STATE OF OHIO, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. JONATHAN REDMOND, Defendant-Appellant.
No. 111138
COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO EIGHTH APPELLATE DISTRICT COUNTY OF CUYAHOGA
October 20, 2022
2022-Ohio-3734
JUDGMENT: AFFIRMED
RELEASED AND JOURNALIZED: October 20, 2022
Criminal Appeal from the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas Case No. CR-20-655230-A
Appearances:
Michael C. O‘Malley, Cuyahoga County Prosecuting Attorney, and Debora Brewer, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, for appellee.
The Goldberg Law Firm and John J. Dowell, for appellant.
MARY J. BOYLE, J.:
{¶ 1} Defendant-appellant, Jonathan Redmond (“Redmond“), appeals his convictions for rape and kidnapping, following a bench trial. Redmond challenges the sufficiency and weight of the evidence supporting his convictions, argues that he
I. Procedural History and Factual Background
{¶ 2} On February 12, 2021, Redmond was charged in a six-count indictment. Counts 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 charged him with rape in violation of
{¶ 3} On March 11, 2021, a capias warrant was issued for Redmond for failure to appear at the arraignment. Following his arrest, Redmond pled not guilty to the indictment and was released on bond with court-supervised release, placed on GPS home-detention monitoring, and ordered to have no contact with the victim. Two months later, on May 12, 2021, the court granted Redmond‘s request for bond modification to remove GPS home-detention monitoring so that Redmond could resume working, but continued the other bond conditions.
{¶ 4} On June 30, 2021, the trial court held a pretrial hearing at which Redmond waived his right to a jury trial and executed a written jury waiver. Redmond again waived his right to a jury trial and executed a second jury waiver at a pretrial hearing held on November 15, 2021. The matter then proceeded directly to a two-day bench trial. The state called the victim, C.M.; C.M.‘s mother A.R. (“mother“); S.T., a close family friend; Parma Police Detective Jonathan Fullerton
{¶ 5} C.M. testified that on October 6, 2018, just before her seventeenth birthday, she visited her sister D.M. and D.M.‘s boyfriend, Redmond, at their apartment in Parma. (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 33, 67.) At that time, C.M. had been living with her mother. D.M., who is a year older than C.M., had recently moved out of their mother‘s house and began living with Redmond, who was then 25 years old. (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 33, 35, 163, 232.) C.M. testified that she did not know Redmond very well. (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 34, 53-54.) C.M. stated that while she was at the apartment, she and D.M. watched television for a period of time before D.M. left the apartment with two friends to pick up some LSD and go to a high school homecoming dance. (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 39-40.) C.M. stated that D.M. left her a blunt to smoke. (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 70.)
{¶ 6} C.M. testified that after D.M. left the apartment, Redmond came out of the bedroom and began talking to her in the living room, asking if she was in a relationship with anyone. (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 40.) When asked on cross-examination if she was high at the time, C.M. replied that she never smoked the blunt D.M. left for her because it was extinguished sometime during her conversation with Redmond. (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 70.) C.M. testified that at some point during the conversation, Redmond came over to where she was sitting on the couch, squatted down before her, and leaned in to kiss her. (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 41-42.) C.M. recalled
{¶ 7} C.M. testified that Redmond then stood before where she remained sitting on the couch and offered her $300 if she could “make him cum.” (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 42.) C.M. stated that Redmond then exposed his penis, grabbed the back of her head, and thrust his penis into her mouth. (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 42.) C.M. testified that she tried to pull it out and told Redmond to stop. (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 42-43.) She testified that Redmond then pulled her pajama pants down partway, pushed her legs toward her chest, and began having vaginal intercourse with her on the couch. (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 43, 45, 78.) C.M. testified that she told Redmond to stop “multiple times,” (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 74.), and recalled that he periodically looked out the patio window whenever he saw headlights shine into the living room. (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 43.)
{¶ 8} During C.M.‘s testimony, the state introduced a two-page, hand-drawn rendering of the apartment, which C.M. created when she first met with detectives following the incident (“exhibit No. 1“). (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 108.) The first page of exhibit No. 1 shows two Xs drawn on the living room couch, one near the arm of the couch and another closer to the center of the couch. C.M. testified that these two Xs represented two different times Redmond had raped her on the couch. (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 111.) C.M. recalled that she had been sitting near the arm of the couch (represented by the first X) when Redmond forced her to perform fellatio and then vaginally penetrated her.
{¶ 10} C.M. testified that after “five to seven minutes” of vaginal intercourse in the hallway, Redmond then picked her up over his shoulder and carried her back to the living room couch (marked by the second X in the state‘s exhibit No. 1), where he placed her in the same crunched position as before, with her legs pressed against her chest, resumed vaginal intercourse, and began to “lick and spit on [her] vagina.” (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 45-46.) C.M. stated that she then broke down and started “loudly sobbing” and Redmond finally stopped. (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 47.) C.M. testified that at some point during the incident, she had stopped saying “no” because Redmond was not listening. (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 47-48.) She recalled that the entire incident
{¶ 11} C.M. testified that Redmond afterwards asked her to keep the incident between them. (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 49.) She recalled sitting on the living room couch, texting her sister, waiting for her to return, and Redmond lying on the living room floor doing the same. (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 49.) When asked on cross-examination why she had not immediately left the apartment, C.M. replied that she froze, did not want to be alone, and did not want her sister to suspect something had happened. (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 88, 93.) C.M. recalled that D.M. appeared to be ill when she returned to the apartment and had proceeded directly to the bathroom to vomit. (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 51) C.M. recalled leaving the apartment shortly after. (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 51.) Redmond followed C.M. out of the apartment, saying “We‘re good, right[?]” and “Everything is okay.” (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 51.) When asked on cross-examination if she ever returned to the apartment after the incident, C.M. replied that she left that night without her shoes and may have returned the following morning to retrieve them. (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 94, 116-117.)
{¶ 12} C.M. testified that she did not immediately tell anyone about the incident because she did not want to ruin her relationship with her sister or her sister‘s relationship with Redmond. (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 52.) C.M. testified that she first told a family friend about the incident a few weeks after and informed her mother about it a week after that. (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 54, 56.) C.M. recalled seeing Redmond three times after the incident, once at her uncle‘s house for pumpkin
{¶ 13} S.T., a close family friend, testified that C.M. told her about the incident around Thanksgiving 2018. (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 149.) C.M.‘s mother testified that she learned about the incident after confronting C.M. about her grades the Sunday following Thanksgiving 2018. (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 126.) She testified that C.M. was a strong student and C.M.‘s teachers contacted her because C.M.‘s grades were dropping. (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 126.) When asked on cross-examination if C.M.‘s grades had been dropping because of marijuana use, C.M.‘s mother replied that C.M. did not have a marijuana problem, D.M. did, and she only later discovered that C.M. smoked marijuana. (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 138-139.) She testified that on November 27, 2018, she went by herself to the Parma police station to file a report on C.M.‘s behalf but was told that C.M. would need to be there. (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 133.) She testified that C.M. was at first reluctant to file a report but eventually went with her to meet with Parma Police Detective Amanda Kaniecki (“Detective Kaniecki“). (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 134.). C.M.‘s mother recalled sitting in the police station lobby while C.M.
{¶ 14} Parma Police Detective Jonathan Fullerton (“Detective Fullerton“) testified that the initial report of the incident was made through a crime-tip email in November 2018, and assigned to Detective Kaniecki, his partner. (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 153.) Detective Fullerton stated that he did not have much involvement in the case at first. He recalled assisting in some research and identifying the date of the incident as October 6, 2018, based on C.M.‘s statement to Detective Kaniecki that the incident had occurred the night of the homecoming dance. (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 153.) Detective Fullerton testified that C.M. returned to the Parma police station in June 2020, and wanted to reopen the case. (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 152.) Detective Fullerton stated that, at this point, the case had been suspended and Detective Kaniecki had been promoted to sergeant, so the case was then assigned to him. (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 152, 155.) Detective Fullerton reviewed the case with C.M., spoke with S.T., and attempted to speak to Redmond, but Redmond declined to give a statement. (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 154.) Detective Fullerton testified that following his interview with C.M. and conversation with S.T., he referred the case to the county prosecutor‘s office. (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 155.)
{¶ 15} C.M.‘s pediatrician, Dr. Kathryn Corrigan (“Dr. Corrigan“), testified that C.M.‘s mother brought C.M. to see her on December 5, 2018, and waited in the
{¶ 16} At the close of the state‘s case in chief, Redmond moved for judgment of acquittal pursuant to
{¶ 18} Following the conclusion of the second day of trial, on November 16, 2021, the trial court found Redmond guilty of rape (Counts 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6) and kidnapping (Count 3). The matter proceeded to sentencing on November 23, 2021.
II. Law and Analysis
A. Sufficiency of the Evidence
{¶ 19} In his first assignment of error, Redmond argues that his convictions were not supported by sufficient evidence. Specifically, Redmond contends that there was insufficient evidence of force to support his convictions for rape and kidnapping.
{¶ 20} A challenge to the sufficiency of the evidence questions whether the state has met its burden of production. State v. Swanson-Reed, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 110724, 2022-Ohio-1401, ¶ 12, citing State v. Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d 380, 390, 678 N.E.2d 541 (1997). Whether the evidence is legally sufficient to support a conviction is a question of law. Thompkins at 386, 678 N.E.2d 541. “[A] conviction based on legally insufficient evidence constitutes a denial of due process.” Id. When reviewing a sufficiency challenge, the reviewing court must examine the evidence admitted at trial and determine “whether such evidence, if believed, would convince
{¶ 21} A rape conviction under
{¶ 22} “Force,” as used in the rape and kidnapping statutes, is defined as “any violence, compulsion, or constraint exerted by any means upon or against a person.”
{¶ 23} Here, C.M. testified concerning Count 1 (fellatio) that Redmond stood before her while she sat on the couch, grabbed the back of her head, and thrust his penis into her mouth. (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 42.). She testified that she tried to pull it out and “continuously” told Redmond “no” and “stop.” (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 42-43.) As for Count 2 (vaginal penetration), C.M. testified that after Redmond removed his penis from her mouth, he pulled her pants down, pushed her legs to her chest, and had vaginal intercourse with her. (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 43, 45, 78.) She testified that Redmond continued though she told him to stop “multiple times.” (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 74.) C.M. also testified that she was crying. (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 43-44.) Regarding Count 4 (vaginal penetration), C.M. testified that after the two incidents on the living room couch, she went to the bathroom, and when she emerged, Redmond pushed her against the wall from behind, held her there, and resumed vaginal intercourse with her. (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 44.) C.M. testified that she could not get away. (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 45.) Lastly, C.M. testified regarding Count 3 (kidnapping), Count 5 (vaginal penetration), and Count 6 (cunnilingus) that after holding her against the wall during vaginal intercourse outside the bathroom, Redmond picked her up over his shoulder and carried her back to the living room couch, where he resumed vaginal intercourse and began to “lick and spit on [her] vagina.” (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 46.) She testified that Redmond only stopped after she started “loudly sobbing.” (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 47.)
{¶ 25} Redmond also argues that C.M. “made no physical attempt to stop” these sex acts. Ohio‘s rape statute, however, provides that “[a] victim need not prove physical resistance to the offender in prosecutions under [the statute].”
{¶ 26} Viewing the evidence in a light most favorable to the prosecution, we find that a rational trier of fact could conclude beyond a reasonable doubt that Redmond compelled C.M. to engage in each sex act by force sufficient to overcome her will and that his rape and kidnapping convictions are therefore supported by sufficient evidence.
{¶ 27} Redmond‘s first assignment of error is overruled.
{¶ 28} In his second assignment of error, Redmond argues that his convictions are against the manifest weight of the evidence based on inconsistencies in C.M.‘s testimony that undermine her credibility.
{¶ 29} Unlike a sufficiency challenge, which questions whether the state has met its burden of production, a manifest-weight challenge questions whether the state has met its burden of persuasion. State v. Bowden, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 92266, 2009-Ohio-3598, ¶ 13, citing Thompkins at 390. “[W]eight of the evidence involves the inclination of the greater amount of credible evidence.” State v. Harris, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 109060, 2021-Ohio-856, ¶ 32, quoting Thompkins at 387. “Under the manifest weight-of-the-evidence standard, a reviewing court must ask the following question: whose evidence is more persuasive—the state‘s or the defendant‘s?” State v. Williams, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 108275, 2020-Ohio-269, ¶ 86, citing State v. Wilson, 113 Ohio St.3d 382, 2007-Ohio-2202, 865 N.E.2d 1264, ¶ 25. A reversal on the basis that a verdict is against the manifest weight of the evidence is granted “only in the exceptional case in which the evidence weighs heavily against the conviction.” Thompkins at 387, quoting State v. Martin, 20 Ohio App.3d 172, 175, 485 N.E.2d 717 (1st Dist.1983). When reviewing a challenge to the manifest weight of the evidence following a bench trial, we recognize the trial court is serving as factfinder:
“Accordingly, to warrant reversal from a bench trial under a manifest weight of the evidence claim, this court must review the entire record, weigh the evidence and all reasonable inferences, consider the credibility of witnesses and determine whether in resolving conflicts in
evidence, the trial court clearly lost its way and created such a manifest miscarriage of justice that the judgment must be reversed and a new trial ordered.”
State v. Ferguson, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 108603, 2020-Ohio-3119, ¶ 22, quoting State v. Bell, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 106842, 2019-Ohio-340, ¶ 41.
{¶ 30} Redmond first argues that C.M.‘s testimony omits the nature of her interactions with him in the days and weeks following the incident. C.M. testified that she saw Redmond three times after October 6, 2018—at a pumpkin-carving party at her uncle‘s house, on Halloween at her mother‘s house, and at one of her school plays. (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 98-99.) Redmond claims that their interaction was friendly on at least one of these occasions, as shown in exhibits A, B, and C, which are three still images of videos that D.M. testified she had recorded at her uncle‘s house on October 17, 2018. (Nov. 16, 2021, tr. 197.)
{¶ 31} Exhibit A is date- and time-stamped October 17, 2018, 8:24 p.m., and depicts C.M. and Redmond play fighting with light sabers in a kitchen area. Exhibits B and C appear to have been taken in a different location. Exhibit B depicts C.M. leaning toward the camera, her mouth near the tip of a light saber, and contains on its reverse side a handwritten date and time of October 17, 2018, 8:22 p.m., written by D.M. (Nov. 16, 2021, tr. 196.) Exhibit C depicts C.M. in the same room and position as exhibit B, but this time putting her mouth around the tip of the light saber. (Nov. 16, 2021, tr. 193-197.)
{¶ 32} Redmond argues that C.M.‘s behavior in these images, particularly the sexual innuendo in exhibits B and C, casts doubt on her rape allegations.
{¶ 33} Redmond next argues that C.M.‘s testimony was inconsistent about the duration of the rape. Specifically, Redmond points to C.M.‘s testimony on direct examination that the rape outside the bathroom lasted “five to seven minutes” and contends that it conflicts with her testimony on cross-examination that “[t]he whole thing was like five to seven minutes.” (Nov. 15, 2021, tr. 45, 84.) But Redmond offers only part of C.M.‘s testimony on cross-examination. C.M. testified that “[t]he whole thing was like five to seven minutes. So, like, after the bathroom, being back on the couch, that was the tail end of it, probably like a minute, maybe two.” This testimony is not inconsistent. Each rape with which Redmond was charged could very well fit into the five-to-seven-minute duration that C.M. recalled.
{¶ 34} Redmond also points to C.M.‘s testimony on direct examination that she did not say anything but was “crying,” not loudly, but with “tears welling up in [her] eyes” when Redmond first penetrated her vaginally and contends that this testimony conflicts with her testimony on cross-examination that at this point she said “no,” “stop,” and “[y]ou‘re dating my sister” “multiple times.” (Nov. 15, 2021,
{¶ 35} Redmond next contends that C.M.‘s testimony omits Redmond‘s attempts to get her to engage in sex acts that he wanted to post to the internet. Dr. Corrigan‘s testimony and exhibit No. 2 both reference C.M.‘s statement that Redmond had wanted to record sex acts for the internet. But neither the state nor the defense asked C.M. about this statement. Redmond also points out that Dr. Corrigan‘s progress notes do not indicate that C.M. had been penetrated. Dr. Corrigan testified, however, that the purpose of the appointment was STD testing and that she did not expect to find any evidence of rape during her examination of C.M. because any physical signs of rape, such as bruising, would have healed by the time of the appointment. (Nov. 16, 2021, tr. 168.) These alleged inconsistencies are not well taken.
{¶ 36} Lastly, Redmond argues that C.M.‘s decisions to remain in the apartment following the incident, return to the apartment the following morning, and delay reporting the incident for several months are inconsistent with her rape
{¶ 37} Therefore, after reviewing the entire record, weighing the evidence and all reasonable inferences, and considering the witnesses’ credibility, we do not find that this is the exceptional case in which the evidence weighs heavily against the conviction or that in resolving conflicts in the evidence, the trial court clearly lost its way.
{¶ 38} Redmond‘s second assignment of error is overruled.
C. Ineffective Assistance of Counsel
{¶ 39} In his third assignment of error, Redmond argues that he received ineffective assistance of counsel for counsel‘s failure to make compelling arguments during his
{¶ 40} To establish ineffective assistance of counsel, an appellant must establish “(1) deficient performance by counsel, i.e., performance falling below an
{¶ 41} A licensed attorney is presumed to be competent, and a defendant claiming ineffective assistance bears the burden of proof. State v. Black, 2019-Ohio-4977, 149 N.E.3d 1132, ¶ 35 (8th Dist.), citing State v. Smith, 17 Ohio St.3d 98, 100, 477 N.E.2d 1128 (1985). “A reviewing court will strongly presume that counsel rendered adequate assistance and made all significant decisions in the exercise of reasonable professional judgment.” State v. Powell, 2019-Ohio-4345, 134 N.E.3d 1270, ¶ 69 (8th Dist.), quoting State v. Pawlak, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 99555, 2014-Ohio-2175, ¶ 69.
{¶ 42} “Trial counsel‘s strategic choices must be accorded deference and cannot be examined through the distorting effect of hindsight.” State v. Conway, 109 Ohio St.3d 412, 2006-Ohio-2815, 848 N.E.2d 810, ¶ 115, citing Strickland at 689 and State v. Cook, 65 Ohio St.3d 516, 524-525, 605 N.E.2d 70 (1992). “Debatable trial tactics do not constitute [ineffective] assistance.” State v. Williams, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 97730, 2012-Ohio-4277, ¶ 18, quoting State v. Clayton, 62 Ohio St.2d 45, 49, 402 N.E.2d 1189 (1980). Whether or how to impeach a witness is a trial tactic. Id.; State v. Artis, 6th Dist. Lucas No. L-19-1267, 2021-Ohio-2965, ¶ 79. Speculation about the factfinder‘s possible reaction to trial counsel‘s strategy is insufficient to demonstrate prejudice. Sowell, 148 Ohio St.3d 554, 2016-Ohio-8025, 71 N.E.3d 1034, at ¶ 142.
{¶ 43} Redmond argues that counsel‘s
{¶ 44} Redmond also argues that defense counsel failed to impeach C.M. by statements she allegedly made to Detective Kaniecki that Redmond wanted to record their sex acts for the internet. The state acknowledges that neither it nor defense counsel asked C.M. about her statement to Detective Kaniecki but maintains that Redmond speculates about the impact these statements would have had at trial.
{¶ 46} Redmond‘s third assignment of error is overruled.
D. Jury Waiver
{¶ 47} In his fourth assignment of error, Redmond argues that the trial court failed to comply with
{¶ 48}
{¶ 49} A jury waiver must be voluntary, knowing, and intelligent.
{¶ 50} Here, at two separate jury-waiver hearings, the first held on June 30, 2021, and the second held directly before trial on November 15, 2021, the trial court reviewed Redmond‘s right to a jury trial with him and confirmed in the presence of counsel that he had consulted with counsel, understood his rights, and wished to waive his right to a jury. The trial court stated on the record at each hearing that Redmond executed a written jury waiver in the trial court‘s presence and the waiver form was thereafter filed with the clerk‘s office. The record therefore reveals that Redmond‘s jury waiver was voluntarily, knowingly, and intelligently made.
{¶ 51} Redmond‘s fourth assignment of error is overruled.
{¶ 52} Judgment affirmed.
It is ordered that appellee recover from appellant costs herein taxed.
It is ordered that a special mandate issue out of this court directing the common pleas court to carry this judgment into execution. The defendant‘s conviction having been affirmed, any bail pending appeal is terminated. Case remanded to the trial court for execution of sentence.
A certified copy of this entry shall constitute the mandate pursuant to Rule 21 of the Rules of Appellate Procedure.
MARY J. BOYLE, JUDGE
SEAN C. GALLAGHER, A.J., and CORNELIUS J. O‘SULLIVAN, JR., J., CONCUR