[Cite as State v. Archie, 2025-Ohio-5577.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO ELEVENTH APPELLATE DISTRICT LAKE COUNTY
STATE OF OHIO, CASE NO. 2025-L-025
Plaintiff-Appellee, Criminal Appeal from the - vs - Court of Common Pleas
DEANGELO ARCHIE, Trial Court No. 2024 CR 000966 Defendant-Appellant.
OPINION AND JUDGMENT ENTRY
Decided: December 15, 2025 Judgment: Affirmed
Charles E. Coulson, Lake County Prosecutor, and Kristi L. Winner, Assistant Prosecutor, Lake County Administration Building, 105 Main Street, P.O. Box 490, Painesville, OH 44077 (For Plaintiff-Appellee).
Cory R. Hinton, Hanahan & Hinton, L.L.C., 7351 Center Street, Suite 1, Mentor, OH 44060 (For Defendant-Appellant).
ROBERT J. PATTON, P.J.
{¶1} Defendant-appellant, Deangelo Archie (“Archie”), appeals from the
judgment of the Lake County Court of Common Pleas sentencing him to an aggregate
prison term of 36 months as a result of his convictions of illegal conveyance of drugs of
abuse onto the grounds of a specified governmental facility and trafficking in a fentanyl-
related compound, aggravated trafficking in drugs, and possession of a fentanyl-related
compound. For the following reasons, we affirm.
{¶2} On appeal, Archie asserts that insufficient evidence was presented to
support his convictions and that his convictions are against the manifest weight of the evidence. Archie also asserts on appeal that the sentences imposed by the trial court are
contrary to law.
{¶3} Upon review, we conclude that Archie’s convictions are not against the
weight of the evidence. As such, Archie’s convictions are necessarily supported by
sufficient evidence. Testimony showed that Archie was provided illegal drugs for the
purposes of conveying those drugs into the Lake Couty Jail. Archie coordinated with
inmates inside the facility. The inmates threaded a rope consisting of shredded bed
sheets through a small opening between the bricks and the window of Cell 5 on Range
4-C of the jail. The drugs Archie supplied resulted in the overdose of an inmate. Further,
the court below expressly stated that it considered the purposes and principles of
sentencing and the recidivism and seriousness factors. Archie’s sentences are within the
statutory guidelines. Thus, Archie’s sentences are consistent with, and not contrary to,
law.
{¶4} As none of Archie’s assignments of error are meritorious, the judgment of
the Lake County Court of Common Pleas is affirmed.
Substantive and Procedural Facts
{¶5} On August 12, 2024, the Lake County Grand Jury, by secret indictment,
charged Archie with three offenses: illegal conveyance of drugs of abuse onto the
grounds of a specified governmental facility, a felony of the third degree, in violation of
R.C. 2921.36(A)(2) (“Count 1”); trafficking in a fentanyl-related compound, a felony of the
fifth degree, in violation of R.C. 2925.03(A)(2) (“Count 2”); and possession of a fentanyl-
related compound, a felony of the fifth degree, in violation of R.C. 2925.11 (“Count 3”).
PAGE 2 OF 18
Case No. 2025-L-025 {¶6} On October 30, 2024, Archie was arrested on the indictment. Archie waived
his right to be present at the arraignment, and the trial court entered not guilty pleas to
the charges. Bond was set at $10,000 cash or surety or 10 percent.
{¶7} The case was originally scheduled for a jury trial on January 21, 2025. On
January 10, 2025, a hearing was held on Archie’s motion to waive a jury trial.1 The trial
court granted the motion and converted the scheduled jury trial to a bench trial.
{¶8} On January 14, 2025, the State filed a motion seeking the admissibility of
T-Mobile records. The State asserted that it intended to introduce the records pursuant
to Evid.R. 902(11), Evid.R. 902(13), and/or Evid.R. 803(6). Archie opposed the motion on
January 21, 2025.2 On the day of the bench trial, Archie also filed a motion in limine
requesting an order prohibiting the State from presenting recordings of jail calls containing
hearsay statements made by individuals other than Archie. The State argued that the jail
calls would be admissible as non-hearsay under Evid.R. 801(D)(2) as statements made
by co-conspirators. The trial court determined that before the phone calls were
admissible, the State would need to establish that the statements were made during the
course of and in furtherance of a conspiracy and present independent proof of the
conspiracy. (Dkt. 74, Trial Transcript, T.p. p. 12).
{¶9} A bench trial commenced on January 21, 2025. The following facts were
presented at trial:
{¶10} On March 22, 2023, an inmate, Joshua Brown, was housed in Cell 5 of
Range 4-C. Range 4-C was located on the fourth floor of the jail and was one of several
1. No written motion appears in the record. 2. The trial court granted this motion on the first day of trial and a judgment entry memorializing the decision was filed on January 22, 2025. (Dkt. 74, Trial Transcript, T.p. p. 6).
PAGE 3 OF 18
Case No. 2025-L-025 designated groups of cells, or ranges, on the floor. Each range generally consisted of
twelve cells and a common area. Range 4-C also had two phones in the common area.
After 11:00 p.m. on March 22, 2023, Brown experienced a medical emergency due to a
drug overdose. Narcan was administered to Brown to reverse the effects of the drugs. As
a result of the overdose in the jail, Detective Steven Ross of the Lake County Sheriff’s
Office (“Detective Ross”) was assigned to investigate the incident. Detective Ross
testified that the sheriff’s office can view cameras inside of the jail as well as review inmate
text messages, video visits, mail, and phone calls. The sheriff’s office keeps records of
those communications and video surveillance.
{¶11} On the evening of March 21, 2023, the day before Brown’s overdose, an
inmate, Shannon Hinton (“Hinton”), called his girlfriend, Demetria Stewart (“Stewart”) from
jail and asked her to call Archie. (State’s Exhibit 11, clip one). Hinton provided Stewart
with Archie’s phone number. When Archie joined the call, Hinton told Archie that there
was a hole in the wall of one of the jail cells and that he had a job for Archie. Hinton
instructed Archie to go to the back of the jail building and wait for a signal to get the rope.
Hinton instructed Archie that he would also need duct tape. However, Hinton and Stewart
were unable to set up a ride for Archie on March 21, 2023, so the plan was delayed until
the following day, March 22, 2023. Stewart set up a ride for Archie and obtained the drugs.
{¶12} During the course of Detective Ross’s investigation, he reviewed video
surveillance footage of the hours leading up to Brown’s overdose. Specifically, Detective
Ross reviewed footage of Range 4-C and the exterior of the jail. In the video of Range
4-C, prior to Brown’s overdose, Detective Ross testified that numerous inmates were
going in and out of Brown’s cell (“Cell 5”). Several inmates were also seen in the common
PAGE 4 OF 18
Case No. 2025-L-025 area. One inmate, later identified as Hinton, could be seen making several trips to the
phone in the common area and to Cell 5 in the hours leading up to Brown’s overdose. At
approximately 8:07 p.m., Hinton called Stewart regarding the preparations for Archie’s
delivery. (State’s Exhibit 11, clip 2). During this call, Stewart initiated a three-way call with
Archie. Hinton told Archie “that little box will kill you” and provided him with explicit
instructions to tape the package “flat to the line.”
{¶13} At approximately 8:30 p.m., Brown was observed speaking on one of the
range phones located against the wall in the common area. Two other inmates, Hinton
and Eric Ruscin (“Ruscin”) were also seen in the common area of the range. Two jail
cells, identified as Cells 5 and 6, were visible in the background of the video.
Approximately 15 minutes later, Hinton sat down near one of the phones to make a call.
During the next 30 minutes, Hinton and Ruscin entered Cell 5 numerous times and a
blanket was used to cover the window of the cell’s door. When a corrections officer walked
into the range, Hinton appeared to divert the officer’s attention away from Cell 5.
{¶14} Detective Ross testified that there was concentrated movement on the right
side of Cell 5 in the video. At some point, the video showed Ruscin obtaining a dustpan
and broom before returning to Cell 5. Ruscin was then observed sweeping an area near
Cell 5. At one point in the video, the dustpan appeared visibly smaller. At certain times in
the video, as many as three inmates were inside Cell 5.
{¶15} At approximately 10:11 p.m., Brown was seen sitting at a card table with
Ruscin and another inmate in the common area. A few minutes later, Hinton and Ruscin
returned to the phone. Ruscin used his PIN number to make a phone call. After Ruscin,
Hinton placed a phone call using Ruscin’s PIN. The phone call lasted approximately 14
PAGE 5 OF 18
Case No. 2025-L-025 minutes. (State’s Exhibit 11, clip 3). The phone records reflect that the call was placed to
Stewart. At Hinton’s request, Stewart initiated a three-way call with Archie. Hinton first
inquired if Archie could see the line. Archie then told Hinton that he was still enroute to
the jail. Hinton again instructed Archie to make the package flat and thin.
{¶16} Dustin Raleigh (“Raleigh”) testified at trial that he was incarcerated in the
Lake County Jail after receiving a 30-day jail sentence in March of 2023. Raleigh testified
that his cellmate and another male (later identified as Ruscin) were involved in getting the
drugs into the jail on March 22, 2023. At approximately 10:24 p.m., the motion-activated
exterior camera at the jail captured a vehicle approaching the jail, travelling slowly. The
vehicle backed into the furthest spot in the parking lot of the LCE Federal Credit Union,
located across from the jail. A male in a white hoodie walked up to the rear of the jail and
looked in the direction of the upper level of the jail. The male walked around the area into
the tree line nearby the dumpster before returning to the parked vehicle. The male was
later observed returning to the area near the dumpster and something appeared to be
dangling on the exterior of the jail. A second male, later identified as Jeff Miethke,
remained by the vehicle during the incident.
{¶17} At approximately 10:32 p.m., video from inside the jail captured Raleigh
peeking into Cell 5 and Ruscin exiting Cell 5. Another phone call was placed to Archie.
(State’s Exhibit 11, clip 4). This call lasted approximately 10 minutes. During this call, the
receiver was not hung up and the phone remained dangling as inmates travelled back
and forth between the phone and Cell 5 several times. Raleigh was observed in the video
entering Cell 5 and closing the door. Raleigh testified that he was the “look out” and that
he informed the other inmates when the car pulled up to the jail.
PAGE 6 OF 18
Case No. 2025-L-025 {¶18} Shortly after the car’s arrival, the inmates were able to retrieve the drugs
from the rope. The video showed Ruscin and Raleigh exiting Cell 5 and the pair appeared
to be celebrating. Brown was then seen returning to his cell. Brown and Raleigh then
appeared to be cleaning up the cell.
{¶19} At approximately 11:00 p.m., the video recorded Brown talking to other
inmates in the common area. He started to rub his nose and his gait became different.
Brown was then unable to stand without assistance until he eventually collapsed in the
common area. Ruscin tried to slap Brown to wake him up. Hinton and Ruscin also
attempted to use water to wake Brown up. When these attempts were unsuccessful, the
inmates started to perform CPR and continued to do so until corrections officers
responded.
{¶20} Several corrections officers came into the range and locked down the area.
The inmates shut Cell 5 as they returned to their cells. Narcan, otherwise known as
naloxone, was administered to Brown. The fire department and EMS arrived on scene.
Brown regained consciousness and was responsive and placed on a gurney.
{¶21} Lieutenant Zach Ropos (“Lieutenant Ropos”) of the Lake County Sheriff’s
Office, was dispatched to the Lake County Jail, due to Brown’s overdose. When
Lieutenant Ropos arrived, medical personnel was working on Brown to revive him.
Lieutenant Ropos and another deputy secured Brown’s cell, Cell 5. Lieutenant Ropos
took photographs of Cell 5. During the search of the cell, a book was discovered. Inside
the book was a bindle of a powdery substance. (State’s Exhibit 2-D, State’s Exhibit 5).
The bindle was secured and transported to the Lake County Crime Lab for testing.
PAGE 7 OF 18
Case No. 2025-L-025 {¶22} Tyler Meader, a forensic analyst in the controlled substance division of the
Lake County Crime Laboratory, testified that the bindle consisted of a powdery substance
in a paper fold which contained less that 0.06 grams of despropionyl fentanyl, 4-ANPP,
fentanyl, and xylazine. 4-ANPP and fentanyl are Schedule II drugs.
{¶23} After the incident, a K-9 officer conducted a sniff of Range 4-C and alerted
to several cells on the range, including Cells 2, 3, 5, and 10. No additional drugs were
discovered. Lieutenant Ropos testified he did not observe the hole in the wall. Cell 5 was
secured and locked for further investigation.
{¶24} The day after the overdose, Detective Ross and Detective Thomas
McClurkin (“Detective McClurkin”) returned to the Lake County Jail to collect several items
from Cell 5. The items included the rope made from torn strips of bed sheets, pieces of
soap, and pieces of a dustpan. Detective Ross also took pictures of the crevice that was
made between the window and the cinderblock and testified that the crevice was big
enough to see sunlight through it. (State’s Exhibits 3A, 3F, 3H, 3I, 3K). The handmade
rope had a hair comb attached to it. The rope was labeled as biohazard because it had
been inside the toilet and was wet. Additionally, investigators discovered a thinner rope,
similar to fishing line, possibly from the stitching of the jail mattresses, that was also
fashioned into a rope wrapped around a small container. A bar of soap with a hole
punched through the middle of it was also found.
{¶25} Detective Ross further testified that Archie and Stewart’s phone records
were subpoenaed. The phone Archie was using was registered to another individual.
Charles Thomas, a criminal intelligence analyst at the Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of
Criminal Investigation, received the phone records and loaded them into the PenLink PLX
PAGE 8 OF 18
Case No. 2025-L-025 program to analyze the records and map locations. The map showed Archie’s phone was
in the proximity of the jail at the time of the delivery.
{¶26} At the close of the State’s case, defense counsel made an oral motion to
dismiss pursuant to Crim.R. 29, which was denied.
{¶27} The bench trial concluded on January 23, 2025. The following day, the trial
court found Archie guilty of each of the charges contained in the indictment. The trial court
ordered a presentence investigation (“PSI”) and revoked bond.
{¶28} The matter proceeded to sentencing on February 10, 2025. At the time of
sentencing the trial court noted that Archie “refused to cooperate with the probation
department for the preparation of that [PSI] report.” The trial court merged the trafficking
offense in Count 2, and possession offense in Count 3, for purposes of sentencing. The
State elected to proceed on Count 2. The trial court imposed a prison term of 36 months
on Count 1 and 12 months on Count 2. The terms were ordered to be served concurrently
to each other.
{¶29} Archie appeals from the trial court’s entry on sentence.
The Appeal
{¶30} Archie raises three assignments of error for review:
{¶31} “[1.] The jury’s finding of guilt and Archie’s subsequent convictions for Illegal
Conveyance of Drugs of Abuse onto Grounds, Trafficking in a Fentanyl Related
Compound, and Possession of a Fentanyl Related Compound were contrary to the
manifest weight of the evidence; therefore, Archie’s conviction for said counts should be
overturned, and Archie should be remanded to the trial court for a new trial.”
PAGE 9 OF 18
Case No. 2025-L-025 {¶32} “[2.] The Court’s denial of Defendant’s Rule 29 Motion should be
overturned, and Archie should be remanded to the trial court for a new trial.”
{¶33} “[3.] The trial court erred on February 13, 2025 because its sentence was
contrary to law and an abuse of discretion.”
Crim.R. 29 - Sufficiency of Evidence & Manifest Weight
{¶34} In his first assignment of error, Archie asserts that his convictions are
against the manifest weight of the evidence. Archie also argues, in his second assignment
of error that the trial court erred when it denied his motion for acquittal pursuant to Crim.R.
29, finding that the State presented sufficient evidence to support his convictions.
{¶35} On appeal, where an appellant challenges both the sufficiency and the
manifest weight of the State’s evidence, the appellate court need only address the
manifest weight argument. See State v. Dykes, 2023-Ohio-4378, ¶ 6 (11th Dist.), quoting
State v. Masters, 2020-Ohio-864, ¶ 17 (11th Dist.). The determination that a verdict is not
against the manifest weight necessarily includes a finding that the conviction was
supported by sufficient evidence. Id. Thus, we address Archie’s first and second
assignments of error together.
{¶36} “[W]eight of the evidence addresses the evidence’s effect of inducing
belief.” State v. Wilson, 2007-Ohio-2202, ¶ 25, citing State v. Thompkins, 1997-Ohio-52,
¶ 24. “In other words, a reviewing court asks whose evidence is more persuasive—the
state’s or the defendant’s?” Id. “‘The court, reviewing the entire record, weighs the
evidence and all reasonable inferences, considers the credibility of witnesses and
determines whether in resolving conflicts in the evidence, the [factfinder] clearly lost its
way and created such a manifest miscarriage of justice that the conviction must be
PAGE 10 OF 18
Case No. 2025-L-025 reversed and a new trial ordered.’” Thompkins at ¶ 25, quoting State v. Martin, 20 Ohio
App.3d 172, 175 (1st Dist.1983). “When a court of appeals reverses a judgment of a trial
court on the basis that the verdict is against the weight of the evidence, the appellate
court sits as a ‘“thirteenth juror”’ and disagrees with the factfinder’s resolution of the
conflicting testimony.” Id., quoting Tibbs v. Florida, 457 U.S. 31, 42 (1982). “‘The
discretionary power to grant a new trial should be exercised only in the exceptional case
in which the evidence weighs heavily against the conviction.’” Id., quoting Martin at 175.
{¶37} Archie was convicted of illegal conveyance of drugs of abuse onto the
grounds of a specified governmental facility, a felony of the third degree, in violation of
R.C. 2921.36(A)(2); trafficking in a fentanyl-related compound, a felony of the fifth degree,
in violation of R.C. 2925.03(A)(2); and possession of a fentanyl-related compound, a
felony of the fifth degree, in violation of R.C. 2925.11.
{¶38} R.C. 2921.36(A)(2) provides:
(A) No person shall knowingly convey, or attempt to convey, onto the grounds of a detention facility or of an institution, office building, or other place that is under the control of the department of mental health and addiction services, the department of developmental disabilities, the department of youth services, or the department of rehabilitation and correction any of the following items:
...
(2) Any drug of abuse, as defined in section 3719.011 of the Revised Code;
{¶39} “‘Drug of abuse’ means any controlled substance as defined in section
3719.01 of the Revised Code, any harmful intoxicant as defined in section 2925.01 of the
Revised Code, and any dangerous drug as defined in section 4729.01 of the Revised
PAGE 11 OF 18
Case No. 2025-L-025 Code.” R.C. 3719.011(A). Fentanyl and 4-ANPP are Schedule II drugs and considered
drugs of abuse.
{¶40} In regards to the trafficking conviction, R.C. 2925.03(A)(2) provides:
(A) No person shall knowingly do any of the following:
(2) Prepare for shipment, ship, transport, deliver, prepare for distribution, or distribute a controlled substance or a controlled substance analog, when the offender knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the controlled substance or a controlled substance analog is intended for sale or resale by the offender or another person.
{¶41} Regarding the possession conviction, R.C. 2925.11(A) provides: “[n]o
person shall knowingly obtain, possess, or use a controlled substance or a controlled
substance analog.”
{¶42} Archie argues on appeal that the State failed to prove that the contraband
discovered in Cell 5 was connected to him. Archie contends that because there were
other instances of drugs in the jail unrelated to him, it was “certainly possible and arguably
probable” that the drugs located in Brown’s cell were independent of any alleged
conveyance. Archie also asserts that he was not identified, beyond a reasonable doubt,
as the individual outside the jail using the line. We disagree.
{¶43} After viewing the evidence in a light most favorable to the prosecution, we
conclude that any rational trier of fact could have found Archie knowingly conveyed drugs
onto the grounds of the Lake County Jail, a detention facility, and knowingly prepared and
delivered a controlled substance intended for sale or resale by another person. After
reviewing the records and considering the evidence adduced at trial, and all reasonable
inferences therefrom, witness credibility, and the conflicts in the evidence or lack thereof,
PAGE 12 OF 18
Case No. 2025-L-025 we do not believe that the trial court clearly lost its way so as to create a manifest
miscarriage of justice.
{¶44} The evidence and testimony were sufficient to support Archie’s convictions
and were consistent with the manifest weight of the evidence.
{¶45} Evidence was presented which established that Archie was working in
conjunction with inmates at the jail and Stewart to coordinate the delivery of drugs to the
jail. Archie was provided the drugs and a ride to the jail. The plan was discussed on
recorded jail phone calls between Hinton, Stewart, and Archie. Archie was given
instructions on where to find the rope, to flatten the package, and how to attach it to the
rope. Archie informed the inmates on the phone call that he was nearby. Shortly
thereafter, a male was observed in the area, at the back of the jail, near the rope. Inside,
inmates appeared to be celebrating. A short time later, Brown overdosed in the common
area. Drugs were discovered inside Brown’s Cell. The bindle of drugs in Cell 5 contained
fentanyl.
{¶46} We conclude that the State met its burden of persuasion as to the illegal
conveyance, trafficking, and possession charges. As Archie’s convictions are not against
the weight of the evidence, the convictions are necessarily supported by sufficient
evidence.
{¶47} As such, Archie’s first and second assignments of error are meritless.
Sentencing
{¶48} In his third and final assignment of error, Archie contends that his sentence
is contrary to law. Specifically, Archie asserts that the trial court did not consider the
PAGE 13 OF 18
Case No. 2025-L-025 factors enumerated in R.C. 2929.12(C) and/or erred in not finding those factors
applicable. We disagree.
{¶49} We review felony sentencing pursuant to R.C. 2953.08(G)(2). See State v.
Lamb, 2023-Ohio-2834, ¶ 9 (11th Dist.); State v. Meeks, 2023-Ohio-988, ¶ 11 (11th Dist.);
State v. Glover, 2024-Ohio-5195. After an appellate court reviews the record and
sentence on appeal, the court “may increase, reduce, or otherwise modify a sentence
that is appealed under this section or may vacate the sentence and remand . . . if it clearly
and convincingly finds . . . [t]hat the sentence is . . . contrary to law.” R.C.
2953.08(G)(2)(b). “‘[A] sentence is contrary to law when it does not fall within the statutory
range for the offense or if the trial court fails to consider the purposes and principles of
felony sentencing set forth in R.C. 2929.11 and the sentencing factors set forth in R.C.
2929.12.’” Lamb at ¶ 10, quoting State v. Shannon, 2021-Ohio-789, ¶ 11 (11th Dist.),
quoting State v. Brown, 2012Ohio-199, ¶ 74 (2d Dist.).
{¶50} “The Supreme Court of Ohio has held that while ‘R.C. 2953.08(G)(2)(a)
permits an appellate court to modify or vacate a sentence if it clearly and convincingly
finds that “the record does not support the sentencing court’s findings under” certain
specified statutory provisions. But R.C. 2929.11 and 2929.12 are not among the statutory
provisions listed in R.C. 2953.08(G)(2)(a). Only R.C. 2929.13(B) and (D),
2929.14(B)(2)(e) and (C)(4), and 2929.20(I) are specified.’” State v. Feidler, 2024-Ohio-
2040, ¶ 10 (11th Dist.), appeal not accepted, 2024-Ohio-4501, quoting State v. Jones,
2020-Ohio-6729, ¶ 28. Accordingly, “R.C. 2953.08(G)(2)(b) . . . does not provide a basis
for an appellate court to modify or vacate a sentence based on its view that the sentence
is not supported by the record under R.C. 2929.11 and 2929.12.” Jones at ¶ 30. .
PAGE 14 OF 18
Case No. 2025-L-025 {¶51} Archie was convicted of illegal conveyance of drugs of abuse onto the
grounds of a specified governmental facility, a felony of the third degree; trafficking in a
fentanyl-related compound, a felony of the fifth degree; and possession of a fentanyl-
related compound, a felony of the fifth degree. Because the trafficking and the possession
charges merged for purposes of sentencing, Archie was sentenced on the illegal
conveyance and trafficking charges.
{¶52} The statutory terms are outlined as follows:
For a felony of the third degree that is not an offense for which division (A)(3)(a) of this section applies, the prison term shall be a definite term of nine, twelve, eighteen, twenty-four, thirty, or thirty-six months.
R.C. 2929.14(A)(3)(b).
For a felony of the fifth degree, the prison term shall be a definite term of six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, or twelve months.
R.C. 2929.14(A)(5).
{¶53} It is clear from our review of the record that Archie’s sentence is within the
statutory range for the offenses. Archie does not dispute that the trial court specifically
mentioned both R.C. 2929.11 and R.C. 2929.12. Indeed, the trial court stated both at the
sentencing hearing and in its judgment entry that it considered the purposes and
principles of sentencing and the recidivism and seriousness factors. The trial court
specifically stated at the sentencing hearing:
As for the factors in [R.C.] 2929.12 [sic], the Court finds that the Defendant did act as a part of organized criminal activity. That an individual did suffer serious physical harm as a result of the Defendant’s conduct, and quite frankly, just the facts of this case show the Defendant’s involvement is much more serious than what we normally see in an illegal conveyance charge.
PAGE 15 OF 18
Case No. 2025-L-025 ...
But what happened here is the type of - - are the facts that people probably typically think of when they hear of what was charged. And that was an elaborate scheme that was put together to get drugs into the jail. And this doesn’t happen if it wasn’t for Mr. Archie. He’s the one that got the drugs, he’s outside. He was bonded out for this very purpose to do this and he carried through with it. The particular facts of this case make this offense more serious than the normal conveyance charge.
There’s no factors that indicate it’s less serious. When I talk about the seriousness factors, I’m talking about the conveyance charge. Not the trafficking charge, but the conveyance charge.
As for recidivism factors, the Court finds the Defendant has a history of criminal convictions. It goes back twenty-five years. He has previously served a prison term before. Multiple prison terms. He has failed in the past to comply with previous imposed sanctions ordered by the courts.
No factors indicate recidivism is less likely.
In determining the sentence that is appropriate, I understand what a co-defendant got. This conduct, this incident doesn’t happen if it’s not for Mr. Archie. There were many people in the inside that were participating in this. But this doesn’t happen if it wasn’t for Mr. Archie. He’s the one that gets bonded out. He is the one that brings the drugs to the jail. He’s the one that attaches it to the rope on the outside. This doesn’t happen but for Mr. Archie. And his conduct is more serious than Eric Ruscin’s conduct as involved in this incident.
{¶54} Archie argues that the trial court should have considered that the victim,
Brown, induced the offense as Brown was a drug addict. Archie also contends that he
was acting under strong provocation as he was asked to complete the conveyance as
payback for being bonded out of jail. He argues, based on the foregoing, that the trial
PAGE 16 OF 18
Case No. 2025-L-025 court should have given him a lesser sentence. Archie essentially asks this court to
reweigh the evidence and determine that his sentences are inconsistent with R.C.
2929.11 and 2929.12. Pursuant to Jones, this court is not permitted to do so. “A ‘trial court
is not required to give any particular weight or emphasis to a given set of circumstances;
it is merely required to consider the statutory factors in exercising its discretion.’ State v.
DelManzo, 2008-Ohio-5856, ¶ 23 (11th Dist.). A sentencing court fulfills its duties under
R.C. 2929.11 and 2929.12 by stating that it considered them. State v. DeLuca, 2021-
Ohio-1007, ¶ 18 (11th Dist.).” State v. Miller, 2025-Ohio-339, ¶ 21 (11th Dist.).
{¶55} Here, the trial court imposed the maximum sentence available to it on Count
2. The court below expressly stated that it considered the purposes and principles of
sentencing and the recidivism and seriousness factors. Although not required, the trial
court discussed several recidivism factors. Specifically, the trial court noted that Archie
had a prior criminal history including multiple prior prison terms. Thus, Archie’s sentences
are not clearly and convincingly contrary to law.
{¶56} Archie’s third and final assignment of error is also meritless.
Conclusion
{¶57} For the reasons set forth above, we affirm the judgment of the Lake County
Court of Common Pleas.
EUGENE A. LUCCI, J.,
SCOTT LYNCH, J.,
concur.
PAGE 17 OF 18
Case No. 2025-L-025 JUDGMENT ENTRY
For the reasons stated in the opinion of this court, appellant’s assignments of error
are without merit. It is the judgment and order of this court that the judgment of the Lake
County Court of Common Pleas is affirmed.
Costs to be taxed against appellant.
PRESIDING JUDGE ROBERT J. PATTON
JUDGE EUGENE A. LUCCI, concurs
JUDGE SCOTT LYNCH, concurs
THIS DOCUMENT CONSTITUTES A FINAL JUDGMENT ENTRY
A certified copy of this opinion and judgment entry shall constitute the mandate pursuant to Rule 27 of the Ohio Rules of Appellate Procedure.
PAGE 18 OF 18
Case No. 2025-L-025