State v. Martin

2024 Ohio 2334

Opinion

[Cite as State v. Martin, 2024-Ohio-2334.]

IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO FOURTH APPELLATE DISTRICT HIGHLAND COUNTY

STATE OF OHIO, : : Plaintiff-Appellee, : Case No. 23CA3 : v. : : REBECCA M. MARTIN, : DECISION AND JUDGMENT : ENTRY Defendant-Appellant. :

APPEARANCES:

Kristie L. Gotwald, Dayton, Ohio, for Appellant.

Anneka P. Collins, Highland County Prosecutor, Adam J. King, Highland County Assistant Prosecutor, Hillsboro, Ohio, for Appellee.

Smith, P.J.

{¶1} Rebecca M. Martin (“Appellant”), appeals her convictions in the

Highland County Court of Common Pleas for Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle and

Breaking and Entering. Appellant raises seven assignments of error. Having fully

reviewed the record, pertinent Ohio law, and the arguments of counsel, we find

merit only to a portion of Appellant’s fifth assignment of error. Therefore, we

sustain the fifth assignment of error to the extent that we find the trial court erred

by ordering payment of storage fees without considering Appellant’s present and

future ability to pay and without supporting evidence as to the amount of storage Highland App. No. 23CA3 2

fees and the name of the person or entity to be paid. We vacate the restitution

order and remand for the trial court’s consideration of these issues. In all other

aspects, the judgment of the trial court is affirmed.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

{¶2} On August 2, 2022, Appellant was indicted on two counts: Count One,

Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle, a violation of R.C. 2913.02(A)(1); and, Count

Two, Breaking and Entering, a violation of R.C. 2911.13(B). The indictment arose

after Caleb Cox reported to authorities that a motorcycle he had recently obtained

through a trade was stolen from outside his residence. Cox had negotiated the

trade with Appellant’s teenage son. On August 31, 2022, Appellant appeared in

court for arraignment. The trial court entered pleas of not guilty on her behalf.

The matter was scheduled for a pretrial on September 21, 2022, and a jury trial on

November 7, 2022.

{¶3} Appellant retained counsel. During the course of the trial court

proceedings, Appellant filed a motion to dismiss based on her allegation that she

was actually the owner of the allegedly stolen 2009 Kawasaki motorcycle. The

State of Ohio filed a Memorandum Contra. The trial court denied Appellant’s

motion.

{¶4} On November 15, 2022, the State of Ohio also filed a motion in limine

seeking to exclude evidence at trial of possible civil remedies available to Highland App. No. 23CA3 3

Appellant. On November 21, 2022, Appellant filed a response to the motion in

limine and also filed proposed jury instructions. On November 22nd, the trial

court granted the State’s motion in limine “subject to further review at trial.”

{¶5} At trial on February 21, 2023, Appellant’s defense to the charges was

that she actually owned the motorcycle at issue and was wrongly accused due to

her son’s actions, which she had not authorized. Appellant argued that the

documentary evidence demonstrated that the motorcycle was titled in Appellant’s

name both on the title given to Caleb Cox and on a duplicate title. Appellant’s son

W.H. testified on her behalf, advising that he committed the actual taking of the

motorcycle from Cox’s residence and that Appellant did not know about his

actions until after the fact.1 The defense attempted to portray Appellant as a

protective single mother who initially admitted to law enforcement officers that she

took the motorcycle in order to protect her son from any criminal liability.

{¶6} On February 22, 2023, the jury entered guilty verdicts on both counts.

The trial court proceeded to sentencing. The court imposed a prison sentence of 12

months on Count One, Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle, a felony of the fourth

degree, and a sentence of 6 months on Count Two, Breaking and Entering, a felony

of the fifth degree. The sentences were to be served consecutively. The trial court

1 We will refer to Appellant’s son as “W.H.” While he more than likely reached the age of majority by the time of trial, no evidence demonstrated his actual age. Defense counsel informed in opening that W.H. was 17 years old when the alleged crimes occurred but we are mindful that the statements of counsel are not evidence. Highland App. No. 23CA3 4

imposed additional financial sanctions which will be discussed in the fifth

assignment of error.

{¶7} This timely appeal followed. On March 6, 2023, the trial court entered

a Judgment Entry of Conviction Nunc Pro Tunc. Also on that date, Appellant

filed a motion to stay judgment and set appellate bond. The trial court denied this

motion. Appellant thereafter filed in this court the same motion, which was also

denied. Where pertinent, trial testimony and additional procedural facts are set

forth below.

ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR

I. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN DENYING MARTIN’S MOTION TO DISMISS.

II. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN GRANTING THE STATE’S MOTION IN LIMINE.

III. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN ITS JURY INSTRUCTIONS.

IV. REPEATED INSTANCES OF PROSECUTORIAL MISCONDUCT DEPRIVED MARTIN OF A FAIR TRIAL.

V. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN ITS ORDER OF RESTITUTION.

VI. THERE WAS INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE AND IT WAS AGAINST THE MANIFEST WEIGHT OF THE EVIDENCE TO SUSTAIN A CONVICTION.

VII. THE TRIAL COURT’S CUMULATIVE AND STRUCTURAL ERRORS REQUIRE REVERSAL. Highland App. No. 23CA3 5

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR ONE - DENIAL OF APPELLANT’S MOTION TO DISMISS

A. STANDARD OF REVIEW

{¶8} Appellant filed a motion to dismiss alleging that she was the owner

of the motorcycle and arguing that she was entitled to dismissal of the criminal

indictment. Appellant argued that probable cause to support the charges did not

exist. The State of Ohio filed a memorandum contra. On appeal, the State argues

that the allegations in the indictment supported offenses under Ohio law and it

would have been premature for the trial court to determine whether the State could

satisfy its burden of proof prior to trial.

{¶9 Generally, appellate courts conduct a de novo review of a trial court's

decision regarding a motion to dismiss an indictment. State v. Brown, 2018-Ohio-

2267, 114 N.E.3d 228, at ¶ 12 (4th Dist.); State v. Wheatley, 2018-Ohio-464, 94

N.E.3d 578, ¶ 5 (4th Dist.). (Internal citations omitted.) Accordingly, an appellate

court does not defer to a trial court's decision, but instead independently determines

whether the trial court's decision is legally correct. Wheatley at ¶ 5.

B. LEGAL ANALYSIS

{¶10} Crim.R. 12(C)(2) provides:

[P]rior to trial, any party may raise by motion any defense, objection, evidentiary issue, or request that is capable of determination without the trial of the general issue including defenses and objections based on defects in the indictment. When a defendant moves to dismiss an indictment, the threshold Highland App. No. 23CA3 6

question is whether the trial court can determine the motion without reference to the general issue to be tried. This is because a motion to dismiss an indictment tests the legal sufficiency of the indictment, regardless of the quality or quantity of the evidence that may be introduced by either the state or the defendant. In conducting this pretrial review, courts may look to evidence beyond the face of the indictment.

{¶11} Appellant’s motion to dismiss quoted the indictment as follows:

On or about June 18, 2022 and in Highland County, Ohio Rebecca Martin did, with purpose to deprive Caleb Cox, the owner of property, knowingly obtain or exert control over said property…without the consent of Caleb Cox, the owner or person authorized to give consent.

{¶12 } Appellant also set forth the following statements contained in the

State’s Bill of Particulars:

1. Upon review the title, Ofc. Butler observed that the owner was Rebecca Martin.

2. [Martin’s son] also advised Cox that it was in his mother’s name.

3. Martin applied for a duplicate title…on June 16, 2022.

4. [Martin’s son] would not answer any direct questions and only stated something to the effect of “It’s my bike, it’s not stolen.”

5. Martin stated that she learned her son had traded her motorcycle for a dirt bike without her knowledge.

6. Martin claimed that [her son] had no right to sell “her stuff” as a juvenile. Highland App. No. 23CA3 7

{¶13} Appellant argued that the State’s indictment and the bill of particulars

demonstrate that W.H. contracted with Cox for the sale of her motorcycle. Citing

Bramley’s Water Conditioning v. Hagen, 27 Ohio App. 3d 300, 501 N.E.2d 38

(11th Dist.), Appellant pointed out that because W.H. was a juvenile, she could

have undone the sale even after W.H. reached majority. Appellant also insinuated

that Cox was using the criminal justice system to resolve a civil dispute. Appellant

concluded that the charging documents demonstrated that there was an ownership

dispute and in similar scenarios, courts have found no probable cause existing to

support allegations that a crime was committed.2

{¶14} After hearing the arguments of the parties, the trial court noted:

The definition of owner under RC. 2913.01 is “any person other than the actor, which would be the Defendant, who is the owner of, who has possession or control of, or has any license or interest in property or services.”

2 Appellant cited State v. Howell, 64 Ohio Misc 2, 23, 29, arguing that the court addressed the question of whether a person should be criminally charged with taking one’s own property. Howell is neither binding on this court nor persuasive to us. Howell was a decision discharging a defendant after a preliminary hearing. The trial court determined under the circumstances of the case, probable cause did not exist to bind Howell to the grand jury on a charge of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. The court discussed the definition of “probable cause.” An important fact in this case is that the dealership which had filed the criminal complaint against Howell had reposessed the vehicle in dispute but had not returned Howell’s down payment. The Howell court reasoned that Howell still held an interest in the vehicle. Herein, by the time Appellant filed the motion to dismiss, probable cause had in fact been found for her indictment. Appellant also cited Preston v. Kelsey, 6th Dist. Lucas No. L-85-352, 1986 WL 5376 (May 9, 1986). For the sake of brevity we will not set forth the convoluted facts underlying the civil matter. Suffice it to say that the appellate court in Preston was tasked with deciding a civil, not a criminal appeal for breach of contract and malicious prosecution. One of the issues considered was whether competent credible evidence to every element of malicious prosecution had been adduced. The “lack of probable cause” element had been stipulated by the parties due to Appellant’s failure to appear at a preliminary hearing in the related underlying criminal proceeding. The appellate court concluded that there was competent credible evidence from which a jury could find that Appellant lacked probable cause in instituting the underlying criminal action against the Appellee. Highland App. No. 23CA3 8

The trial court continued, noting that the case concerned an issue of fact

which the defense was asking him to decide, “which I cannot do”

because the question will be “whether or not a jury would believe the

Defendant’s argument.” 3

{¶15} In making its ruling, the trial court discussed State v. Rhodes, 2 Ohio

St.3d 74, 76, 442 N.E.2d 1299 (1982), wherein the Supreme Court of Ohio

observed that “[T]he gist of a theft offense is the wrongful taking by the defendant,

not the particular ownership of the property.” See also, State v. Gau, 11th Dist.

Lake No. 2018-L-044, 2018-Ohio-5191, at ¶ 19; State v. Plata, 12th Dist. Warren

No. CA2013-05-049, 2014-Ohio-449, at ¶ 21 (“[T]he essence of the crime of theft

is the wrongful taking rather than a particular ownership * * *.”) The court also

observed that Appellant’s credibility would be an issue.

{¶16} In State v. House, 9th Dist. Summit No. C.A.No.30785, 2023-Ohio-

4833, the trial court dismissed defendant’s indictment for having weapons under

disability. However, the appellate court found that the trial court improperly

considered the quality and quantity of the State’s evidence as to whether House

was a fugitive from justice. The Ninth District noted that:

[A]sufficiency analysis, however, is not appropriate for a Crim.R. 12(C)(2) motion. Instead, once the State puts on its

3 The trial court also noted it seemed “odd” that Appellant would have signed the title in blank in advance. The trial court also noted that the evidence regarding the juvenile’s permission was somewhat an issue because her son had the motorcycle, the title, and the keys in his possession. Highland App. No. 23CA3 9

evidence at the trial of the general issue, the trial court can properly determine whether the State introduced sufficient evidence to support a conviction pursuant to Crim.R. 29.

House, at ¶ 9. The House court found that the trial court erred in

dismissing House’s indictment at the early stage in the process.

{¶17} The trial court herein was well-familiarized with the law as set forth

by the Supreme Court of Ohio in Rhodes. And, while the trial court contemplated

the allegations of the indictment and the statements set forth in the bill of

particulars, the trial court did not engage in a quality and quantity consideration.4

Based on our de novo review, we find the trial court did not err in denying the

motion to dismiss. Appellant’s first assignment of error is without merit and is

hereby overruled.

{¶18} For ease of analysis, we next consider Appellant’s sixth assignment of

error.

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR SIX - SUFFICIENCY OF THE EVIDENCE AND MANIFEST WEIGHT OF THE EVIDENCE

{¶19} Appellant challenges the sufficiency of the evidence and the manifest

weight of the evidence supporting her convictions for grand theft and breaking and

entering. As to the count alleging grand theft of a motor vehicle, Appellant begins

4 See, e.g., regarding denial of motion to dismiss indictment, State v. Taylor, 136 Ohio Misc.2d 18, 2005-Ohio-7141, 846 N.E.2d 106, at ¶ 10: “No such determination of the sufficiency of the evidence is necessary in the case at bar. The grand jury has returned an indictment establishing probable cause. A jury, or this court, will later determine whether the state has proven each element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.” Highland App. No. 23CA3 10

by arguing that Cox’s ownership was not proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

Appellant argues that because she retrieved her own property, she could not

“intend to deprive” Caleb Cox of his property, thus, the State failed to prove intent

to support her conviction on grand theft of a motor vehicle. Appellant also argues

that “knowingly obtaining property” was not proven because the evidence

demonstrated both that her son actually took possession of the motorcycle at Cox’s

residence and that Appellant was not even with him when he took the motorcycle.

Appellant also contends that because she did not commit grand theft, she could not

have acted with purpose to commit a felony as required by breaking and entering.

Appellant asserts that because there is no evidence that she accompanied her son to

Cox’s property, no evidence supports the element of “trespass” as required for

breaking and entering. For the reasons which will follow, we find no merit to

Appellant’s sixth assignment of error.

{¶20} “Sufficiency” and “manifest weight” are two distinct legal

concepts. State v. Bennett, 4th Dist. Ross No. 21CA3751, 2023-Ohio-2734, at

¶54; Eastley v. Volkman, 132 Ohio St.3d 328, 2012-Ohio-2179, 972 N.E.2d 517, ¶

23. When reviewing whether the evidence is sufficient to sustain a conviction, the

focus is on the adequacy of the evidence. See State v. Sims, 4th Dist. Athens No.

21CA15, 2023-Ohio-1179, ¶ 115. Thus, “[t]he standard of review is whether, after Highland App. No. 23CA3 11

viewing the probative evidence and inferences reasonably drawn therefrom in the

light most favorable to the prosecution, any rational trier of fact could have found

all the essential elements of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt.” Id.

{¶21} In determining whether a criminal conviction is against the manifest

weight of the evidence, an appellate court reviews 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 jury clearly lost its

way and created such a manifest miscarriage of justice that the conviction must be

reversed. Bennett, supra, at ¶ 55; State v. Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d 380, 387, 678

N.E.2d 541 (1997). “Judgments supported by some competent, credible evidence

going to all the essential elements of the case will not be reversed by a reviewing

court as being against the manifest weight of the evidence.” C.E. Morris Co. v.

Foley Const. Co., 54 Ohio St.2d 279, 376 N.E.2d 578 (1978), syllabus.

{¶22} The weight and credibility of evidence are to be determined by the

trier of fact. Bennett, supra at ¶56; State v. Kirkland, 140 Ohio St.3d 73, 2014-

Ohio-1966, 15 N.E.3d 818, ¶ 132. The trier of fact “is free to believe all, part or

none of the testimony of any witness,” and we “defer to the trier of fact on these

evidentiary weight and credibility issues because it is in the best position to gauge

the witnesses’ demeanor, gestures, and voice inflections, and to use these

observations to weigh their credibility.” State v. Dillard, 4th Dist. Meigs No. Highland App. No. 23CA3 12

13CA9, 2014-Ohio-4974, ¶ 28, citing State v. West, 4th Dist. Scioto No.

12CA3507, 2014-Ohio-1941, ¶ 23.

{¶23} “In addition, ‘[a] verdict is not against the manifest weight of the

evidence because the finder of fact chose to believe the State's witnesses.’ ”

Bennett, supra, at ¶ 57, quoting State v. Chancey, 4th Dist. Washington No.

15CA17, 2015-Ohio-5585, ¶ 36, (internal citations omitted.) Moreover, “ ‘[w]hile

the jury may take note of inconsistencies and resolve or discount them accordingly,

* * * such inconsistences do not render defendant's conviction against the manifest

weight or sufficiency of the evidence.’ ” State v. Corson, 4th Dist. Pickaway No.

15CA4, 2015-Ohio-5332, ¶ 31, quoting State v. Proby, 10th Dist. Franklin

No.15AP-1067, 2015-Ohio-3364, ¶ 42.

{¶24} A finding that a conviction is supported by the manifest weight of the

evidence is “ ‘also dispositive of the issue of sufficiency.’ ” Bennett, supra, at ¶58,

quoting Sims, 4th Dist. Athens No. 21CA15, 2023-Ohio-1179, ¶ 120, citing State v.

Waller, 4th Dist. Adams No. 17CA1044, 2018-Ohio-2014, ¶ 30. Therefore, we

will begin by considering whether Appellant’s convictions for grand theft and

breaking and entering are supported by the manifest weight of the evidence.

{¶25} Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle, R.C. 2913.02(A) provides: Highland App. No. 23CA3 13

No person, with purpose to deprive the owner of property or services, shall knowingly obtain or exert control over either the property or services in any of the following ways:

(1) Without the consent of the owner or person authorized to give consent* * *.

R.C. 2913.02(B)(5) provides that “if the property stolen is a motor vehicle, a

violation of this section is grand theft of a motor vehicle, a felony of the fourth

degree.” R.C. 2911.13(B), Breaking and Entering, provides: “No person shall

trespass on the land or premises of another, with purpose to commit a felony.” We

next summarize the testimony presented at the one-day trial.

1. Caleb Cox

{¶26} Caleb Cox testified that he contacted the Hillsboro Police Department

on June 18, 2022 after he noticed his 2009 blue Kawasaki ER6-N motorcycle was

missing. When asked how he came in possession of the motorcycle, Cox testified

that on June 14, 2022 he traded a dirt bike to W.H. for the blue Kawasaki

motorcycle. The two men had discussed the trade on June 12, 2022 on Facebook

Marketplace. The terms of the deal were discussed via Facebook Messenger.

{¶27} Cox asked W.H. whether he had a “clean title” for the motorcycle.

W.H. responded that it was a “clean title in my mother’s name.” W. H. also

messaged, “Alright, I can hopefully get the title tomorrow from my mom and

come check it out. I’ll let you know first thing when I get off work.” Cox

provided his address to W.H. so he could come to Cox’s house for the trade. Highland App. No. 23CA3 14

{¶28} The physical exchange of the vehicles took place on June 14, 2022.

W. H. arrived at Cox’s address and brought the blue Kawasaki motorcycle. W.H.

also provided a title and key to the motorcycle. In exchange for the motorcycle,

Cox provided W.H. with a black 2008 Kawasaki KX-450 DIRT BIKE. The dirt

bike was not titled in Cox’s name. Cox explained that he had purchased the dirt

bike from a friend and did not have it registered. The title Cox received from W.H.

showed it was signed by “Rebecca Martin” as “seller.” The title also showed that

Appellant’s signature had been notarized on June 13, 2022.

{¶29} Cox explained that he received the title on a Tuesday. During that

week, he was working from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and did not have a chance to get to the

Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Therefore, the motorcycle’s title was never transferred

into Cox’s name prior to its disappearance. Cox kept the motorcycle in front of his

apartment and kept the key in his apartment. The last time he saw the motorcycle

was Friday, June 17, 2022. Cox realized it was missing when he woke up on the

18th. Cox called the police and Officer Brian Butler of the Hillsboro Police

Department responded to Cox’s report of a stolen motorcycle.

{¶30} Cox testified that he attempted to show Officer Butler the Facebook

messages between W.H. and himself. Cox then discovered that W.H. had blocked

him from viewing the Facebook account. Cox provided photographs and Highland App. No. 23CA3 15

screenshots of the Facebook conversations to Officer Butler. Cox authenticated all

the text message exhibits.5

{¶31} Approximately two weeks after reporting the stolen motorcycle, on

July 1, 2022, Cox located the motorcycle in Wilmington, Ohio at a Quick Stop.

W.H. was riding the motorcycle. Cox followed W.H., who tried to evade him.

Cox was able to grab W.H., stop him from leaving, and contact the police. This

time, Detective Matt Hamilton of the Wilmington Police Department responded to

take Cox’s report.

{¶32} Cox testified W.H. acted “erratic, spontaneous, thuggish,

ridiculous.” Shortly after a tow truck arrived, Appellant showed up at the scene.

Cox testified Appellant acted “possibly psychotic, * * * erratic, spontaneous, loud,

obnoxious, crazy, and disrespectful.”

{¶33} Cox denied giving anyone permission to take the motorcycle. He

denied finding any note on his apartment door after the motorcycle went missing.

5 The messages between Cox and W.H., along with photographs Cox took of the motorcycle, became the following exhibits at trial:

Exhibit 1 Photograph of blue Kawasaki ER6-N motorcycle; Exhibit 2 Photograph of W.H.’s Facebook page; Exhibit 3 First group of messages between the two, wherein Cox inquired about the title; Exhibit 4 Second group of messages dated June 12, 2022, wherein W.H. indicated he would get the title from his mother and contact Cox after work; Exhibit 5 Third group of messages wherein Cox provided his address; Exhibit 6 Messages dated June 14, 2022 demonstrating that W.H. was on his way to Cox’s residence. Exhibit 7 Messages dated June 16, 2022, after the trade had taken place. Exhibit 8 Photograph of the Kawasaki title Cox received from W.H. Highland App. No. 23CA3 16

Cox testified that Appellant never contacted him. The dirt bike Cox had traded to

W.H. was never returned to him.

{¶34} On cross-examination, Cox testified that when he saw W.H. in

Wilmington, he followed W.H. and purposely stopped him. Cox denied pushing

W.H. Cox testified that when the police arrived, they seemed confused by his

explanation of the circumstances and he had to keep repeating that he thought

W.H. had stolen the motorcycle from him. Cox admitted that Appellant was not

involved in arranging the sale and did not accompany W.H. to the exchange of

vehicles. Cox admitted that W.H. indicated that his mother owned the motorcycle.

Cox admitted Appellant’s name was on the title he received. Cox also admitted

that he told Officer Butler that the bike belonged to W.H.’s mother, and that he

suspected “the kid” who had acted “pretty shady.”

{¶35} Cox further testified that W.H. had a notary seal and stamped the title

in front of him but that the signature was already notarized except for the stamp.

On redirect, Cox clarified that the title already had a signature from a notary and a

date. He interpreted W.H.’s actions in “stamping” the title as W.H. having

authority to complete the transaction.6

2. W.H.

6 The testimony indicated that W.H. had something which made an impression on the paper of the title, which likely was a notary crimper. Highland App. No. 23CA3 17

{¶36} W.H. testified Appellant is his mother, they reside together, and she

does not know how to ride motorcycles. Appellant’s mother owned the blue

Kawasaki motorcycle he had traded, but she had first planned to sell it in Dayton.

After the sale didn’t go through, Appellant told W.H. to take the title and the bike

home. W.H. messaged Caleb Cox about trading motorcycles on Facebook after

seeing a post Cox made.

{¶37} When W.H. arrived at Cox’s address, Cox and he inspected the bikes

and Cox test-drove the motorcycle. Then they exchanged titles. W.H. gave Cox a

title for the blue Kawasaki in his mother’ s name. Cox’s name was not on the title

W.H. was given for the dirt bike. W.H. loaded the dirt bike on his truck and left.

{¶38} W.H. testified that a few days later, his mother noticed her motorcycle

was gone. She was angry and he was “in trouble.” W.H. told Appellant he had

traded the blue motorcycle for a lighter and easier bike. W.H. testified he did not

tell his mother where Cox lived because he was embarrassed and didn’t want her to

go to Cox’s home and “create a scene.” W.H. testified his mother gave him a note

“for the next time he saw Cox.” W.H. testified his mother yelled at him so he went

to his friend’s house. W.H. confessed:

Later that night, well before we had left, I took the spare key that she had for her bike and went to my buddy’s house. I left my buddy’s house and walked to Mr. Cox’s house and knocked on his door. With no answer, so I slipped the note into the door hinge and took the bike and left. Highland App. No. 23CA3 18

{¶39} W.H. further testified his mother was not with him when he retrieved

the motorcycle. Nobody from the police department reached out to him or his

mother about any missing or stolen property. W.H. further testified he was in

Wilmington and Cox came up behind him, struck him with his own bike, and

pushed him to the ground. W.H. denied lying for his mother. He testified he was

“owning up to his mistake.” W.H. testified if the police had ever contacted him, he

would have admitted his guilt.

{¶40} On cross-examination, the prosecutor began by asking W.H. if he

recalled Officer Hamilton questioning him about the trade. W.H. was unable to

recall being asked. He said he couldn’t recall because it had been over six months.

W.H. testified that he didn’t know his mother had admitted to both the Hillsboro

and Wilmington police officers that she had taken the motorcycle. W.H. could not

recall when the deal in Montgomery County took place, but it was before the deal

with Caleb Cox.7

{¶41} Thereafter, the prosecutor played a video showing Officer Hamilton

questioning W.H. in the back seat of the cruiser. In response to the video, W.H.

testified he didn’t understand the officer’s questions at the time. He denied

untruthfulness and testified his head was “unclear” and his wrist hurt after Cox

7 We presume Montgomery County references the alleged prior deal in Dayton. Highland App. No. 23CA3 19

pushed him off the motorcycle. W.H.’s testimony indicated he had left Cox a note

“that said the trade was no good, to come and get [his] bike.”

3. Officer Butler

{¶42} Officer Brian Butler of the Hillsboro Police Department responded to

Cox’s home regarding the initial report of Cox’s stolen motorcycle. Officer Butler

testified that Cox had the keys and title to the motorcycle. Butler also identified

State’s Exhibit 8, the title Cox was given to the motorcycle, testifying that Rebecca

Martin was listed as the owner and that her signature was notarized as of June 13,

2022.

{¶43} Officer Butler also identified State’s Exhibit 9, an application for a

duplicate title from the Montgomery County Clerk of Court. The application,

dated June 16, 2022, was signed also by Appellant and her signature was notarized.

The application indicated that the title was “lost.” It appeared Appellant had

successfully obtained a duplicate title although Cox would have been in possession

of the original title and the motorcycle. Butler also identified State’s Exhibit 10, a

copy of the duplicate title issued to Appellant. The motorcycle was entered into

LEADS8 as “stolen.”

8 LEADS is the Law Enforcement Automated Data System which is a statewide computerized network which provides computerized data and communications for criminal justice agencies within the State of Ohio. O.A.C. 4501:2-10- 01(W). Highland App. No. 23CA3 20

{¶44} Officer Butler further testified that on July 2, 2022, Appellant

informed him that W.H. had given her Cox’s address and she had retrieved the

motorcycle herself during the early morning hours of June 18, 2022. Officer

Butler testified that he showed Appellant a copy of the title to the motorcycle and

she confirmed she had signed the title as the seller. Appellant also advised Officer

Butler that she had applied for a lost title on June 16, 2022, in Montgomery

County. Appellant told Officer Butler that W.H. was operating the motorcycle on

July 1st because it was “his bike.”

{¶45} On cross-examination, Officer Butler admitted that Cox told him that

“the title was in the mother’s name, and Rebecca Martin’s name was on the title

that he showed me.” Officer Butler admitted that when he ran the title through

LEADS, it “came back” to Appellant. Butler admitted although he had text

communications with Cox for a few weeks after the report was taken and Cox had

told him there was a witness, he didn’t investigate further.

{¶46} Officer Butler testified he entered the motorcycle in LEADS as

“stolen” on June 20, 2022, but had delayed the process in order to get legal advice

from the prosecutor due to the “odd” circumstances of Appellant being listed as the

titled owner but Cox reporting the motorcycle as stolen. Butler admitted he

initially suspected W.H. of theft, but he wanted the prosecutor’s opinion. Highland App. No. 23CA3 21

{¶47} Butler also admitted speaking with Appellant. She admitted to

him that she took the motorcycle from the property because “it’s my bike.”

Butler did not know how the motorcycle was actually removed. He admitted

he did not confirm about the existence of a duplicate “lost” title before he

entered the bike as “stolen.” On redirect, Officer Butler testified his

suspicions about W.H. changed when Appellant later came to the police

department and advised she was the one who took the motorcycle on June

18, 2022.

4. Officer Matthew Hamilton

{¶48} Officer Hamilton of the Wilmington Police Department

responded to the Quick Stop gas station on July 1, 2022 to Cox’s report that

the allegedly stolen motorcycle had been located. Hamilton testified that

W.H. informed it was his motorcycle. Officer Hamilton checked the VIN

number through LEADS and the motorcycle “came back as stolen.”

{¶49} Officer Hamilton further testified that W.H. behaved

“erratically.” Then when Appellant arrived at the scene, she parked her

vehicle between the motorcycle and the tow truck, obstructing the

motorcycle from being loaded. Hamilton testified that W.H. “hopped” on

the rollback and tried to take the keys from the ignition of the motorcycle.

The motorcycle was eventually towed from the scene. Officer Hamilton Highland App. No. 23CA3 22

spoke with Appellant who was “argumentative.” Appellant told him she had

taken the motorcycle back after the trade.

{¶50} On cross-examination, Officer Hamilton testified he could not

recall which party he spoke to first while preparing his report of the incident.

He acknowledged that he was wearing a body cam and he turned it off

during his investigation and then turned it back on.

5. Reuben Young

{¶51} Mr. Young testified on behalf of the defense that he discussed

purchasing a motorcycle from Appellant through Facebook Marketplace in the

summer of 2022. They agreed to meet at a gas station in Dayton around June 13th.

He believes W.H. and another person accompanied her. The transaction ultimately

was not completed because he was unable to withdraw money at the time. Mr.

Young denied knowing Appellant prior to the attempted transaction. At the close

of trial, the trial court admitted State’s Exhibits 1 through 10.

{¶52} For the reasons which will follow, we find Appellant’s arguments

under this assignment to be without merit. While Appellant contends that she is

the actual owner of the motorcycle at issue, this is not a novel strategy in cases

involving grand theft of a motor vehicle. Furthermore, Appellant’s argument that

her alleged title ownership of the motorcycle is conclusive of the matter is

erroneous. Highland App. No. 23CA3 23

{¶53} In State v. Evenson, 2023-Ohio-4196, - - N.E.3d - - (1st Dist.), a recent

decision, Evenson was convicted of theft and unauthorized use of a motorcycle

after accepting an insurance payout for his stolen motorcycle and thereafter,

keeping both the motorcycle and the money after the motorcycle was found. On

appeal, Evenson claimed that he was the motorcycle’s rightful owner because the

title was in his name at all times relevant to the case. He argued, as does

Appellant, that he could not steal something he already owned. The trial court had

overruled Evenson’s motion for an acquittal under Crim.R. 29.

{¶54} In considering Evenson’s appeal, the First District Court discussed the

pertinent law set forth by the Ohio Supreme Court in State v. Rhodes, 2 Ohio St.3d

74, 442 N.E.2d 1299 (1982). The Evenson court noted that:

[O]wnership in theft cases is governed by R.C. 2913.01(D). Tajeddin v. Grange Mut. Cas. Co., 1st Dist. Hamilton No. A-8503270, 1987 WL 14760, 4-5 (July 29, 1987), citing State v. Rhodes, 2 Ohio St.3d 74, 442 N.E.2d 1299 (1982). Under that statute, the “owner” for theft-oriented offenses is “any person other than the actor, who is the owner of, who has possession or control of, or who has any license or interest in the property or services, even though the ownership, possession, control, license, or interest is unlawful.” R.C. 2913.01(D).

Evenson, at ¶ 19. Evenson further explained:

In Rhodes, the Ohio Supreme Court explained that “[f]or purposes of determining the commission of a theft offense under R.C. 2913.01, one need not hold a certificate of title to be in lawful possession of a motor vehicle.” Rhodes at 76, 442 N.E.2d 1299. Thus, “it is unnecessary to prove ‘title ownership in a specific person other than the defendant.’ ” State v. Grayson, Highland App. No. 23CA3 24

11th Dist. Lake No. 2006-L-153, 2007-Ohio-1772, 2007 WL 1113096, ¶ 26, quoting Rhodes at 76, 442 N.E.2d 1299. Rather, the state's evidence must “prove that a defendant deprived someone of property who had ‘possession or control of, or any license or any interest in’ that property.” (Emphasis added.) Rhodes at 76, 442 N.E.2d 1299. “[T]he gist of a theft offense is the wrongful taking by the defendant, not the particular ownership of the property.” State v. Jones, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 92921, 2010-Ohio-902, at ¶ 12, citing State v. Thomas, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 87666, 2006-Ohio-6588.

Evenson, at ¶20. The Evenson court found that when viewed in a light

most favorable to the State, a rational fact finder could have found

that the insurance company was the owner of the motorcycle under

R.C. 2913.01(D) and therefore, the trial court had appropriately

denied Evenson’s motion for acquittal.

{¶55} The Evenson court also discussed the Twelfth District’s decision in

State v. Plata, 12th Dist. Warren No. CA2013-05-049, 2014-Ohio-449, wherein

the appellate court affirmed a title holder’s conviction for theft of a car. Evenson

noted:

In Plata, there was significant evidence that Adrian Plata sold Michael Hodge a Mazda for $1,450 and handed Hodge an unnotarized signed copy of the vehicle's title along with a set of keys. Id. at ¶ 22. The Mazda was inoperable, so Hodge left it at Plata's house “until the necessary repairs could be completed.” Id. at ¶ 4. Once repaired, Hodge “planned to have the title notarized.” Id. But when Hodge returned the following week to retrieve the Mazda, the car had disappeared. Id. at ¶ 6. To make matters worse, Hodge learned that a duplicate title had been issued, nullifying the signed title in his possession. Id. Highland App. No. 23CA3 25

Plata cited R.C. 4505.04 to argue that “he was the owner of the vehicle, and as the owner, he could not be convicted of stealing ‘his own car.’ ” Id. at ¶ 19. The Plata court rejected that proposition, because “title ownership in a specific person other than the defendant is not an element of a theft offense.” Id. at ¶ 20, (citation omitted.) Consequently, the Plata court found that the jury could have concluded that “Hodge became the owner of the Mazda and appellant no longer had a lawful right to possession of the vehicle” when Hodge paid Plata in exchange for the keys and signed title. Id. at ¶ 22.

{¶56} The case law regarding theft cases is well-established. See State v.

Dettwiler, 4th Dist. Highland No. 21CA10, 2022-Ohio-134, ( “ ‘[T]he important

question is not whether the person from whom the property is stolen was the actual

owner, but rather whether the defendant had any lawful right to possession.’ ”)

quoting State v. Gau, 11th Dist. Lake No. 2018-L-044, 2018-Ohio-5191, ¶ 19,

quoting State v. Jones, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 92921, 2010-Ohio-902, ¶ 12.

“ ‘[T]he gist of a theft offense is the wrongful taking by the defendant, not the

particular ownership of the property.’ ” State v. Miller, 3rd Dist. Shelby No. 17-

13-24, 29 N.E.3d 258, 2015-Ohio-644, ¶ 30, quoting Jones at ¶ 12. See also State

v. Canankamp, 3rd Dist. Auglaize No. 2-22-02, 2023-Ohio-43, (Weight of the

evidence presented at trial demonstrated that Canankamp deprived [the victim]

(without his consent) of property over which he had possession or control.). In an

older decision of this court, State v. Turner, 4th Dist. Scioto No. 98CA2580, 1998

WL 886528, (Nov. 30, 1998), the appellant argued that the showing of a defective

title was a complete defense to the charge of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle in Highland App. No. 23CA3 26

violation of R.C. 2913.03. This court observed that appellant’s theory ignored

substantial evidence that he made a valid agreement to transfer the vehicle to [the

victim] and that appellant did, in fact, relinquish control of the vehicle to her. Id.

at *1. The language of these cases is easily traced back to Rhodes, supra, 2 Ohio

St.3d 74, 76.

{¶57} In closing, defense counsel argued:

But Cox told you the owner was Rebecca Martin. The police detective wrote down the owner was Rebecca Martin. Beyond a reasonable doubt and it don’t hit that, it’s not a crime. [W.H.] told you he did it, the only testimony here is that a mama, after she finds out what trouble her son has done, tells them I went and got my property, my property. That’s it. ***Her son told you she never went there. Her son told you he wouldn’t even tell her the address, right. The State said ***Ms. Martin confessed, she said I got the address and I went and got my property, that’s it. I went and got my property.

{¶58} It was up to the jury to determine the credibility of each witness, and

to resolve any conflicts in the evidence. Both Cox and W.H. provided the

testimony regarding the circumstances of the trade of vehicles between them.9

What is undisputed is that W.H. gave possession of the Kawasaki motorcycle to

Cox, along with keys and a title, indicating he had authority to transfer. W.H. in

fact relinquished control of the motorcycle. The jury could have concluded that

9 The jury also considered Cox’s acknowledgement that W.H. was in high school when they traded vehicles, that Cox didn’t register his own dirt bike, and that Cox was planning to sell the blue Kawasaki to make some “side money.” These facts did not apparently sway them in their implicit finding that Cox was the more credible witness and was in fact a victim of crime. Highland App. No. 23CA3 27

W.H. was dishonest when he gave Cox the motorcycle title under his mother’s

apparent authority, or when he testified at trial that he did not have her permission

to do so.

{¶59} The law enforcement officers provided testimony which, technically,

appears to support Appellant’s claim that she was the owner of the motorcycle.

Their testimony also supported her admission that she retrieved the motorcycle

from Cox’s residence. The jury could have concluded that Appellant was

dishonest when she spoke to the officers, dishonest when she applied for a

duplicate lost title after finding out her son had traded the motorcycle to Cox, or

dishonest when she allowed her son to testify on her behalf and put himself at risk

for criminal liability.

{¶60} Given that the jury was in the best position to view the witnesses’

demeanor and determine their credibility, we cannot find that the jury clearly lost

its way and created a manifest miscarriage of justice requiring reversal of

Appellant’s convictions. Because Appellant’s convictions are supported by the

manifest weight of the evidence, sufficient evidence also supports them.

Appellant’s sixth assignment of error is without merit and is hereby overruled.

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR TWO - GRANTING OF STATE’S MOTION IN LIMINE

{¶61} On November 17, 2022, the State of Ohio filed a motion in Highland App. No. 23CA3 28

limine requesting the trial court exclude “any testimony from any witness or any

exhibits regarding possible civil remedies available to the defendant had the

defendant elected to pursue legal means to attempt to recover the motorcycle.”

The State asserted that the evidence would be irrelevant and confusing. The State

further argued that because the case concerned a criminal matter, any evidence

regarding civil remedies would only mislead and confuse the jury, causing extreme

prejudice to the State.

{¶62} In response, Appellant countered that it appeared that the State was

actually requesting preclusion of any evidence as to ownership, improperly

lowering the State’s burden of proof. Appellant argued that, “[t]he reality is that

the State has accused Defendant of criminal activity saying she is not the owner

and is now trying to preclude evidence that she is.” As to the actual requested

exclusion of civil remedy evidence, Appellant argued that the trial court would

properly instruct and the jurors were presumed to be able to follow instructions.

After the trial court granted the State’s motion in limine, Appellant filed

objections to the trial court’s ruling.10

10 In this case, the trial court initially granted the motion in limine. After the trial was continued, the trial court entered pretrial orders regarding the motion in limine and Appellant’s proposed jury instructions. Thereafter, on the morning of trial, February 21, 2023, Appellant filed objections to the pretrial orders. Highland App. No. 23CA3 29

{¶63} Because a trial court's decision on a motion in limine is a ruling to

admit or exclude evidence, the standard of review on appeal is whether the trial

court committed an abuse of discretion that amounted to prejudicial error. State v.

Stevens, 2023-Ohio-3280, 224 N.E.3d 624, at ¶ 124; State v. Sage, 31 Ohio St.3d

173, 180, 510 N.E.2d 343 (1987). An abuse of discretion connotes more than an

error of law or judgment; it implies that the court's attitude is unreasonable,

arbitrary, or unconscionable. State v. Hancock, 108 Ohio St.3d 57, 840 N.E.2d

1032, 2006-Ohio-160, ¶ 129-130. A reviewing court may not override a trial

court's determination that certain evidence is relevant or irrelevant simply because

it disagrees with the trial court. Hancock at ¶ 129. “ ‘The issue of whether

testimony or evidence is relevant or irrelevant, confusing or misleading, is best

decided by the trial judge, who is in a significantly better position to analyze the

impact of the evidence on the jury.’ ” Id., quoting Renfro v. Black, 52 Ohio St.3d

27, 31, 556 N.E.2d 150 (1990).

{¶64} The effect of the granting of a motion in limine in favor of the

State in a criminal proceeding is to temporarily prohibit the defendant from making

reference to evidence which is the subject of the motion. State v. Prince, 71 Ohio

App.3d 694, 595 N.E.2d 376, 378 (4th Dist.1991), citing State v. Grubb, 28 Ohio

St.3d 199, 503 N.E.2d 142 (1986), paragraph one of the syllabus. The motion in

limine is thus merely a tentative ruling. Giannelli, Ohio Evidence Manual (1987) Highland App. No. 23CA3 30

23, Section 103.09. At trial, it is incumbent upon a defendant, who has been

temporarily restricted from introducing evidence by virtue of a motion in limine, to

seek the introduction of the evidence by proffer or otherwise in order to enable the

court to make a final determination as to its admissibility and to preserve any

objection on the record for purposes of appeal. State v. Maurer, 15 Ohio St.3d

239, 259-260, 473 N.E.2d 768, 786-787 (1984); Grubb, supra, at paragraph two of

the syllabus.

{¶65} In State v. Hafer, 4th Dist. Hocking No. 87CA21, 1988 WL 118700,

(Nov. 3, 1988), this court found that the issue of admissibility was not saved for

appellate review. Citing Evid.R. 103(A)(1), we noted that although the issue of

admissibility was raised procedurally by a motion in limine, this was not sufficient

to obviate the necessity of objection at trial. We explained the rule as summarized

in the second headnote in State v. White, 6 Ohio App.3d 1, 45 N.E.2d 533 (8th

Dist.1982):

An order granting or denying a motion in limine is a tentative, preliminary or presumptive ruling about an evidentiary issue that is anticipated but has not yet been presented in its full context. Therefore, an appellate court need not review the propriety of such an order, unless the claimed error is preserved by an objection, proffer, or ruling on the record when the issue is actually reached and the context is developed at the trial.

(Emphasis added.) See Hafer, at *4.

{66} In this case, Appellant filed written objections to the trial court’s Highland App. No. 23CA3 31

ruling on her motion in limine on the morning of trial instead proffering said

evidence and then raising an objection during the trial itself. While we need not

consider Appellant’s argument, in the interests of justice we review the argument

and find that even if an objection had been entered during the course of trial itself,

the trial court’s ruling appears to have been correct.

A. LEGAL ANALYSIS

1. Exclusion of evidence regarding civil remedies.

{¶67} Relevant evidence is “evidence having any tendency to make the

existence of any fact that is of consequence to the determination of the action more

probable or less probable than it would be without the evidence.” Evid.R. 401.

Evidence that is not relevant is inadmissible. Evid.R. 402. See State v. Jacobs, 4th

Dist. Highland No. 11CA26, 2013-Ohio-1502, at ¶ 32. Evid.R. 403(A) further

provides that “[a]lthough relevant, evidence is not admissible if its probative value

is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice, of confusion of the

issues, or of misleading the jury.” Confusing evidence may be properly excluded

under Evid.R. 403(A) “where its admission [would] have such a misleading effect

that the jury's decision-making process [would] be adversely affected. [T]he

danger must ‘substantially’ outweigh the probative value, and the mere possibility

of danger will not be a basis for exclusion of evidence under [Evid.R.] 403.

Exclusion based upon confusion usually is justified where the offered evidence Highland App. No. 23CA3 32

would require the trier of fact to engage in intricate, extraordinary or impossible

mental gymnastics in order to comprehend the import of the evidence or to assess

its weight.” Weissenberger's Ohio Evidence Treatise (2007) 122, Section 403-5.

{¶68} In State v. Pleatman, 1st Dist. Hamilton No. C-160234, 2016-Ohio-

7659, the appellate court found that the trial court did not abuse its discretion when

it excluded evidence about a civil lawsuit which was irrelevant to the issue of

Pleatman’s intent in sending emails which had resulted in her criminal prosecution

for telecommunication harassment. Id. at ¶10. The trial court had explained to

defense counsel and the prosecutor how far they could inquire into an underlying

real estate dispute, but noted, “[t]he details about legal positions and what’s going

back and forth ***has absolutely no bearing on whether or not her purpose in

sending these communications was established by a statute.” Id. See also, State v.

Rodriguez, 12th Dist. Butler No. CA2007-08-222, 2009-Ohio-549, at ¶ 32.

{¶69} In the trial court’s order of February 15, 2023, the trial court again

granted the motion, subject to review, defined the definition of “Owner” under

R.C. 2913.01(D), and stated:

The Court finds that the issue of actual legal ownership of the motor vehicle which that is the subject of count one of the indictment is not an element of the offense. Whether the Defendant or the alleged victim, Caleb Cox, is the lawful owner of the motor vehicle is not going to be litigated as that is a civil issue. Highland App. No. 23CA3 33

{¶ 70} Based on our review of the testimony, we agree with the trial court’s

ruling excluding evidence of civil remedies and cannot find an abuse of discretion.

The facts surrounding the transaction were confusing even to the officers who

testified, ostensibly because of Appellant’s actions. Given the confusing nature of

this particular criminal matter, we agree that allowing testimony about the civil

remedies possibly available to Appellant would have only added to the confusion

and had a genuine potential to mislead the jurors.11

2. Evidence of ownership.

{¶71} Appellant argues that the language in the court’s entry declaring

that ownership was not going to be litigated in the criminal matter precluded her

from presenting evidence of ownership. It did not. Evidence of alleged ownership

was replete throughout the trial testimony, as discussed above, and via the

documentary evidence. Based on the foregoing, Appellant’s second assignment of

error is without merit and is hereby overruled.

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR THREE - ALLEGED ERRONEOUS JURY INSTRUCTIONS

11 The trial court wrote in the decision that, in the court’s view, evidence of possible available civil remedies was actually prejudicial to Appellant’s case as it would demonstrate that she purposely did not exercise the options available to her and chose to exercise self-help by committing a crime. Highland App. No. 23CA3 34

{¶72} Appellant’s request for three specific jury instructions was denied

prior to trial. In State v. Kelly, 4th Dist. Hocking No.20CA5, 2021-Ohio-2007, at ¶

13, we discussed the appropriate standard of review of jury instructions:

A trial court generally has broad discretion in deciding how to fashion jury instructions. State v. Hamilton, 4th Dist. Scioto No. 09CA3330, 2011-Ohio-2783, ¶ 69. However, “a trial court must fully and completely give the jury all instructions which are relevant and necessary for the jury to weigh the evidence and discharge its duty as the fact finder.” State v. Comen, 50 Ohio St.3d 206, 553 N.E.2d 640 (1990), paragraph two of the syllabus. “Additionally, a trial court may not omit a requested instruction, if such instruction is ‘a correct, pertinent statement of the law and [is] appropriate to the facts * * *.’ ” Hamilton at ¶ 69, quoting State v. Lessin, 67 Ohio St.3d 487, 493, 620 N.E.2d 72 (1993). “When reviewing a trial court's jury instructions, the proper standard of review for an appellate court is whether the trial court's refusal to give a requested jury instruction constituted an abuse of discretion under the facts and circumstances of the case.” State v. Ellis, 5th Dist. Fairfield No. 02 CA 96, 2004-Ohio-610, ¶ 19.

See also, State v. Jones, 4th Dist. Ross No. 16CA3574, 2018-Ohio-239, ¶ 10.

{¶73} Appellant’s first requested jury instruction is as follows:

Proposed Jury Instruction 1: O.R.C. 2913.01 and 2901.04.

The definition of owner includes two parts: 1) a person having control, possession, license, or interest in property or services and, 2) that the context doesn’t require a different meaning. The State must prove both parts of the definition. If the State only proves one part, then they have not met their burden and you must find Rebecca Martin not guilty. Highland App. No. 23CA3 35

Appellant contends that the first jury instruction was a recitation of the statutes and

the trial court omitted parts of the statutes. We disagree. R.C. 2913.01 defines

“owner” and R.C. 2901.04, rules of construction, mandates that statutes defining

offenses or penalties shall be strictly construed against the State and liberally

construed in favor of the accused.

{¶74} In this case, “owner” referenced Caleb Cox. The trial court

instructed as follows:

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS, COUNT ONE.

The essential elements of the crime of Grand Theft as charged in Count 1 are as follows: that the Defendant did; 1- with purpose to deprive the owner Caleb Cox; 2- of property; 3- knowingly obtain or exert control over said property; 4- without the consent of the owner or person authorized to give consent; and 5- that it occurred in Highland County, Ohio on or about the day alleged in the indictment.

The trial court also defined “Owner” as follows:

Now, owner means unless the context requires a different meaning any person other than the actor who is the owner of, who has possession of, I’m sorry who has possession or control of, or who has a license or interest in property or services even though the ownership, possession, control or license or interest is unlawful.

{¶75} The trial court gave a correct instruction of the definition of “owner.”

The trial court did not leave out parts. The trial court’s instruction, as given, was

sufficient to demonstrate that both parts needed to be proven, and the final

sentence proposed by Appellant was not necessary. A trial court need not give

instructions verbatim and may use its own language to communicate the same legal Highland App. No. 23CA3 36

principles in the language the court deems proper. State v. Volpi, 2023-Ohio-4488,

- - N.E.3d - -, at ¶ 107 (11th Dist.); State v. Sneed, 63 Ohio St.3d 3, 9, 584 N.E.2d

1160 (1992). Therefore, we find no merit to Appellant’s argument.

{¶76} Appellant’s second proposed instruction was as follows:

Proposed Jury Instruction 2: State v. Rhodes, 2 Ohio St. 3d 74, 76. The important question is not whether the person from whom the property was stolen was the actual owner, but rather whether Ms. Martin had any lawful right to possession. Therefore, if you find that Rebecca Martin had any lawful right to possession, then you must find her not guilty.

Appellant claims that an instruction regarding the lawful right to possession under

Rhodes as set forth in the second proposed instruction was warranted because both

parties were claiming ownership or interest in the same vehicle.

{¶77} In the court’s decision/pretrial orders denying the proposed

instruction, the trial court wrote:

[T]he holding in State v. Rhodes did not support Defendant’s request because the issue in Rhodes was whether it was necessary to introduce a certificate of title to a motor vehicle in order to prove that the alleged victim was the owner. *** The gist of this case is whether the Defendant committed a criminal offense in recovering possession of property.

The instructions to be given at trial should be “fact specific and based upon the

indictment, testimony, evidence, and defenses available to the defendant.” Volpi,

supra, citing State v. Jordan, 11th Dist. Lake No. 2009-L-006, 2009-Ohio-6152, ¶ Highland App. No. 23CA3 37

40. To have given the second proposed instruction would not have been a correct

statement of the law. We cannot find that the trial court abused its discretion in

denying this proposed instruction. This argument is also without merit.

{¶78} Appellant’s third proposed instruction was as follows:

Proposed Jury Instruction 3: O.R.C. 3109.01 and 4505.031 Whether or not someone has any lawful right may include civil and criminal aspects. For instance, you might consider what rights the Defendant had under contract or civil law. If under civil or criminal laws you find that Defendant had any right to possession, then you must find her not guilty.

Here, Appellant argues that in disallowing the third instruction, the trial court

prejudged her defense and kept her from presenting proof as to an element of the

offense, i.e., ownership.

{¶79} R.C. 3109.01 provides that a person age 18 or more, and under no

legal disability, is capable of contracting for all purposes. R.C. 4505.031 states

that “no minor under eighteen years of age shall sell or otherwise dispose of a

motor vehicle” unless certain requirements are met, including a signature from one

of the minor’s parents. Again, Appellant was not precluded from presenting

evidence of ownership in this case. In a criminal case involving theft, as the trial

court reiterated throughout the proceedings, evidence of Cox’s ownership was not

being litigated and “the gist” of the matter before the court and jury was whether or

not Appellant committed a criminal act in obtaining the motorcycle from Caleb Highland App. No. 23CA3 38

Cox’s premises. Again, we find no merit to Appellant’s argument. Based on the

foregoing, Appellant’s third assignment of error is hereby overruled.

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR FOUR - ALLEGED PROSECUTORIAL MISCONDUCT

{¶80} The test for prosecutorial misconduct is whether the

conduct was improper and, if so, whether the rights of the accused were materially

prejudiced. State v. Patton, 4th Dist. Highland No. 18CA9, 2019-Ohio-2769, at

¶13, citing State v. Smith, 97 Ohio St.3d 367, 376, 780 N.E.2d 221 (2002).

(Internal citations omitted.) “To establish prejudice, a defendant must show that a

reasonable probability exists that, but for the prosecutor's improper remarks, the

result of the proceeding would have been different.” State v. Topping, 4th Dist.

Lawrence No. 11CA6, 2012-Ohio-5617, ¶ 83, citing State v. Moore, 2012-Ohio-

1958, 970 N.E.2d 1098, ¶ 76 (8th Dist.). Thus, “[n]ot every intemperate remark by

counsel can be a basis for reversal.” State v. Landrum, 53 Ohio St.3d 107, 112,

559 N.E.2d 710 (1990).

{¶81} “ ‘The “conduct of a prosecuting attorney during trial cannot be

grounds for error unless the conduct deprives the defendant of a fair trial.” ’ ”

State v. Purdin, 4th Dist. Adams No. 12CA944, 2013-Ohio-22, at ¶ 31, quoting

State v. Givens, 4th Dist. Washington No 07CA19, 2008-Ohio-1202, ¶ 28, quoting

State v. Gest, 108 Ohio App.3d 248, 257, 670 N.E.2d 536 (8th Dist.1995). Highland App. No. 23CA3 39

Therefore, the “touchstone analysis * * * is the fairness of the trial, not the

culpability of the prosecutor. * * * The Constitution does not guarantee an ‘error

free, perfect trial.’ ” State v. Purdin, 4th Dist. Adams No. 12CA944, 2013-Ohio-

22, at ¶ 31, quoting Gest at 257. “Further, an appellate court must not focus on

isolated comments but must examine the prosecution's closing argument in its

entirety to determine whether the prosecutor's comments prejudiced the

defendant.” Topping at ¶ 84, citing State v. Treesh, 90 Ohio St.3d 460, 466, 739

N.E.2d 749 (2001); State v. Keenan, 66 Ohio St.3d 402, 410, 613 N.E.2d 203

(1993).

{¶82} We are mindful that “[d]uring closing arguments, the prosecution is

generally given wide latitude to convincingly advance its strongest arguments and

positions.” Topping at ¶ 83, citing State v. Powell, 132 Ohio St.3d 233, 2012-

Ohio-2577, 971 N.E.2d 865, ¶ 149. In fact, “ ‘[p]rosecutorial misconduct

constitutes reversible error only in rare instances.’ ” Purdin at ¶ 31, quoting State

v. Edgington, 4th Dist. Ross No. 05CA2866, 2006-Ohio-3712, ¶ 18, citing State v.

Keenan, 66 Ohio St.3d 402, 406 (1993). “ ‘Nevertheless, a prosecution must avoid

going beyond the evidence presented to the jury to obtain a conviction.’ ” Topping

at ¶ 83, quoting State v. Smith, 14 Ohio St.3d 13, 14, 470 N.E.2d 883 (1984).

“[P]rosecutors must be diligent in their efforts to stay within the boundaries of Highland App. No. 23CA3 40

acceptable argument and must refrain from the desire to make outlandish remarks,

misstate evidence, or confuse legal concepts.” State v. Fears, 86 Ohio St.3d 329,

332, 715 N.E.2d 136 (1999). However, a prosecutor may comment in closing

argument on what the evidence has shown and what reasonable inferences the

prosecutor believes may be drawn from it. State v. Lott, 51 Ohio St.3d 160, 165,

555 N.E.2d 293 (1990).

{¶83} For ease of analysis, we will group the allegedly prejudicial remarks

as relating either to W.H. or to Appellant.

1. W.H.

{¶84} Appellant claims that the prosecutor engaged in misconduct by

making improper commentary, misstatements of the evidence, citing facts not in

evidence, and engaging in improper attacks on credibility. The prosecutor made

several statements directed towards W.H.:

[W.H.] lied to you today.

[W.H.] will say anything to keep [his mom] out of trouble.

You know[W.H.’s] not a truthful person because he lied to Officer Hamilton, he lied on the stand today. ***[W.H.] lied to you today.***That story that [W.H.] told you…another of [W.H.’s] lies.***[W.H.], *** I think is somebody that if he opens his mouth you have to be concerned there is a lie coming out.

Appellant also argues this cross-examination was improper:

Q: Is it a lie? Highland App. No. 23CA3 41

A: No.

Q: Well, it has to be a lie if it’s dated the 13th, which is after the deal in Montgomery County.

The above excerpts demonstrate that four times the prosecutor insinuated

W.H. lied. The prosecutor used the term “lie” or “liar” to reference W.H. six

times. On cross-examination, the prosecutor’s remark accused W.H. of

lying.

{¶85} Prosecutors may characterize a witness as a liar, or claim that a

witness lied, where the evidence reasonably supports that characterization. See

State v. McCray, 2017-Ohio-2996, 91 N.E.3d 288, at ¶ 53; State v. Howard, 1st

Dist. Hamilton No. C-130058, 2014-Ohio-655, 2014 WL 787028, ¶ 32. During

cross-examination, W.H. was evasive when questioned about the events when he

was discovered with the motorcycle and questioned by Officer Hamilton. If his

trial testimony is to be believed, it seemed to indicate that he knew that he did not

have permission from his mother to trade the blue motorcycle and that he

deliberately deceived her and Cox. Further, W.H., if believed, sneaked under

cover of darkness and took the motorcycle from Cox’s residence without returning

Cox’s dirt bike to him, another deceptive act. W.H. testified that he left a note on

the door but to the contrary, Cox testified he did not have a note. We find that the Highland App. No. 23CA3 42

prosecutor’s remarks were reasonably drawn from the evidence so no error

occurred.

2. Appellant

{¶86} Appellant has alleged several instances of prosecutorial

misconduct based on the prosecutor’s remarks. However, Appellant objected to

only one of the instances during the trial. Therefore, with the exception of the first

instance, the remaining remarks will be reviewed for plain error. Appellate courts

take notice of plain error “ ‘ “with the utmost caution, under exceptional

circumstances and only to prevent a miscarriage of justice.” ’ ” Lawson, supra, at

¶ 15, quoting State v. Mammone, 139 Ohio St.3d 467, 2014-Ohio-1942, 13 N.E.3d

1051, ¶ 69, quoting State v. Long, 53 Ohio St.2d 91, 372 N.E.2d 804 (1978),

paragraph three of the syllabus. Crim.R. 52(B). To prevail, Appellant must show

that an error occurred, that the error was plain, and that but for the error, the

outcome of the trial clearly would have been otherwise. See Mammone at ¶ 69,

citing State v. Barnes, 94 Ohio St.3d 21, 27, 759 N.E.2d 1240 (2002); see also

State v. Bethel, 4th Dist. Jackson No. 13CA11, 2014-Ohio-3861, ¶ 11.

{¶87} Appellant contends that the following instances degraded her

Credibility by calling her a liar, misrepresenting the evidence, expressing personal

opinion, offering improper character evidence, improperly commenting on her

guilt, and stating facts not in evidence: Highland App. No. 23CA3 43

She knew exactly about the deal with [W.H.] between [W.H.] and Caleb. ***She knows exactly what’s happening because as soon as she realized, a parent, I know yes maybe he didn’t like the bike after he traded or maybe they were just going to uh more than likely just take Caleb for both bikes. On June the 13th the Defendant signs the back of the title with the intention of [W.H.] stealing the motorcycle to Caleb. [sic]

{¶88} Appellant objected to only the last sentence, “On June the 13th, the

Defendant signs the back of the title with the intention of [W.H.] stealing the

motorcycle to Caleb. [sic] Given that “purpose” and intent were to be proven at

trial, and that intent may be shown by circumstantial evidence, we find that the

prosecutor’s comment was a fair representation of the evidence. We find no error,

let alone plain error in this regard.

{¶89} Appellant also argues the following statements were improper and

unfairly prejudicial:

Martin lied to obtain a duplicate title, she snuck onto the property in the middle of the night, took the motorcycle in secret.***She went to Montgomery County and lied under oath. ***My fake title, my duplicate title that I lied to get. ***She’s a liar, she’s a thief, she trespasses, covers up for her son, allows her son to take the fall for her but she is not the victim. ***So it’s [the officer’s]fault that Martin’s a liar?***Had she handled the situation like a law abiding citizen, we wouldn’t be here.***But do we excuse criminal behavior because we’re moms? Is it okay to lie to law enforcement allow your son to lie, cheat and steal because you’re a mom? I don’t think so. And she’s mother of the year, trying to keep her son out of trouble, but didn’t seem too motherly today when she let him take the stand and take the fall for her, did it? Highland App. No. 23CA3 44

She’s guilty of this crime. * * * If you believe the Defendant’s argument, you literally are rewarding her * * * for being a crafty criminal and having a good criminal plan.

She thinks that it’s fine for her to do that, because she thinks that since she went and applied for a duplicate title it’s her property again so she can just go and take it in the middle of the night. That’s not the law. That is not the law. As soon as she went onto his property without permission to steal that bike back, she committed the crime of breaking and entering period. And she is guilty of it.

{¶90} The prosecutor called Appellant a liar seven times, called her a

thief, and insinuated that Appellant allowed her son to “lie, cheat, and steal.” At no

time did the prosecutor preface her remarks with “the evidence demonstrates….” “

‘[I]t is improper for a prosecutor to state that the defendant is a liar or that he

believes the defendant is lying, but a prosecutor may suggest that the evidence

demonstrates the defendant is lying, scheming, or has ulterior motives.’ ” State v.

Searfoss, 2019-Ohio-4619, 135 N.E.3d 853, at ¶145 (6th Dist.), quoting State v.

Irwin, 7th Dist. Columbiana No. 11-CO-6, 2012-Ohio-2704, at ¶ 116, citing State

v. Kroger, 12th Dist. Clermont No. CA99–05–050, 2000 WL 342130, *2 (Apr. 3,

2000).

{¶91} We find that the prosecutor’s remarks are fairly characterized as

“overkill,” certainly improper, but also harmless. As to Appellant’s argument that

the above remarks misrepresented the evidence or Appellant’s intent, we find this

argument to be without merit. Highland App. No. 23CA3 45

{¶92} One of the required elements of Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle

which the State had to prove was “with purpose to deprive.” The State was also

required to prove the element of “purpose to commit a felony.” The court defined

purpose and stated: “Purpose and intent mean the same thing. The purpose with

which a person does an act is known only to himself unless he expresses it to

others or indicates it by his or in this case her consent.”

{¶93} This court has stated in State v. Hogue, 4th Dist. Hocking No. 17CA6,

2018-Ohio-3887:

Further, regarding circumstantial evidence of intent, it has been stated that “[i]ntent lies within the privacy of an individual's own thoughts and is not susceptible of objective proof.” State v.Wickersham, 4th Dist. Meigs No. 13CA10, 2015-Ohio-2756,at ¶ 30; quoting State v. Garner, 74 Ohio St.3d 49, 60, 656 N.E.2d 623 (1995). So “intent ‘can never be proved by the direct testimony of a third person.’ ” State v. Moon, 4th Dist. Adams No. 08CA875, 2009-Ohio-4830, ¶ 20; quoting State v. Lott, 51 Ohio St.3d 160, 168, 555 N.E.2d 293 (1990). Rather it “ ‘must * * * be inferred from the act itself and the surrounding circumstances, including the acts and statements of the defendant surrounding the time of the offense.’ ” Id.; quoting State v. Wilson, 12th Dist. Warren No. CA2006-01-007, 2007-Ohio- 2298, ¶ 41. But “persons are presumed to have intended the natural, reasonable and probable consequences of their voluntary acts.” Garner at ¶ 60.

Hogue, supra, at ¶17.

{¶94} Circumstantial evidence of Appellant’s intent and purposes as relates

to the circumstances of this case may be inferred. The evidence at trial

demonstrated Appellant’s dishonest act of applying for a duplicate title while Highland App. No. 23CA3 46

aware that her son had traded the motorcycle. If the law enforcement officers are

to be believed, then Appellant lied to them both about retrieving the motorcycle.

In light of the evidence presented at trial, we do not find that a reasonable

probability exists that but for the prosecutor’s improper remarks, the jury would

have found Appellant not guilty of Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle and Breaking

and Entering.

{¶95} Had W.H. not testified, Appellant could still have been convicted

based on the evidence which the State elicited from Caleb Cox, Officer Butler, and

Officer Hamilton. The trial court instructed the jury that the attorneys’ statements

are not evidence. We presume that the jury understood the instructions and acted

accordingly in its deliberations. Based on the foregoing, we find no merit to

Appellant’s fourth assignment of error. Accordingly, it is hereby overruled.

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR FIVE - ERRONEOUS ORDERS OF RESTITUTION

{¶96}Appellant challenges the trial court’s order of restitution for towing

and storage fees and that the motorcycle’s title be transferred to Caleb Cox. The

trial court’s orders were made immediately after the verdict, without a separate

hearing. Appellant was unable to present evidence. The State responds that

Appellant did not raise these issues at sentencing and therefore her arguments are

to be reviewed under a plain error standard of review. The State is correct on this

point. Highland App. No. 23CA3 47

{97} “ ‘Prior to increasing, reducing, or otherwise modifying a sentence that

is appealed, or vacating the sentence and remanding the matter for resentencing,

we will seek to determine whether the trial court's restitution order is clearly and

convincingly contrary to law.’ ” State v. Patton, 4th Dist. Highland No. 18CA9,

2019-Ohio-2769, at ¶23, quoting State v. Anderson, 4th Dist. Scioto No.

15CA3696, 2016-Ohio-7252, ¶ 33.12

{¶98} “If the court imposes restitution, the court may base the amount of

restitution it orders on an amount recommended by the victim * * * and other

information, provided that the amount the court orders as restitution shall not

exceed the amount of the economic loss suffered by the victim as a direct and

proximate result of the commission of the offense.” R.C. 2929.18(A)(1); Patton,

supra, at ¶24. “Economic loss” is defined in R.C. 29290.01(L) as “any economic

detriment suffered by a victim as a direct and proximate result of the commission

of an offense and includes * * * any property loss * * * incurred as a result of the

commission of the offense.” Patton, supra.

12 In State v. Dumas, 2023-Ohio-1499, 213 N.E.3d 1203, the Seventh District recently noted that “[i]n Ohio, lingering issues exist over the proper standard of appellate review of felony restitution orders.” Id. at ¶21. While the Supreme Court of Ohio’s decision in State v. Marcum. 146 Ohio St.3d 516, 2016-Ohio-1002, 59 N.E.3d 1231 set forth the “clear and convincing” standard, Dumas noted that the Fifth and Eighth appellate districts continue to apply the abuse of discretion standard of review, while other court have applied the clear and convincing standard under R.C. 2929.18(A)(1). Highland App. No. 23CA3 48

{¶99} While Appellant requested the matter be continued for pre-sentence

investigation, Appellant did not actually object to the lack of a restitution hearing

or to the restitution order. Therefore, we will review for plain error. See State v.

White, 4th Dist. Adams No. 18CA1080, 2019-Ohio-4288, at ¶22.

{¶100} The amount of restitution the trial court orders must “ ‘bear a

reasonable relationship to the actual loss suffered as a result of the defendant's

offense.’ ” State v. Alexander, 4th Dist. Scioto No. 10CA3402, 2012-Ohio-2041, ¶

12, quoting State v. Johnson, 4th Dist. Washington No. 03CA11, 2004-Ohio-2236,

¶ 11. Additionally, “ ‘the amount of the restitution must be supported by

competent, credible evidence in the record from which the court can discern the

amount of the restitution to a reasonable degree of certainty.’ ” (Other citations

omitted.) Id., quoting Johnson at ¶ 10. An award of restitution is limited to the

actual loss caused by the defendant's criminal conduct for which he was convicted.

State v. Jones, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 14AP-80, 2014-Ohio-3740, ¶ 21. “ ‘The

evidence to support a restitution order can take the form of either documentary

evidence or testimony.’ ” Id. at ¶ 52, quoting State v. Jones, 10th Dist. Franklin

No. 14AP-80, 2014-Ohio-3740, ¶ 23.

1. Storage fees.

{¶101} The trial transcript reflects that by sentencing, Caleb Cox was no Highland App. No. 23CA3 49

longer present in the courtroom. The transcript reflects the court’s pronouncement

at sentencing as follows:

[Y]ou’re ordered as part of that to pay any storage fees that may have been incurred due to storage. ***at ***Clinton County. But it is to be released to him free of any storage fees.

The judgment entry of conviction states:

In addition, the Court orders Kawasaki released free of storage fees. Released to Caleb Cox. Rebecca Martin is responsible for storage fees.

{¶ 102} R.C. 2913.92, theft involving motor vehicle; offender to pay towing

and storage fees, authorizes a trial court to order restitution as follows:

If a person is convicted of a theft offense that involves a motor vehicle, as defined in section 4501.01 of the Revised Code, or any major part of a motor vehicle, and if a local authority, as defined in section 4511.01 of the Revised Code, the owner of the vehicle or major part, or a person, acting on behalf of the owner, was required to pay any towing or storage fees prior to recovering possession of the motor vehicle or major part, the court that sentences the offender, as a part of its sentence, shall require the offender to repay the fees to the local authority, the owner, or the person who paid the fees on behalf of the owner.

However, both the trial court’s verbal order and the sentencing entry are

unclear as to whether the storage fees were to be paid to the police department or

to Caleb Cox.

{¶103} Furthermore, before a court may impose a financial sanction, it is

required to consider the defendant's present and future ability to pay. R.C. Highland App. No. 23CA3 50

2929.19(B)(5); State v. Strange, 4th Dist. Adams No. 22CA1156, 2023-Ohio-495,

at ¶ 10 (internal citations omitted.) There are no specific factors the trial court

must consider in its analysis, nor must it make any specific findings. Id. See State

v. Freeman, 1st Dist. Hamilton No. C-180090, 2018-Ohio-4973, ¶ 10; State v.

Percy, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 109502, 2021-Ohio-1876, ¶ 19. “As long as the

record contains some indication that the court considered the offender's present and

future ability to pay, the court's imposition of a financial sanction is not contrary to

law.” State v. McCants, 1st Dist. Hamilton No. C-190143, 2020-Ohio-3441, ¶ 12.

{¶104 } The record herein does not contain evidence that the trial court

considered Appellant’s present and future ability to pay a financial sanction. And

while the trial court ordered the motorcycle be released to Caleb Cox free of

storage fees, this record contains no evidence as to any amount of storage fees to

be paid, and whether the fees are to be paid to Cox or to the police department.

See also State v. Lesure, 6th Dist. Lucas No.L-02-1157, 2004-Ohio3454 (Since

trial court did not determine defendant’s ability to pay or specify the exact amount

of restitution, restitution order was reversed and remanded solely on that issue).

{¶105 }Therefore, we find plain error occurred and we sustain the fifth

assignment of error to the extent that the trial court ordered payment of storage

fees without considering the Appellant’s present and future ability to pay and

without supporting evidence as to the amount of storage fees and the identity of the Highland App. No. 23CA3 51

person or entity to be paid. Therefore, we vacate the restitution order and remand

for the trial court’s consideration of these issues.

2. Transfer of Title.

{¶106} Appellant asserts that she had a property interest in the Kawaski

motorcycle at issue and was deprived of due process when the trial court ordered

the transfer of title to Caleb Cox as a form of restitution. Appellant argues that she

was unable to be heard on the issue due to the trial court’s earlier rulings and due

to the lack of a forfeiture hearing. Again, we are mindful that Appellant did not

interpose any objections so we will review only for plain error. “Even

constitutional rights ‘may be lost as finally as any others by a failure to assert them

at the proper time.’ ” State v. Thiesen, 4th Dist. Athens No. 22CA8, 2023-Ohio-

2412, at ¶22, quoting State v. Murphy, 91 Ohio St.3d 516, 532, 747 N.E.2d 765

(2001).

{¶107} Appellant was found guilty of Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle.

Despite the title discrepancies, the jury obviously concluded that Caleb Cox was

the rightful owner of the motorcycle after W.H., under apparent authority from

Appellant, gave Cox physical possession of the motorcycle, title, and keys in

exchange for Cox’s dirt bike. See, e.g., Hitt v. Anthem Casualty Ins. Group., 142

Ohio App.3d 262, 755 N.E.2d 262, (11th Dist. 2001) (Court of appeals held that

the insured became the owner of a dirt bike on the day he took physical possession Highland App. No. 23CA3 52

and not when the certificate of title was issued in his name, three days after an

accident).

{¶108}Black’s Law Dictionary, Abridged Sixth Edition, 1991, defines

“forfeit” as “[t]o lose, or lose the right to, by some error, fault, offense, or crime; or

to subject, as property, to forfeiture or confiscation.” A “forfeiture” is [a]

comprehensive term which means a divestiture of specific property without

compensation; it imposes a loss by the taking away of some preexisting valid right

without compensation.” Since it was implicitly determined that Cox is the rightful

owner of the motorcycle at issue, it cannot be said that Appellant was deprived of

her own property. See, conversely, Stacy v. Nichell, 6th Dist. Wood No.

C.A.No.WD-84-82, 1985 WL 7502, (June 7, 1985) (Appellate court noted that

since Nickell was the rightful owner of a tractor-truck at issue, he could not be

found to have wrongfully converted his own vehicle).

{¶109} Furthermore,“[c]ourts ‘possess inherent power to do all things

necessary to the administration of justice and to protect their own powers and

processes.’ ” In re Pierce, 4th Dist. Meigs No.07CA4, 2008-Ohio-1956, at ¶ 9,

quoting Slabinski v. Servisteel Holding Co., 33 Ohio App.3d 345, 346, 515 N.E.2d

1021, (9th Dist. 1986). The trial court’s order that the clerk transfer title to Cox

was necessary to the administration of justice. Therefore, we find no merit to

Appellant’s argument that the order that the title be transferred to Caleb Cox Highland App. No. 23CA3 53

deprived her of a due process property right. This portion of Appellant’s

assignment of error is without merit and is overruled.

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR SEVEN - ALLEGED CUMULATIVE ERROR

{¶110} Under Appellant’s final assignment of error, she asserts that her

convictions should be reversed under the cumulative error doctrine. She contends

that multiple errors deprived her of the constitutional right to a fair trial. “Under

the cumulative-error doctrine, ‘a conviction will be reversed where the cumulative

effect of errors in a trial deprives a defendant of the constitutional right to a fair

trial even though each of numerous instances of trial court error does not

individually constitute cause for reversal.’ ” State v. Colonel, - -N.E.3d - -, 2023-

Ohio-3945, at¶ 64, (4th Dist.), quoting State v. Garner, 74 Ohio St.3d 49, 64, 656

N.E.2d 623 (1995). “Before we consider whether ‘cumulative errors’ are present,

we must first find that the trial court committed multiple errors.” State v. Smith,

2016-Ohio-5062, 70 N.E.3d 150, ¶ 106 (4th Dist.).

{¶111}“ ‘The conduct of a prosecuting attorney during trial cannot be made

a ground of error unless the conduct deprives defendant of a fair trial.’ ” State v.

Hamad, 11th Dist. Trumbull No. 2017-7-0108, 2019-Ohio-2664, at ¶ 123, quoting

State v. Apanovitch, 33 Ohio St.3d 19, 24 (1987) (emphasis added), citing State v.

Maurer, 15 Ohio St.3d 239, 266 (1984). “[I]t must be clear beyond a reasonable Highland App. No. 23CA3 54

doubt that, absent the prosecutor's comments, the jury would have found defendant

guilty.” Maurer, supra, at 267, citing State v. Smith, 14 Ohio St.3d 13, 15 (1984).

As previously discussed, the prosecutor’s improper remarks constitute harmless

error only. Consequently, we overrule Appellant’s seventh assignment of error.

{¶112} We overrule the first, second, third, fourth, sixth, and seventh

assignments of error. The fifth assignment of error is sustained in part and

reversed in part and remanded for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.

JUDGMENT BE AFFIRMED IN PART AND REVERSED IN PART AND CAUSE REMANDED FOR PROCEEDINGS CONSISTENT WITH THIS OPINION Highland App. No. 23CA3 55

JUDGMENT ENTRY

It is ordered that the JUDGMENT BE AFFIRMED IN PART AND REVERSED IN PART AND CAUSE REMANDED FOR PROCEEDINGS CONSISTENT WITH THIS OPINION and costs be assessed equally between the parties.

The Court finds there were reasonable grounds for this appeal.

It is ordered that a special mandate issue out of this Court directing the Highland 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 60 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 60-day period, or the failure of the Appellant to file a notice of appeal with the Supreme Court of Ohio in the 45-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 60 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, J. and Wilkin, J., concur in Judgment & Opinion.

For the Court, Highland App. No. 23CA3 56

____________________________ Jason P. Smith Presiding 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.