State v. Overholt, Unpublished Decision (7-2-2002)
State v. Overholt, Unpublished Decision (7-2-2002)
Opinion of the Court
{¶ 2} In July of 2001, the Medina County Grand Jury indicted Defendant on one count of unlawfully receiving stolen property, in violation of R.C.
{¶ 3} A jury trial was held on March 13, 2002. Defendant moved for acquittal pursuant to Crim.R. 29 and the trial court entered a judgment of acquittal with regards to count two. Defendant was found guilty of receiving stolen property and sentenced to six months incarceration. Defendant timely appealed raising eight assignments of error, which have been rearranged for purposes of review.
{¶ 4} In his first assignment of error, Defendant maintains that the trial court erred in denying his motion to suppress evidence. Specifically, Defendant asserts that the items seized from his business should have been excluded from evidence, as the officers did not have a valid search warrant due to lack of probable cause and failure to limit the scope of the search. Defendant's assignment of error lacks merit.
{¶ 5} A trial court makes both factual and legal findings when ruling on a motion to suppress. State v. Jones, 9th Dist. No. 20810,2002-Ohio-1109, at ¶ 9. Accordingly, "the trial court assumes the role of trier of facts and is in the best position to resolve questions of fact and evaluate the credibility of witnesses." State v. Hopfer
(1996),
{¶ 6} Crim.R. 41(C) sets forth the standard for issuing search warrants. It reads, in pertinent part:
"A warrant shall issue under this rule only on an affidavit or affidavits sworn to before a judge of a court of record and establishing the grounds for issuing the warrant. The affidavit shall * * * particularly describe the place to be searched, name or describe the property to be searched for and seized, state substantially the offense in relation thereto, and state the factual basis for the affiant's belief that such property is there located. If the judge is satisfied that probable cause for the search exists, he shall issue a warrant identifying the property and * * * describing the * * * place to be searched. The finding of probable cause may be based upon hearsay in whole or in part, provided there is a substantial basis for believing the source of the hearsay to be credible and for believing there is a factual basis for the information furnished."
{¶ 8} A court reviewing the sufficiency of probable cause in a submitted affidavit should not substitute its judgment for that of the issuing judge. State v. Tejada, 9th Dist. No. 20947, 2002-Ohio-5777, at ¶ 7, quoting George,
{¶ 9} In the present case, Officer Richard Percy's affidavit for the search warrant states, in relevant part:
"[A]ffiant states his belief that certain items to wit: All-Terrain vehicles, any parts thereof, contraband, any and all all-terrain vehicle parts identified as stolen, any and all vehicle parts identified as stolen * * * in violation of [R.C.
"The said property described as: Items stolen from 3808 Paradise Road, Montville Township, Medina Ohio 44256[.]"
{¶ 10} Officer Percy indicated that Carl Bias ("Carl") informed him that on May 26, 2001, he observed the front fenders and the back rack of his all-terrain vehicle located at 6867 Cycles-R-Us. Carl and his son Ryan Bias ("Ryan") identified the parts due to the color, and distinctive "cracks," scratches, and rust patterns. Thereafter, on May 29, 2001, the judge issued a search warrant for the 6867 Wooster Pike property. Law enforcement officers were given authority to enter the premises and search for "[a]ll-[t]errain vehicles, any parts thereof, contraband, any and all all-terrain vehicle parts identified as stolen, [and] any and all vehicle parts identified as stolen[.]"
{¶ 11} After reviewing the record, we find that the judge had a sufficient basis for concluding that probable cause existed. The informants are ordinary citizens and their identities are known to the police. Furthermore, the affidavit provides a statement concerning the informants' basis of their knowledge. The informants, who are the owners of the stolen parts, personally viewed the items on Defendant's property. Unlike information from a confidential or anonymous informant repeating hearsay information to police in the form of a tip, information from a citizen witness is presumed credible and reliable and supplies a basis for a finding of probable cause. State v. Garner (1995),
{¶ 13} General, exploratory searches are prohibited as evidence gathering tools and items seized pursuant to such a warrant violate the Fourth Amendment and are to be suppressed. State v. Halczyszak (1986),
{¶ 14} In determining whether a warrant is specific enough, the key inquiry is whether the warrant could reasonably have described the items more precisely. State v. Benner (1988),
{¶ 15} In the present case, the warrant authorized the seizure of "All-Terrain vehicles, any parts thereof, contraband, any and all all-terrain vehicle parts identified as stolen, [and] any and all vehicle parts identified as stolen." Thus, the warrant limited the search relative to the particular circumstances of the case and the nature of the alleged stolen items. All the items identified were connected to the investigation of the receipt of the stolen all-terrain vehicle ("ATV") and various parts associated with the vehicle. Therefore, the evidence was sufficiently identified. The remainder of Defendant's first assignment of error is overruled.
{¶ 16} In his fifth assignment of error, Defendant asserts that the trial court improperly instructed the jury regarding the relevant culpable mental state. Specifically, Defendant argues that the trial court erred in using a "reasonable cause to believe" standard. We disagree.
{¶ 17} Defendant alleges that the court's definition of "reasonable cause" essentially imposed criminal culpability for civil negligence. In its instruction to the jury, the court stated:
"In determining whether [Defendant] had reasonable cause to believe that the property was obtained through a theft offense, you must put yourself in the position of this defendant with his knowledge, or lack of knowledge, and under the circumstances and conditions that surrounded him at that time. You must consider the conduct of the persons involved and determine if their acts and words and all the surrounding circumstances would have caused a person of ordinary prudence and care to believe that the property had been obtained through the commission of a theft offense."
{¶ 18} This instruction was taken directly from the Ohio Judicial Conference's Ohio Jury Instructions, Sec. 513.51. Additionally, Ohio courts have held that this definition of "reasonable cause" properly explains the term for purposes of R.C.
{¶ 19} In his second assignment of error, Defendant maintains that there was insufficient evidence to convict him of receiving stolen property and therefore his conviction was against the manifest weight of the evidence. We disagree.
{¶ 20} As a preliminary matter, we note that sufficiency of the evidence produced by the State and weight of the evidence adduced at trial are legally distinct issues. State v. Thompkins (1997),
{¶ 21} When a defendant asserts that his conviction is against the manifest weight of the evidence,
"an appellate court must review the entire record, weigh the evidence and all reasonable inferences, consider the credibility of the witnesses and determine whether, in resolving conflicts in the evidence, the trier of fact clearly lost its way and created such a manifest miscarriage of justice that the conviction must be reversed and a new trial ordered."State v. Otten (1986),
This discretionary power should be invoked only in extraordinary circumstances when the evidence presented weighs heavily in favor of the defendant. Id.
{¶ 22} Defendant was found guilty of receiving stolen property, in violation of R.C.
{¶ 23} At trial, Carl testified that he purchased a Kawasaki 220 ATV four-wheeler, for $3,200, from Jerry Farrell ("Farrell") in December of 1999. Although Carl is the title holder, he stated that the ATV was given to his son Ryan as a Christmas gift that same year. In early February, 2001, as Ryan was riding the ATV through the woods, he hit a rock and put a hole in the "crankcase." Carl asserted that he then took the ATV to Defendant's place of business, Cycles-R-Us, to have it repaired. Carl first spoke with David Mahone ("Mahone") and was informed that a man from the adjoining business, Tiger General, would weld the "crankcase." Carl testified that he paid $65 to $75 for the repair and received the ATV the following day.
{¶ 24} Carl recalled that the following May, the ATV was stolen. Carl explained that Ryan last rode the ATV, and then locked it away in their pole barn, on a Sunday. That Thursday, when Carl went to ride the ATV, he discovered that it had been stolen. Carl stated that he saw "pry marks on the door" to the barn. He asserted that the ATV was the only item stolen; his tools, tractor and vehicle were not taken. Carl further asserted that earlier in the week he observed tire tracks down the side of the hill in the grass but dismissed them as tracks from the lawn mower.
{¶ 25} Upon discovering that the ATV was missing, Carl went to the Montville Police Department and filed a report. He then went to Farrell's, on Saturday, to see if anyone inquired into the purchase of an ignition. A new ignition would most likely be needed in order to operate the vehicle as Carl still had possession of the keys. Carl informed the employees that his ATV was stolen and they recorded his information and indicated that they would contact him if they learned anyone was searching for an ignition switch. Carl then went to inquire at Defendant's place of business, which was roughly six miles from Carl's residence. He thought the offender may have visited Cycles-R-Us to purchase an ignition switch. Carl recalled that he and his son walked through the "junkyard" behind the business which is where Defendant kept numerous parts and pieces to motorcycles and ATVs. He then noticed some pieces which were the same green color as their Kawasaki ATV. Ryan then looked at the pieces and identified them as front fenders to their ATV. Carl also examined the pieces and was able to identify the fenders as being from their ATV, due to a crack that they had covered with duct tape. At trial, Carl again identified the fenders and indicated that they were in the same condition that he had found them in on Defendant's lot.
{¶ 26} Carl stated that they also found the front and back "racks" on the opposite end of the property. He noticed identifying marks such as a dent and rust spots. The back fender was also discovered. Carl was able to identify this part due to the color and his tools and spark plug that were housed inside it. Carl and his son finished browsing the area and then left. Upon returning home, Carl contacted the police and informed them that he had located some of the parts to his missing ATV. Carl stated that the remainder of the vehicle was never recovered.
{¶ 27} Ryan offered a similar version of events. He testified that the ATV was stolen from the barn in May of 2001. Ryan road the ATV on a Sunday and the theft was not discovered until four days later. Looking back, Ryan recalled seeing "trails" through the yard the day before. He explained that he went with his father, Carl, to Farrell's and to Cycles-R-Us to ask about ignition switches. While at Cycles-R-Us, Ryan observed his front and rear fenders and front and back "racks" lying amongst various other ATV parts and pieces. Ryan was able to identify the parts as belonging to their ATV due to their green color, "dents," rust spots, duct tape, and the new tail light on the back fender.
{¶ 28} Officer Richard Percy of the Montville Police Department participated in the search of Defendant's business. He explained that the lot, which was roughly one acre in size, contained an estimated 1,000 motorcycles, and "[a] couple dozen" racks and fenders. He testified that the front and back racks along with the front and back fenders were recovered. Officer Percy asserted that he knew which items to recover due to the description given by Carl. He stated that Carl and Ryan were brought into the police station to identify the recovered pieces.
{¶ 29} Officer Christopher Ryba also participated in the search. Officer Ryba recalled seeing the green parts lying in some tall grass and weeds beside a trailer behind Cycles-R-Us. He explained that they were found in a different area than the organized area that had separated, cleaned parts for resale. Officer Ryba testified that after the parts were recovered, he presented Defendant with a written statement form that he watched Defendant complete and sign.
{¶ 30} In his written statement Defendant indicated that "[a]fter seeing what [the police] found and what was on the warrant, [he] knew what they specifically were looking for." He explained that "[o]n a day or so prior, [he] had a nosey customer looking for a part for this certain ATV. [He] showed [the customer] right to all the certain parts of that make that [he] had, and let [the customer] point out what he wanted." Defendant stated that he "just recently acquired some of these parts" from a fellow customer who "buys lots of stuff here * * * as he is a sponsored racer." Defendant further indicated that he inquired as to where the parts were from and was advised that they "came from an insurance job, and that the Kawasaki dealer had replaced all the damaged parts with brand new parts." Defendant stated that he was not present when the parts were brought in.
{¶ 31} Mahone, Defendant's former employee, explained how Cycles-R-Us acquired the subject ATV parts. Mahone stated that two days before the search was performed, a customer by the name of Ryan, brought the parts in and set them alongside the trailer and then left after asserting that he would return. Mahone alleged that he did not inquire as to what Ryan's intentions were because he was a familiar customer. Mahone testified that he then told a fellow employee that Ryan had dropped off some parts. He was advised to wait for his return. Mahone indicated that the business would keep the items and then eventually sell them if the customer did not come back to complete the trade or sale after thirty days. He recalled previously observing Ryan trade items in this manner and assumed he was compensated because he never received any complaints. Mahone stated that he did not think Ryan ever returned in this particular instance.
{¶ 32} Lastly, Ryan Keldsen ("Keldsen"), a salesman at State Road Motorcycle, testified as to the valuation of the various replacement parts. He estimated that a replacement fender would cost between $50 to $75 and a rack was roughly $30 to $50. Additionally, he indicated that a tank cover and battery cover would cost no more that $30. He stated that all the recovered items, if newly purchased, would cost in the "area" of $500.
{¶ 33} Although much of the evidence supporting Defendant's conviction is circumstantial, it is permissible for the elements of an offense to be established by direct evidence, circumstantial evidence, or both as circumstantial and direct evidence possess equal evidentiary value. State v. Jenks (1991),
{¶ 34} After careful review of the record, we are unable to conclude that the trier of fact lost its way and created a manifest miscarriage of justice when convicting Defendant of receiving stolen property. Although conflicting testimony was presented, we refrain from overturning the verdict because the jury chose to believe other testimony. "[W]hen conflicting evidence is presented at trial, a conviction is not against the manifest weight of the evidence simply because the [trier of fact] believed the prosecution testimony." Statev. Gilliam (Aug. 12, 1998), 9th Dist. No. 97CA006757, at 4. Consequently, Defendant's conviction was not against the manifest weight of the evidence.
{¶ 35} This Court has previously observed that "[b]ecause sufficiency is required to take a case to the jury, a finding that a conviction is supported by the weight of the evidence must necessarily include a finding of sufficiency." (Emphasis omitted.) State v. Roberts (Sept. 17, 1997), 9th Dist. No. 96CA006462, at 4. As we have already determined that Defendant's conviction was not against the manifest weight of the evidence, we necessarily conclude that there was sufficient evidence to support the verdict in this case. Accordingly, Defendant's second assignment of error is overruled.
{¶ 36} In his third assignment of error Defendant asserts that the court erred when it failed to grant his request for a jury instruction on the meaning of receipt. Defendant's assignment of error is not well taken.
{¶ 37} Although special instructions which correctly state the law are to be included, in substance, in the general charge to the jury, "amplification of statutory definitions is inadvisable [and is] likely to introduce error[.]" State v. Mahoney (1986),
{¶ 38} In the present case, the instructions, taken as a whole, made it clear to the jury that the State had to prove more than mere physical possession by Defendant of the ATV parts in order to find him guilty of receiving stolen property. The trial court specifically instructed the jury that in order to find Defendant guilty, they had to find beyond a reasonable doubt that Defendant knew or had reasonable cause to believe that the parts were obtained through the commission of a theft offense. Consequently, we are unable to conclude that trial court erred by failing to honor Defendant's request. See State v. Jacobs
(1995),
{¶ 39} In his fourth assignment of error, Defendant maintains that the court improperly instructed the jury with regards to the valuation of the stolen property. We disagree with Defendant's allegation.
{¶ 40} There are three methods for valuing property under R.C.
{¶ 41} Defendant maintains that the valuation was improper as ATV parts are not personal effects or household goods pursuant to the Ohio Supreme Court's decision in State v. Chaney (1984),
{¶ 42} In his sixth assignment of error, Defendant essentially argues that the trial court abused its discretion by admitting cumulative evidence in violation of Evid.R. 403(B). We disagree.
{¶ 43} A trial court enjoys broad discretion in admitting evidence. State v. Long (1978),
{¶ 44} Although relevant evidence is generally admissible, Evid.R. 403(B) provides for the discretionary exclusion of relevant evidence if "its probative value is substantially outweighed by considerations of undue delay, or needless presentation of cumulative evidence." In the present case, a police officer read into evidence the written statement of Defendant pursuant to See Evid.R. 801(D)(2)(a). Thereafter, the written statement itself was admitted as an exhibit over defense counsel's objection. The court indicated that the court "[did] not find the evidence that cumulative [and] let the exhibit in." Upon review, we cannot say that this is an instance where the trial court abused its discretion and acted unreasonably or arbitrarily by admitting Defendant's written statement into evidence thus causing the needless presentation of cumulative evidence. Accordingly, Defendant's sixth assignment of error is overruled.
{¶ 45} In his seventh assignment of error, Defendant argues that he was denied a fair trial due to alleged prosecutorial misconduct. More specifically, Defendant alleges that the prosecutor's references to testimony adduced at trial concerning the dismissed charge of altering a vehicle identification number and his comment that the State had proven the elements of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt were sufficient to award him a new trial. We disagree with Defendant's assertions.
{¶ 46} The Ohio Supreme Court has limited the instances when a judgment may be reversed on grounds of prosecutorial misconduct. SeeState v. Lott (1990),
{¶ 47} In deciding whether a prosecutor's conduct rises to the level of prosecutorial misconduct, a reviewing court must determine if the remarks were improper, and, if so, whether they actually prejudiced the substantial rights of the defendant. See State v. Smith (1984),
{¶ 48} In this case, Defendant alleges that the prosecutor inappropriately referenced testimony concerning an altered vehicle identification number after the related charge was dismissed.
{¶ 49} "Relevant evidence" encompasses "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. As a trial court enjoys broad discretion in admitting evidence, reviewing courts are not to reject an exercise of this discretion unless it clearly has been abused and the criminal defendant thereby has suffered material prejudice. Long,
{¶ 50} Although the challenged evidence supports the charge of tampering with vehicle identifying numbers which was dismissed, the trial court could have reasonably concluded that the evidence was also relevant to the charge of receiving stolen property. The prosecutor was merely restating the circumstantial evidence established at trial. Consequently, we do not find that the trial court abused its discretion when it permitted the prosecutor to comment on these alterations in the identifying numbers after the tampering charge had been dismissed.
{¶ 51} Additionally, Defendant asserts that he is entitled to a new trial because the prosecutor improperly expressed his opinion as to Defendant's guilt through his comment, during closing arguments, that the State "ha[s] shown, beyond a reasonable doubt, each and every element of this offense[.]"
{¶ 52} While Ohio courts have found that a prosecutor may not express his personal opinion as to the guilt of the accused, he may argue his conclusion of guilt based on the evidence admitted at trial. Statev. Wells (Sept. 8, 1994), 4th Dist. No. 93 CA 9. See, also, State v.Thayer (1931),
{¶ 53} Furthermore, even if the prosecutor's actions were improper, Defendant has failed to show, much less allege, that there is a reasonable probability that the result of the proceedings would have been different absent the alleged errors. See State v. Kobelka, 9th Dist. No. 01CA007808, 2001-Ohio-1723, at 3-4. Defendant has not established that the prosecutor's conduct prejudicially affected him. Accordingly, Defendant's seventh assignment of error is overruled.
{¶ 54} In his final assignment of error, Defendant maintains that there was a material variance in his indictment and therefore the indictment should have been dismissed. We disagree.
{¶ 55} A defendant has the right to be informed as to the nature of the charges against him so that he may adequately prepare a defense.State v. Fowler (1963),
{¶ 56} The indictment in question alleged that "on or about the 26th day of May, in the year [2001], within the County of Medina, [Defendant] unlawfully did, receive, retain or dispose of certain property, being ATV parts, the property of another, one Ryan R. Bias, the said [Defendant] knowing or having reasonable cause to believe said property had been obtained through the commission of a theft offense, in violation of [R.C.]
{¶ 57} However, this minor variation, if a variation at all, made no difference to the nature of the charge. The identity of the owner of the stolen property is not an element of the offense and an addition or change thereof does not generally change the name or identity of the crime charged. Furthermore, Defendant failed to show that the change affected his ability to prepare an adequate defense. As there is no concrete basis to find that the revelation of an additional owner of the property, namely Carl who is the titled-owner of the vehicle, caused him prejudice, Defendant's argument cannot succeed. In the instant case, we find that Defendant was adequately apprised of the charges against him. Accordingly, Defendant's eighth assignment of error is overruled.
{¶ 58} Defendant's assignments of error are overruled. The judgment of the Medina County Court of Common Pleas is affirmed.
Judgment affirmed.
REECE, J. CONCUR
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.