STATE OF OHIO, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. CHARLES H. NGUYEN, Defendant-Appellant.
Case No. 12CA14
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO FOURTH APPELLATE DISTRICT ATHENS COUNTY
RELEASED 07/11/13
2013-Ohio-3170
Harsha, J.
DECISION AND JUDGMENT ENTRY
Elizabeth Gaba, Columbus, Ohio, for appellant.
Keller J. Blackburn, Athens County Prosecutor, and George J. Reitmeier, Athens County Assistant Prosecutor, for appellee.
Harsha, J.
{1} Charles Nguyen appeals his convictions for rape, kidnapping, aggravated burglary, and tampering with evidence. Nguyen contends the trial court violated his constitutional rights when it permitted expert testimony from Dwayne Winston, Derek Shoemaker, and Natalie Saracco, in violation of
{2} Nguyen also argues the court erred when it denied his pre-trial request for a rape shield hearing. However, this request was untimely. And the court did ultimately
{3} In addition, Nguyen contends the court erred when it did not let him make inquiries during trial about the victim‘s sexual past. However, Nguyen did or could have asked several of the questions he claims the court prohibited. Moreover, the court did not err when it excluded evidence that the victim and Nguyen engaged in sexual activity one time prior to the rape. The court could reasonably conclude the inflammatory or prejudicial nature of this evidence outweighed its slight probative value and that the State‘s interests advanced by the rape shield law outweighed the probative value of the evidence.
{4} Next, Nguyen contends the court violated
{5} Nguyen also claims the court erroneously let the jury see exhibits in bags with “testimonial statements” written on the bags. Even if we presume error occurred, it was harmless beyond a reasonable doubt. The legible statements Nguyen objects to are duplicative of other evidence at trial. Moreover, the illegible statements Nguyen also objects to could not have influenced the jury because they had no discernible meaning.
{6} In addition, Nguyen contends the court violated his rights under the
{7} Next, Nguyen argues the court also violated his Confrontation Clause rights when it refused to let him cross-examine a deputy about a police report used to refresh his memory. Nguyen claims
{8} In addition, Nguyen argues the court erred when it permitted the prosecutor, under the guise of refreshing the victim‘s memory, to have the victim read four exhibits to the jury. Even if the court erred in this regard, and even if that error was of constitutional magnitude, it was harmless beyond a reasonable doubt. Another witness also read two of the exhibits to the jury without objection. And the information in the other two exhibits was duplicative of other evidence adduced at trial.
{9} Nguyen contends his convictions are against the manifest weight of the evidence and insufficient evidence supports them. He implicitly concedes the victim‘s testimony alone, if believed, supports the rape, kidnapping, and aggravated burglary convictions. His explicit argument simply attacks her credibility and that of other State‘s witnesses. But we leave credibility determinations to the trier of fact. For the tampering
{10} Nguyen also complains the court committed reversible error when, prior to the trial date, it sua sponte excused several prospective jurors for various reasons, like vacations and medical issues. However, this is not grounds for reversal - the discharge of a prospective juror on grounds of personal excuse is solely a matter between the court and juror. Absent a systematic abuse, the parties cannot interfere with the court‘s discretion. Moreover, the court‘s actions did not deprive Nguyen of the essential benefits of voir dire.
{11} Next, Nguyen contends the court erred when it removed a prospective juror for cause financial hardship - as she expressed a willingness to serve on the jury and said she would “get by somehow.” However, the court was free to conclude she had a financial hardship because she lived paycheck to paycheck, would miss two-thirds of her work week for each week of trial, and suggested that to “get by” she might have to take out a loan. Therefore, the court‘s decision to remove her for cause was reasonable and did not constitute an abuse of discretion.
{12} In addition, Nguyen argues that the court erred when it failed to merge certain convictions. We agree that rape and kidnapping are offenses of similar import; but we also agree with the court‘s conclusion that Nguyen had a separate animus for each crime. In addition, we agree that kidnapping and aggravated burglary are offenses
{13} Finally, Nguyen complains that the court erred when it imposed maximum and consecutive sentences. We decline to address his arguments at this time about the rape, kidnapping, and aggravated burglary offenses because they may be rendered moot on remand. For tampering with evidence, the court imposed the maximum sentence but ordered Nguyen to serve it concurrently to the other sentences. This sentence is neither clearly and convincingly contrary to law, nor did the court demonstrate an unreasonable, arbitrary, or unconscionable attitude when it imposed the sentence. Accordingly, we reject Nguyen‘s argument.
I. Facts
{14} A grand jury indicted Nguyen for rape, kidnapping, aggravated burglary, and tampering with evidence. He pleaded not guilty, and a jury trial ensued.
{15} The State presented the following version of events. Nguyen and the victim, Hong “Jenny” Nguyen (who is not related to the appellant), met online on VietSingle.com. Nguyen lived in New York City, and Jenny lives in Athens, Ohio. Near the end of March 2009, Jenny went on vacation to New York City and met Nguyen in person. On the second day of the trip, Jenny told Nguyen she just wanted to be friends. But they continued to communicate, and Nguyen visited her in Ohio from May 9, 2009, to May 17, 2009. During the visit, Jenny realized they could not be friends because Nguyen still wanted a romantic relationship. When she drove him to the airport on May
{16} On May 19, 2009, Nguyen unexpectedly came to Jenny‘s apartment where she was, along with her three-year-old nephew, Kayden. Nguyen told her that he wanted to apologize for his behavior at the airport and stepped into the apartment. Jenny went to her bedroom to change because she felt exposed in her pajamas. Nguyen followed, so she sat on the edge of her bed and used her arms to cover herself. Nguyen sat and told her that he wanted them to be together. When she rejected him, he took white rope from his pocket. She asked what he was doing, and he told her not to scream. Jenny begged him not to “do this,” but he took off her shorts and ripped her shirt off. He spread her legs and examined her to see if she had “had sex with anybody.”
{17} Later, Nguyen told Jenny to turn around so he could tie her hands with the rope. She kept saying “please don‘t,” and Nguyen told her not to scream or he would kill Kayden. After he tied her hands up, he told her to lie on the bed so he could tie her ankles together. When she begged him to not kill her, he replied he would not because he loved her. Jenny tried to fight, but he said, “I am not kidding around, I am going to kill Kayden.” When Jenny continued to fight, Nguyen said, “I swear I have scissors in my pockets I will slit his throat.” She lay on the bed, and he tied her ankles together. Jenny tried to calm Nguyen down while she worked one of her wrists free. Nguyen made her promise to give their relationship another chance and said if she broke her promise, her family would “die a horrible death.” Then he used scissors and cut the ropes off her ankles and other wrist. But when Jenny sat up, Nguyen took off his pants
{18} Nguyen told Jenny he was taking her to New York. He made her pack and get dressed, and he used medical tape to bind her arms together. He also tried to blindfold her with a tie and tape her mouth shut but took the items off when Jenny protested. He took her to the living room and asked if she was going to call the police. After Jenny promised she would not, he used the scissors to cut her free. He let Jenny get in her car with Kayden around 9:45 a.m. so she could go to work. Jenny drove to work, where she told her sister‘s boyfriend what happened and called 911. Then she went to the police station. Before Jenny left the house, she saw Nguyen pick up pieces of the rope and stuff them in his pockets. She thought he also put the scissors and medical tape in his pockets. Law enforcement did not find the scissors or tape at the crime scene and only found what Jenny identified as a portion of the rope Nguyen used. The State presented evidence that Nguyen‘s semen was in Jenny‘s vagina after the incident, and his cell phone was in the Athens area around the time of the rape.
{19} Nguyen did not testify or call any witnesses on his behalf.
{20} A jury found Nguyen guilty on all counts. The court sentenced him to 10 years each for rape, kidnapping, and aggravated burglary and five years for tampering with evidence. The court ordered that the sentences for rape, kidnapping, and aggravated burglary run consecutive to each other and the sentence for tampering with
II. Assignments of Error
{21} Nguyen assigns nine errors for our review:1
- “THE TRIAL COURT ERRED TO THE PREJUDICE OF DR. NGUYEN AND INFRINGED UPON HIS RIGHTS UNDER THE SIXTH AND FOURTEENTH AMENDMENTS TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION (CONFRONTATION AND DUE PROCESS), WHEN IT PERMITTED EXPERT TESTIMONY CONTRARY TO RULES 702 AND 705 OF THE OHIO RULES OF EVIDENCE [Day 3, Vol. 2, pp. 279-344; Day 4, Vol. 1, pp. 6-167; Day 5, Vol. 1, pp. 38-40].”
- “THE TRIAL COURT ERRED TO THE PREJUDICE OF DR. NGUYEN WHEN IT FAILED TO A HOLD A RAPE SHIELD HEARING BEFORE TRIAL AND DURING TRIAL, AT DR. NGUYEN‘S REQUEST, IN VIOLATION OF
R.C. 2907.02 AND THE SIXTH AND FOURTEENTH AMENDMENTS TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION [Final Pre-Trial, pp. 36-47: 8/2/10; Day 2, Vol. 1, pp. 61-68, 70].”2 - “THE TRIAL COURT ERRED WHEN IT PERMITTED ENLARGED PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE ALLEGED RAPE VICTIM‘S CERVIX AND EXHIBIT BAGS LABELED WITH TESTIMONIAL STATEMENTS TO BE USED IN JURY DELIBERATIONS IN VIOLATION OF THE SIXTH AND FOURTEENTH AMENDMENTS TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION, ALONG WITH RULES 403(B) AND 611(A) OF THE OHIO RULES OF EVIDENCE [Day 5, Vol. 2, pp. 277-278; Day 9, Vol. 1, pp. 105-121].”
- “THE TRIAL COURT ERRED WHEN IT DID NOT PERMIT DEFENSE COUNSEL TO FULLY CROSS-EXAMINE THE
ALLEGED RAPE VICTIM CONCERNING CONVERSATIONS SHE HAD ABOUT HER TESTIMONY DURING A RECESS AND PROHIBITED CROSS-EXAMINATION OF AN OFFICER ABOUT A POLICE REPORT USED DURING TESTIMONY AND TO PREPARE UNDER OHIO EVIDENCE RULE 612, IN VIOLATION OF THE SIXTH AMENDMENT TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION. [Day 7, Vol. 1, p. 165-166; Day 4, Vol. 1, p. 246, Vol. 2, p. 302-303].” - “DR. NYUGEN‘S CONVICTIONS AND SENTENCES ON THE RAPE, KIDNAPPING AND AGGRAVATED BURGLARY VIOLATES THE DOUBLE JEOPARDY CLAUSE OF THE FIFTH AMENDMENT TO THE U.S. CONSTITUTION [Sentencing Transcript. 8/18/10].”
- “THE TRIAL COURT ABUSED ITS DISCRETION IN IMPOSING MAXIMUM, CONSECUTIVE SENTENCES WITHOUT ADEQUATE JUSTIFICATION [Sentencing Transcript. 8/18/10].”
- “THE CONVICTIONS ARE NOT SUPPORTED BY SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE AND ARE AGAINST THE MANIFEST WEIGHT IN VIOLATION OF THE FOURTEENTH AMENDMENT TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION [Day 6, Vol. 1, pp. 27 - Day 7, p. 182].”
- “THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN VIOLATION OF THE FOURTEENTH AMENDMENT TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION (DUE PROCESS) AND RULE 612 OF THE OHIO RULES OF EVIDENCE WHEN IT PERMITTED THE PROSECUTOR, UNDER THE GUISE OF REFRESHING A WITNESS‘S MEMORY, TO PUT BEFORE THE JURY CONTENTS OF AN INADMISSIBLE DOCUMENT [Day 6, Vol. 1, p. 119-131].”
- “THE TRIAL COURT ERRED WHEN IT EXCUSED JURORS, EX PARTE, WITHOUT THE PRESENCE OF DEFENSE COUNSEL OR DR. NGUYEN AND ONE FOR CAUSE, VIOLATING DEFENDANT‘S RIGHTS UNDER THE SIXTH AND FOURTEENTH AMENDMENTS TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION,
R.C. 2945.27 , ALONG WITH RULES 24 & 43 OF THE OHIO RULES OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE [Final Pre-Trial Transcript, p. 26 seq.- 8/2/10].”
III. Expert Testimony and the Sixth Amendment
{22} In his first assigned error, Nguyen complains the trial court violated his
{23}
A witness may testify as an expert if all of the following apply:
(A) The witness’ testimony either relates to matters beyond the knowledge or experience possessed by lay persons or dispels a misconception common among lay persons;
(B) The witness is qualified as an expert by specialized knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education regarding the subject matter of the testimony;
(C) The witness’ testimony is based on reliable scientific, technical, or other specialized information. To the extent that the testimony reports the result of a procedure, test, or experiment, the testimony is reliable only if all of the following apply:
(1) The theory upon which the procedure, test, or experiment is based is objectively verifiable or is validly derived from widely accepted knowledge, facts, or principles;
(2) The design of the procedure, test, or experiment reliably implements the theory;
(3) The particular procedure, test, or experiment was conducted in a way that will yield an accurate result.
{24}
{25} Under the rules of evidence, “[t]he determination of the admissibility of
{26} However, the Sixth Amendment guarantees a criminal defendant the right “to be confronted with the witnesses against him.” Implicit in this guarantee is the right to cross-examine adverse witnesses. State v. Keck, 4th Dist. No. 09CA50, 2011-Ohio-1643, ¶ 16. This guarantee applies to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment. State v. Keairns, 9 Ohio St.3d 228, 229, 460 N.E.2d 245 (1984), citing Pointer v. Texas, 380 U.S. 400, 85 S.Ct. 1065, 13 L.E.2d 923 (1965).
A. Testimony of Dwayne Winston
{27} Nguyen claims the trial court improperly permitted testimony from Dwayne Winston, a laboratory technical director. However, Nguyen did not object to the testimony and has forfeited all but plain error. See
{28} “Even if a forfeited error satisfies these three prongs, however,
{29} Nguyen complains that during direct and part of cross-examination, Winston testified as if he personally received and tested swabs and a blood sample taken in this case for DNA. Later, Winston explained that under his company‘s protocol, a lab assistant would have received the items, and a “technologist” would have tested the items to develop raw DNA data for analysis. Winston did not conduct the tests himself or observe when the technologist conducted them. He just interpreted the raw
{30} Nguyen characterizes Winston‘s initial testimony as “deceptive,” but the State claims Nguyen simply misinterprets it. Nguyen makes no effort to explain how Winston‘s testimony violated
{31} In addition, Nguyen complains the “deception” kept him “from objecting to Winston‘s testimony on hearsay, foundation, or confrontation clause grounds.” (Appellant‘s Br. 7). However, once defense counsel became aware of the “deception,” counsel could have objected to Winston‘s prior testimony and asked the court to strike it from the record. Counsel did not. Moreover, Nguyen‘s argument about his inability to object goes to the standard of appellate review, i.e., plain error, and does not explain how Winston‘s testimony violated evidentiary rules or constitutional provisions. “‘If an argument exists that can support [an] assignment of error, it is not this court‘s duty to root it out. * * * It is not the function of this court to construct a foundation for [an appellant‘s] claims[.]’ ” In re A.Z., 4th Dist. No. 11CA3, 2011-Ohio-6739, ¶ 18, quoting Coleman v. Davis, 4th Dist. No. 10CA5, 2011-Ohio-506, ¶ 13. “In other words, ‘[i]t is not our duty to create an argument where none is made.’ ” In re A.Z. at ¶ 18, quoting Deutsche Bank Natl. Trust Co. v. Taylor, 9th Dist. No. 25281, 2011-Ohio-435, ¶ 7.
{32} Nguyen also argues that the “testing standards could not be tested via cross-examination due to [Winston‘s] deception.” (Appellant‘s Br. 7). We find this statement confusing. Counsel could not cross-examine Winston about how the tests
{33} In his reply brief, Nguyen suggests for the first time that the State, through Winston, improperly admitted testimonial statements of the technician who created the raw data that Winston analyzed. And Nguyen complains that because the “technologist” did not testify, he could not question that person‘s proficiency, etc., and therefore, Winston could not testify about his interpretation of the technologist‘s raw data. Nguyen also argues that his “entire defense may have been different” if he knew before trial that the State did not plan to call the technician as a witness. (Reply Br. 9).
{34} However, “[a] reply brief gives an appellant the opportunity to respond ‘to the brief of the appellee.’
{35} Because Nguyen failed to demonstrate that any error, plain or otherwise occurred, we overrule the first assignment of error as it concerns Winston‘s testimony.
B. Testimony of Derek Shoemaker
{36} Nguyen complains about the testimony of Derek Shoemaker, a reserve deputy for the Athens County Sheriff‘s Office, who testified about data recovery from cell phones. He testified that five videos were recovered from Nguyen‘s cell phone. He also testified that the videos were taken around May 14, 2009, and depicted a lady (who Jenny later identified as herself), from a slight distance away, who appeared to be
{37} Nguyen argues that “[n]o authority need be cited for the proposition that the State would not have been permitted to show the jury the video[s] had Shoemaker testified he had not reviewed or retrieved the videos on the phone, contrary to his direct testimony.” (Appellant‘s Br. 7). This assertion is contrary to
C. Testimony of Natalie Saracco
{38} Nguyen also argues about the testimony of Natalie Saracco, a forensic scientist. She swabbed a rope and latex gloves found at the crime scene, and those swabs were later tested for DNA by other people. Nguyen complains Saracco failed to prepare an expert report, so he could not adequately cross-examine her. Nguyen suggests that if he knew Saracco would be testifying without preparing a report, he
{39} “Witnesses presented at trial can be categorized as either fact witnesses or expert witnesses.” D.M. v. J.M., 189 Ohio App.3d 723, 2010-Ohio-3852, 940 N.E.2d 591, ¶ 35 (9th Dist.). A fact witness testifies about “matters relevant to the case and within [her] personal knowledge.” State v. Reinhardt, 9th Dist. No. 08CA0012-M, 2009-Ohio-1297, ¶ 9, citing
{40} As the State suggests, Saracco was merely a fact witness in the context of the swabs of the gloves and rope. Saracco testified to matters within her personal knowledge, i.e., she swabbed the items and temporarily stored the swabs. Because she was not an expert witness when she testified about this, her testimony could not violate
IV. Rape Shield Hearing and Evidence of the Victim‘s Past Sexual Activity
{41} In his second assigned error, Nguyen complains the court erred when it refused to hold a rape shield hearing when he requested it and restricted his ability to cross-examine witnesses about the victim‘s sexual history in violation of
Evidence of specific instances of the victim‘s sexual activity, opinion evidence of the victim‘s sexual activity, and reputation evidence of the victim‘s sexual activity shall not be admitted under this section unless it involves evidence of the origin of semen, pregnancy, or disease, or the victim‘s past sexual activity with the offender, and only to the extent that the court finds that the evidence is material to a fact at issue in the case and that its inflammatory or prejudicial nature does not outweigh its probative value.
Evidence of specific instances of the defendant‘s sexual activity, opinion evidence of the defendant‘s sexual activity, and reputation evidence of the defendant‘s sexual activity shall not be admitted under this section unless it involves evidence of the origin of semen, pregnancy, or disease, the defendant‘s past sexual activity with the victim, or is admissible against the defendant under section 2945.59 of the Revised Code, and only to the extent that the court finds that the evidence is material to a fact at issue in the case and that its inflammatory or prejudicial nature does not outweigh its probative value.
R.C. 2907.02(D) .
{42} Under
Prior to taking testimony or receiving evidence of any sexual activity of the victim or the defendant in a proceeding under this section, the court shall resolve the admissibility of the proposed evidence in a hearing in chambers, which shall be held at or before preliminary hearing and not less than three days before trial, or for good cause shown during the trial.
{43} The day before trial, defense counsel orally told the court he wanted a
{44} Next, Nguyen complains the court violated
{45} First, Nguyen complains that during trial the court did not permit him to discuss the fact that he and the victim were “in bed” together “just days before her claims of rape, which was not in dispute.” (Appellant‘s Br. 8-9). We find this argument confusing. Nguyen implies that the victim admitted to consensual sexual activity with him in the days before the rape, but this is not true. At the rape shield hearing, Jenny denied any sexual activity with Nguyen except an incident in New York, which we discuss in more detail below. Jenny did admit that during Nguyen‘s visit to Athens, the pair watched two movies together on her bed. This is clearly not “sexual activity” and is therefore not even subject to
{46} Nguyen also complains that the origin of semen was at issue and argues that the court wrongly prevented him from inquiring about semen deposits in the victim‘s bedroom. Nguyen claims that his semen was found “in areas of [the victim‘s] mattress that the State did not even attempt to connect to the alleged rape.” (Appellant‘s Br. 10). He suggests, but does not specifically argue, that the semen was located on areas of the mattress that did not fit the victim‘s story about how the rape occurred. He argues that the semen “could have been deposited” during consensual sexual encounters between him and the victim in the days leading up to the rape. (Appellant‘s Br. 11).
{47} Nguyen fails to cite where in this extensive record there is evidence that his semen was actually found on the mattress. See
{48} However, the trial court did not prohibit Nguyen from asking the victim about semen deposits on the mattress. At the end of the rape shield hearing, the court told defense counsel he could ask the victim about whether she had sex with Nguyen in Ohio apart from the rape. Thus, if Nguyen‘s semen was on the mattress, defense counsel could have questioned the victim about whether she and Nguyen engaged in other sexual activity that could account for it.
{49} Nguyen complains that the court did not permit him to cross-examine the
I was awakened by [Nguyen‘s] hands touching me, touching my, touching me down there. Touching my vagina. And pushed it away and he just said please can I touch it. And kept on saying can I touch it, so I pushed it away again, and then the third time, um I did let him touch it. And he stopped. Then after that he took my hand and he put it on his penis. And I pulled my hand away, a couple of times. And then on the, and then on the third time he went ahead and put it back, my hands on his penis again and that‘s when I masturbated him and well stroke his penis.
{50} As the trial court noted, the New York incident occurred around two months before the rape. In his reply brief, Nguyen argues that the New York incident is not that remote in time from the rape because he and the victim had a long distance relationship and little opportunity for physical contact. This argument ignores the fact that there is no evidence of sexual activity during the rest of the New York trip or during Nguyen‘s 9-day vacation with the victim right before the rape. Moreover, as the trial court stated, the New York incident is a “different type of thing” from the rape. During the New York incident, Nguyen and the victim touched each other‘s genitals with their hands. The victim testified, and the evidence supports the conclusion that, the Ohio incident involved vaginal intercourse and bondage and resulted in physical injuries to Jenny. Thus, evidence supports a conclusion that the inflammatory or prejudicial nature of the evidence of the New York incident outweighed its very slight probative value. The court properly found the evidence inadmissible under
{51} As to Nguyen‘s Sixth Amendment argument, it is apparent that at the rape shield hearing he failed to raise any constitutional arguments when the court ruled on the admissibility of evidence of the New York incident. Thus, we apply plain error
{¶52} “The rights to confront witnesses and to defend are not absolute and may bow to accommodate other legitimate interests in the criminal process.” State v. Boggs, 63 Ohio St.3d 418, 422, 588 N.E.2d 813 (1992). In determining whether the rape shield law has been unconstitutionally applied, we must “balance the state interest which the statute is designed to protect against the probative value of the excluded evidence.” State v. Gardner, 59 Ohio St.2d 14, 17, 391 N.E.2d 337 (1979). Ohio‘s rape shield law advances several legitimate interests:
First, by guarding the complainant‘s sexual privacy and protecting her from undue harassment, the law discourages the tendency in rape cases to try the victim rather than the defendant. In line with this, the law may encourage the reporting of rape, thus aiding crime prevention. Finally, by excluding evidence that is unduly inflammatory and prejudicial, while being only marginally probative, the statute is intended to aid in the truth-finding process. Id. at 17-18.
{¶53} As we already explained, evidence of the New York incident had little probative value. Thus, the court could conclude the State‘s interests outweighed the probative value of the evidence. Therefore, we find no constitutional error occurred.
{¶54} Next, Nguyen complains he could not “cross-examine State witnesses concerning [Jenny‘s] prior sexual activities, or compel his own witness testimony.” (Appellant‘s Br. 9). This argument is vague. Nguyen does not say what evidence he wanted to introduce and could not. He appears to simply complain he could not go on a fishing expedition into the victim‘s sexual past, which is not permissible.
{¶55} In addition, Nguyen complains he should have been able to introduce evidence of his prior sexual relationship with the victim to rebut “the witnesses’ false testimony early on that the accuser‘s and Dr. Nguyen‘s relationship was purely platonic
{¶56} In his reply brief, Nguyen makes extensive arguments about why he should have been permitted to question the victim about any consensual sexual activities that occurred during the 9-day Ohio visit. But as we noted above, the court told Nguyen he could ask the victim about this. Defense counsel chose not to do so.
{¶57} For the foregoing reasons, we overrule the second assignment of error.
V. Photographs and “Testimonial Statements” on Exhibit Bags
{¶58} In his third assignment of error, Nguyen contends the court erred in violation of the Sixth and Fourteenth Amendments and
A. Photographs
{¶59} Although the assigned error appears to raise a constitutional challenge to the admission of photographs of the victim‘s cervix, Nguyen‘s argument focuses solely on
{¶60} The State introduced the photographs at issue on day 3 of the trial. Deborah Corbin, the registered nurse who took them, identified and testified about the photos without objection. Nguyen did not object to them until day 5 when the State sought to admit the photos into evidence. Even then, he only objected under
{¶61} Nguyen complains the photos should have been taken with a colposcope instead of a digital camera. He contends the photos are ”inaccurate enlarged photographs of a minor injury or abrasion to [the victim‘s] cervix.” (Emphasis sic). (Appellant‘s Br. 12). And he argues that the jury “was not simply looking at an injury caused to [the victim], the jury was then looking at an enlarged version of what may not
{¶62} However, Corbin testified the photographs did depict an injury - bruising to the cervix. The photos were probative because Corbin testified something has to contact the cervix for bruising to occur. And Dr. Gwendolyn Nilsen testified that bruising is evidence of “injury and violence to the cervix[.]” Corbin testified that her employer has a colposcope, i.e., a “high definition like camera,” that is used during vaginal exams. However, it was not working when she examined Jenny, so Corbin photographed the cervix with a digital camera and used the zoom function. Nguyen admits that size alone does not “automatically increase the prejudicial aspect” of photographic evidence. State v. Biros, 78 Ohio St.3d 426, 444, 678 N.E.2d 891 (1977). And the mere fact that Corbin used a digital camera instead of a colposcope does not diminish the probative value of the photos to the point they should be inadmissible. Rather, Nguyen‘s argument goes to weight given the evidence, not its admissibility. Jurors knew Corbin used a digital camera and could consider that when they evaluated the photos.
{¶63} Based on the foregoing, we conclude the trial court did not violate
B. “Testimonial Statements” on Exhibit Bags
{¶64} Nguyen also contends the bags containing certain exhibits had testimonial statements on them, and the court violated his Sixth and Fourteenth Amendment rights,
{¶65} Nguyen complains the bag for exhibit 65 stated “scarf with possible semen of suspect.” (Appellant‘s Br. 13). He argues the scarf was never tested for semen, but this was clear from the use of the word “possible.” Moreover, when Deputy Flickenger identified the garment, he testified without objection that it was “a scarf, uh, possible seamen [sic] stain on this garment.” And as Nguyen points out, the victim testified that she wiped Nguyen‘s semen off using the scarf. Therefore, the jury knew from sources aside from the bag it was possible the scarf had semen on it. It also knew Nguyen was the suspect.
{¶66} Next, Nguyen complains the bag for exhibit 66, latex gloves, stated “laying on the floor...” (Appellant‘s Br. 13). But Flickenger testified that was where he found them. Nguyen argues the bag for exhibit 67, a shirt, said “torn off victim by suspect.” (Appellant‘s Br. 13). But Jenny testified Nguyen tore off her shirt. He also complains the bag for exhibit 69, a piece of rope, states it was “found at the end of the bed.” (Appellant‘s Br. 13). But Flickenger testified he found the rope there. So again, the jury had all the information Nguyen complains about from sources aside from the bags. Nguyen also argues that he could not read some words on the bags for Exhibits 68 and 69. We fail to see how illegible words impacted the jury.
{¶67} Thus, to the extent any error occurred under the Ohio Rules of Evidence,
VI. Limitations on Cross-Examination of the Victim and Deputy Flickenger
A. The Victim
{¶68} In his fourth assignment of error, Nguyen contends in part that the court violated his rights under the Sixth Amendment Confrontation Clause when it did not let him “fully” cross-examine the victim about conversations she had about her testimony during a trial recess. A trial court “retains wide latitude under the Confrontation Clause to impose reasonable limits on cross-examination based on concerns about issues such as harassment, prejudice, confusion of issues, witness safety or interrogation that is repetitive or irrelevant.” State v. Knapke, 10th Dist. No. 08AP-933, 2009-Ohio-2989, ¶ 7.
{¶69} Nguyen claims that “[d]uring a recess, [Jenny] was overheard discussing her testimony with someone who appeared to be a state or county employee. * * * Among other things, the person complimented her performance on the witness stand.” (Appellant‘s Br. 16). Nguyen complains the court sustained the State‘s objection to questions about the substance of the victim‘s conversation with this “unknown individual” and whether the victim “was being coached.” (Appellant‘s Br. 16).
{¶70} Despite Nguyen‘s claims, there is no evidence in the record that the victim spoke to anyone about her testimony during a recess. Moreover, the following testimony occurred without objection:
Q: Now prior to coming uh to testify, uh did you talk to anyone in the Sheriff‘s department about your testimony, or your expected
testimony? A: No.
Q: Did you talk to anyone about your expected testimony?
A: No.
Q: Uh did anyone try to talk to you about your expected testimony?
A: No.
* * *
Q: Now I am asking ma‘am did anybody comment on your testimony between the time you got off the stand yesterday to the time you got on today?
A: Uh, they did not –
{¶71} The victim denied that she spoke to anyone about her testimony and in effect denied that she was coached. So Nguyen did obtain answers to the matters he complains the court did not let him explore. The court had no duty to permit Nguyen to ask additional questions on this topic. A defendant has no right to ask repetitive questions until he gets an answer that he likes. See Knapke, 10th Dist. No. 08AP-933, 2009-Ohio-2989, at ¶ 7. We reject Nguyen‘s argument.
B. Cross-Examination of Deputy Flickenger
{¶72} Nguyen also contends the court violated his Sixth Amendment Confrontation Clause rights when it did not let him cross-examine Deputy Flickenger about a police report the deputy used to refresh his memory. Nguyen claims
VII. Refreshing the Victim‘s Memory
{¶73} In his eighth assignment of error, Nguyen contends the court violated his rights under
{¶74} In addition, Nguyen asserts the court violated his Fourteenth Amendment rights when it allowed the victim to read the exhibits to the jury. However, he does not address the Fourteenth Amendment in his argument. Instead, he focuses on the Sixth
{¶75} Even if we assume that the court erred when it permitted the victim to read State‘s Exhibits 23, 33, 34, and 91, and even if such error was of constitutional magnitude, it was harmless beyond a reasonable doubt. Exhibits 33 and 34 are copies of text messages. Derek Shoemaker testified these messages were sent from Nguyen‘s phone to the victim‘s phone after the rape. He read the messages to the jury without objection. Thus, the contents of those exhibits would have been before the jury even if the court limited the victim‘s testimony.
{¶76} Exhibits 23 and 91 relate to two phone calls, which Jenny did not answer, that Nguyen purportedly made to her after the rape. The exhibits contain little information – a name, the defendant‘s phone number, a date and time, a “duration” of “0 h 0 min 00 sec,” and the words “Type: Missed Call.” After looking at the exhibits, the victim testified each indicated a “missed call.” However, Jenny already testified that she ignored two calls Nguyen made to her after the rape. Moreover, two other admitted exhibits (the defendant‘s phone records and a document titled “MOBILITY USAGE” for the defendant‘s phone) confirm these calls occurred. Therefore, the jury would have known about the missed calls even if the court prohibited the victim from reading the exhibits. We overrule the eighth assignment of error.
VIII. Manifest Weight of the Evidence and Sufficiency of the Evidence
{¶77} In his seventh assigned error, Nguyen contends his convictions are
{¶78} To determine whether a conviction is against the manifest weight of the evidence, we “must review the entire record, weigh the evidence and all reasonable inferences, consider the credibility of witnesses and determine whether, in resolving conflicts in the evidence, the trier of fact clearly lost its way and created such a manifest miscarriage of justice that the conviction must be reversed.” State v. Brown, 4th Dist. No. 09CA3, 2009-Ohio-5390, ¶ 24, citing State v. Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d 380, 387, 678 N.E.2d 541 (1997). A reviewing court “may not reverse a conviction when there is substantial evidence upon which the trial court could reasonably conclude that all elements of the offense have been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.” State v. Johnson, 58 Ohio St.3d 40, 42, 567 N.E.2d 266 (1991).
{¶79} We must remember the weight to be given evidence and credibility to be afforded testimony are issues for the trier of fact. State v. Frazier, 73 Ohio St.3d 323, 339, 652 N.E.2d 1000 (1995). The fact finder “is best able to view the witnesses and observe their demeanor, gestures, and voice inflections, and use these observations in weighing the credibility of the proffered testimony.” Seasons Coal Co. v. City of Cleveland, 10 Ohio St.3d 77, 80, 461 N.E.2d 1273 (1984). We will only interfere if the fact finder clearly lost its way and created a manifest miscarriage of justice. Moreover,
A. Rape
{¶80} The jury found Nguyen guilty of first-degree felony rape in violation of
It is the trier of fact‘s role to determine what evidence is the most credible and convincing. The fact finder is charged with the duty of choosing between two competing versions of events, both of which are plausible and have some factual support. Our role is simply to insure the decision is based upon reason and fact. We do not second guess a decision that has some basis in these two factors, even if we might see matters differently.
Having heard the testimony and observed the demeanor of the witnesses, the jury may choose to believe all, part, or none of the testimony presented by any of them. State v. Delawder, 4th Dist. No. 10CA3344, 2012-Ohio-1923, ¶ 18.
{¶81} Here, the jury chose to believe the State‘s version of events, and we will not substitute our judgment for that of the fact finder under these circumstances. The evidence reasonably supports the conclusion that Nguyen purposely compelled Jenny to engage in sexual conduct, i.e., vaginal intercourse, with him by force or threat of force. In addition to Jenny‘s testimony about Nguyen‘s actions, the State presented
B. Kidnapping
{¶82} The jury found Nguyen committed kidnapping in violation of
(A) No person, by force, threat, or deception * * * shall remove another from the place where the other person is found or restrain the liberty of the other person, for any of the following purposes:
* * *
(2) To facilitate the commission of any felony or flight thereafter[.]
{¶83} Again, Nguyen implicitly concedes Jenny‘s testimony, if believed, supports his conviction. However, he complains she “is not credible” for the same reasons outlined in his argument against the rape conviction. (Appellant‘s Br. 30). But again, we will not usurp the jury‘s role to determine credibility. See Murphy, 4th Dist. No. 07CA2953, 2008-Ohio-1744, at ¶ 31. Therefore, we reject Nguyen‘s argument.
C. Aggravated Burglary
{¶84} The jury found Nguyen guilty of aggravated burglary under
(A) No person, by force, stealth, or deception, shall trespass in an occupied structure or in a separately secured or separately occupied portion of an occupied structure, when another person other than an accomplice of the offender is present, with purpose to commit in the structure or in the separately secured or separately occupied portion of the structure any criminal offense, if any of the following apply:
(1) The offender inflicts, or attempts or threatens to inflict physical harm on another[.]
{¶85} Nguyen contends the State failed to prove he trespassed. A person commits a trespass when, without privilege to do so, he knowingly enters or remains on the land or premises of another.
{¶86} Nguyen again argues Jenny is not credible, so the jury could not believe her testimony about “the rape, i.e. the terminating event * * * ” (Appellant‘s Br. 30). And because Jenny never explicitly told Nguyen to leave, he claims the aggravated burglary conviction is against the manifest weight of the evidence. Once again Nguyen‘s argument asks us to usurp the jury‘s role to determine credibility, which we will not do. See Murphy, 4th Dist. No. 07CA2953, 2008-Ohio-1744, at ¶ 31. The jury was free to believe Jenny‘s testimony. Therefore, we reject his argument.
D. Tampering with Evidence
(A) No person, knowing that an official proceeding or investigation is in progress, or is about to be or likely to be instituted, shall do any of the following:
(1) Alter, destroy, conceal, or remove any record, document, or thing, with purpose to impair its value or availability as evidence in such proceeding or investigation[.]
{¶88} The State presented evidence that Nguyen used medical tape, rope, and scissors during this incident. Jenny testified that Nguyen took the rope with him and that she thought he took the tape and scissors too. Law enforcement only found what Jenny later identified as a piece of the rope at the crime scene and did not find the tape or scissors. Nguyen contends that it “does not make sense” that he would take items from the scene but leave behind latex gloves as the State claimed. (Appellant‘s Br. 31). In other words, he suggests that if he did tamper with evidence, he would have been smart enough to remove all of it. But the jury was free to conclude he was careless.
{¶89} Obviously at the time Nguyen would have tampered with evidence, an official proceeding or investigation was not yet in progress. Nguyen argues that he also did not know an official proceeding or investigation was about to be or likely to be instituted. Jenny testified she told Nguyen she would not report him to police and “his demeanor thereafter changed.” (Appellant‘s Br. 31). And “[i]f true, he had no reason to remove evidence, nor would he have reason to know of any ‘official proceeding or investigation.’ ” (Appellant‘s Br. 31). However, the jury had no obligation to find that Nguyen actually believed the victim would not report him. “When an offender commits an unmistakable crime, the offender has constructive knowledge of an impending
{¶90} Nguyen also complains that he could not have “removed” the tape, rope, or scissors from the crime scene if he owned them and brought them to the apartment. However, ownership is irrelevant under
{¶91} In addition, Nguyen argues there was no evidence he “did anything ‘to impair the evidence‘s availability’ ” in an official proceeding or investigation. (Appellant‘s Br. 31). But under the statute, the offender does not have to actually impair the evidence‘s value or availability. It is sufficient that the offender alters, destroys, conceals, or removes the item “with purpose” to impair its value or availability. Moreover, the jury could logically conclude that was Nguyen‘s purpose because he committed unmistakable crimes and removed items used to facilitate those crimes from the victim‘s apartment before he left. And he expressed concern about the victim contacting law enforcement. Therefore, the evidence reasonably supports the conclusion that Nguyen tampered with evidence.
{¶92} Nguyen‘s convictions are not against the manifest weight of the evidence. This conclusion necessarily means sufficient evidence supports his convictions. Accordingly, we overrule the seventh assignment of error.
IX. Jury Selection
{¶93} In his ninth assignment of error, Nguyen complains that the trial court
A. Pre-Trial Excuse and Deferral of Prospective Jurors
{¶94} An assignment commissioner drew a panel of 110 prospective jurors for this case. Before trial, the court notified the parties it excused or deferred several for various reasons, like vacations and medical issues. Nguyen argues the court erred because it did this “ex parte,” violating his rights under the Sixth and Fourteenth Amendments. ” ‘[Q]uestions of the scope and effect of constitutional protections, such as the Sixth Amendment, are matters of law and therefore reviewed de novo.’ ” Dorsey, 5th Dist. No. 11CA39, 2012-Ohio-611, at ¶ 19, quoting Dunivant, 5th Dist. No. 2003CA00175, 2005-Ohio-1497, at ¶ 7. Nguyen also claims the court violated
{¶95} The trial court acted sua sponte in this matter, not “ex parte,” i.e., it did not discuss the prospective jurors with the State outside the presence of defense counsel. In addition, “[t]he attendance or non-attendance of jurors, * * * and their discharge from attendance on grounds of personal excuse, * * * [are] matters between the court and the jurors, and with which the parties cannot, of right, interfere.” Bond v. State, 23 Ohio St. 349, 355 (1872), cited with approval in State v. Murphy, 91 Ohio St.3d 516, 525, 747 N.E.2d 765 (2001). Therefore, ” ‘it is no ground for reversal of judgment in a criminal case, that the court, before the day set for trial, discharged some of the jurors in
{¶96} The excuse and deferral of prospective jurors did not cause any disqualified or biased juror to be seated. And the court did not impair Nguyen‘s ability to exercise peremptory challenges. Thus, the court did not deny him the essential benefits of voir dire. Id. And even if we discerned an error in the court‘s process, “[a]bsent a systematic and intentional exclusion of a particular group of persons from jury service, minor or technical defects in the jury selection process do not result in a constitutional infirmity warranting reversal.” State v. Barney, 4th Dist. No. 97CA12, 1999 WL 378755, *10 (June 7, 1999). Accordingly, we reject Nguyen‘s argument.
B. Removal of Prospective Juror for Cause
{¶97} Nguyen also complains that during voir dire, the court “committed error” when it removed prospective juror Simonton for cause, i.e., financial hardship. (Appellant‘s Br. 35). In his assigned error, it appears Nguyen complains this ruling violated the Sixth and Fourteenth Amendments,
{¶98} ” ‘A person called as a juror in a criminal case may be challenged’ for a number of reasons, including ‘[t]hat he otherwise is unsuitable for any other cause to
{¶99} During voir dire, the prosecutor indicated the trial might last one to three weeks. Simonton stated that she is a home health aide six days a week, and for each week the trial lasted she would miss four days of work.4 Simonton explained she lives paycheck to paycheck. The following exchange occurred:
[DEFENSE COUNSEL]: One question, Ms. Simonton. Would you rather not be on this jury because of what you just said? Because I want you on the jury.
BY JUROR SIMONTON: I mean I would be on it. I mean I‘ll get by somehow. But (inaudible)
BY THE JUDGE: Well you‘ll get thirty dollars a day. I don‘t know if that helps you very much or not. Probably not as much as working.
BY JUROR SIMONTON: It would help. But like she said usually you have to wait before it‘s over and then they mail the check to you. And that‘s was [sic] my thing, the two weeks, when I miss that pay to go towards my bills. I mean I‘ll figure it out. I‘ll borrow the money and pay it back or something. But -
BY THE JUDGE: Okay. Thank you.
{¶100} Nguyen is correct that Simonton expressed a willingness to be on the jury and said she would “get by somehow.” Regardless, the court could conclude
X. Merger
{¶101} In his fifth assignment of error, Nguyen contends the trial court violated his right against Double Jeopardy when it failed to merge his convictions for kidnapping, rape, and aggravated burglary under
(A) Where the same conduct by defendant can be construed to constitute two or more allied offenses of similar import, the indictment or information may contain counts for all such offenses, but the defendant may be convicted of only one.
(B) Where the defendant‘s conduct constitutes two or more offenses of dissimilar import, or where his conduct results in two or more offenses of the same or similar kind committed separately or with a separate animus as to each, the indictment or information may contain counts for all such offenses, and the defendant may be convicted of all of them.
{¶102} “The question of whether offenses should merge under
{¶103} “Through a series of opinions the Supreme Court of Ohio has advised and re-advised lower courts on the difficult task of applying Ohio‘s multiple-count statute to determine which criminal convictions require merger.” Delawder at ¶ 39. In the plurality decision of State v. Johnson, 128 Ohio St.3d 153, 2010-Ohio-6314, 942 N.E.2d 1061, which was released after Nguyen‘s sentencing hearing, the Court expressly overruled its then current test for merger. Under the new test, the trial court must first determine “whether it is possible to commit one offense and commit the other with the same conduct, not whether it is possible to commit one without committing the other.” (Emphasis sic). Johnson at ¶ 48. If the offenses are so alike that the same conduct can subject the accused to potential culpability for both, they are “of similar import” and the court must proceed to the second step. The court must then determine whether the offenses in fact were committed by the same conduct, i.e. committed as a single act with a single animus. Id. at ¶ 49. If so, merger is necessary. However, if the offenses resulted from separate acts or were performed with a separate animus, or if the commission of one offense will never result in the commission of the other, the offenses will not merge. Id. at ¶ 51.
A. Rape and Kidnapping
{¶104} It is possible to commit rape under
{¶105} The trial court orally found that Nguyen had a separate animus for each crime; we agree with this conclusion. The State suggests no animus for the rape aside from the obvious – sexual gratification. To be convicted of kidnapping under
{¶106} At one point before the rape, Nguyen tied up the victim with rope but then cut the rope off. After the rape, Nguyen told the victim he was taking her to New York, made her pack and get dressed, used medical tape to bind her arms together, and took her from the bedroom to the living room. He also attempted to blindfold her and tape her mouth shut. And he asked the victim about whether she would report him to police. When she promised not to, he cut her arms free.
{¶107} This evidence suggests Nguyen restrained and moved the victim after the rape to facilitate his flight from the crime scene or to intimidate her into not filing criminal charges. In other words, evidence supports the conclusion that the post-rape restraint and movement of the victim was not merely incidental to the rape. See
B. Rape and Aggravated Burglary
{¶108} The trial court found that rape and aggravated burglary were not offenses of similar import. However, using the Johnson test, we conclude it is possible to commit rape under
C. Kidnapping and Aggravated Burglary
{¶109} The trial court did not address whether the kidnapping and aggravated burglary convictions merged. Using the Johnson test, we conclude it is possible to commit kidnapping under
XI. Sentence for Tampering with Evidence
{¶110} In his sixth assignment of error, Nguyen contends that the court abused its discretion when it imposed maximum and consecutive sentences. However, if on remand the trial court concludes that the kidnapping and aggravated burglary offenses merge or that the rape and aggravated burglary charges merge, some of the issues raised in this assignment of error as to those three convictions might be rendered moot. Therefore, we will decline to address the arguments related to those offenses at this time. See State v. Smith, 9th Dist. No. 00CA007619, 2001 WL 111562, *4 (Feb. 7, 2001). Nonetheless, we must still address Nguyen‘s five-year maximum sentence for tampering with evidence (which the court ordered him to serve concurrently to the sentences for the other charges).
{¶111} In State v. Kalish, 120 Ohio St.3d 23, 2008-Ohio-4912, 896 N.E.2d 124, the Supreme Court of Ohio announced the two-step analysis for appellate review of felony sentences. First, we “must examine the sentencing court‘s compliance with all applicable rules and statutes in imposing the sentence to determine whether the sentence is clearly and convincingly contrary to law.” Kalish at ¶ 4. If the sentence is not clearly and convincingly contrary to law, we review it for an abuse of discretion. Id.
{¶113} Next, we must determine whether the trial court abused its discretion in selecting Nguyen‘s sentence for tampering with evidence. Again, the term “abuse of discretion” implies that the court‘s attitude is arbitrary, unreasonable, or unconscionable. Adams, 62 Ohio St.2d at 157, 404 N.E.2d 144.
{¶114} Nguyen claims evidence does not support a finding that he “brought gloves or rope” to the victim‘s home. (Appellant‘s Br. 22). However, it appears Nguyen makes this statement to contest a comment the court made about the aggravated burglary charge. To the extent the statement might relate to the tampering with evidence sentence, we find it unpersuasive. In Section VIII.D. we already determined the manifest weight of the evidence supports his conviction for that charge.
{¶115} Nguyen also generally argues that the trial court should have given more weight to the fact that he was a 32-year-old first-offender. However, the mere fact that Nguyen had no prior convictions does not demonstrate an arbitrary, unreasonable, or unconscionable attitude on the part of the court in sentencing him for tampering with evidence. Therefore, we reject this argument and overrule the sixth assignment of error as to the sentence for that offense.
XII. Summary
{¶116} We overrule the first, second, third, fourth, seventh, eighth, and
JUDGMENT AFFIRMED IN PART, REVERSED IN PART, AND CAUSE REMANDED.
It is ordered that the JUDGMENT IS AFFIRMED IN PART, REVERSED IN PART and that the CAUSE IS REMANDED. Appellant and Appellee shall split the costs.
The Court finds there were reasonable grounds for this appeal.
It is ordered that a special mandate issue out of this Court directing the Athens County Common Pleas Court to carry this judgment into execution.
IF A STAY OF EXECUTION OF SENTENCE AND RELEASE UPON BAIL HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY GRANTED BY THE TRIAL COURT OR THIS COURT, it is temporarily continued for a period not to exceed sixty days upon the bail previously posted. The purpose of a continued stay is to allow Appellant to file with the Supreme Court of Ohio an application for a stay during the pendency of proceedings in that court. If a stay is continued by this entry, it will terminate at the earlier of the expiration of the sixty day period, or the failure of the Appellant to file a notice of appeal with the Supreme Court of Ohio in the forty-five day appeal period pursuant to Rule II, Sec. 2 of the Rules of Practice of the Supreme Court of Ohio. Additionally, if the Supreme Court of Ohio dismisses the appeal prior to expiration of sixty days, the stay will terminate as of the date of such dismissal.
A certified copy of this entry shall constitute the mandate pursuant to Rule 27 of the Rules of Appellate Procedure.
McFarland, J. & Hoover, J.: Concur in Judgment & Opinion
For the Court
BY: __________________________
William H. Harsha, Judge
NOTICE TO COUNSEL
Pursuant to Local Rule No. 14, this document constitutes a final judgment entry and the time period for further appeal commences from the date of filing with the clerk.