STATE OF LOUISIANA NO. 24-KA-152
VERSUS FIFTH CIRCUIT
BRETT H ELMER COURT OF APPEAL
STATE OF LOUISIANA
ON APPEAL FROM THE TWENTY-FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT PARISH OF JEFFERSON, STATE OF LOUISIANA NO. 23-5774, DIVISION "E" HONORABLE FRANK A. BRINDISI, JUDGE PRESIDING
December 18, 2024
SUSAN M. CHEHARDY CHIEF JUDGE
Panel composed of Judges Susan M. Chehardy, John J. Molaison, Jr., and Scott U. Schlegel
AFFIRMED SMC JJM SUS COUNSEL FOR DEFENDANT/APPELLANT, BRETT H. ELMER Sherry A. Watters
COUNSEL FOR PLAINTIFF/APPELLEE, STATE OF LOUISIANA Honorable Paul D. Connick, Jr. Thomas J. Butler Monique D. Nolan Leo M. Aaron Molly Love CHEHARDY, C.J.
Defendant, Brett H. Elmer, appeals his sentences for possession of cocaine
and possession of heroin. For the reasons that follow, we affirm defendant’s
conviction and sentences.
FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY
On December 13, 2023, the Jefferson Parish District Attorney filed a bill of
information charging defendant, Brett H. Elmer, with possession of cocaine
weighing less than two grams, in violation of La. R.S. 40:967(C) (count one), and
possession of methamphetamine weighing less than two grams, in violation of La.
R.S. 40:967(C) (count two). At his December 14, 2023 arraignment, defendant
pled not guilty.
On January 24, 2024, the State filed a superseding bill of information in
which count one remained the same, but in count two, the State charged defendant
with possession of heroin weighing less than two grams, in violation of La. R.S.
40:966(C). On February 22, 2024, defendant waived a reading of the bill and
entered a plea of not guilty. With no objection from defendant, the case proceeded
to trial on the same date.
At trial, Deputy James McAllister testified that he was a patrol deputy with
the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO). On November 23, 2023, he and
Deputy Steven Carter were working the night shift patrol in Avondale, where there
had been recent “car break-in burglaries.” Deputy McAllister explained that at
approximately 1:00 or 2:00 a.m., defendant, Brett Elmer, was observed wearing all
black clothing and a black backpack. He stopped defendant, who told the officer
his name, and the authorities checked for any outstanding warrants or attachments.
Deputy McAllister then called Deputy Steven Carter for assistance. Deputy Carter
and Deputy Daryl Julien arrived to assist. Defendant was not under arrest at this
time, and Deputy McAllister testified that he asked defendant if he could search his
24-KA-152 1 backpack. Defendant consented to the search. Deputy McAllister testified that the
search was done for officer safety, and he conducted only a “quick glance” search
of the backpack to see if there were any weapons. He did not see anything, and
returned the backpack to defendant.
The search of defendant’s name resulted in outstanding attachments for him.
Deputy McAllister asked defendant if he could search his backpack again, and
defendant consented. Deputy McAllister found a Styrofoam pouch that contained a
dollar bill with a white powder substance on it, a white piece of paper that had a
white powder substance on it, and a clear bag that had brown powder in it. He also
found syringes, crack pipes, Narcan, a digital scale, counterfeit one hundred dollar
bills, and multiple IDs in the backpack. None of the IDs found in defendant’s
backpack belonged to defendant, and he could not explain why he had them.
Deputy McAllister photographed the evidence.
The drugs were field-tested by crime scene investigators. The white
substance on the dollar bill tested positive for cocaine, and the other white
substance tested positive for methamphetamine. The brown substance did not come
back positive for anything. Deputy McAllister testified that because of the color,
he assumed it was some type of heroin. All of the substances were tested again at
the lab, and both white substances tested positive for cocaine. The brown substance
tested positive for heroin and fentanyl. Deputy McAllister testified that defendant
admitted that the cocaine in the dollar bill in the backpack and the Narcan were his,
but he did not admit to anything else belonging to him.
Video footage from the deputy’s body camera was played for the jury. As
the footage played, Deputy McAllister explained that he and the other officers
were asking defendant what he was doing in the area at that hour. He testified that
defendant stated he had been picked up from New Orleans earlier that day and was
in Avondale to meet his friend, who lived down the street on “Ursula.” Deputy
24-KA-152 2 McAllister testified that defendant’s story did not add up. Defendant did not know
the house number but stated the house was four houses down. Deputy McAllister
testified that this house was known for drugs and known as a “trap house.” When
Deputy McAllister asked defendant if he got the drugs in the area, defendant did
not respond.
Deputy Steven Carter testified that he was a patrol officer with JPSO. On
November 23, 2023, at approximately 2:30 to 3:00 a.m., he responded as a backup
officer to Deputy McAllister, who had stopped defendant. He testified that
defendant matched a description of burglary suspects in that area. Deputy Carter’s
testimony regarding defendant’s apprehension and the discovery of the narcotics
largely corroborated Deputy McAllister’s testimony. Deputy Carter read defendant
his Miranda1 rights from a physical card issued by the JPSO. Defendant
acknowledged that he understood his rights and indicated that he wanted to talk.
Deputy Carter testified that initially defendant admitted to the backpack and the
items in it being his.
Deputy Carter testified that when defendant was asked about the narcotics
found in his backpack, he admitted that the powder inside the dollar was his and
knew that it was cocaine; he stated that he put it in his backpack and forgot about
it. He further stated that the other narcotics were not his but were for Steven
Pertuit. Deputy Carter testified that Mr. Pertuit was an individual at the home on
Ursula about whom the police had common knowledge.
Video footage from Deputy Carter’s body camera was played for the jury.
The footage showed him asking defendant questions as to why he was in the area
at 2:50 a.m. Deputy Carter testified that after he read defendant his rights,
defendant stated that a phone and the scale in his backpack belonged to his brother.
1 Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436, 86 S.Ct. 1602, 16 L.Ed.2d 694 (1966).
24-KA-152 3 Deputy Carter testified that after defendant was placed in handcuffs, advised he
was under arrest, and placed in the back of Deputy McAllister’s vehicle, he told
him that he had knowledge of the narcotics in his bag.
The State and defense counsel stipulated that if called to testify, Justin
Mourain would qualify as an expert in the identification and analysis of controlled
dangerous substances. The parties also stipulated that Mr. Mourain would testify in
conformity with his January 24, 2024 report, which states: “JPSO Item 001A was
found to contain cocaine, Item 001B was found to contain cocaine, and Item 001C
was found to contain heroin and fentanyl with a gross weight of 1.18 grams plus or
minus .04 grams.”
At the conclusion of trial, a six-person jury returned a verdict of guilty as
charged on both counts. On February 26, 2024, the trial court sentenced defendant
to two years imprisonment at hard labor on each count, with credit for all time
served. Immediately thereafter, the State filed a multiple offender bill of
information on count one, alleging that defendant was a second-felony offender,
given his 2014 conviction for violation of La. R.S. 14:62.8, home invasion.
Defendant pled guilty to the multiple bill, thereby acknowledging the prior felony
conviction, and completed a waiver of rights form indicating that he understood he
would receive a sentence of two years imprisonment, concurrent with any other
sentence.
After accepting defendant’s stipulation to the multiple bill on count one, the
trial court vacated defendant’s original sentence on count one and again sentenced
defendant to two years imprisonment with the Department of Corrections,
“concurrent with any other sentence.”
ANALYSIS
In a single assignment of error, defendant contends that his sentences on
both counts were excessive, stating that the district court erred in imposing an
24-KA-152 4 unconstitutionally excessive, maximum sentence on count two, and an excessive,
mid-range sentence on count one as a multiple offender, which sentences were not
commensurate with the small amount of drugs or the circumstances of the
offender.
As to count one, defendant states that while the two-year enhanced sentence
is mid-range, it is without parole. He argues that the cocaine was only powder
residue on a folded paper and a dollar bill, and claims that he deserved a downward
departure. As to count two, defendant claims that he received the maximum
sentence, which is constitutionally excessive. He argues that the heroin was visible
but was miniscule, and that the aggregate weight of 1.18 grams included the weight
of the packaging and did not consider purity. Defendant argues that although the
sentences are concurrent, they are excessive in these circumstances.
Defendant further argues that while it may seem frivolous to consider the
excessiveness of concurrent two-year sentences, they must be examined in the
context of the sentencing ranges, his circumstances, and his cooperation at his
arrest. Defendant contends that maximum sentences are not favored, and those at
or near the maximum ordinarily apply to the most blameworthy offenders. He
argues that the trial court provided no basis for the sentences and cited no factors to
justify them, or show that these were the worst violations, or that he was the most
egregious of offenders. Defendant points out that he was only 34 years old at the
time of his arrest and not beyond rehabilitation. Defendant contends the trial
court’s failure to consider mitigating factors, and failure to provide a factual basis
for the maximum sentences, requires that the sentences be vacated and the case
remanded for re-sentencing.
As to count one, the State responds that defendant is precluded from seeking
review of his enhanced sentence because he agreed to the enhancement pursuant to
a plea agreement, and he was made aware of the sentencing range. Regardless, the
24-KA-152 5 State contends that he is not entitled to relief. The State further notes that defendant
did not file a motion to reconsider sentence; his failure to do so limits him to a
review for constitutional excessiveness only.
The State also contends that defendant did not receive maximum sentences
for either of his convictions, and he received only a mid-range sentence for the
habitual offender conviction on count one and the minimum sentence for count
two. The State argues that drug crimes, even for small quantities, pose a danger to
the welfare of the population. The State notes that defendant’s criminal record
shows he is a repeat offender and career criminal with a disregard for the law. The
State avers that there is no merit to defendant’s argument.
After the jury returned a guilty verdict, the trial court sentenced defendant to
two years imprisonment at hard labor on each count. Defendant did not object to
either sentence and did not file a motion to reconsider sentence. Furthermore,
defendant completed a waiver of rights form acknowledging that he was a second-
felony offender, that the sentencing range was six months to four years, and that he
understood he would receive a sentence of two years imprisonment “concurrent
with any other sentence.”
The failure to file a motion to reconsider sentence, or to state the specific
grounds upon which the motion is based, limits a defendant to a review of the
sentence for constitutional excessiveness only. State v. Harmon, 19-570 (La. App.
5 Cir. 9/9/20), 301 So.3d 1278, 1288, writ denied, 20-1160 (La. 10/14/20), 303
So.3d 306. When the grounds for objection to the sentences, including alleged non-
compliance with La. C.Cr.P. art. 894.1, are not specifically raised in the trial court,
these issues are not included in the bare review for constitutional excessiveness,
and the defendant is precluded from raising these issues on appeal. State v. Clark,
19-518 (La. App. 5 Cir. 6/24/20), 296 So.3d 1281, 1291, writ denied, 21-62 (La.
24-KA-152 6 3/9/21), 312 So.3d 585. Here, defendant did not file a motion to reconsider
The Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Article I, § 20 of the
Louisiana Constitution prohibit the imposition of excessive punishment. A
sentence is considered excessive, even if it is within the statutory limits, if it is
grossly disproportionate to the severity of the offense, or imposes needless and
purposeless pain and suffering. State v. Adams, 23-427 (La. App. 5 Cir. 4/24/24),
386 So.3d 676, 683.
According to La. C.Cr.P. art. 881.4(D), the appellate court shall not set aside
a sentence for excessiveness if the record supports the sentence imposed. In
reviewing a sentence for excessiveness, the reviewing court shall consider the
crime and the punishment in light of the harm to society and gauge whether the
penalty is so disproportionate as to shock the court’s sense of justice, while
recognizing the trial court’s wide discretion. Adams, 386 So.3d at 683. In
reviewing a trial court’s sentencing discretion, three factors are considered: 1) the
nature of the crime; 2) the nature and background of the offender; and 3) the
sentence imposed for similar crimes by the same court and other courts. State v.
Kelson, 23-274 (La. App. 5 Cir. 12/27/23), 379 So.3d 779, 784-85. However, there
is no requirement that specific matters be given any particular weight at
sentencing. Id. at 785. A trial court should consider the defendant’s personal
history such as age, family ties, marital status, health, and employment record, as
well as his prior criminal record, seriousness of the offense, and the likelihood of
rehabilitation when determining an appropriate sentence. Adams, 386 So.3d at 686.
A trial judge is in the best position to consider the aggravating and mitigating
circumstances of a particular case and, therefore, is given broad discretion when
imposing a sentence. State v. Barnes, 23-208 (La. App. 5 Cir. 12/27/23), 379 So.3d
196, 204, writ denied, 24-136 (La. 9/24/24), 392 So.3d 1141.
24-KA-152 7 As to the enhanced sentence on count one, we find defendant is precluded
from seeking review, because defendant agreed to the enhanced sentence. La.
C.Cr.P. art. 881.2(A)(2) provides that a defendant “cannot appeal or seek review of
a sentence imposed in conformity with a plea agreement which was set forth in the
record at the time of the plea.” See also State v. Hunter, 22-498 (La. App. 5 Cir.
4/26/23), 362 So.3d 993, 996. Because defendant received a sentence imposed in
conformity with a plea agreement that was set forth in the record at the time of the
plea, he is barred from challenging his enhanced sentence on count one as
excessive.
As to count two, possession of heroin weighing less than two grams, La.
R.S. 40:966(C)(4)(a) provides a range of two to four years imprisonment.2 The trial
court sentenced defendant to two years imprisonment at hard labor. Although the
trial court alternatively could have sentenced defendant without hard labor,
defendant’s two-year sentence was the minimum term that defendant could have
received for his conviction. Defendant’s reference in his brief to the sentencing
provision of La. R.S. 40:966(C)(1)(a) is in error, because the more specific
provision dealing with heroin applies here.
This Court has determined that it is difficult to overstate the serious nature of
any crime involving heroin, given the danger the substance poses to public health.
See State v. Williams, 16-600 (La. App. 5 Cir. 6/29/17), 224 So.3d 1194, 1198, writ
2 La. R.S. 40:966(C)(4)(a) states:
(4) A substance classified in Schedule I that is the narcotic drug heroin or a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin or of its analogues, upon conviction for an amount: (a) An aggregate weight of less than two grams, shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment, with or without hard labor, for not less than two years nor more than four years.
(Emphasis added).
24-KA-152 8 denied, 17-1332 (La. 4/27/18), 241 So.3d 306.3 We disagree with defendant’s
contention that the small aggregate weight of the drugs found in his possession
negates the seriousness of the offense, especially when considering the fact that
defendant’s backpack contained multiple IDs that did not belong to him, syringes,
pipes, a digital scale, Narcan, and fake currency. The crime lab report also
indicated that the bag contained both fentanyl and heroin.
As to the background and nature of defendant, the record reflects that
defendant was 34 years old at the time of his arrest, and he pled guilty to home
invasion in 2014. The officers found defendant walking in the street after 2:00 a.m.
in an area with a recent string of car break-ins.
The third factor requires consideration of sentences imposed for similar
crimes by this Court and other courts. As to count two, defendant references
several cases in which the defendant was sentenced to the maximum sentence for
various crimes to support his argument that he is not the worst type of offender
deserving of a maximum sentence. However, as seen above, defendant received the
minimum sentence, not the maximum sentence, on count two. See La. R.S.
40:966(C)(4)(a). A mandatory minimum sentence is presumed to be
constitutional. State v. Sly, 23-60 (La. App. 5 Cir. 11/2/23), 376 So.3d 1047, 1092,
writ denied, 23-1588 (La. 4/23/24), 383 So.3d 608.
Nevertheless, courts have the power to declare a sentence excessive under
Louisiana Constitution Article 1, § 20, even if the sentence falls within statutory
limits. To rebut the presumption of constitutionality, the defendant must clearly
and convincingly show that he is “exceptional, which ... means that because of the
unusual circumstances this defendant is a victim of the legislature’s failure to
assign sentences that are meaningfully tailored to the culpability of the offender,
3 In Williams, we acknowledged at the time that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “Heroin-related overdose deaths [in the United States] have more than quadrupled since 2010.”
24-KA-152 9 the gravity of the offense and circumstances.” Id. (citing State v. Vedol, 12-376
(La. App. 5 Cir. 3/13/13), 113 So.3d 1119, 1125, writ denied, 13-811 (La.
11/1/13), 125 So.3d 419). However, the trial court should exercise its authority to
declare a mandatory minimum sentence excessive only under rare
circumstances. State v. Johnson, 22-300 (La. App. 5 Cir. 8/9/23), 370 So.3d 140,
147. We find no such circumstances here. The trial court did not abuse its
discretion when imposing the minimum two-year sentence on count two, and the
sentence is not excessive.
ERRORS PATENT
We review the record for errors patent according to La. C.Cr.P. art. 920;
State v. Oliveaux, 312 So.2d 337 (La. 1975); and State v. Weiland, 556 So.2d 175
(La. App. 5 Cir. 1990).
Enhanced Sentence on Count One - Statutory Restrictions
La. R.S. 15:529.1(G) requires all multiple-offender sentences to be imposed
without benefit of probation or suspension of sentence.4 The transcript does not
reflect that the trial court restricted probation or suspension of sentence when
resentencing defendant on count one. Nevertheless, when a trial court does not
mention the restriction of benefits, such conditions are deemed to exist by
operation of law under La. R.S. 15:301.1. See State v. Williams, 00-1725 (La.
11/28/01), 800 So.2d 790. Accordingly, no corrective action is necessary.
Enhanced Sentence on Count One – Indeterminacy
After accepting defendant’s stipulation to the multiple bill on count one, the
trial court vacated defendant’s original sentence as to count one and again
sentenced defendant to two years imprisonment with the Department of
4 When a defendant is sentenced as a multiple offender, it is the penalty provision for the underlying offense that imposes a parole restriction. State v. Luckett, 17-432 (La. App. 5 Cir. 12/27/17), 236 So.3d 1278, 1280. Here, La. R.S. 40:967 (C)(1) does not impose a parole restriction.
24-KA-152 10 Corrections, “concurrent with any other sentence.” The re-sentencing minute entry
also indicates that the court ordered the sentences “on count 1 & 2 [to] run
concurrent with one another and any or every sentence the offender is now
serving.”5 Where there is a discrepancy between the transcript and the minute
entry, the transcript prevails. State v. Lynch, 441 So.2d 732, 734 (La. 1983). Thus,
the trial court’s statement re-sentencing defendant on count one to two years
imprisonment with the Department of Corrections, “concurrent with any other
sentence,” prevails.
La. C.Cr.P. art. 879 provides: “If a defendant who has been convicted of an
offense is sentenced to imprisonment, the court shall impose a determinate
sentence.” This Court previously has indicated that where the trial court did not
specify whether a sentence was ordered to run concurrently with specific sentences
imposed, but instead ordered the sentence to run concurrently “with any other
sentences,” the sentence is indeterminate. See State v. Nellon, 18-385 (La. App. 5
Cir. 12/19/18), 262 So.3d 441, 445; State v. Wiley, 16-645 (La. App. 5 Cir.
4/12/17), 216 So.3d 393, 400.
Nevertheless, we decline to engage in error patent review on this issue. See
State v. Campbell, 01-329 (La. 11/2/01), 799 So.2d 1136 (stating that an appellate
court should refrain from employing error patent review to set aside a guilty plea
about which the defendant makes no complaint, and which results in a disposition
of the case favorable to the defendant (citing State v. Guzman, 99-1528 (La.
5/16/00), 769 So.2d 1158, 1162)).6 Here, the defendant knowingly pled guilty as a
5 Additionally, the multiple offender UCO provides: “This sentence shall be concurrent with any or every sentence the offender is now serving,” and “Count 1 & 2 are to run concurrent with one another.” 6 In different circumstances, this Court would vacate an indeterminate sentence and remand to the trial court for resentencing, thereby pretermitting an analysis of defendant’s assignments of error. See, e.g., State v. Dixon, 17-422 (La. App. 5 Cir. 3/14/18), 241 So.3d 514, writ denied, 18- 542 (La. 2/11/19), 263 So.3d 415. Given defendant’s acquiescence to the enhanced sentence on count one, his failure to raise the issue on appeal, and the Supreme Court’s directions in Campbell, we have determined that addressing the merits of defendant’s appeal on both count
24-KA-152 11 multiple offender on count one, acknowledging that he would be resentenced to
two years imprisonment, to run concurrently “with any other sentences.” Neither
defendant nor the State raised the indeterminate-sentence issue on appeal.
Original Sentence on Count Two - Concurrent Nature
Although the original sentencing minute entry states that the (initial)
sentence on count one and the sentence on count two were to “run concurrent with
one another and any or every sentence the offender is now serving,” the transcript
does not indicate that the sentences were ordered to run concurrently, and the
transcript prevails. See Lynch, 441 So.2d at 734. Thus, no corrective action is
necessary as to the sentence for count two.
DECREE
Finding no merit to the arguments on appeal, defendant’s conviction and
sentences are affirmed.
AFFIRMED
one and count two is prudent, rather than remanding for resentencing on count one. Furthermore, defendant has an adequate remedy should he choose to pursue post-conviction relief.
24-KA-152 12 SUSAN M. CHEHARDY CURTIS B. PURSELL
CHIEF JUDGE CLERK OF COURT
SUSAN S. BUCHHOLZ FREDERICKA H. WICKER CHIEF DEPUTY CLERK JUDE G. GRAVOIS MARC E. JOHNSON STEPHEN J. WINDHORST LINDA M. WISEMAN JOHN J. MOLAISON, JR. FIRST DEPUTY CLERK SCOTT U. SCHLEGEL TIMOTHY S. MARCEL FIFTH CIRCUIT MELISSA C. LEDET JUDGES 101 DERBIGNY STREET (70053) DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL STAFF POST OFFICE BOX 489 GRETNA, LOUISIANA 70054 (504) 376-1400
(504) 376-1498 FAX www.fifthcircuit.org
NOTICE OF JUDGMENT AND CERTIFICATE OF DELIVERY I CERTIFY THAT A COPY OF THE OPINION IN THE BELOW-NUMBERED MATTER HAS BEEN DELIVERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH UNIFORM RULES - COURT OF APPEAL, RULE 2-16.4 AND 2-16.5 THIS DAY DECEMBER 18, 2024 TO THE TRIAL JUDGE, CLERK OF COURT, COUNSEL OF RECORD AND ALL PARTIES NOT REPRESENTED BY COUNSEL, AS LISTED BELOW:
24-KA-152 E-NOTIFIED 24TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT (CLERK) HONORABLE FRANK A. BRINDISI (DISTRICT JUDGE) SHERRY A. WATTERS (APPELLANT) JULIET L. CLARK (APPELLEE) MONIQUE D. NOLAN (APPELLEE) THOMAS J. BUTLER (APPELLEE)
MAILED HONORABLE PAUL D. CONNICK, JR. (APPELLEE) DISTRICT ATTORNEY LEO M. AARON (APPELLEE) DISTRICT ATTORNEY MOLLY LOVE (APPELLEE) ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEYS TWENTY-FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT 200 DERBIGNY STREET GRETNA, LA 70053