes of discussing the issue of child pornography in private, as opposed to at the post office where he worked. In addition, the court found that Magnone was never placed in handcuffs, was never arrested or otherwise detained, and was free to leave at any time. Moreover, the court found that, prior to questioning Magnone, Detective Fent promised to return Magnone to the post office and then fulfilled that promise once the interview was over.
{¶ 31} The aforementioned findings of fact made by the trial court are supported by competent, credible evidence in the record. Specifically, during the suppression hearing, Magnone testified that he agreed to speak with the detectives about material on his computer when they made contact with him at the post office. Detective Fent testified that when she spoke with Magnone at the post office, she gave him the option to speak there or at the police station and Magnone chose the police station for a more private setting. Detective Fent also testified that she advised Magnone that the questioning would not take long and that he would be returned to work after the interview. Magnone further testified that when he agreed to speak with the detectives, the detectives gave him a few minutes to finish up his work at the post office before leaving for the police station.
{¶ 32} While Detective Fent testified that she did not expressly tell Magnone that he was free to leave the interview, she claimed that during the interview she reiterated her promise to return him to work. The video of the interview confirmed Detective Fent‘s
{¶ 33} The trial court did not make a finding with regard to Magnone‘s transportation to the police station. However, we do not find that the circumstances surrounding his transportation would lead a reasonable person in Magnone‘s position to believe that he or she was in custody. Magnone testified that he had originally planned on driving himself to the police station, but when he saw that the detectives were waiting for him in the front lobby of the post office, he chose to meet them in the lobby instead of going out the back entrance to his car. From there, Magnone testified that he was transported three blocks to the police station in a police cruiser and was patted down before entering the cruiser. Detective Fent testified that it was conveyed to Magnone that the pat down was merely for officer safety. Magnone also testified that he never asked to drive himself to the police station. Accordingly, the facts indicate that Magnone voluntarily entered the cruiser for transportation to the police station and was subject to a routine pat down as a result.
{¶ 34} The trial court also did not make a finding with respect to Magnone‘s claim that he was questioned in a small interview room and positioned in a manner that prevented him from leaving the room. Magnone testified that Detective Pergram was
{¶ 35} Regardless, Magnone‘s subjective discomfort does not render him in custody. The fact remains that Magnone was not physically restrained during the interview and was never told that he could not leave the interview room. Magnone also never attempted to excuse himself from the interview room and was not blocked from leaving the room as he claimed. Under these circumstances, we do not find that Detective Pergram‘s positioning and the size of the interview room would have signaled to a reasonable person in Magnone‘s position that he or she was not free to terminate the interview and leave the room.
{¶ 36} With respect to Magnone‘s claim that he was in custody because Detective Fent took his cell phone and told him he faced felony charges, we note that the video shows these acts took place well after Magnone made the incriminating statements he wants suppressed. Furthermore, Detective Fent told Magnone that his cell phone would be returned to him at his residence later that evening. While Magnone‘s cell phone was actually returned to him the following day at the post office, Detective Fent‘s promise to return the cell phone to his residence would lead a reasonable person in Magnone‘s position to believe that he or she was free to leave and not in custody.
{¶ 38} Based on the foregoing, we conclude that Magnone was not subject to a custodial interrogation at the time he made his incriminating statements. Magnone voluntarily agreed to be questioned by the detectives, chose to have the interview conducted at the police station, and did not object to being transported in a police cruiser. Magnone never asked to drive himself to the police station and was subject to a pat down merely as a routine procedure for officer safety. Magnone was not handcuffed, arrested, or otherwise physically detained by the detectives during the entire encounter. Most importantly, prior to being questioned, Detective Fent told Magnone that he would be returned to the post office after the interview and he was returned as promised. In telling Magnone this, Detective Fent implicitly advised Magnone at the inception of their encounter that he was not under arrest, which is analogous to Mathiason, 429 U.S. 492, 97 S.Ct. 711, 50 L.Ed.2d 714.
{¶ 39} In addition, the video establishes that Magnone voluntarily admitted to downloading child pornography during the first five minutes of the interview after Detective
{¶ 40} Under the totality of the circumstances, a reasonable person in Magnone‘s position would not have believed that he or she was not free to terminate the interview and leave. Therefore, we find that Magnone was not subject to a custodial interrogation and that Miranda warnings were not required for his statements to be admissible. Accordingly, the trial court did not err in overruling Magnone‘s motion to suppress.
{¶ 41} Magnone‘s First Assignment of Error is overruled
Second Assignment of Error
{¶ 42} Magnone‘s Second Assignment of Error is as follows:
EVIDENCE THAT MAGNONE MERELY POSSESSED IMAGES DOES NOT SUSTAIN A CONVICTION UNDER
{¶ 43} Under his Second Assignment of Error, Magnone challenges his conviction for two counts of Pandering Sexually-Oriented Matter Involving a Minor in violation of
{¶ 44} Magnone contends that at the plea hearing the State merely alleged that he “possessed” the prohibited material in
{¶ 45} The statute Magnone relies on,
{¶ 46} “Under [Crim.R. 11(B)(2)], a no contest plea, while not admitting guilt, admits the truth of the facts alleged in the indictment, information or complaint.” Id. “[S]ince in a no contest plea the defendant is admitting the truth of the facts as presented in the charging document, the state need not deliver a statement of facts.” Id., citing Crim.R. 11(B)(2) and State v. Bowsher, 116 Ohio App.3d 170, 172, 687 N.E.2d 316 (6th Dist.1996). Moreover, the Supreme Court of Ohio has held that “a statement of facts by a prosecutor does not constitute evidence.” (Citations omitted.) State v. Green, 81 Ohio St.3d 100, 104, 689 N.E.2d 556 (1998). Accord Woolridge at *2.
{¶ 47} “However, where the prosecutor presents a statement of facts and it ’ “not only fail[s] to include, but absolutely negative[s] the existence of, an essential element of the offense charged in the indictment,“’ then the trial court errs by convicting the defendant on his no contest plea to the charge.” Woolridge at *2, quoting State v. Edward Joseph Lowe, M.D., Inc., 2d Dist. Miami Nos. 93-CA-54, 93-CA-55, 1995 WL 127890 (Mar. 24, 1995), quoting State v. Cohen, 60 Ohio App.2d 182, 184, 396 N.E.2d 235 (1st Dist.1978). “Thus, although the omission of a fundamental fact is permissible, the trial court may not find a defendant guilty based on his no contest plea if the state‘s statement of facts absolutely negates the existence of an essential element of the offense.” (Emphasis omitted.) Id., citing Lowe. Accord State v. Beddow, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 18957, 2002 WL 252478, *2 (Feb. 22, 2002) (“[e]ven though an essential element of an offense is alleged in the indictment to which the defendant pleads no
{¶ 48} In this case, the indictment charging Magnone alleged the following with respect to the two counts of pandering at issue:
That as a continuous course of conduct from on or about September 3, 2014 to on or about December 15, 2014, * * * CHAD R. MAGNONE * * *, knowing the character of the material, did create, record, photograph, film, develop, reproduce, or publish any material that shows a minor participating or engaging in sexual activity, masturbation, or bestiality in violation of Section
2907.322(A)(1) of the Ohio Revised Code[.]
Indictment (Mar. 23, 2015), Clark County Court of Common Pleas Case No. 15 CR 0150, Docket No. 1, p. 2-3.
{¶ 49} The prosecutor also recited the following at the plea hearing:
The facts to which the defendant is entering a plea of no contest are that as a continuous course of conduct from on or about September the 3rd 2014, to on or about December 15, 2014, in Clark County, Ohio, Chad Magnone did knowingly knowing the character of the material did create, reproduce, or publish—excuse me, did knowingly with knowledge of the character of the material or performance involved did create, record, photograph, film, any material that shows a minor participating or engaging in sexual activity, masturbation or bestiality.
If this matter had gone to trial, the State would have proven that Magnone possessed approximately thirty-five (35) images containing sexually oriented material involving a minor. That relates to count eight and count eleven.
* * *
The State provided specific file names related to each of the counts. With respect to count eight image 01(2)2.avi. With respect to count eleven file name is 539.avi. * * *
Plea Hearing Trans. (Sept. 9, 2015), p. 3-5.
{¶ 50} As previously noted, Magnone claims that the State omitted a necessary fact of the pandering offense at the plea hearing because the State indicated that he merely “possessed” the offending material as opposed to either creating, recording photographing, filming, developing, reproducing, or publishing it. However, there is evidence in the record that Magnone admitted to downloading and saving the offending material onto his computer, and we have previously held that downloading the offending material from the Internet onto a personal computer is sufficient evidence for a trier of fact to conclude that the images were “reproduced” for purposes of
{¶ 52} In this case, we do not find that the State‘s failure to indicate in the bill of particulars that Magnone downloaded the offending images to his computer would have changed the outcome of the proceedings, i.e., that Magnone would not have pled no contest to the pandering charges. The indictment contained sufficient allegations to state an offense for violating
{¶ 53} By pleading no contest, Magnone admitted to the truth of the facts alleged in the indictment and “where the indictment, information, or complaint contains sufficient allegations to state a felony offense and the defendant pleads no contest, the court must find the defendant guilty of the charged offense.” Bird, 81 Ohio St.3d at 584, 692 N.E.2d 1013. Accord Woolridge, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 18086, 2000 WL 1475699 at *2. Because the indictment contained sufficient allegations to state an offense for Pandering
{¶ 54} We note that under this assignment of error, Magnone also raises an ineffective assistance claim. To establish ineffective assistance of trial counsel, a defendant must demonstrate that counsel‘s performance was deficient and fell below an objective standard of reasonable representation, and that the defendant was prejudiced by counsel‘s performance. Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 104 S.Ct. 2052, 80 L.Ed.2d 674 (1984); State v. Bradley, 42 Ohio St.3d 136, 538 N.E.2d 373 (1989). To succeed on such a claim, there must be a reasonable probability that, but for counsel‘s unprofessional errors, the result of the defendant‘s trial would have been different. Id.
{¶ 55} Magnone claims his counsel rendered ineffective assistance by permitting him to enter a no contest plea when there was, according to Magnone, insufficient evidence to sustain a conviction under
{¶ 56} For the foregoing reasons, Magnone‘s Second Assignment of Error is overruled.
Third Assignment of Error
THE DEFINITION OF NUDITY IS VAGUE AND THEREFORE MAGNONE‘S PLEA AS TO COUNTS TWELVE AND FIFTEEN MUST BE VACATED.
{¶ 58} Under his Third Assignment of Error, Magnone challenges his conviction for two counts of Illegal Use of a Minor in Nudity-Oriented Material in violation of
{¶ 59} While under the Supplemental Assignment of Error we have already decided to reverse Magnone‘s conviction and sentence for the illegal use offenses as fourth-degree felonies, we will nevertheless address this argument, as it still applies to the fifth-degree felony offenses for which Magnone should have been convicted and sentenced.
{¶ 60} “When a statute is challenged under the due-process doctrine prohibiting vagueness, the court must determine whether the enactment (1) provides sufficient notice of its proscriptions to facilitate compliance by persons of ordinary intelligence and (2) is specific enough to prevent official arbitrariness or discrimination in its enforcement.” Norwood v. Horney, 110 Ohio St.3d 353, 2006-Ohio-3799, 853 N.E.2d 1115, ¶ 84, citing Kolender v. Lawson, 461 U.S. 352, 357, 103 S.Ct. 1855, 75 L.Ed.2d 903 (1983). “The void-for-vagueness doctrine does not require statutes to be drafted with scientific precision.” (Citation omitted.) Perez v. Cleveland, 78 Ohio St.3d 376, 378, 678 N.E.2d 537 (1997). “Instead, it permits a statute‘s certainty to be ascertained by application of commonly accepted tools of judicial construction, with courts indulging every reasonable
{¶ 61} The statute at issue,
No personal shall * * * [p]ossess or view any material or performance that shows a minor who is not the person‘s child or ward in a state of nudity, unless one of the following applies:
(a) The material or performance is sold, disseminated, displayed, possessed, controlled, brought or caused to be brought into this state, or presented for a bona fide artistic, medical, scientific, educational, religious, governmental, judicial, or other proper purpose, by or to a physician, psychologist, sociologist, scientist, teacher, person pursuing bona fide studies or research, librarian, member of the clergy, prosecutor, judge, or other person having a proper interest in the material or performance.
(b) The person knows that the parents, guardian, or custodian has consented in writing to the photographing or use of the minor in a state of nudity and to the manner in which the material or performance is used or transferred.
(Emphasis added.)
{¶ 62} The term “nudity” is defined in
{¶ 64} In reaching this decision, the Supreme Court explained that while
{¶ 65} In Osborne, the United States Supreme Court endorsed the narrowed construction of
It is obvious from the face of §
2907.323(A)(3) that the goal of the statute is to eradicate child pornography. The provision criminalizes the viewing and possessing of material depicting children in a state of nudity for other than “proper purposes.” The provision appears in the “Sex Offenses” chapter of the Ohio Code. Section2907.323 is preceded by §2907.322 , which proscribes “[p]andering sexually oriented matter involving a minor,” and followed by §2907.33 , which proscribes “[d]eception to obtain matter harmful to juveniles.” That Osborne‘s photographs of adolescent boys in sexually explicit situations constitute child pornography hardly needs elaboration. Therefore, although §2907.323(A)(3) as written may have been imprecise at its fringes, someone in Osborne‘s position would not be surprised to learn that his possession of the four photographs at issue in this case constituted a crime.
{¶ 66} Accordingly, in reading the definition of “nudity” in
{¶ 68} Because the instant case involves
Conclusion
{¶ 70} Given that we have sustained Magnone‘s Supplemental Assignment of Error and overruled his remaining three assignments of error, the judgment of the trial court is affirmed in part, reversed in part, and remanded for further proceedings consistent with this opinion. The only portion of the trial court‘s judgment that is reversed is Magnone‘s conviction and sentence for the two counts of Illegal Use of a Minor in Nudity-Oriented Material or Performance in violation of
DONOVAN, P.J. and FAIN, J., concur.
Copies mailed to:
Megan M. Farley
Jon Paul Rion
Nicole Rutter-Hirth
Hon. Douglas M. Rastatter