Spanabel v. Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission

• Court: Superior Court of Delaware
• Decided: July 13, 2022
• Docket: N21A-08-002 VLM
• Status: Published

Opinion

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE

KELLY SPANABEL, ) Appellant, ) ) v. ) ) C.A. No. N21A-08-002 VLM DELAWARE THOROUGHBRED ) RACING COMMISSION, ) Appellee. )

ORDER

Submitted: May 06, 2022 Decided: July 13, 2022

Upon Consideration of Appellant’s Appeal of the Decision of the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission,

AFFIRMED.

Kelly Spanabel, Pro Se.

Adria B. Martinelli, Esquire, Department of Justice, Wilmington, DE. Attorney for Appellee Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission.

MEDINILLA, J. I. INTRODUCTION

Appellant, Kelly Spanabel (“Appellant”), appeals a decision of the Appellee

Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission (the “Commission”) that found

Appellant committed acts of forgery and perjury and suspended her from the 2021

Delaware Park race meet. Upon consideration of the arguments, submissions of the

parties, and the record in this case, the Court hereby finds as follows:

1. Appellant was licensed as a horse trainer in the State of Delaware by

the Commission. A complaint was filed with the Board of Stewards (the

“Stewards”) on May 28, 2021, regarding allegations of forgery as to the ownership

of a horse named Quality Too Spare.1 A hearing was held by the Stewards on June

10, 2021, and Appellant was given until June 18, 2021, to produce certain

documents.2

2. The Stewards reviewed Appellant’s documents on June 25, 2021, and

found she provided a forged document of Power of Attorney for Quality Too Spare,

dated December 1, 2019.3 On June 30, 2021, after considering all evidence and

documents submitted in the matter, the Stewards suspended Appellant’s training

1 See Record, Stewards Ex. 1, at 9 (Letter dated May 28, 2021). 2 Record, Stewards Ex. 1, at 3 (Stewards Ruling 50-2021). 3 Id. 2 license from June 28, 2021, through October 16, 2021, for falsifying documents and

false swearing which amounted to perjury.4

3. Appellant, with the assistance of counsel, appealed the Stewards’

decision to the Commission and her suspension was stayed during the pendency of

the Commission’s review.5 An evidentiary hearing was held before the Commission

on August 18, 20216 and on September 14, 2021, the Commission upheld the

Stewards’ suspension to begin on September 1, 2021, until October 30, 2021.7

4. On August 24, 2021, Appellant filed a notice of appeal with this Court

and requested expedited consideration for a stay. Appellant’s request for a stay was

denied on August 26, 2021. On April 5, 2022, the Court granted the parties’ request

to extend the briefing schedule. Briefs were filed on March 16, April 12, and April

27, 2022. This matter was assigned to this Court on May 4, 2022. This matter is

now ripe for decision.

II. STANDARD OF REVIEW

5. On an appeal from an administrative agency, this “[C]ourt must

determine whether the findings and conclusions of the agency are free from legal

error” and whether they are “supported by substantial evidence in the record.”8

4 Id. at 3–4. 5 Record, Stewards Ex. 1, at 7 (Amendment to Stewards Ruling 50A-2021). 6 See Record, Hearing Transcript dated Aug. 18, 2021 [hereinafter Hearing Transcript]. 7 Record, Request for Emergency Appeal, Amendment B to Stewards Ruling 50B-2021, at 2. 8 Wilson v. Unemployment Ins. Appeal Bd., 2011 WL 3243366, at *2 (Del. Super. July 7, 2011) (citing Unemployment Ins. Appeal Bd. v. Martin, 431 A.2d 1265, 1266 (Del. 1981)). 3 Substantial evidence is “such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept

as adequate to support a conclusion.”9 The Court does not “weigh the evidence or

make determinations based on credibility or facts.”10 Absent an abuse of discretion

by the agency, this Court will uphold its determination.11

III. DISCUSSION

6. In support of Appellant’s position that the Commission’s decision

should be reversed, she asserts eight arguments: (1) lack of jurisdiction; (2) violation

of her Due Process rights; (3) lack of evidence that the Power of Attorney document

was forged; (4) impermissible character evidence; (5) violation of Sixth Amendment

right to an impartial jury; (6) violation of Sixth Amendment Confrontation Clause;

(7) violation of Fifth Amendment Double Jeopardy Clause; and (8) failure to follow

precedent.12 The Court addresses each argument, though not in order.

7. First, Appellant argues that the Commission lacked jurisdiction to

decide this issue. Specifically, that because Quality Too Spare was sold in

Kentucky13 and the alleged forged documents were not executed in Delaware, then

this civil matter was not within the jurisdiction of the Commission.14

9 Byrd v. Westaff USA, Inc., 2011 WL 3275156, at *1 (Del. Super. July 29, 2011) (quoting Oceanport Industries, Inc. v. Wilm. Stevedores, Inc., 636 A.2d 892, 899 (Del. 1994)). 10 Id. (citing Johnson v. Chrysler Corp., 203 A.2d 64, 66 (Del. 1965)). 11 See Funk v. Unemployment Ins. Appeal Bd., 591 A.2d 222, 225 (Del. 1991). 12 See generally Appellant’s Opening Brief, D.I. 18 [hereinafter Opening Brief]. 13 See Reply Brief, D.I. 23, at 1 [hereinafter Reply Brief]. 14 See id.; Opening Brief, at 6. 4 8. The Commission’s jurisdiction to suspend or revoke a license it issued

is conferred by 3 Del. Admin. C. § 1001 (5.5.1) which states: “[a]ny license issued

by the Commission shall be subject to suspension or revocation by the Commission

for any cause whatsoever which the Commission may deem sufficient.”15 Such

action by the Commission is then subject to review “by the Superior Court of the

county within which the license was granted.”16 The location of the subject matter

which led to the Commission’s action is immaterial. Further, the only authority cited

by Appellant in support of her position is legally distinct and irrelevant.17

Accordingly, the Commission’s jurisdiction to suspend Appellant’s license is

conferred by the Delaware Administrative Code and this Court has jurisdiction to

decide this appeal.18

9. Appellant then argues that the Commission violated evidentiary rules,

specifically relevance relating to the forged document,19 improper character

evidence,20 and hearsay21. The Rules of Evidence at administrative hearings are

15 3 Del. Admin. C. § 1001 (5.5.1). 16 3 Del. Admin. C. § 1001 (5.5.3). 17 Appellant cites to Helix Generation LLC v. Transcanada Facility USA, Inc., 2019 WL 2068659 (Del. Ch. May 10, 2019) (discussing limited jurisdiction in the Court of Chancery for a breach of contract claim and applying legal authority that is inapplicable here). 18 Neither party asserts this Court lacks jurisdiction to hear an appeal of the Commission and the only license application available for review was issued in the same county in which this Court sits. See Record, Stewards Ex. 4, Renewal License Application, at 23. 19 Reply Brief, at 8. 20 Opening Brief, at 9. 21 Id. at 2. 5 relaxed.22 Moreover, Appellant was represented by counsel at the hearing and no

such objections exist in the record.23 It is well-established under Delaware law that

a Court cannot consider an issue on appeal where that same issue was not raised in

the lower tribunal.24 Therefore, these arguments are waived and will not be

considered by this Court.

10. Next, Appellant makes several arguments which are not applicable to

the matter presently before this Court, namely her Constitutional claims.

Specifically, she contends four Constitutional rights were violated: (1) Fifth

Amendment Double Jeopardy; (2) Sixth Amendment right to an impartial jury; (3)

Sixth Amendment Confrontation Clause; and (4) Fifth Amendment Due Process.

11. At the outset—double jeopardy,25 the right to an impartial jury,26 and

the right to confront your accuser27 only apply in criminal matters and are therefore

not applicable in an action before the Commission. Moreover, the hearing held

22 “[I]t is well-settled that ‘administrative agencies operate less formally than courts of law.’” See Leonard v. Delaware Bd. of Nursing, 2013 WL 422904, at *4 (Del. Super. Jan. 30, 2013) (quoting Conley v. Capitol Homes, Inc., 2006 WL 2997535, at *7 (Del. Super. Aug. 31, 2006)); see also id. (“[I]t follows that . . . ‘the Rules of Evidence do not strictly apply to evidentiary hearings.”’) (quoting Tenaglia-Evans v. St. Francis Hosp., 913 A.2d 570, 2006 WL 3590385, at *3 (Del. Dec. 11, 2006) (TABLE)). 23 See Hearing Transcript. 24 See, e.g., Equitable Trust Co. v. Gallagher, 77 A.2d 548, 550 (Del. 1950); Pfeiffer v. State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co., 2011 WL 7062498, at *8 (Del. Super. Dec. 20, 2011). 25 See, e.g., U.S. Const. Amend. V; Del. Const. Art. I § 8; 11 Del. C. §§ 206-210; Blake v. State, 65 A.2d 557 (Del. 2013). 26 See U.S. Const. Amend. VI (“In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury . . . .”). 27 See U.S. Const. Amend. VI (“In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right. . . to be confronted with the witnesses against him . . . .”). 6 before the Stewards on June 10, 2021, was conducted before three Stewards28 in

accordance with the rules of the Commission.29

12. Appellant’s final Constitutional claim essentially argues that the

Commission violated her due process rights where it continued to investigate the

allegations against her after receiving letters purporting to withdraw any

accusations.30 She asserts that the subsequent letters rendered the initial complaint

“null and void,”31 citing only to the Fifth Amendment for support. This claim is

without merit. Appellant was afforded a hearing to ascertain the factual accuracy of

any statements made against her.

13. Finally, Appellant claims that the Commissioner’s ruling is improper

because it violated precedent in that she received a temporary suspension whereas

in two other forgery considerations before the Commission the individuals only

received monetary fines.32 Regardless of whether such a statement is factually true,

this is not the proper standard for this Court’s consideration. The question before

this Court is whether the Commission’s decision is “supported by substantial

evidence in the record.”33

28 See Record, Stewards Ex. 1, at 4 (Stewards Ruling 50-2021) (signed by three Stewards). 29 See 3 Del. Admin. C. § 1001 (19.1.4) (“The hearing shall be conducted by no less than two of the Stewards . . . . “). 30 Opening Brief, at 7. 31 Id. at 2. 32 Id. at 13. 33 Wilson, 2011 WL 3243366, at *2 (citing Martin, 431 A.2d at 1266). 7 14. Under Delaware law, when a hearing is conducted by an agency “[t]he

burden of proof shall always be upon the applicant or proponent.”34 As the applicant

in all proceedings before the Commission, Appellant bore the burden of establishing

a valid legal interest in Quality Too Spare. The Commission determined Appellant

was subject to discipline under 3 Del. Admin. C. § 1001(2.5.1.20),35 (5.5.1),36 and

(5.7.9).37

15. In so deciding, the Stewards found Appellant provided a forged

document of Power of Attorney over Quality Too Spare dated December 1, 2019.38

This finding was made following a hearing and after the notary public whose seal

appeared on the form notified the Stewards that she “did not sign that document”

and it appeared that the date was altered from the document the notary had signed

on June 11, 2021.39

16. On appeal, the Commission held an evidentiary appeal hearing on

August 18, 2021, where Appellant was represented by counsel. In its written

34 29 Del. C. § 10125(c). 35 See 3 Del. Admin. C. § 1001 (2.5.1.20) (“Past or contemplated conduct or utterance which, does or may adversely affect, whether intentionally or unintentionally, and whether in fact or only seemingly, the public's confidence in the reputation Thoroughbred racing heretofore has enjoyed in Delaware for stringent adherence to uncompromising standards of honesty, integrity and propriety.”). 36 See 3 Del. Admin. C. § 1001 (5.5.1) (“[a]ny license issued by the Commission shall be subject to suspension or revocation by the Commission for any cause whatsoever which the Commission may deem sufficient.”). 37 See Del. Admin. C. § 1001 (5.7.9) (“False swearing on the part of any witness shall be deemed perjury and shall be punished as such.”). 38 Record, Stewards Ex. 1, at 3 (Stewards Ruling 50-2021). 39 Record, Stewards Ex. 1, at 30 (Email from Notary Public Joanne Hickey dated June 18, 2021). 8 decision upholding the Stewards’ decision to suspend Appellant’s license, the

Commission considered Appellant’s inability to produce evidence that the

December 1, 2019, document was not a forgery.40 The Commission also considered

various aggravating circumstances which support an enhanced penalty and found

this information to be credible.41

17. Appellant failed to provide evidence that the December 1, 2019,

document was not forged, despite being provided with multiple opportunities to do

so. Although Appellant asserts that the complaint was effectively “withdrawn” after

the horse’s owner attempted to claim he had authorized Appellant as his authorized

agent in 2018, this argument is unavailing. Appellant provided an unauthenticated

document to the Commission that did not carry the day. Accordingly, sufficient

evidence exists in the record for the Commission to find that Appellant produced a

forged document amounting to perjury under 3 Del. Admin. C. § 1001.

18. The Commission further found an enhanced penalty was warranted.

The Chief State Steward for the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission

testified before the Commission that the Stewards considered multiple factors when

imposing Appellant’s discipline, including aggravating factors such as prior

40 Record, Commissions Final Decision, ¶¶ 3-8 [hereinafter Final Decision]. 41 Id. ¶¶ 9-11. 9 hearings and rulings42 and her hindering the investigation.43 The Commission

considered the Steward’s decision, and found the provided information to be credible

and supportive of Appellant’s penalty.44 Substantial evidence supports the

Commission’s decision.

19. The record supports the Commission’s decision to suspend Appellant’s

license under 3 Del. Admin. C. § 1001. The Commission did not abuse its discretion

and there is no error of law. For the foregoing reasons, the Commission’s decision

is AFFIRMED.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

/s/ Vivian L. Medinilla Vivian L. Medinilla Judge

42 See Hearing Transcript, at 27:4-36:9 (discussing prior complaints involving Appellant). 43 Id. at 46:5-22. 44 See Final Decision, ¶ 11. 10