THIRD DIVISION MIKELL, P. J., MILLER and BLACKWELL, JJ.
NOTICE: Motions for reconsideration must be physically received in our clerk’s office within ten days of the date of decision to be deemed timely filed. (Court of Appeals Rule 4 (b) and Rule 37 (b), February 21, 2008) http://www.gaappeals.us/rules/
July 11, 2012
In the Court of Appeals of Georgia A12A0005. IN THE INTEREST OF A. G., a child. A12A0011. IN THE INTEREST OF A. M., a child. A12A0012. IN THE INTEREST OF S. W., a child. A12A0013. IN THE INTEREST OF D. R., a child.
MIKELL, Presiding Judge.
Following a bench trial for the charges of battery and violating the Georgia
Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act,1 A. G., A. M., S. W., and D. R. (the
“juveniles”) appeal their adjudication of delinquency, contending that the evidence
was insufficient to support the verdict against them and that the trial court
erroneously based its findings on evidence not properly in the record before it. These
cases have been consolidated on appeal. For the reasons set forth, we reverse.
1 OCGA § 16-15-1 et seq. In reviewing an adjudication of delinquency, this court construes the evidence
and all reasonable inferences therefrom “in favor of the juvenile court’s adjudication
to determine if a reasonable finder of fact could have found, beyond a reasonable
doubt, that the juvenile committed the acts charged.”2 In reviewing such cases, we
neither weigh the evidence nor determine witness credibility.3
So construed, the record shows that following a pep rally in the Tattnall County
High School gymnasium, T. W., a student, was surrounded by four other students, A.
M., S. W., D. R., and A. G., who took turns striking him around his head. Sergeant
Jones, an officer on duty at the school, searched all four students within an hour and
a half after the incident. A notebook was found on A. M. that had “G-ville 912”
written on the outside cover. A. M. testified that the writing was not gang-related and
was short for his town, Glenville, and its zipcode. However, Jones, who was certified
by the trial court as an expert on gangs, testified that “G-ville 912” was written in a
style associated with gangs. A bandana with a currency print was found on A. G. and
purple bandanas were found on S. W. and D. R. Jones concluded that the bandanas
2 (Citations and punctuation omitted.) In the Interest of J. M., 237 Ga. App. 298 (1) (513 SE2d 742) (1999); Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U. S. 307 (99 SC 2781, 61 LE2d 560) (1979). 3 In the Interest of G. J., 251 Ga. App. 299, 301 (554 SE2d 269) (2001).
2 were gang-related because of the particular way they were folded and instructed the
court that the different patterns could identify member rankings within a gang.
However, Jones also noted that he had not seen purple bandanas identifying with
gang membership at the school before, and that bandanas signifying gang
membership at the school “are normally red, white, or black.”. Additionally, Jones
testified that he did not know the current name of any gang within the school or its
members because they change names so often.
None of the juveniles challenge their adjudication of the predicate offense -
battery. Rather, they contend that the State failed to show that they were associated
with an organization that fits the definition of “criminal street gang.” All four
juveniles were charged with violating OCGA § 16-15-4 (a), which makes it unlawful
for persons associated with a “criminal street gang” to engage in “criminal gang
activity” by committing certain enumerated predicate offenses, including battery.4 A
“[c]riminal street gang” is defined as a “group of three or more persons associated in
fact, whether formal or informal, which engages in criminal gang activity.”5
4 OCGA §16-15-3 (1) (j). 5 OCGA § 16-15-3 (2).
3 The statute clearly contemplates that the existence of such an organization, and
that its members are “associated in fact,” “may be established by evidence of a
common name or common identifying signs, symbols, tattoos, graffiti, attire, or other
distinguishing characteristics.”6 However, such evidence, without more, is
insufficient to prove that the juveniles are members of a criminal street gang.7
The only evidence presented by the state that the four juveniles in this case are
members of a criminal street gang was the testimony from Sergeant Jones that the
three bandanas found on A. G., S. W., and D. R. were indicia of gang membership
and that the writing on A. M.’s notebook was written in a style associated with gangs.
Giving credence to Sergeant Jones’ testimony, as we must,8 this evidence is
insufficient to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the four juveniles were members
of a criminal street gang. Every case by this Court affirming convictions under OCGA
§ 16-15-13 (2) has included more than merely a single common identifying sign to
6 Id. Accord In the Interest of X. W., 301 Ga. App. 625, 627-628 (2) (688 SE2d 646) (2009). 7 Rodriguez v. State, 284 Ga. 803, 808 (2) (671 SE2d 497) (2009). 8 The trial judge, as trier of fact, clearly chose to believe Sergeant Jones’ explanation behind the bandanas and notebook drawing, and “it is not our function to second-guess the factfinder on such questions of credibility.” In the Interest of J. M., supra at 300 (1).
4 prove a defendant’s membership in a criminal street gang. In In the Interest of C. P.,9
a juvenile defendant was found to be part of a criminal street gang based upon officer
testimony that C. P. was wearing colors associated with the Bloodz gang and that the
pieces of paper he was carrying depicted symbols and codes associated with the
Bloodz and the 55 Mafia. In addition, C. P. admitted to being a gang member and that
the scars on his hands were a result of removing a gang tattoo. In In re X. W.,10 the
juvenile defendant was found to be a member of a criminal street gang based upon
evidence that he had several copies of the Bloodz’s “Book of Knowledge” in his
possession, that he instigated a fight with a rival gang to help an uninitiated classmate
join the gang, and that he had gang graffiti written on his desk. In In the Interest of
D. M.,11 evidence of membership in a criminal street gang included wearing a black
bandana, a color associated with a particular gang, during a drive-by shooting and the
juvenile’s admission to a detective that he was a member of that gang. In In the
9 296 Ga. App. 572, 574-575 (675 SE2d 287) (2009). 10 Supra. at 629 (2). 11 307 Ga. App. 751-752 (1) (706 SE2d 683) (2011).
5 Interest of A. D.,12 the investigating detective “easily established” that both juveniles
were members of related gangs because they admitted that they were members, both
had tattoos associated with their gangs, and the detective had previously
“documented” the juveniles as being gang members. In Lopez v. State,13 sufficient
evidence to support a conviction included witness testimony, including that from a
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THIRD DIVISION MIKELL, P. J., MILLER and BLACKWELL, JJ.
NOTICE: Motions for reconsideration must be physically received in our clerk’s office within ten days of the date of decision to be deemed timely filed. (Court of Appeals Rule 4 (b) and Rule 37 (b), February 21, 2008) http://www.gaappeals.us/rules/
July 11, 2012
In the Court of Appeals of Georgia A12A0005. IN THE INTEREST OF A. G., a child. A12A0011. IN THE INTEREST OF A. M., a child. A12A0012. IN THE INTEREST OF S. W., a child. A12A0013. IN THE INTEREST OF D. R., a child.
MIKELL, Presiding Judge.
Following a bench trial for the charges of battery and violating the Georgia
Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act,1 A. G., A. M., S. W., and D. R. (the
“juveniles”) appeal their adjudication of delinquency, contending that the evidence
was insufficient to support the verdict against them and that the trial court
erroneously based its findings on evidence not properly in the record before it. These
cases have been consolidated on appeal. For the reasons set forth, we reverse.
1 OCGA § 16-15-1 et seq. In reviewing an adjudication of delinquency, this court construes the evidence
and all reasonable inferences therefrom “in favor of the juvenile court’s adjudication
to determine if a reasonable finder of fact could have found, beyond a reasonable
doubt, that the juvenile committed the acts charged.”2 In reviewing such cases, we
neither weigh the evidence nor determine witness credibility.3
So construed, the record shows that following a pep rally in the Tattnall County
High School gymnasium, T. W., a student, was surrounded by four other students, A.
M., S. W., D. R., and A. G., who took turns striking him around his head. Sergeant
Jones, an officer on duty at the school, searched all four students within an hour and
a half after the incident. A notebook was found on A. M. that had “G-ville 912”
written on the outside cover. A. M. testified that the writing was not gang-related and
was short for his town, Glenville, and its zipcode. However, Jones, who was certified
by the trial court as an expert on gangs, testified that “G-ville 912” was written in a
style associated with gangs. A bandana with a currency print was found on A. G. and
purple bandanas were found on S. W. and D. R. Jones concluded that the bandanas
2 (Citations and punctuation omitted.) In the Interest of J. M., 237 Ga. App. 298 (1) (513 SE2d 742) (1999); Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U. S. 307 (99 SC 2781, 61 LE2d 560) (1979). 3 In the Interest of G. J., 251 Ga. App. 299, 301 (554 SE2d 269) (2001).
2 were gang-related because of the particular way they were folded and instructed the
court that the different patterns could identify member rankings within a gang.
However, Jones also noted that he had not seen purple bandanas identifying with
gang membership at the school before, and that bandanas signifying gang
membership at the school “are normally red, white, or black.”. Additionally, Jones
testified that he did not know the current name of any gang within the school or its
members because they change names so often.
None of the juveniles challenge their adjudication of the predicate offense -
battery. Rather, they contend that the State failed to show that they were associated
with an organization that fits the definition of “criminal street gang.” All four
juveniles were charged with violating OCGA § 16-15-4 (a), which makes it unlawful
for persons associated with a “criminal street gang” to engage in “criminal gang
activity” by committing certain enumerated predicate offenses, including battery.4 A
“[c]riminal street gang” is defined as a “group of three or more persons associated in
fact, whether formal or informal, which engages in criminal gang activity.”5
4 OCGA §16-15-3 (1) (j). 5 OCGA § 16-15-3 (2).
3 The statute clearly contemplates that the existence of such an organization, and
that its members are “associated in fact,” “may be established by evidence of a
common name or common identifying signs, symbols, tattoos, graffiti, attire, or other
distinguishing characteristics.”6 However, such evidence, without more, is
insufficient to prove that the juveniles are members of a criminal street gang.7
The only evidence presented by the state that the four juveniles in this case are
members of a criminal street gang was the testimony from Sergeant Jones that the
three bandanas found on A. G., S. W., and D. R. were indicia of gang membership
and that the writing on A. M.’s notebook was written in a style associated with gangs.
Giving credence to Sergeant Jones’ testimony, as we must,8 this evidence is
insufficient to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the four juveniles were members
of a criminal street gang. Every case by this Court affirming convictions under OCGA
§ 16-15-13 (2) has included more than merely a single common identifying sign to
6 Id. Accord In the Interest of X. W., 301 Ga. App. 625, 627-628 (2) (688 SE2d 646) (2009). 7 Rodriguez v. State, 284 Ga. 803, 808 (2) (671 SE2d 497) (2009). 8 The trial judge, as trier of fact, clearly chose to believe Sergeant Jones’ explanation behind the bandanas and notebook drawing, and “it is not our function to second-guess the factfinder on such questions of credibility.” In the Interest of J. M., supra at 300 (1).
4 prove a defendant’s membership in a criminal street gang. In In the Interest of C. P.,9
a juvenile defendant was found to be part of a criminal street gang based upon officer
testimony that C. P. was wearing colors associated with the Bloodz gang and that the
pieces of paper he was carrying depicted symbols and codes associated with the
Bloodz and the 55 Mafia. In addition, C. P. admitted to being a gang member and that
the scars on his hands were a result of removing a gang tattoo. In In re X. W.,10 the
juvenile defendant was found to be a member of a criminal street gang based upon
evidence that he had several copies of the Bloodz’s “Book of Knowledge” in his
possession, that he instigated a fight with a rival gang to help an uninitiated classmate
join the gang, and that he had gang graffiti written on his desk. In In the Interest of
D. M.,11 evidence of membership in a criminal street gang included wearing a black
bandana, a color associated with a particular gang, during a drive-by shooting and the
juvenile’s admission to a detective that he was a member of that gang. In In the
9 296 Ga. App. 572, 574-575 (675 SE2d 287) (2009). 10 Supra. at 629 (2). 11 307 Ga. App. 751-752 (1) (706 SE2d 683) (2011).
5 Interest of A. D.,12 the investigating detective “easily established” that both juveniles
were members of related gangs because they admitted that they were members, both
had tattoos associated with their gangs, and the detective had previously
“documented” the juveniles as being gang members. In Lopez v. State,13 sufficient
evidence to support a conviction included witness testimony, including that from a
former gang member, and numerous photographs showing that defendant was a
member of a gang.
Here, there was no evidence beyond the bandanas and a notebook to link the
juveniles to membership in a criminal street gang. Sergeant Jones did not describe the
“G-Ville” gang or testify about any of their activities, let alone their involvement in
any criminal activities. To be a member of a “criminal street gang,” the group or
organization must be “engage[d] in criminal gang activity as defined in paragraph
(1)” of OCGA § 16-15-3. To sustain a conviction, the state must prove that the
criminal gang activity or plans for its continuation was ongoing at the time of the
commission of the indicted offenses; “in other words, the commission of an
12 311 Ga. App. 384, 385 (715 SE2d 787) (2011) (although the juveniles were found to be gang members, their convictions were reversed because the state did not prove that they were engaged in criminal gang activity). 13 297 Ga. App. 618, 622-623 (2) (677 SE2d 776) (2009).
6 enumerated offense by the defendant is not itself sufficient to prove the existence of
a ‘criminal street gang’”14 Our Supreme Court has held that to hold otherwise, “the
nonsensical result would be that a member of any legitimate group could violate the
Act merely by committing an enumerated offense.”15 Accordingly, the battery
committed in this case cannot serve as sufficient proof of the necessary gang activity.
Because the state failed to establish that a “criminal street gang” was involved
in the battery, we need not address appellant’s remaining enumerations: that the state
failed to establish a nexus between the battery and an intent to further street gang
activity, that the trial court relied upon impermissible hearsay evidence, and that the
trial court considered evidence that was never introduced in the record in the final
orders. The judgments on the counts charging criminal street gang activity are
reversed in all four cases.
Judgment reversed. Miller and Blackwell, JJ., concur.
14 (Punctuation omitted.) Morey v. State, 312 Ga. App. 678, 684 (1) (b) (719 SE2d 504) (2011), citing Rodriguez, supra.; Accord In re A. D., supra. (although the state proved that the juvenile defendants were members of criminal street gangs, their convictions were reversed because the state failed to establish that a criminal street gang was involved in the battery). 15 Rodriguez, supra.