STATE OF OHIO, PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, v. ALONZO L. WILLIAMS, JR., DEFENDANT-APPELLANT.
CASE NO. 1-19-70
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO THIRD APPELLATE DISTRICT ALLEN COUNTY
February 1, 2021
2021-Ohio-256
Appeal from Allen County Common Pleas Court, Trial Court No. CR 2019 0004. Judgment Affirmed.
F. Stephen Chamberlain for Appellant
Jana E. Emerick for Appellee
{¶1} Defendant-appellant, Alonzo L. Williams, Jr. (“Williams“), appeals his conviction and sentence of the Allen County Court of Common Pleas. For the reasons that follow, we affirm.
{¶2} This matter stems from a series of drug-related charges involving Williams that took place in Allen County, Ohio at three separate locations and on three separate dates: October 4, 2018, October 29, 2018, and December 28, 2018.
{¶3} On February 14, 2019, the Allen County Grand Jury indicted Williams on ten criminal charges including: Count One, failure to comply with an order or signal of a police officer in violation of
{¶4} On October 4, 2019, the State filed its notice of intent to use “other-acts” evidence at trial under Evid.R. 404(B) and
{¶5} Williams‘s case proceeded to a jury trial on October 15, 16 and 17, 2019 wherein he was found guilty of all counts and specifications. (Doc. Nos. 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 133); (Oct. 17, 2019 Tr., Vol. III, at 825-836, 847-848).
{¶6} On October 17, 2019, the trial court sentenced Williams to an aggregate of 17 years in prison.2 (Doc. No. 134); (Oct. 17, 2019 Tr., Vol. III, at 853-857).
Assignment of Error No. I
The Trial Court Committed Error Prejudicial To The Defendant By Improperly Excluding Two African-American Jurors For Cause Over The Objections Of The Defendant.
Assignment of Error No. II
The Trial Court Committed Error Prejudicial To The Defendant By Overruling The Defendant‘s Motion To Exclude Other Acts Evidence Under Evid.R. 403 And 404.
Assignment of Error No. III
The Trial Court Committed Error Prejudicial To The Defendant By Allowing And [sic] Out Of Court Identification Of The Defendant It Was Based Upon A Tainted An [sic] Illegal Photo Lineup.
Assignment of Error No. IV
The Trial Counsel For The Defendant Was Ineffective And Therefore Violated The Defendant‘s Right To Effective Assistance Of Counsel Pursuant To The Sixth And Fourteenth Amendments Of The United States Constitution And Article One Section Ten Of The Ohio Constitution.
{¶7} For ease of our discussion, we will discuss Williams‘s assignments of error out of order.
Assignment of Error No. II
The Trial Court Committed Error Prejudicial To The Defendant By Overruling The Defendant‘s Motion To Exclude Other Acts Evidence Under Evid.R. 403 And 404.
{¶8} In his second assignment of error, Williams asserts that the trial court permitted “other acts” into evidence, which constituted impermissible propensity evidence under Evid.R. 404, that was irrelevant and unfairly prejudicial under Evid.R. 401, 402, and 403.
Standard of Review
{¶9} “Generally, ‘[a] trial court is given broad discretion in admitting and excluding evidence, including “other bad acts” evidence.‘” State v. Wendel, 3d Dist. Union No. 14-16-08, 2016-Ohio-7915, ¶ 23, quoting State v. Williams, 7th Dist. Jefferson No. 11 JE 7, 2013-Ohio-2314, ¶ 7, citing State v. Maurer, 15 Ohio St.3d 239, 265 (1984). However, “[t]he admissibility of other-acts evidence pursuant to Evid.R. 404(B) is a question of law.” State v. Hartman, ___ Ohio St.3d ___, 2020-Ohio-4440, ¶ 22.
{¶10} Thus, this court reviews de novo whether a trial court admitted improper character evidence and applies an abuse-of-discretion standard to evidentiary decisions regarding the admission of other-acts evidence for permissible purposes. See id., citing Leonard, The New Wigmore: Evidence of Other Misconduct and Similar Events, Section 4.10 (2d Ed.2019) (because “[d]etermining
{¶11} “De novo review is independent, without deference to the lower court‘s decision.” State v. Hudson, 3d Dist. Marion No. 9-12-38, 2013-Ohio-647, ¶ 27, citing Ohio Bell Tel. Co. v. Pub. Util. Comm. of Ohio, 64 Ohio St.3d 145, 147 (1992). An abuse of discretion implies that the trial court acted unreasonably, arbitrarily, or unconscionably. State v. Adams, 62 Ohio St.2d 151, 157 (1980).
Analysis
{¶12} Initially, we must determine whether Williams preserved this issue on appeal. Williams‘s arguments revolve around the testimonies of Detective Matt Boss‘s (“Det. Boss“), Deputy Justin Kirk‘s (“Dep. Kirk“) and Patrolman Kaitlyn Weiderman‘s (“Ptlm. Weiderman“) regarding Williams‘s three previous traffic
{¶13} “‘Evid.R. 404(B) provides that “[e]vidence of other crimes, wrongs, or acts is not admissible to prove the character of a person in order to show action in conformity therewith.“‘” State v. Bagley, 3d Dist. Allen No. 1-13-31, 2014-Ohio-1787, ¶ 56, quoting State v. May, 3d Dist. Logan No. 8-11-19, 2012-Ohio-5128, ¶ 69, quoting Evid.R. 404(B). See also Wendel at ¶ 21. “‘However, there are exceptions to the general rule: “[i]t may, however, be admissible for other purposes, such as proof of motive, opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, identity, or absence of mistake or accident.“‘” Bagley at ¶ 56, quoting May at ¶ 69, quoting Evid.R. 404(B). See also
{¶14} “Other acts can be evidence of identity in two types of situations. First are those situations where other acts ‘form part of the immediate background of the alleged act which forms the foundation of the crime charged in the indictment,’ and which are ‘inextricably related to the alleged criminal act.‘” State v. Lowe, 69 Ohio St. 3d 527, 531 (1994), quoting State v. Curry, 43 Ohio St. 2d 66, 73 (1975).
{¶15} “Other acts may also prove identity by establishing a modus operandi applicable to the crime with which a defendant is charged.” Id. “‘Modus operandi’ literally means method of working.” Hartman at ¶ 37, citing People v. Barbour, 106 Ill.App.3d 993, 999, 62 Ill.Dec. 641, 436 N.E.2d 667 (1982). “‘“{Other acts} may be introduced to establish the identity of a perpetrator by showing that he has committed similar crimes and that a distinct, identifiable scheme, plan, or system was used in the commission of the charged offense.“‘” Lowe at 531, quoting State v. Smith, 49 Ohio St. 3d 137, 141 (1990). “Evidence of modus operandi is relevant to prove identity: ‘Evidence that the defendant had committed uncharged crimes with the same peculiar modus tends to identify the defendant as the perpetrator of the charged crime.‘” Hartman at ¶ 37, quoting 1 Imwinkelried, Giannelli, Gilligan, Lederer & Richter, Courtroom Criminal Evidence, Section 907 (6th Ed.2016). See
{¶16} The Supreme Court of Ohio has set forth a three-step analysis for trial courts to conduct in determining whether “other acts” evidence is admissible under Evid.R. 404(B). State v. Williams, 134 Ohio St. 3d 521, 2012-Ohio-5695, ¶ 19-20. “The first step is to consider whether the other acts evidence is relevant to making any fact that is of consequence to the determination of the action more or less probable than it would be without the evidence.” Id. at ¶ 20, citing Evid.R. 401. See also Hartman at ¶ 24, 28. “The next step is to consider whether evidence of the other crimes, wrongs, or acts is presented to prove the character of the accused in order to show activity in conformity therewith or whether the other acts evidence is presented for a legitimate purpose, such as those stated in Evid.R. 404(B).” Williams at ¶ 20. See also Hartman at ¶ 26. “The third step is to consider whether the probative value of the other acts evidence is substantially outweighed by the
{¶17} Here, to properly address Williams‘s “other acts” argument, we must undertake a review as to the State‘s use of such evidence at trial. First, as to the facts of Williams‘s current case, the State called Deputy Scott Danmeyer (“Dep. Danmeyer“) as its first witness in its case-in-chief. (Oct. 15, 2019 Tr., Vol. I, at 209). Dep. Danmeyer testified that he was attempting to initiate a traffic stop of a motor vehicle registered to Betty Jo Cotton (“Cotton“)) whom Dep. Danmeyer believed was under a driver‘s-license suspension at the time. (Id. at 210-215). He further testified he could not see the driver because the vehicle‘s windows tint was too dark. (Id. at 210-214). According to Dep. Danmeyer, after he stopped the vehicle and as he approached the rear of the vehicle, the vehicle sped off. (Id. at 215). A chase ensued culminating in Dep. Danmeyer witnessing the suspect‘s vehicle pull into a private driveway in a residential area. (Id. at 215-223). Dep. Danmeyer testified that he witnessed the suspect exit the vehicle, turn and face him briefly, then turn and run around the side of the residence and through the back yard. (Id. at 224, 225). Dep. Danmeyer testified that he gave chase, but the suspect eluded him. (Id. at 224).
{¶18} Next, the State called its first witness as to “other acts” evidence, Det. Boss. (Id. at 299). Det. Boss testified that he was involved in a traffic stop of a
{¶19} Then, the State called Dep. Kirk regarding his traffic stop involving Williams in Lima on May 10, 2016 as its second witness of “other acts” evidence. (Id. at 304). Dep. Kirk testified that he was running traffic on North Cole Street in Lima, Allen County, Ohio when he clocked Williams on radar driving in excess of the posted speed limit. (Id. at 305). After Dep. Kirk activated his overhead lights, Williams sped away eventually pulling into a driveway of a private residence and then exit the vehicle. (Id. at 305-307). According to Dep. Kirk, as Williams rounded the front of the driver‘s side of the vehicle, he witnessed Williams throw something into the front yard. (Id. at 307-308). After detaining and identifying Williams, Dep. Kirk retrieved the object discarded by Williams, which was later determined to be heroin. (Id. 308-310). Dep. Kirk testified that Williams entered a guilty plea to a possession of heroin charge stemming from this incident. (Id. at 310).
{¶20} Lastly, the State called Ptlm. Weiderman as its third witness of the “other acts” evidence of Williams. (Id. at 311). Ptlm. Weiderman, Lima Police officer, testified that she observed Williams (with whom she was familiar and knew to be currently under a license suspension and having no valid operator‘s license) operating a motor vehicle. (Id. at 312-313). Ptlm. Weiderman activated her lights to initiate a traffic stop. (Id.). Williams then pulled into a private driveway and
{¶21} In applying the first step of the Williams analysis, we look to the “other acts” evidence elicited by the State through the testimonies of Det. Boss, Dep. Kirk, and Ptlm. Weiderman. See Williams, 134 Ohio St. 3d 521, 2012-Ohio-5695, at ¶ 20. This evidence of William‘s history of driving Cotton‘s vehicle, his vehicle, and flight from law enforcement stopping abruptly in a private driveway, and fleeing the officer on foot where discarded illegal drugs are discovered along his fleeing path, has a “tendency to make the existence of any fact that is of consequence” (that Williams was identified as the driver of Cotton‘s vehicle by Dep. Danmeyer and person who fled him along the path where illegal drugs were discovered) “more probable * * * than it would be without that evidence.” Evid.R. 401. Because this evidence is relevant to the question of Williams‘s identity, and “[a]ll relevant
{¶22} As to the second step of our analysis, we conclude that that the evidence was of Williams‘s prior traffic stops was admitted for a permissible nonpropensity purpose namely, identity, which is material under the facts before us and not offered as evidence of other crimes, wrongs, or acts. (See Oct. 15, 2019 Tr., Vol. I, at 11). See Williams at ¶ 20; Hartman at ¶ 26-27; Evid.R. 404(B). Thus, the second prong of the Williams analysis is satisfied.
{¶23} We now address the third and final step of the Williams analysis, which is whether exclusion of the “other acts” evidence (i.e., the three prior traffic stops) is mandated under Evid.R. 403(A). See Williams at ¶ 20, citing Evid.R. 403; Hartman at ¶ 29. Williams argues that since other evidence exists in the record (i.e., the photo array shown to Dep. Danmeyer and evidence located during Dep. Danmeyer‘s search of Cotton‘s vehicle) supporting Williams to be the driver of Cotton‘s vehicle, the State‘s “other acts” evidence is cumulative and prejudicial. (Oct. 15, 2019 Tr., Vol. I, at 13-14, 16-17, 237, 288); (See State‘s Exs. 10, 12, 13). However, we agree with the trial court‘s ruling and conclude this argument to be unpersuasive under the facts presented.3 (Id.); (Id.).
{¶24} Moreover, even if we were to have concluded otherwise, the trial court provided the jury with a well-tailored limiting instruction as to the purpose of the “other acts” evidence and mitigated the risk of unfair prejudice.4 See Hartman at ¶ 70.
{¶25} Because we concluded that the other-acts evidence introduced in this case was relevant and admissible for a permissible nonpropensity purpose, which was a material issue before the trial court and that exclusion of this evidence was not mandated under Evid.R. 403(A), we cannot say that the trial court abused its discretion by admitting the “other acts” evidence under Evid.R. 404(B).
{¶26} Accordingly, Williams‘s second assignment of error is overruled.
Assignment of Error No. III
The Trial Court Committed Error Prejudicial To The Defendant By Allowing And [sic] Out Of Court Identification Of The Defendant It [sic] Was Based Upon A Tainted An [sic] Illegal Photo Lineup.
{¶27} In his third assignment of error, Williams argues that the trial court erred in admitting evidence of his out-of-court identification (i.e., a photo lineup) at trial. Specifically, Williams argues that the out-of-court identification (of Williams
Standard of Review
{¶28} “[T]he admission of evidence lies within the broad discretion of the trial court, and a reviewing court should not disturb evidentiary decisions in the absence of an abuse of discretion that has created material prejudice.” State v. Conway, 109 Ohio St. 3d 412, 2006-Ohio-2815, ¶ 62, citing Issa, 93 Ohio St. 3d at 64. “[O]ur inquiry is confined to determining whether the trial court acted unreasonably, arbitrarily, or unconscionably in deciding the evidentiary issues about which” Williams complains. Id., citing State v. Barnes, 94 Ohio St. 3d 21, 23 (2002). Here, William‘s argues that the evidence that was admitted as to Williams‘s out-of-court identification was non-compliant with
Analysis
{¶29}
{¶30} We note that Williams‘s trial counsel did not file a motion to suppress eyewitness identification under
{¶31} We begin by addressing Williams‘s argument that his due-process rights were violated when the trial court permitted Dep. Danmeyer to testify regarding his identification of Williams via the photo lineup. Because we discussed
{¶32} Relative to this assignment of error, Dep. Danmeyer testified (that after the suspect eluded him) he focused his investigation on the perimeter of the residence and the suspect‘s vehicle. (Id. at 230-239). Dep. Danmeyer testified that he collected evidence from the suspect‘s vehicle to identify the suspect. (Id. at 240). He testified that Dep. Gresham, who was also present on scene, brought it to his attention that a cell-phone (found in the vehicle) belonged to Williams. (Id.). Thereafter, Dep. Danmeyer testified that Patrolman Brittany Wyerick obtained a photograph of Williams (from the Lima Police Department‘s records) and after viewing the image and information related to the image, he identified Williams as the person who fled from him. (Id. at 240-241). Moreover, Dep. Danmeyer testified that he saw Williams’ face-to-face prior to his flight, was able to describe his height and weight, and that it is his job to be observant. (Id. at 252-254, 257-258, 270); (State‘s Exs. 12, 13).
{¶33} Williams’ argues that the identification process employed by law enforcement deprived him of due process. We disagree. The record supports that
{¶34} Next, William‘s argues that the procedures for Dep. Danmeyer‘s photo lineup were impermissibly suggestive, and thus should have been excluded. Importantly, the photo array including Williams was never offered into evidence at trial. Moreover, William‘s concedes that “[i]n this case the photo array administrations are not in the record so there [was] no opportunity for the [trial c]ourt to review the procedure.” (Appellant‘s Brief at 21-22). Consequently, and because Williams fails to cite any evidence that state actors (in this instance law enforcement) supplied suggestiveness during the photo lineup, William‘s has failed to establish undue suggestion in the identification process.
{¶35} Accordingly, Williams‘s third assignment of error is overruled.
Assignment of Error No. I
The Trial Court Committed Error Prejudicial To The Defendant By Improperly Excluding Two African-American Jurors For Cause Over The Objections Of The Defendant.
Standard of Review
{¶37} “‘[T]he determination of whether a prospective juror should be disqualified for cause is a discretionary function of the trial court. Such determination will not be reversed on appeal absent an abuse of discretion.‘” State v. Allsup, 3d Dist. Hardin No. 6-10-09, 2011-Ohio-404, ¶ 47 (Jan. 31, 2011), quoting Berk v. Matthews, 53 Ohio St. 3d 161, 169 (1990). “This is so because a trial court is in the best position to assess the potential juror‘s credibility.” Id. “Accordingly, the trial court‘s determination will be affirmed absent a showing that the court‘s attitude is arbitrary, unreasonable, or unconscionable.” Id., citing Berk at 169.
Analysis
{¶39} As to Williams‘s “for cause” argument of the prospective juror, Thomas, Crim.R. 24(C)(14) provides: “A person called as a juror may be challenged for the following causes: That the juror is otherwise unsuitable for any other cause to serve as a juror.”
{¶40} Next, we turn to Williams‘s challenge to the second prospective juror at issue, Watson. (Id. at 74-76). During voir dire, Watson indicated that he may have a lack of confidence in law enforcement based on his prior experiences with law enforcement in Lima. (Id. at 75). Importantly, Watson acknowledged a generalized bias against the criminal-justice system as a whole, and his unwillingness to set those experiences aside. (Id. at 76). After voir dire by the State, Williams‘s trial counsel, and the trial court, Watson held firm to his inability to put aside his prior experiences involving law enforcement in assessing witnesses in the instant case. (Id. at 82). Consequently, the trial court excused Watson for cause based upon his answers to questions, not his race. (Id.). See Crim.R. 24(C)(14);
Assignment of Error No. IV
The Trial Counsel For The Defendant Was Ineffective And Therefore Violated The Defendant‘s Right To Effective Assistance Of Counsel Pursuant To The Sixth And Fourteenth Amendments Of The United States Constitution And Article One Section Ten Of The Ohio Constitution.
{¶42} In his fourth assignment of error, Williams argues that his trial counsel was deficient in his performance by failing to file a pretrial motion to suppress the in-court identification (of Williams) by Dep. Danmeyer and his trial counsel‘s “untimely” objection resulting in a limitation on this court‘s ability to review the claimed error.
Standard of Review
{¶43} A defendant asserting a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel must establish: (1) the counsel‘s performance was deficient or unreasonable under the circumstances; and (2) the deficient performance prejudiced the defendant. State v. Kole, 92 Ohio St. 3d 303, 306 (2001), citing Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 687, 104 S.Ct. 2052, 2064 (1984). In order to show trial counsel‘s conduct was deficient or unreasonable, the defendant must overcome the presumption that counsel provided competent representation and must show that counsel‘s actions were not trial strategies prompted by reasonable professional judgment. Strickland at 687. Counsel is entitled to a strong presumption that all decisions fall within the
{¶44} “Prejudice results when ‘there is a reasonable probability that, but for counsel‘s unprofessional errors, the result of the proceeding would have been different.‘” State v. Liles, 3d Dist. Allen No. 1-13-04, 2014-Ohio-259, ¶ 48, quoting Bradley at 142, citing Strickland at 691. “‘A reasonable probability is a probability sufficient to undermine confidence in the outcome.‘” Id., quoting Bradley at 142 and citing Strickland at 694.
Analysis
{¶45} In our review of Williams‘s brief as it pertains to this assignment of error, we find serious and fatal deficiencies therein. Namely, Williams fails to argue how his trial counsel was deficient or unreasonable in his performance by failing to file a motion to suppress Williams‘s in-court identification and how Williams was prejudiced by such a deficiency. Moreover, Williams fails to direct us to any
{¶46} Next, Williams argues that his trial counsel‘s untimely objection (as to the “for cause” excusal of the prospective jurors Thomas and Watkins) supports his claims of ineffective assistance of counsel. Nevertheless, this portion of his fourth assignment of error is rendered moot in light of our determination of Williams‘s second assignment of error. See App.R. 12(A)(1)(c).
{¶47} Accordingly, and for the reasons set forth above, Williams‘s fourth assignment of error is overruled.
{¶48} Having found no error prejudicial to the appellant herein in the particulars assigned and argued, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Judgment Affirmed
PRESTON and SHAW, J.J., concur.
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