[Cite as State v. Markin, 2014-Ohio-3630.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO FOURTH APPELLATE DISTRICT PICKAWAY COUNTY
STATE OF OHIO, : : Plaintiff-Appellee, : Case No. 13CA22 : vs. : : DECISION AND JUDGMENT WILLIAM E. MARKIN, : ENTRY : Defendant-Appellant. : Released: 08/14/14
APPEARANCES:
Jeremiah J. Spires, Lancaster, Ohio, for Appellant.
Judy C. Wolford, Pickaway County Prosecutor, and Jayme Hartley Fountain, Assistant Pickaway County Prosecutor, Circleville, Ohio, for Appellee.
McFarland, J.
{¶1} William E. Markin, (Appellant), appeals his conviction in the Pickaway
County Court of Common Pleas on two counts: (Count One), possession of drugs,
R.C. 2925.11(A)/(C)(1)(b), a felony of the third degree; and (Count Two), illegal
manufacture of drugs or cultivation of marihuana, R.C. 2925,04(A)/(C)(3)(a), a
felony of the second degree. Appellant contends the verdicts are not supported by
sufficient evidence because the prosecution failed to prove essential elements as to
each count. Appellant also contends the verdicts are against the manifest weight of
the evidence. Having reviewed the entire record, we find any rational trier of fact Pickaway App. No. 13CA22 2
could have found the essential elements of the crime proven beyond a reasonable
doubt. And, having reviewed the record, weighed the evidence and all reasonable
inferences, and considered the credibility of the witnesses, we further find the
greater amount of credible evidence supports the verdicts. As such, we overrule
Appellant’s assignments of error and affirm the judgment of the trial court.
FACTS
{¶2} William E. Markin was indicted by the Pickaway County Grand Jury
on two counts: (Count One), possession of drugs, R.C. 2925.11(A)/(C)(1)(b); and,
(Count Two), illegal manufacture of drugs or cultivation of marihuana, R.C.
2925.04(A)/(C) (3)(a). The charges arose from events which transpired on
February 1, 2013 during a “reverse buy,” raid, and search, (conducted by officers
of the Circleville Police Department and the U.S. 23 Pipeline Task Force), of a
trailer located on Villa Drive in Circleville, Ohio.
{¶3} Appellant was arraigned on March 27, 2013, and entered pleas of not
guilty. He was allowed to sign a recognizance bond, and a previously posted bond
of $25,000.00 was continued. Appellant was assigned appointed counsel.
{¶4} Appellant eventually proceeded to a jury trial on July 25, 2013. The
State presented testimony from Detective Tom Royster, James Edward Mitchell, a
confidential informant, co-defendants John Edler and Christy Lowery,1 and
1 At trial, Ms. Lowery indicated she preferred to be identified as “Christy Adkins.” JUDGMENT AFFIRMED. Pickaway App. No. 13CA22 3
Detective Jason Park. The State also introduced numerous photographic exhibits.
Appellant testified on his own behalf. He also presented testimony from his sister,
Amy Lynn Yarger, and his mother Connie Sue DePugh.
{¶5} Detective Royster testified he is employed by the Circleville Police
Department and the U.S. 23 Pipeline Task Force. He prepared a search warrant for
the trailer where Appellant was arrested, based on information obtained from the
confidential informant, James Mitchell. Mitchell had approached Royster, asking
to participate with the task force. Detective Royster, via authorization from the
Pickaway County Prosecutor’s Office, provided Sudafed knowing it would be used
for the manufacture of methamphetamine. Mitchell was paid $200.00 for his
participation. Royster testified Appellant, James Edler, Christy Lowery, and
Matthew Griffin were present at the trailer the day the search warrant was
executed. Mitchell had advised that Appellant would be there.
{¶6} Royster testified through the execution of the search warrant, the
officers recovered various pieces of evidence, including a vented hood; finished
product methamphetamine on a plate; pipes used to smoke methamphetamine;
Coleman fuel; several mason jars; discarded Mountain Dew bottles; a salt
container; liquid drain opener; digital scales; charred lithium batteries; packaging
baggies; marihuana in an ash tray and smoking pipes; and one of the boxes of
Sudafed. Royster described the layout of the trailer. When Royster first entered,
JUDGMENT AFFIRMED. Pickaway App. No. 13CA22 4
Appellant and Edler were in the back bedroom, both sitting on the bed. Christy
and Griffin were in the bathroom.
{¶7} Royster testified specimens were obtained from the mason jars and sent
to the Ohio B.C.I. laboratory in Columbus, Ohio. A lab report from B.C.I.
confirmed 96.8 grams found to contain methamphetamine. Royster also identified
State’s exhibits 4-47 (excluding exhibit 19), as photographs identifying items used
in the manufacture of methamphetamine. He identified the photographs as being
true and accurate depictions of what he found on February 1, 2013, items found in
the trailer. Royster testified, with a few exceptions, the majority of the items were
found in the bedroom where Edler and Appellant were located. On cross-
examination, Royster admitted Edler was the intended target of the search warrant
and investigation.
{¶8} Detective Jason Park of the Pickaway Sheriff’s Office also testified he
was part of the U.S. 23 Major Crime Task Force. He testified as to his training in
undercover narcotics and clandestine “labs,” and as to the process for
manufacturing methamphetamine. Park testified he met with James Mitchell, set
up surveillance equipment, provided Sudafed to Mitchell, and then surveyed
Mitchell as he made contact at the trailer on Villa Drive. Once the Sudafed was
delivered, they maintained contact with Mitchell until a search warrant could be
obtained. Park was involved with the execution of the search warrant. A tactical
JUDGMENT AFFIRMED. Pickaway App. No. 13CA22 5
team made actual entry and once the residence was secured, Park went in and
assessed the methamphetamine lab. His job was to neutralize (make safe) the area
where the items for manufacture were found. Park testified there were two stages
in process: there was some methamphetamine drying on a plate and there was
some still in liquid form. Park also identified various photographs of items found
inside the trailer, which included a table where the methamphetamine was
“cooked,” with a vent for drying process; a bottle of salt; a plate with
methamphetamine drying; a bottle containing methamphetamine; a mason jar
containing methamphetamine; a hood vented out the wall; a glass plate with
methamphetamine residue; Sudafed; vessels containing liquid fire; glass plate with
funnel and measuring cup; an empty Sudafed box; lithium batteries; Coleman fuel;
and glass mason jars. Park also identified these photographs as true and accurate
depictions of the items found at Edler’s trailer on February 1, 2013.
{¶9} James Mitchell testified he resided at the trailer on Villa Drive
on February 1, 2013. He testified he approached the Circleville Police
Department and spoke to Detective Royster regarding the manufacture of
methamphetamine at his uncle’s, John Edler’s, residence.2 Mitchell testified
Edler, Appellant, and Christy Lowery were also involved. Appellant was
residing there. Mitchell testified he was motivated to assist the police
2 He also testified Edler is a brother to his former step-father. Mitchell’s step-father and mother have since divorced. Mitchell has known Edler approximately 10 years. JUDGMENT AFFIRMED. Pickaway App. No. 13CA22 6
because he was trying to “get clean.” He signed paperwork to become a
confidential informant.
{¶10} Mitchell further testified Edler and Appellant taught him how to make
methamphetamine approximately 1 and ½ weeks before February 1, 2013. He
identified surveillance video which showed him being prepped by the officers to
go to the trailer and then entering the living room of the trailer. Mitchell testified
Edler was telling him he had the wrong type of Sudafed. Mitchell testified the
video was a true and accurate depiction of his first visit to the trailer under
surveillance on February 1, 2013. Mitchell then testified he returned to the officers
and accompanied them to Kroger to get the correct type of Sudafed. Mitchell
testified he was under surveillance again, with a second surveillance video
showing him at his residence being searched and set up by the officers. Then he
returned to the trailer and left the Sudafed. As soon as he entered with the two
boxes of Sudafed, Edler, Appellant, Lowery, and a woman named “Lainey” were
cheering. Mitchell testified this video was also a true and accurate depiction of the
second time he went to the trailer on February 1, 2013. Mitchell delivered the
Sudafed between 1:00 and 2:00 in the afternoon. He stayed in contact with Edler
the rest of the day, by text messaging him on Appellant’s phone. Mitchell further
testified while he was there, they were weighing marijuana. He denied seeing the
actual manufacture of methamphetamine on February 1, 2013.
JUDGMENT AFFIRMED. Pickaway App. No. 13CA22 7
{¶11} The prosecution also presented the testimony of Christy Lowery.
Lowery testified she met Edler through her friend Elaine Crabtree, a couple of days
before Christmas Eve 2012, for the purpose of obtaining crystal methamphetamine.
Appellant was present at Edler’s trailer when she was there and she understood
him to reside there. Lowery considered the trailer to be a “drug house.” She saw
methamphetamine transactions and she testified it was made in the back bedroom.
She knew not to enter the back bedroom when methamphetamine was being made.
Edler and Appellant were allowed in the back bedroom.
{¶12} The State also called John Edler. He testified he was arrested in
connection with the events of February 1, 2013, at the trailer on Villa Drive, and he
had entered a plea agreement in exchange for his testimony. He admitted he had
previously been to prison for the manufacture of drugs in 2003. Edler testified as
to the methamphetamine-making process. He had lived for two years in the trailer.
At the time, Appellant and Christy Lowery also lived there.
{¶13} Edler testified he had been “ripped off” by someone he purchased
methamphetamine from, so he studied and learned how to make it. He used
Appellant’s cell phone to access the internet to study. For three months prior to the
arrests at the trailer, Edler and Appellant manufactured methamphetamine every
other day. Edler testified Appellant crushed the Sudafed, opened the batteries,
added the pseudoephedrine, and shook the bottles. Appellant manufactured with
JUDGMENT AFFIRMED. Pickaway App. No. 13CA22 8
him every time during the 2-3 month period. Edler testified they sold some of the
methamphetamine and used most of it. Manufacture always took place in the back
bedroom of the trailer. Edler identified photographic exhibits of the back bedroom
and the items used in the manufacturing process. Edler testified he had a lot of
contact with James Mitchell, who was at his trailer daily. Mitchell had observed
the manufacturing process.
{¶14} Appellant took the stand and denied participating in the manufacture
of methamphetamine on February 1, 2013. He testified he had been drug free for
175 days at the time of trial. Appellant specifically denied crushing pills, peeling
batteries, or assisting in the process of manufacturing methamphetamine. He
admitted he was aware that manufacture took place at the trailer on Villa Drive, but
testified he did not leave because he had nowhere else to live. Appellant also
testified his cell phone had run out of minutes on the night before February 1st and
had no ability to communicate by cell phone. He denied arranging pickup of the
finished product for Edler. He denied texting James Mitchell that the product was
complete. On cross-examination, Appellant testified Edler, Mitchell, and Lowery
were all drug users, and they were all lying. He denied ever participating in the
manufacture of drugs in the past.
{¶15} Appellant also presented testimony from his sister and mother. Amy
Lynn Yarger, his sister, testified she was unable to make contact with him on
JUDGMENT AFFIRMED. Pickaway App. No. 13CA22 9
February 1, 2013, because his phone was disconnected. Appellant’s mother,
Connie De Pugh also testified he had no cell service on February 1, 2013.
{¶16} The jury returned verdicts of guilty on both charges.
{¶17} Appellant was sentenced on October 2, 2013. The trial court merged
the two counts for sentencing purposes. The State of Ohio elected to proceed on
Count Two, the second degree felony. Appellant was ordered to serve five years of
incarceration. He was also given a mandatory fine of $7,500.00.
{¶18} Appellant has filed a timely appeal.
{¶19} Where relevant, additional testimony of the fact witnesses is set forth
below.
ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR
“I. EACH OF THE JUDGMENTS OF THE TRIAL COURT AS TO BOTH COUNTS ONE AND TWO OF THE INDICTMENT WAS IN ERROR AS NOT SUPPORTED BY SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE TO FIND THE DEFENDANT MARKIN GUILTY OF VIOLATING SECTION 2925.11, AGGRAVATED POSSESSION OF DRUGS, AS CHARGED IN COUNT ONE OF THE INDICTMENT, AND NOT SUPPORTED BY SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE TO FIND HIM GUILTY OF ILLEGAL MANUFACTURE OF DRUGS OR CULTIVATION OF MARIJUANA IN VIOLATION OF REVISED CODE SECTION 2925.04 AS CHARGED IN COUNT TWO OF THE INDICTMENT.”
“II. EACH OF THE JUDGMENTS OF THE TRIAL COURT AS TO COUNTS ONE AND TWO OF THE INDICTMENT WERE ERROR AS AGAINST THE MANIFEST WEIGHT OF THE EVIDENCE.”
A. STANDARD OF REVIEW-SUFFICIENCY OF THE EVIDENCE. JUDGMENT AFFIRMED. Pickaway App. No. 13CA22 10
{¶20} When reviewing a case to determine whether the record contains
sufficient evidence to support a criminal conviction, our function is “to examine
the evidence admitted at trial to determine whether such evidence, if believed,
would convince the average mind of the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable
doubt. The relevant inquiry is whether, after viewing the evidence in a light most
favorable to the prosecution, any rational trier of fact could have found the
essential elements of the crime proven beyond a reasonable doubt.” State v. Smith,
4th Dist. Highland No. 09CA29, 2010-Ohio-4507, ¶18, quoting State v. Jenks, 61
Ohio St.3d 259, 574 N.E.2d 492, (1991), paragraph two of the syllabus. See, also
Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 319, 99 S.Ct. 2781 (1979).
{¶21} This test raises a question of law and does not allow the court to
weigh the evidence. Smith, supra, at ¶19; State v. Martin, 20 Ohio App.3d 172,
175, 485 N.E.2d 717 (1st Dist.1983). Rather, this test “gives full play to the
responsibility of the trier of fact * * * to resolve conflicts in the testimony, to
weigh the evidence, and to draw reasonable inferences from basic facts to ultimate
facts.” Smith, supra, at ¶19; Jackson at 319. Accordingly, the weight given to the
evidence and the credibility of witnesses are issues for the trier of fact. Smith,
supra at ¶19; State v. Thomas, 70 Ohio St.2d 79, 79-80, 434 N.E.2d 1356 (1982);
State v. De Hass, 10 Ohio St.2d 230, 227 N.E.2d 212 (1967), paragraph one of the
syllabus.
JUDGMENT AFFIRMED. Pickaway App. No. 13CA22 11
B. STANDARD OF REVIEW-MANIFEST WEIGHT OF THE EVIDENCE.
{¶22} Our function when reviewing the weight of the evidence is to
determine whether the greater amount of credible evidence supports the verdict.
State v. Williams, 4th Dist. Ross No. 03CA2736, 2004-Ohio-1130, ¶28, citing State
v. Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d 380, 387, 1997-Ohio-52, 678 N.E.2d 541. Our role is
to determine whether the evidence produced at trial attains the high degree of
probative force and certainty required of a criminal conviction. State v. Hayslip,
4th Dist. Adams No. 05CA812, 2006-Ohio-3120, ¶8, citing State v. Getsy, 84 Ohio
St. 3d 180, 193, 702 N.E.2d 866 (1998). In order to undertake this review, we
must sit as a “thirteenth juror” and review the entire record, weigh the evidence
and all reasonable inferences, consider the credibility of witnesses and determine
whether the trier of fact clearly lost its way and created a manifest miscarriage of
justice. Williams, supra, citing Thompkins, supra; State v. Martin, 20 Ohio App.3d
172, 175, 485 N.E.2d 717 (1983). If we find that the fact finder clearly lost its
way, we must reverse the conviction and order a new trial. Id. We cannot reverse
a conviction where the state has presented substantial evidence so that a reasonable
trier of fact could conclude that all of the essential elements of the offense were
established beyond a reasonable doubt. Williams, supra; Getsy, supra at 193-194.
We are also guided by the presumption that the trier of fact “is best able to view
the witnesses and observe their demeanor, gestures, and voice inflections, and use
JUDGMENT AFFIRMED. Pickaway App. No. 13CA22 12
these observations in weighing the credibility of proffered testimony.” Williams,
supra, quoting Seasons Coal Co. v. Cleveland, 10 Ohio St.3d 77, 80, 461 N.E.2d
1273 (1984).
C. LEGAL ANALYSIS
{¶23} For ease of analysis, we will consider Appellant’s assignments of
error jointly. Appellant argues the prosecution’s case was fatally deficient in
credible evidence as to essential elements of both counts one and two. Appellant
asserts the prosecution’s case rested chiefly on the testimony of John Edler, who
was charged and sentenced on the basis of his participation in the amphetamine
manufacturing scheme, and who reached an agreement whereby he received a
reduced sentence of three years. Appellant contends Edler did not testify as an eye
witness to Appellant’s participation in the crimes, and Appellant’s mere presence
at the trailer was insufficient to support his convictions.
{¶24} Appellee responds by acknowledging the State’s key witness was co-
defendant Edler. However, Appellee also points out the prosecution produced the
testimony of James Mitchell and Christy Lowery. Appellee concludes when
reviewing the testimony in its entirety, there was enough evidence to meet both a
“sufficiency-of-the-evidence” standard and a “manifest-weight-of-the-evidence”
standard.
JUDGMENT AFFIRMED. Pickaway App. No. 13CA22 13
{¶25} Appellant was convicted of count one, possession of drugs, a violation
of R.C. 2925.11(A)(C)(1)(b), which provides:
“(A) No person shall knowingly obtain, possess, or use a controlled substance or a controlled substance analog.
(C) Whoever violates division (A) of this section is guilty of one of the following:
(1) If the drug involved in the violation is a compound, mixture, preparation, or substance included in schedule I or II, with the exception of marijuana, cocaine, L.S.D., heroin, hashish, and controlled substance analogs, whoever violates division (A) of this section is guilty of aggravated possession of drugs. The penalty for the offense shall be determined as follows:
(b) If the amount of the drug involved equals or exceeds the bulk amount but is less than five times the bulk amount, aggravated possession of drugs is a felony of the third degree, and there is a presumption for a prison term for the offense.”
{¶26} Appellant was also convicted of count two, illegal manufacture of
drugs-illegal cultivation of marihuana-methamphetamine offense, a violation of
R.C. 2925.04(A)(C)(3)(a), which provides:
“(A) No person shall knowingly cultivate marijuana or knowingly manufacture or otherwise engage in any part of the production of a controlled substance.
(C)(3) If the drug involved in the violation of division (A) of this section is methamphetamine, the penalty for the violation shall be determined as follows:
(a) Except as otherwise provided in division (C)(3)(b) of this section, if the drug involved in the violation is methamphetamine, illegal manufacture of drugs is a felony of the second degree, and subject to
JUDGMENT AFFIRMED. Pickaway App. No. 13CA22 14
division (E) of this section, the court shall impose a mandatory prison term on the offender determined in accordance with this division.”
{¶27} Both counts require the State of Ohio prove that Appellant acted
“knowingly.” Pursuant to R.C. 2901.22(B), the trial court instructed:
“A person acts ‘knowingly,’ regardless of his purpose, when he is aware that his conduct will probably cause a certain result or be of a certain nature. A person has knowledge of circumstances when he is aware that such circumstances probably exist. Stated another way, ‘knowingly’ means that a person is aware of the existence of the fact and that his acts will probably cause a certain result or be of a certain nature. Since you cannot look into the mind of another, knowledge is determined from all the facts and circumstances in evidence. You will determine from the facts and circumstances whether there existed at the time in the mind of the defendant an awareness of the probability that he was in possession of a controlled substance. You will also determine from these facts and circumstances whether there existed at the time in the mind of the defendant an awareness of the probability that he was manufacturing or engaging in a part of the production of methamphetamine.”
{¶28} In the case, sub judice, the State of Ohio was also required to prove
“possession.” Possession of a controlled substance may be actual or constructive.
State v. Williams, 4th Dist. Ross No. 03CA2736, 2004-Ohio-1130, ¶23. See State
v. Wolery, 46 Ohio St.2d 316, 329, 348 N.E.2d 351(1976) (Internal citations
omitted.). A person has “actual possession” of an item if the item is within his
immediate physical possession. Williams, supra, citing State v. Fugate, 4th
Dist.Washington No. 97CA2546, 1998 WL 729221, *7. “Constructive
possession” exists when an individual is able to exercise domination and control
over an item, even if the individual does not have immediate physical possession JUDGMENT AFFIRMED. Pickaway App. No. 13CA22 15
of it. Williams, supra, citing State v. Hankerson, 70 Ohio St.2d 87, 434 N.E.2d
1362 (1982), syllabus. For constructive possession to exist, “[i]t must also be
shown that the person was conscious of the presence of the object.” Williams,
supra, quoting Hankerson, 70 Ohio St.2d at 91, 434 N.E.2d 1362. The state may
prove the existence of the various components of constructive possession of
contraband by circumstantial evidence. Williams, supra, citing State v. Jenks, 61
Ohio St.3d 259, 272-273, 582 N.E.2d 552 (1991). Moreover, two or more persons
may have joint constructive possession of a particular item. Williams, supra, citing
State v. Mann, 93 Ohio App.3d 301, 308, 638 N.E.2d 585 (8th Dist.1993).
{¶29} A defendant’s mere presence in an area where drugs are located does
not conclusively establish constructive possession. Williams, supra, at ¶25; State v.
Cola, 77 Ohio App.3d 448, 450, 602 N.E.2d 730 (11th Dist.1991); Cincinnati v.
McCartney, 30 Ohio App.2d 45, 48, 281 N.E.2d 855 (1st Dist.1971). However, a
defendant’s proximity to drugs may constitute some evidence of constructive
possession. Williams, supra, at 25. Mere presence in the vicinity of drugs, coupled
with another factor probative of dominion or control over the contraband, may
establish constructive possession. Fugate, at *8. Under this framework, Appellant
argues he was simply present when the officers executed the warrant at the trailer
on Villa Drive, but no eye-witness evidence implicates him.
{¶30} Here, the trial court also instructed:
JUDGMENT AFFIRMED. Pickaway App. No. 13CA22 16
“ ‘Possess’ or “possession’ means having control over a thing or substance that may not be inferred solely from mere access to the thing or substance through ownership or occupation of the premises upon which the thing or substance is found.”
{¶31} We must disagree with Appellant’s argument as we find there was
evidence such that any rational trier of fact could have found the essential elements
of count one, possession of drugs, and count two, illegal manufacture of drugs,
proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The jury had for its consideration, not only
Appellant’s presence in the trailer’s back bedroom, where officers testified the
precursors for manufacturing methamphetamine were found, but also the testimony
of Mitchell, Edler, and Lowery. The evidence provided by Mitchell and Lowery
bolsters the testimony provided by Edler and, taken in its entirety, supports the
conclusion that Appellant knowingly possessed drugs and participated in the
manufacture of methamphetamine on February 1, 2013.
{¶32} Mitchell testified he approached the police for the purpose of turning
in Edler, Appellant, and Lowery. As to the events of February 1, 2013, Mitchell
testified he delivered Sudafed to the trailer and stayed in contact with Edler
through Appellant’s cell phone. True, Appellant’s cross-examination elicited
testimony from Mitchell that he never interacted with Appellant on his two visits to
the trailer on February 1, 2013, and Appellant never instructed him on the
arrangements. Mitchell also admitted he did not have verification of any text
messages sent to him by Appellant on the date in question. JUDGMENT AFFIRMED. Pickaway App. No. 13CA22 17
{¶33} Lowery testified the trailer was a “drug house.” She testified “half of
Circleville” stayed there at times. She saw methamphetamine transactions and she
knew it was being made in the trailer’s back bedroom. When she purchased
methamphetamine, it was from Edler or from the Appellant. Lowery’s testimony,
along with Mitchell’s, supports the inference that Appellant knew how to make
methamphetamine and had previously done so in the trailer’s back bedroom.
{¶34} However, as to the specific events of February 1, 2013, Lowery
specifically testified she had been at the trailer numerous times and was waiting on
methamphetamine to be made. Lowery identified the video which showed how the
trailer looked on February 1, 2013. She identified people screaming and cheering
on the video because Mitchell had brought the Sudafed. Lowery testified when the
officers kicked the door in, she and Matt Griffin were in the bathroom and Edler
and Appellant were in the bedroom. She had $40.00 in her pocket she was
planning to purchase methamphetamine. Lowery’s testimony directly implicates
Appellant in the manufacturing activities on the date in question.
{¶35} At trial, Edler seemed to have trouble recalling events on February 1,
2013, so the prosecutor played the first video. Edler acknowledged hearing some
conversation about generic Sudafed. He testified manufacture is easier with a
generic version. He recalled sending Mitchell to get a different type of Sudafed.
JUDGMENT AFFIRMED. Pickaway App. No. 13CA22 18
{¶36} The prosecutor also played the second video. Edler recalled when the
law enforcement officers burst in on February 1, 2013; he was in the back bedroom
with Appellant, Lowery, and Matt Griffin. Edler specifically testified he and
Appellant had manufactured methamphetamine on February 1, 2013. Appellant
helped in the initial stages. Appellant crushed the Sudafed pills,3 “opened the
tunnel to a bottle,” and peeled batteries.4 He believed Appellant was with him
during the entire manufacturing process on February 1, 2013, but there were times
when Appellant would leave to clean the bathroom where they mixed the
chemicals. Edler specifically testified:
“Sometimes it would be after I would get down to where let it set 15 minutes, that’s usually when he would come and clean. Other than that, he was in the room with me.”
Prior to the officers’ arrival, they had just completed the process. When the police
arrived, Appellant was beside him on his left in the back bedroom. Lowery and
Griffin were also there but ran through the door to the bathroom.
{¶37} Based upon our review of the evidence adduced at trial, we find a
rational trier of fact could have found the essential elements of possession of drugs
3 Edler testified as follows:
Q: And on February 1st, who crushed the pills? A: I believe Will Markin. Q: Do you know or you believe? A: I believe it was. He usually did it all the time. Q: Did you do it that day? A: No. 4 Edler testified Appellant crushed the pills, usually at the kitchen sink or on the kitchen table. He testified Appellant peeled the batteries in the bathroom. JUDGMENT AFFIRMED. Pickaway App. No. 13CA22 19
and illegal manufacture of drugs proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Although
Appellant took the stand and denied participation in these crimes, the combined
testimony of Mitchell, Edler, and Lowery is strong evidence that Appellant
knowingly participated in the crimes charged on February 1, 2013.
{¶38} We turn next, to analysis of the evidence under a “manifest weight”
standard. We begin by noting in State v. Hayslip, 4th Dist. Adams No. 05CA812,
2006-Ohio-3120. Hayslip was indicted and convicted of the illegal manufacture of
drugs, in violation of R.C. 2925.04. On appeal, Hayslip argued his trial counsel
provided him ineffective assistance and also argued his conviction was against the
manifest weight of the evidence. At Hayslip’s trial, the jury heard testimony about
the types of materials found in Hayslip’s presence at the crime scene, and that
these materials were commonly used for the manufacture of methamphetamine.
The jury also heard testimony from Hayslip’s co-defendant, Carter, that placed
Hayslip at the scene of the crime on the day in question, that Hayslip was familiar
with the scene of the crime (a shed) and had access to it, and further, that Hayslip
was regularly present in the shed with another co-defendant when the shed was
used to manufacture methamphetamine.
{¶39} Another co-defendant, Blythe, also testified Hayslip and he had
manufactured methamphetamine in the shed before and on the day in question.
The jury also heard testimony from a forensic scientist from BCI about the
JUDGMENT AFFIRMED. Pickaway App. No. 13CA22 20
manufacturing process and the ingredients and materials used. The scientist
testified that several exhibits contained methamphetamine residue and that pills
found in the shed contained pseudoephedrine. Upon review, we concluded that
each element of R.C. 2925.04 was proven beyond a reasonable doubt and that the
jury did not lose its way. We overruled Hayslip’s assignment of error and affirmed
the trial court’s judgment.
{¶40} As in Hayslip, we have applied the foregoing principles and find
substantial and credible evidence on all elements of the counts charged from which
a reasonable jury could conclude that Appellant knowingly possessed drugs and
participated in the manufacture of drugs. Although Appellant argues there was no
eye-witness testimony but for the testimony of his co-defendant Edler, and that
Edler’s testimony is not credible, the complete testimony, set forth above, makes it
clear that Appellant was being referenced in the mutual activities which occurred
at the trailer on Villa Drive on February 1, 2013. Appellant was present at the
trailer with the co-defendants at the time the officers arrived and found the
ingredients used to manufacture methamphetamine, as well as completed product.
However, other factors coupled with Appellant’s presence lead us to our
conclusion. The evidence at trial also demonstrated Appellant had participated in
the past by crushing Sudafed and peeling batteries. Edler’s testimony that
Appellant participated by crushing Sudafed and peeling batteries on February 1,
JUDGMENT AFFIRMED. Pickaway App. No. 13CA22 21
2013 directly implicates Appellant. Both Edler and Lowery’s testimony that
Appellant was present in the room with Edler on February 1, 2013 further directly
connects Appellant to the crimes charged.
{¶41} We also note in resolving conflicts of the evidence, the jury was in
the best position to observe the witnesses, weigh their demeanor, and any gestures
or voice inflections, and determine their credibility. The jury was instructed as to
the legal definitions of direct evidence, circumstantial evidence, and credibility.
The jury was instructed that as to the weight of the evidence, they were free to
believe all, part or none of any witness’s testimony.
{¶42} Mitchell’s credibility was one issue for the jury’s consideration. On
cross-examination, Mitchell testified he is unemployed. He admitted he has used
illegal substances in the past. He testified he was present in the room where
methamphetamine was being made 1 and ½ weeks before February 1, 2013. He
testified Lowery was present at that time and knew what was going on. He
admitted he was present because he was going to receive methamphetamine and
because he was being taught how to make it.
{¶43} Lowery’s and Edler’s credibility was also at issue. Lowery
acknowledged she was charged in the incident and had entered a plea agreement.
On cross-examination, she admitted she had previously been to prison. On cross-
examination, Edler admitted he was currently in prison and had received a
JUDGMENT AFFIRMED. Pickaway App. No. 13CA22 22
substantial reduction of prison time from what he was facing, having been charged
with two felonies after the February 1, 2013 incident. He admitted
methamphetamine use since 1985.
{¶44} Importantly, the jury was instructed about the testimony of
accomplices as follows:
“Ladies and gentlemen, you have heard the testimony from John C. Edler and Christy Lowery, other persons who have pled guilty to crimes charged from this incident and are said to be accomplices. An accomplice is one who knowingly assists or joins another in the commission of a crime. The weight to give to their respective testimony are matters for you to determine from all the facts and circumstances in evidence. The testimony of an accomplice does not become inadmissible because of his or her complicity, moral turpitude, or self interest, but the admitted or claimed complicity of a witness may affect his or her credibility and make their testimony subject to grave suspicion, and required that it be weighed with greater caution. It is for you, as jurors, in light of all the facts presented to you and from the witness stand, to evaluate such testimony and to determine its quality and worth or its lack of quality and worth. An accomplice may have special motives in testifying, and you should carefully examine an accomplice’s testimony and use it with great caution and view it with grave suspicion.
{¶45} The jurors were in the best position to observe Appellant and judge
his credibility. They were also in the best position to observe Edler and Lowery
and to evaluate their credibility in giving testimony against Appellant. Having
done so, we cannot say the jury clearly lost its way and created a manifest
miscarriage of justice. Accordingly, we therefore overrule both assignments of
error and affirm the judgment of the trial court.
JUDGMENT AFFIRMED. Pickaway App. No. 13CA22 23
JUDGMENT ENTRY
It is ordered that the JUDGMENT BE AFFIRMED and costs be assessed to Appellant.
The Court finds there were reasonable grounds for this appeal.
It is ordered that a special mandate issue out of this Court directing the Pickaway County Common Pleas Court to carry this judgment into execution.
IF A STAY OF EXECUTION OF SENTENCE AND RELEASE UPON BAIL HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY GRANTED BY THE TRIAL COURT OR THIS COURT, it is temporarily continued for a period not to exceed sixty days upon the bail previously posted. The purpose of a continued stay is to allow Appellant to file with the Supreme Court of Ohio an application for a stay during the pendency of proceedings in that court. If a stay is continued by this entry, it will terminate at the earlier of the expiration of the sixty day period, or the failure of the Appellant to file a notice of appeal with the Supreme Court of Ohio in the forty-five day appeal period pursuant to Rule II, Sec. 2 of the Rules of Practice of the Supreme Court of Ohio. Additionally, if the Supreme Court of Ohio dismisses the appeal prior to expiration of sixty days, the stay will terminate as of the date of such dismissal.
A certified copy of this entry shall constitute the mandate pursuant to Rule 27 of the Rules of Appellate Procedure.
Abele, P.J. & Hoover, J.: Concur in Judgment and Opinion.
For the Court,
BY: ___________________________________ Matthew W. McFarland, Judge
NOTICE TO COUNSEL
Pursuant to Local Rule No. 14, this document constitutes a final judgment entry and the time period for further appeal commences from the date of filing with the clerk. JUDGMENT AFFIRMED.