[Cite as State v. Brunner,

.]

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

STATE OF OHIO, : : Plaintiff-Appellee, : Case Nos. 18CA3848 : 18CA3849 vs. : : DECISION AND DOUGLAS L. BRUNNER, JR., : JUDGMENT ENTRY : Defendant-Appellant. : _____________________________________________________________ APPEARANCES:

Matthew F. Loesch, Portsmouth, Ohio, for Appellant.

Shane A. Tieman, Scioto County Prosecuting Attorney, and Jay Willis, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Portsmouth, Ohio, for Appellee. _____________________________________________________________

Smith, P.J.

{¶1} Appellant, Douglas Brunner, Jr., appeals his conviction for robbery, a

third-degree felony in violation of R.C. 2911.02(A)(3). On appeal, Appellant

contends that 1) prosecutorial misconduct occurred during the cross-examination

of his witness, Michael Miller; 2) the trial court abused its discretion in instructing

witness Michael Miller regarding perjury in the presence of the jury; 3) his

conviction for third-degree felony robbery was against the manifest weight and

sufficiency of the evidence; 4) the trial court abused its discretion in sentencing

him to the maximum time allowed by law in the instant case; and 5) his trial Scioto App. Nos. 18CA3848 & 18CA3849 2

counsel was ineffective when he failed to request a jury instruction regarding

eyewitness identification. Because we find the errors made by the prosecution did

not rise to the level of prosecutorial misconduct and the errors made by the trial

court did not constitute reversible error, Appellant’s first and second assignments

of error are overruled. Likewise, Appellant’s third assignment of error is overruled

in light of our finding that his conviction was supported by sufficient evidence and

was not against the manifest weight of the evidence. Further, because appellant’s

maximum and consecutive sentences were supported by the record and were not

contrary to law, his fourth assignment of error is overruled. Finally, having found

Appellant failed to demonstrate his counsel was deficient, Appellant’s fifth

assignment is also overruled. Accordingly, having found no merit in the

assignments of error raised by Appellant, the judgment of the trial court is

affirmed.

FACTS

{¶2} Appellant was indicted in the Scioto County Court of Common Pleas

on one count of robbery, a third-degree felony, in violation of R.C. 2911.02(A)(3).

The indictment stemmed from an incident that occurred at a Wendy’s restaurant in

Scioto County at approximately 9:00 p.m. on December 20, 2017. A separate

companion case was filed charging Appellant with a community control violation

based upon his failure to report for over a year, as well as the commission of a new Scioto App. Nos. 18CA3848 & 18CA3849 3

felony (the robbery indictment). Appellant admitted to the community control

violation, but the robbery charge proceeded to a jury trial.

{¶3} The State presented several witnesses at trial, including: Daniel

Collins, the employee who was working the drive-thru on the night in question;

Robert Madden, the employee who was working the cash register; Kimberly

Mercer, the shift manager; Gina Maynard, the district manager; Officer Michael

Queen from the Portsmouth Police Department, who was dispatched to Wendy’s

when the incident was reported; Sergeant Nathan Williams from the Portsmouth

Police Department, who located and detained Appellant and his co-defendant,

Michael Miller, later that night; and Detective Steven Timberlake from the

Portsmouth Police Department, who took over the investigation once Appellant

and Miller were apprehended.

{¶4} Pertinent to the issues on appeal, cashier Robert Madden testified that

he was working as the cashier at Wendy’s on the night in question when two men,

later identified as Appellant and Michael Miller, walked in. A man wearing a

khaki jacket went into the bathroom and the other man, who was wearing a

Cleveland Cavaliers hat, stood in the lobby for a short while and then walked up to

the counter and placed an order. As Madden was completing the order, a man

walked through a door next to the cash register and entered the employee-only area

behind the counter. Madden testified that he got a good look at the man and Scioto App. Nos. 18CA3848 & 18CA3849 4

maintained eye contact with him throughout the incident. Madden further

identified Appellant as the perpetrator in open court during trial. Madden testified

that Appellant repeatedly poked him and told him not to try anything. He testified

he felt threatened and was scared, and that he complied because he didn’t know if

Appellant had a weapon, but he could only assume he did based upon his conduct.

Madden further testified that after Appellant took cash out of the drawer, he

ordered him to get on his knees and put his head against the wall, and that he

complied because he was afraid to interfere and was not sure what Appellant might

do. Appellant then fled with Miller.

{¶5} Daniel Collins, who was working the drive-thru, also testified at trial.

He testified that although he could not see the perpetrator’s face, he saw a man

come through the employee door and rob Madden. He testified that the perpetrator

had his right hand in his coat pocket and it looked like he was holding something.

Additional testimony introduced at trial indicated the two men were seen by shift

manager, Kimberly Mercer, leaving the parking lot in an orange Pontiac. Mercer

was able to view the license plate number and provide it to law enforcement.

Appellant and Miller were arrested several hours later after being located at a BP

gas station in an orange Pontiac. A Cleveland Cavaliers hat was located on the

dash of the vehicle and a khaki jacket was found in the backseat. Scioto App. Nos. 18CA3848 & 18CA3849 5

{¶6} In addition to witness and law enforcement testimony, the State played

the surveillance video for the jury. The jury also viewed the recorded video of

Miller’s statement that he provided to law enforcement the night he was arrested.

In this statement, Miller said Appellant was with him at Wendy’s and committed

the robbery. Miller testified for the defense, however, at trial. In his trial

testimony he claimed Appellant was not with him at Wendy’s and he refused to

provide the name of the individual that was with him. After being impeached with

his prior statement to law enforcement, Miller stood by his trial testimony and

maintained Appellant was not the person who committed the robbery.

{¶7} Appellant was ultimately convicted of the robbery charge and the trial

court sentenced Appellant to a thirty-six-month prison term. The trial court also

sentenced Appellant to an eighteen-month prison term on the community control

violation and ordered it to be served consecutively to the prison term imposed on

the robbery charge, for an aggregate sentence of fifty-four months. These matters

were disposed of by separate judgment entries in separate cases. Appellant has

timely appealed both cases, which have been consolidated for purposes of appeal,

and raises five assignments of error for our review.

ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR

I. “Prosecutorial Misconduct occurred during the cross examination of Appellant’s witness Michael Miller.” Scioto App. Nos. 18CA3848 & 18CA3849 6

II. “The Trial Court abused its discretion in instructing witness Miller regarding perjury in the presence of the jury.”

III. “Appellant’s conviction for Felony 3 Robbery was against the manifest weight and sufficiency of the evidence.”

IV. “The Trial Court abused its discretion in sentencing Appellant to the maximum time allowed by law in the instant case.”

V. “Counsel for Appellant was ineffective when he failed to request a jury instruction regarding eyewitness identification.”

ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR I and II

{¶8} Because Appellant’s first and second assignments of error are

interrelated, we address them in conjunction with one another for ease of analysis.

In his first assignment of error, Appellant contends that prosecutorial misconduct

occurred during the cross-examination of his witness and co-defendant, Michael

Miller. More specifically, Appellant argues the prosecutor committed misconduct

by threatening Appellant’s witness with perjury in the presence of the jury. In his

second assignment of error, Appellant further contends the trial court abused its

discretion in instructing Miller regarding perjury in the presence of the jury.

{¶9} “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. Leonard, 4th Dist. Athens No. 08CA24,

, ¶ 36, citing State

v. Smith,

,

,

, ¶ 45. “The

‘conduct of a prosecuting attorney during trial cannot be grounds for error unless Scioto App. Nos. 18CA3848 & 18CA3849 7

the conduct deprives the defendant of a fair trial.’ ”

quoting State v. Givens, 4th

Dist. No. 07CA19,

, in turn quoting State v. Gest,

,

(8th Dist. 1995). “Prosecutorial misconduct

constitutes reversible error only in rare instances.” State v. Edgington, 4th Dist.

Ross No. 05CA2866,

, citing State v. Keenan,

,

(1993). “The ‘touchstone of analysis * * * is the

fairness of the trial, not the culpability of the prosecutor. * * * The Constitution

does not guarantee an “error free, perfect trial.” ’ ” (Alterations sic.) Leonard at

¶ 36, quoting

.

{¶10} We initially address the State’s contention that defense counsel

entered a general objection to the prosecutor’s question but failed to specifically

object on grounds of prosecutorial misconduct. Evid.R. 103 provides, in pertinent

part, as follows:

(A) Effect of Erroneous Ruling. Error may not be predicated upon a

ruling which admits or excludes evidence unless a substantial right of

the party is affected; and

(1) Objection. In case the ruling is one admitting evidence, a timely

objection or motion to strike appears of record, stating the specific

ground of objection, if the specific ground was not apparent from the

context[.] Scioto App. Nos. 18CA3848 & 18CA3849 8

Here, the record reveals that defense counsel made a general objection when the

prosecutor asked Appellant if he knew the definition of perjury, but he did not

specifically allege grounds of prosecutorial misconduct. However, this was not a

situation where the admission or exclusion of evidence was at stake. Rather,

defense counsel was objecting to a question posed by the prosecutor that was likely

unanticipated and, as will be discussed below, was clearly improper. Under these

circumstances, we believe the specific grounds of the objection were apparent at

the time. Thus, we conclude this error was properly preserved for review.

{¶11} We now turn to the merits of Appellant’s argument. As set forth

above, midway through the State’s cross-examination of Appellant’s witness,

Michael Miller, and after receiving numerous “I don’t know” and “I don’t

remember” answers, the prosecutor abruptly asked Miller if he knew the definition

of perjury. When Miller stated that he did not, the prosecutor asked the trial court

to instruct the witness on the definition of perjury. The trial court obliged, over a

second objection by defense counsel. Both parties cite to State v. Halley,

,

(1994) regarding the prosecutor’s and trial court’s

remarks regarding perjury in the presence of the jury. In Halley, the court

explained at 79 as follows:

Ordinarily, accusations or reminders of perjury by a prosecutor are

improper. Such statements function as backhanded impeachment as Scioto App. Nos. 18CA3848 & 18CA3849 9

well as attempted witness intimidation and express the prosecutor's

personal belief or opinion as to the credibility of the witness, which is

improper. See State v. Thayer (1931), 124 Ohio St.1,

;

State v. Smith (1984),

, 14 OBR 317,

; and DR 7-106(C)(4) of the Code of Professional Responsibility.

Due to the prosecutor's role as representative of the state, it is

important to avoid any such impropriety so that the stature of the

office of the prosecuting attorney does not lend credence or distrust to

the testimony of either party's witnesses. Even if the prosecutor is

aware of a witness's falsity, unless the prosecutor chooses to testify, it

is improper to imply the witness is a perjurer. A correct method of

impeachment would be the presentation of a rebuttal witness and,

during closing arguments, drawing the jury's attention to the

inconsistency in the testimony. The jury may then perform its rightful

function and determine credibility.

Halley further explains that:

Intimidation of a witness by accusations or insinuations of perjury is

improper if done by either the court or the prosecutor. While it may

not be improper for the court or even a prosecutor to warn a witness of

the penalties of perjury and his right against self-incrimination out of Scioto App. Nos. 18CA3848 & 18CA3849 10

the hearing of the jury, it should ordinarily not be done in the presence

of the jury. Furthermore, when the warning reaches the level of

intimidation and interferes with a defendant's right to present

witnesses, reversible error occurs. See Webb v. Texas (1972),

,

,

; State v. Dumaine (1989),

,

.

{¶12} Applying the reasoning set forth in Halley, which we find instructive,

the prosecutor’s remarks and the instruction provided by the trial court were

clearly erroneous. As such, we conclude Appellant has demonstrated the first

prong of the test for prosecutorial misconduct. The second prong of the test

requires Appellant to demonstrate that his rights were materially prejudiced to the

extent he was deprived of a fair trial. Reversible error only occurs when both

prongs of the test are met. Thus, the improper conduct at issue here may not rise to

the level of prosecutorial misconduct or constitute reversible error if no prejudice

resulted.

{¶13} Here, as in Halley, although the prosecutor’s statements were

improper, it does not appear the comments by either the prosecutor or the trial

court intimidated the witness. Despite Appellant’s argument to the contrary, Miller

continued to testify after the improper warning of perjury. Further, a video of his

prior statement to law enforcement was played for the jury and resulted in Miller Scioto App. Nos. 18CA3848 & 18CA3849 11

being impeached with his prior inconsistent statement, which clearly stated

Appellant was with him during the incident at Wendy’s on the night in question.

Nevertheless, when cross-examination continued after the video was played, Miller

stood by his trial testimony, claiming his prior statement was false. Based upon

this record, we find no evidence of witness intimidation.

{¶14} Moreover, as discussed under Appellant’s third assignment of error,

we have concluded that Appellant’s conviction was supported by sufficient

evidence and was not against the manifest weight of the evidence. Thus, the jury

would have found Appellant guilty, beyond a reasonable doubt, absent these errors.

See

. Because Appellant has failed to demonstrate the outcome of his

trial would have been different but for the prosecutor’s statements, or the trial

court’s instruction, we cannot conclude he was materially prejudiced or deprived

of a fair trial. Accordingly, we find no reversible error.

{¶15} In reaching our decision, we reject the State’s argument that the errors

by the prosecution and the trial court constituted invited error. Under the invited

error doctrine, “a party is not entitled to take advantage of an error that he himself

invited or induced.” State v. Doss, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 84433,

,

, ¶ 5, quoting State ex rel. Kline v. Carroll,

,

,

; State ex rel. the V. Cos. v. Marshall,

,

(1998). The doctrine precludes a defendant Scioto App. Nos. 18CA3848 & 18CA3849 12

from making “an affirmative and apparent strategic decision at trial” and then

complaining on appeal that the result of that decision constitutes reversible error.

Doss at ¶ 7, quoting United States v. Jernigan,

(11th Cir.

2003). The doctrine applies when defense counsel is “actively responsible” for the

trial court's error. State v. Campbell,

,

(2000).

{¶16} The State argues that when the issue of perjury arose, “defense

counsel could have easily asked to approach the bench and had a discussion out of

the jury’s presence.” In making this argument, the State suggests that “defense

counsel did not give the trial court the opportunity to consider the matter at a bench

conference” and thus the trial court “proceeded to give simple instructions to the

witness, albeit in the presence of the jury.” After reviewing the entire trial

transcript, we find this is a specious argument. The record does not support an

argument that defense counsel invited these errors. Instead, defense counsel

properly objected to each error as it occurred. It was the prosecution that initially

erred, and then invited the trial court to err as well. This argument has no merit.

{¶17} Nevertheless, we find Appellant’s arguments raised under both his

first and second assignments of error are without merit. Accordingly, they are both

overruled. Scioto App. Nos. 18CA3848 & 18CA3849 13

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR III

{¶18} In his third assignment of error, Appellant contends his conviction for

third-degree felony robbery was against the manifest weight of the evidence and is

not supported by sufficient evidence. Appellant primarily contends “that there was

no force or threat of force used in the commission of the cash drawer theft” and, as

such, his alleged actions “merely constituted theft as opposed to robbery.” He

argues that the evidence introduced at trial indicated he poked the cashier, Robert

Madden, but there was no evidence indicating he made any verbal threats to him.

Thus, it is Appellant’s position that the State failed to prove the element of force.

{¶19} “When an appellate court concludes that the weight of the evidence

supports a defendant's conviction, this conclusion necessarily includes a finding

that sufficient evidence supports the conviction.” State v. Puckett,

, 2010–Ohio–6597,

, citing State v. Pollitt, 4th

Dist. Scioto No. 08CA3263, 2010–Ohio–2556, ¶ 15. “ ‘Thus, a determination that

[a] conviction is supported by the weight of the evidence will also be dispositive of

the issue of sufficiency.’ ”

, quoting State v. Lombardi, 9th Dist.

Summit No. 22435, 2005–Ohio–4942, ¶ 9, in turn quoting State v. Roberts, 9th

Dist. Lorain No. 96CA006462,

(Sept. 17, 1997). Therefore, we

first consider whether Appellant's convictions were against the manifest weight of

the evidence. Scioto App. Nos. 18CA3848 & 18CA3849 14

{¶20} “In determining whether a criminal 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 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.” State v. Brown, 4th Dist. Athens No. 09CA3, 2009–Ohio–

5390, ¶ 24, citing State v. Thompkins,

, 387,

. A

reviewing court “may not reverse a conviction when there is substantial evidence

upon which the trial court could reasonably conclude that all elements of the

offense have been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.” State v. Johnson,

,

(1991), citing State v. Eskridge,

,

, paragraph two of the syllabus (1988).

{¶21} Even in acting as a thirteenth juror we must still remember that the

weight to be given evidence and the credibility to be afforded testimony are issues

to be determined by the trier of fact. State v. Frazier,

,

, citing State v. Grant,

,

. The

fact finder “is best able to view the witnesses and observe their demeanor, gestures,

and voice inflections, and use these observations in weighing the credibility of the

proffered testimony.” Seasons Coal Co. v. Cleveland,

,

(1984) (per curiam). Thus, we will only interfere if the fact finder Scioto App. Nos. 18CA3848 & 18CA3849 15

clearly lost its way and created a manifest miscarriage of justice. Moreover, “[t]o

reverse a judgment of a trial court on the weight of the evidence, when the

judgment results from a trial by jury, a unanimous concurrence of all three judges

on the court of appeals panel reviewing the case is required.” Thompkins at

paragraph four of the syllabus, construing and applying Section 3(B)(3), Article IV

of the Ohio Constitution.

{¶22} Here, Appellant was convicted of robbery in violation of R.C.

2911.02(A)(3), which provides that:

(A) No person, in attempting or committing a theft offense or in

fleeing immediately after the attempt or offense, shall do any of the

following:

***

(3) Use or threaten the immediate use of force against another.

In his brief, he contends the evidence introduced at trial supported a conviction for

theft, but not robbery by force, based upon an argument that no force was used in

the commission of the crime.

{¶23} Thus, Appellant’s argument under this assignment of error appears to

be limited to the question of whether the State proved, beyond a reasonable doubt,

the element of force contained in R.C. 2911.02(A)(2), which prohibits robbery by

force, or force robbery. “Force” is defined in R.C. 2901.01(A)(1) as “any violence, Scioto App. Nos. 18CA3848 & 18CA3849 16

compulsion, or constraint physically exerted by any means upon or against a

person or thing.” “The test for force or threat of force is objective and relies on the

totality of the circumstances.” In re Burton,

, 2005-Ohio-

2210,

, citing State v. Bush,

,

(1997); State v. Habtemariam,

,

(1995). “The force element of the offense of robbery is satisfied ‘if the fear of

the alleged victim was of such a nature as in reason and common experience is

likely to induce a person to part with property against his will and temporarily

suspend his power to exercise his will by virtue of the influence of the terror

impressed.’ ” In re

, quoting State v. Davis,

,

, paragraph one of the syllabus (1983); State v. Mitchell, 2nd Dist.

Montgomery No. 19216,

.

{¶24} As further explained in Burton, the threat of violence, compulsion, or

constraint need not be direct and explicit, but rather it may be implied from the

perpetrator's demeanor and tone of voice. In re

, citing

.

Moreover, the question of whether the actions and demeanor of a perpetrator

constituted a threat of immediate use of force against another is a jury question.

State v.

(where a perpetrator demanded money from a store

attendant and then physically removed money while carrying his right hand under Scioto App. Nos. 18CA3848 & 18CA3849 17

his shirt as if holding a concealed weapon, and while stating “I’m not gonna hurt

you”).

{¶25} As noted in State v. Bush, the test for force is objective and, as a

result, when it is possible for a jury to reasonably conclude that a defendant’s

statements, actions and demeanor had the purpose and effect of causing fear or

apprehension, it is not necessary to demonstrate proof of the victim’s fear or

apprehension in order to establish the force element.

. The Bush court

further explained as follows regarding the victim’s state of mind regarding the

establishment of the force element:

Although proof of the victim's fear and apprehension is not always

necessary, the victim's subjective state of mind is relevant in

determining whether the objective test has been satisfied. In other

words, the victim's state of mind is relevant in determining whether a

reasonable person would have thought that the defendant was

threatening the use of force. Furthermore, although proof of the

victim's fear and apprehension is not required in every case, proof of

the victim's fear and apprehension may be essential to prove that the

defendant's actions conveyed a threat of force when it is questionable

whether the defendant's demeanor, actions, and statements had that

purpose and effect.

Scioto App. Nos. 18CA3848 & 18CA3849 18

{¶26} Here, a review of the trial transcript indicates that the victim, Robert

Madden, was working at the cash register at approximately 9:00 p.m. when two

men entered the restaurant. One man, later identified as Appellant, went to the

bathroom and the other man, later identified as Michael Miller, stood in the lobby.

Miller eventually approached the counter and placed an order. The surveillance

video reveals that as Madden was completing the order, Appellant opened the door

next to the cash register, walked into an employee-only area behind the counter,

and then proceeded to take money out of the cash register and leave with Miller.

Although there was no sound on the surveillance video, Madden testified that when

Appellant entered the employee-only area, he repeatedly poked him in the side

with something and repeatedly told him not to try anything. After taking the

money from the cash register, Appellant ordered Madden to get down on his knees

and put his head against the wall. Appellant then exited and left the premises.

{¶27} Madden testified that he believed Appellant was poking him with his

left hand, and that he could not see Appellant’s right hand. Madden testified that

he felt threatened and was scared. He testified that he was not sure whether

Appellant had a weapon or not, but he could only assume that he did based upon

the fact Appellant kept telling him not to try anything. He further testified that

when Appellant ordered him to get on his knees and put his head against the wall,

he complied because he didn’t want to take any chances. He testified that he was Scioto App. Nos. 18CA3848 & 18CA3849 19

afraid of what Appellant would have done had he tried to interfere, and that he

would not have let him take the money in the cash register if he hadn’t felt

threatened.

{¶28} Another employee, Daniel Collins, testified at trial. Collins was

working the drive-thru when the incident occurred. He testified that although he

could not identify Appellant specifically, he observed a perpetrator walk through

the door by the cash register where Madden was working. He testified that

Appellant had his right hand in his coat pocket and that it looked like he was

holding something. He informed the restaurant manager over his headset that

Madden was being robbed. The 911 call was also played for the jury. Kim

Mercer, the shift manager, placed the call and reported that the perpetrator came

behind the counter and had his hand underneath his hoody and that it looked like

he had a weapon. Regina Maynard, the Wendy’s district manager, also testified at

trial. She testified that she came to the restaurant after the incident. She testified

that Madden’s lips were shaking and that he couldn’t talk right. She testified that

Madden was “truly devastated” and that his condition that night made her cry.

{¶29} Appellant compares the events here to State v. Frunza, 8th Dist.

Cuyahoga No. 82053,

, where it was held that pushing a stroller

over the toes and into the leg of store employee who was blocking an exit could

not reasonably be construed as an attempt to inflict physical harm. However, the Scioto App. Nos. 18CA3848 & 18CA3849 20

present case does not involve an allegation of physical harm robbery, but rather

robbery by force. Appellant also argues that the present case is similar to State v.

Cohen,

,

(1978), where it was held that force

was not proven where two individuals approached a sleeping man on the steps of

the courthouse, rolled him over, and took his watch and wallet while the man

remained asleep and suffered no injuries. However, we find the facts of Cohen

distinguishable, considering the victim there was asleep during the incident and

thus could not have felt threatened or experienced fear. Appellant further urges

this Court to rely on State v. Furlow,

,

(1992), which held that the force element of robbery requires a showing of actual

or potential harm to a person. In Furlow, it was held that evidence demonstrating

the defendant took a wallet and bills from the “firmer than usual grip” of the victim

was insufficient to establish the element of force.

{¶30} However, we find all of these cases to be factually distinguishable

from the case presently before us. Here, Appellant entered an employee-only area

without permission, poked an employee and told him not to try anything, stole

money from the cash register, and then ordered the employee to the ground. The

evidence introduced at trial indicated the employee complied out of fear, as well as

the assumption that Appellant had a weapon based upon the verbal threats he was

making. Another employee who was working that night who witnessed the events Scioto App. Nos. 18CA3848 & 18CA3849 21

testified Appellant’s hand was in his pocket and it looked he was holding

something. This fact pattern is far different from the facts in Frunza, Cohen or

Furlow. Further, in State v. Eblin, 4th Dist. Ross Nos. 888 and 894,

, *1 (June 10, 1982), this Court upheld a conviction for robbery by force

where a defendant ran up behind a victim and snatched her purse and umbrella and

ran off. Based upon evidence in the record that the purse was “jerked” from the

victim’s hand, causing the her to feel “shocked” and “frightened,” we found that

Cohen was inapplicable and that the jury was entitled to find force was used

against the victim. Id. at *2.

{¶31} Additionally, in State v. D’Souza, 4th Dist. Scioto No. 13CA3586,

, ¶ 27, albeit a case involving aggravated robbery rather than

robbery by force, this Court explained as follows:

When determining whether a defendant possessed a deadly weapon,

the factfinder “is entitled to draw all reasonable inferences from the

evidence presented.” State v. Vonderberg,

,

(1980), syllabus. The state need not prove that the

defendant “had actually displayed the weapon in order to establish

that he had possessed one.” State v. Knight, 2nd Dist. Greene

No.2003CA14, 2004–Ohio–1941, ¶ 17. Additionally, the state need

not produce the weapon in order to secure an aggravated robbery Scioto App. Nos. 18CA3848 & 18CA3849 22

conviction. Vondenberg, 61 Ohio St.2d at 288–89. Instead, “the

factfinder may infer that the defendant possessed a deadly weapon

based on his words and conduct.” Knight at ¶ 18. This does not

mean, however, that the state must prove that the defendant made a

verbal threat indicating the presence of a deadly weapon. Id. at ¶ 19.

Additionally, we observe that a victim need not “be '100 percent'

certain that [an] unseen object is a gun.” State v. Watkins, 8th Dist.

Cuyahoga No. 84288, 2004–Ohio–6908, ¶ 23.

{¶32} In D’Souza, we upheld a conviction for aggravated robbery and

actually rejected an argument that the evidence only supported a conviction for

robbery by force where a man entered a bank with his left hand inside his

sweatshirt sleeve and demanded money. D’Souza at ¶ 27. In reaching our

decision, we relied in part upon the bank teller’s testimony explaining that she

thought the defendant possessed a deadly weapon because he “indicated” that he

had one, and that his “actions and body language caused her to believe that he

possessed a gun and made her fear for her life and the safety of others,” despite the

fact that the defendant never stated he had a weapon and no one actually saw a

weapon. Id. at ¶ 44. The D’Souza court further explained as follows in ¶ 41:

R.C. 2911.02(A)(3) proscribes committing a theft offense by using or

threatening the immediate use of force against another. If an offender Scioto App. Nos. 18CA3848 & 18CA3849 23

displays, brandishes, indicates that the offender possesses a deadly

weapon, or uses a deadly weapon, then the offender also implicitly

uses or threatens the immediate use of force.

{¶33} Moreover, the Supreme Court of Ohio, in State v.

observed that “virtually every American Jurisdiction addressing the issue has held

that robbery convictions can be sustained by evidence that the offender simulated a

gun by putting his hand in a pocket, in a bag, or under a shirt.”

, citing

, annotation (1977); see also State v. Holliday, 6th Dist. Lucas

No. L-15-1264,

(upholding a conviction for physical harm

robbery where a store employee observed a perpetrator’s hand in his pocket “like

he had a gun,” while the perpetrator asked the employee “to do him a favor and

open the drawer and give him all the money inside.”).1 Based upon the record

before us, we believe the evidence introduced by the State at trial established the

element of force beyond a reasonable doubt.

{¶34} As we have already explained, the weight to be given evidence and

the credibility to be afforded testimony are issues to be determined by the trier of

fact. State v.

, citing State v. Grant, at 477. The jury, as the

trier of fact, is free to accept or to reject any and all of the evidence and to assess

1 Based on the rationale of Holliday, the facts sub judice arguably would have supported a charge of physical harm robbery as opposed to robbery by force (which was charged), rather than simple theft, as argued by Appellant. Scioto App. Nos. 18CA3848 & 18CA3849 24

witness credibility. Further, a verdict is not against the manifest weight of the

evidence simply because the fact-finder opts to believe the State's witnesses. State

v. Brooks, 4th Dist. Ross No. 15CA3490,

, citing, e.g., State

v. Chancey, 4th Dist. Washington No. 15CA17,

, ¶ 36, citing State

v. Wilson, 9th Dist. Lorain No. 12CA010263,

, citing State v.

Martinez, 9th Dist. Wayne No. 12CA0054,

. A fact-finder is

free to believe all, part, or none of a witness's testimony. Brooks at ¶ 32, citing

State v. Scott, 4th Dist. Washington No. 15CA2,

; State v.

Jenkins, 4th Dist. Ross No. 13CA3413,

. Thus, in the case

sub judice, the jury, after hearing and observing the witnesses, obviously found the

testimony of the State's witnesses credible. “It is not our job to second-guess the

jury where there is evidence from which it could reach a guilty verdict; we must

defer to the jury's credibility and weight determinations.” State v. Burris, 4th Dist.

Athens No. 16CA7,

, ¶ 31. Furthermore, we cannot conclude this is

an “ ‘exceptional case in which the evidence weighs heavily against the

conviction.’ ”

, quoting State v. Martin,

,

(1st Dist. 1983).

{¶35} As such, after reviewing the entire record, we cannot say that the jury

lost its way or created a manifest miscarriage of justice when it found Appellant

guilty of robbery by force. Accordingly, we find that Appellant's conviction was Scioto App. Nos. 18CA3848 & 18CA3849 25

not against the manifest weight of the evidence. Thus, we necessarily also

conclude that sufficient evidence supports his conviction. We therefore overrule

Appellant's third assignment of error.

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR IV

{¶36} In his fourth assignment of error, Appellant contends the trial court

abused its discretion in sentencing Appellant to the maximum time allowed by law.

More specifically, Appellant argues that the trial court’s imposition of a maximum

sentence amounted to a “trial tax” where there were no other significant

aggravating factors aside from his decision to exercise his right to a trial by jury.

Appellant further suggests the trial court erred by failing to state its reasons in

support of its findings with regard to the imposition of a maximum sentence. The

State contends the record clearly rebuts Appellant’s claim that the sentence was a

trial tax.

{¶37} We initially note that Appellant’s argument that the trial court abused

its discretion is misplaced. Abuse of discretion is no longer the appropriate

standard of review when reviewing the imposition of felony sentences. When

reviewing felony sentences, we apply the standard of review set forth in R.C.

2953.08(G)(2). State v. Brewer, 2014–Ohio–1903,

, ¶ 33 (4th Dist.)

(“we join the growing number of appellate districts that have abandoned the Kalish

plurality's second step abuse-of-discretion standard of review; when the General Scioto App. Nos. 18CA3848 & 18CA3849 26

Assembly re-enacted R.C. 2953.08(G)(2), it expressly stated ‘[t]he appellate court's

standard of review is not whether the sentencing court abused its discretion”); see

also State v. Graham, 4th Dist. Highland No. 13CA11, 2014–Ohio–3149, ¶ 31.

R.C. 2953.08(G)(2) specifies that an appellate court may increase, reduce, modify,

or vacate and remand a challenged felony sentence if the court clearly and

convincingly finds either that “the record does not support the sentencing court's

findings” under the specified statutory provisions or “the sentence is otherwise

contrary to law.”

{¶38} Here, the record indicates Appellant was sentenced to a thirty-six-

month term of imprisonment for third-degree robbery by force, as well as an

additional eighteen-month term of imprisonment for a community control

violation, to be served consecutively for an aggregate prison term of fifty four

months. It appears that the sentence Appellant received on the robbery conviction

was within the statutory range and that eighteen months was the correct length of

time remaining for the underlying offense related to Appellant’s community

control violation. Thus, it cannot be said that the length of either sentence is

contrary to law. Further, and importantly, maximum sentences do not require

specific findings. State v. McClain, 4th Dist. Pickaway No. 13CA17, 2014–Ohio–

4192, ¶ 36; State v. Lister, 4th Dist. Pickaway No. 13CA15, 2014–Ohio–1405,

¶ 10, citing State v. White, 2013–Ohio–4225,

, ¶ 7 (1st Dist.). Scioto App. Nos. 18CA3848 & 18CA3849 27

Although trial courts have full discretion to impose any term of imprisonment

within the statutory range, they must consider the sentencing purposes in R.C.

2929.11 and the guidelines contained in R.C. 2929.12. Lister, supra, at ¶ 14. H.B.

86 amended R.C. 2929.11 and states:

(A) A court that sentences an offender for a felony shall be guided by

the overriding purposes of felony sentencing. The overriding

purposes of felony sentencing are to protect the public from future

crime by the offender and others and to punish the offender using the

minimum sanctions that the court determines accomplish those

purposes without imposing an unnecessary burden on state or local

government resources. To achieve those purposes, the sentencing

court shall consider the need for incapacitating the offender, deterring

the offender and others from future crime, rehabilitating the offender,

and making restitution to the victim of the offense, the public, or both.

R.C. 2929.12 also provides a non-exhaustive list of factors a trial court must

consider when determining the seriousness of the offense and the likelihood that

the offender will commit future offenses. Lister, supra, at ¶ 15.

{¶39} While the trial court is required to consider the R.C. 2929.12 factors,

“the court is not required to ‘use specific language or make specific findings on the

record in order to evince the requisite consideration of the applicable seriousness Scioto App. Nos. 18CA3848 & 18CA3849 28

and recidivism factors (of R.C. 2929.12.)’ ” State v. Latimer, 11th Dist. Portage

No. 2011–P–0089, 2012–Ohio–3745, ¶ 18, quoting State v. Webb, 11th Dist. Lake

No. 2003–L–078, 2004–Ohio–4198, ¶ 10, quoting State v. Arnett,

,

(2000). The Supreme Court of Ohio in State v. Adams,

,

(1988), has held: “[a] silent record raises the

presumption that a trial court considered the factors contained in R.C. 2929.12.”

Latimer, supra, quoting Adams at paragraph three of the syllabus. Further, “[a]

maximum sentence is not contrary to law when it is within the statutory range and

the trial court considered the statutory principles and purposes of sentencing as

well as the statutory seriousness and recidivism factors.” State v. Talley, 2016-

Ohio-8010,

, ¶ 15 (2d Dist.).

{¶40} A review of the record reveals that although the trial court did not

specifically state its reasons for imposing maximum sentences on all counts, it

expressly stated its consideration of the required principles and purposes of felony

sentences. For instance, in addition to enumerating the applicable sentencing

statutes and factors, the trial court stated that given the fact the robbery was

committed while Appellant was on community control as well as the fact

Appellant had a prior felony conviction, any presumption against prison time was

rebutted. Based on the foregoing, it is clear that the trial court appropriately

considered the principles and purposes of felony sentences, as set forth in R.C. Scioto App. Nos. 18CA3848 & 18CA3849 29

2929.11, including the seriousness and recidivism factors contained in R.C.

2929.12. Thus, we cannot conclude the trial court's imposition of maximum

sentences on all counts was not supported by the record or was clearly and

convincingly contrary to law.

{¶41} Further, although Appellant does not specifically challenge the trial

court's imposition of consecutive sentences, because Appellant argues the trial

court erred in imposing the maximum possible sentence on all counts, which

necessarily required the sentences be imposed consecutively, we will review the

trial court's imposition of consecutive sentences as well. “[I]n order to impose

consecutive terms of imprisonment, a trial court is required to make findings

mandated by R.C. 2929.14(C)(4) at the sentencing hearing and incorporate its

findings into its sentencing entry, but it has no obligation to state reasons to

support its findings.” State v. Bonnell,

, 2014–Ohio–3177,

. A failure to make the findings required by R.C. 2929.14(C)(4)

renders a consecutive sentence contrary to law. State v. Bever, 4th Dist.

Washington No. 13CA21,

; State v. Stamper, 12th Dist. Butler

No. CA2012–08–166, 2013–Ohio–5669, ¶ 23. Specifically, the sentencing court

must find that: (1) “the consecutive sentence is necessary to protect the public from

future crime or to punish the offender”; (2) “the consecutive sentences are not Scioto App. Nos. 18CA3848 & 18CA3849 30

disproportionate to the seriousness of the offender's conduct and to the danger the

offender poses to the public”; and (3) one of the following:

(a) The offender committed one or more of the multiple offenses

while the offender was awaiting trial or sentencing, was under a

sanction imposed pursuant to section 2929.16, 2929.17, or 2929.18 of

the Revised Code, or was under post-release control for a prior

offense.

(b) At least two of the multiple offenses were committed as part of

one or more courses of conduct, and the harm caused by two or more

of the multiple offenses so committed was so great or unusual that no

single prison term for any of the offenses committed as part of any of

the courses of conduct adequately reflects the seriousness of the

offender's conduct.

(c) The offender's history of criminal conduct demonstrates that

consecutive sentences are necessary to protect the public from future

crime by the offender.

{¶42} A review of the record before us reveals that the trial court made the

required findings before imposing consecutive sentences, and the findings made

are supported by the record. For example, the trial court expressly found, pursuant

to R.C. 2929.14(C), that consecutive sentences 1) were necessary to protect the Scioto App. Nos. 18CA3848 & 18CA3849 31

public from future crime; 2) were necessary to punish the offender and 3) were not

disproportionate to the conduct or danger posed by the offender. The Court also

found that the offense was committed while Appellant was serving a period of

community control. With regard to Appellant’s community control violation, the

trial court specifically noted that not only had Appellant failed to report for a

period of one year, the basis of the community control violation was the

commission of a new felony. Thus, we find the trial court's imposition of

consecutive sentences pursuant to R.C. 2929.14 is supported by the record and was

not clearly and convincingly contrary to law.

{¶43} Further, with respect to Appellant’s argument that the trial court’s

imposition of the maximum possible sentence amounted to a “trial tax,” we note

that “[i]t is axiomatic that ‘a defendant is guaranteed the right to a trial and should

never be punished for exercising that right.’ ” State v. Morris,

,

,

, quoting State v. O’Dell,

,

, paragraph two of the syllabus (1989). As we further

observed in Morris at ¶ 12-13:

Any increase in the sentence based upon the defendant's decision to

stand on his right to put the government to its proof rather than plead

guilty is improper. State v. Scalf (1998),

,

; Columbus v. Bee (1979),

, 21 Scioto App. Nos. 18CA3848 & 18CA3849

,

. If courts could punish defendants for

exercising their constitutional right to a jury trial, the right would be

impaired by the chilling effect.

; see,

also North Carolina v. Pearce (1969),

,

,

. This prohibition on increased punishment applies “no

matter how overwhelming the evidence of [defendant's] guilt.”

, quoting United States v. Derrick (C.A.6,

1975),

.

In addition, a court must avoid creating the appearance that it

enhanced a defendant's sentence because he elected to go to trial.

Scalf,

,

; United States v.

Hutchings (C.A.2, 1985),

; United States v. Stockwell

(C.A.9, 1973),

. When the court makes

statements that “give rise to the inference that [the] defendant may

have been punished more severely because of his assertion of the right

to trial by jury,” we must vacate the sentence (State v. Hobbs,

Cuyahoga App. No. 81533,

,

, at

¶ 71), unless the record also contains an unequivocal statement that

the defendant's decision to go to trial was not considered in imposing

the sentence. Scalf,

,

, citing Scioto App. Nos. 18CA3848 & 18CA3849 33

“Absent such an unequivocal statement, the

sentence will be reversed and the matter remanded for resentencing.”

Id.; United States v. Medina–Cervantes (C.A.9, 1982),

,

716–717.

In Morris, the appellant pointed to numerous statements made by the trial judge

indicating anger and frustration that the case was taken to trial, coupled with the

lack of an unequivocal statement that the decision to go to trial was not considered

in imposing sentence. Id. at ¶ 14.

{¶44} Here, Appellant points to no statements whatsoever made by the trial

court indicating disappointment, frustration or anger that Appellant elected to go to

trial. This omission coupled with our determination that Appellant’s sentences

were supported by the record and not contrary to law lead us to conclude the trial

court’s imposition of the maximum possible sentence did not constitute an

impermissible trial tax. Thus, having found no error in the trial court's imposition

of maximum and consecutive sentences. We overrule Appellant's fourth

assignment of error.

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR V

{¶45} In his fifth assignment of error, Appellant contends his trial counsel

was ineffective for failing to request a jury instruction regarding eye witness

identification. To prevail on a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel, a criminal Scioto App. Nos. 18CA3848 & 18CA3849 34

appellant must establish (1) deficient performance by counsel, i.e., performance

falling below an objective standard of reasonable representation, and (2) prejudice,

i.e., a reasonable probability that, but for counsel's errors, the result of the

proceeding would have been different. State v. Short,

, 2011-

Ohio-3641,

; Strickland v. Washington,

,

,

(1984); State v. Knauff, 4th Dist. Adams No.

13CA976,

. In Ohio a properly licensed attorney is presumed

competent. State v. Gondor,

,

,

. Thus, in reviewing the claim of ineffective assistance of counsel, we must

indulge in “a strong presumption that counsel's conduct falls within the wide range

of reasonable professional assistance; that is, the defendant must overcome the

presumption that, under the circumstances, the challenged action ‘might be

considered sound trial strategy.’ ”

, quoting Michael v. Louisana,

,

,

(1956). Failure to satisfy either part

of the test is fatal to the claim. Id.; State v. Bradley,

,

(1989).

{¶46} In State v. Robinson, 2nd Dist. Montgomery No. 12000,

, *4, the Second District Court of Appeals considered an ineffective

assistance of counsel argument based upon the failure to request a jury instruction

regarding eyewitness identification. The court observed that the decision Scioto App. Nos. 18CA3848 & 18CA3849 35

“[w]hether to give a jury instruction on eyewitness identification is a matter

commended to the discretion of the trial court.” Citing State v. Guster,

,

(1981). Guster held as follows:

A trial court is not required in all criminal cases to give a jury

instruction on eyewitness identification where the identification of the

defendant is the crucial issue in the case and is uncorroborated by

other evidence. A trial court does not abuse its discretion in deciding

that the factual issues do not require, and will not be assisted by, the

requested instructions, and that the issue of determining identity

beyond a reasonable doubt is adequately covered by other

instructions. Guster at syllabus.

The Robinson Court ultimately decided that a jury instruction on eyewitness

identification was unnecessary where the victim testified she observed the

defendant at a close distance in a well-lighted area for over an hour, and later

picked the defendant out of a photo spread the next day. Robinson at *4.

{¶47} More recently, the Ninth District Court of Appeals considered an

argument that a trial court committed plain error in not providing a jury instruction

regarding eyewitness identification. See State v. Webb, 9th Dist. Summit No.

27424,

, ¶ 26. The Webb court declined to find plain error where

the trial court gave a general instruction on the issue of credibility, Webb's trial Scioto App. Nos. 18CA3848 & 18CA3849 36

counsel emphasized the potential issues with identification on cross-examination,

and where Webb failed to develop any argument as to how the failure to give such

an instruction affected the outcome of the trial. Id. at ¶ 27.

{¶48} Here, we conclude Appellant’s argument that the jury should have

been instructed regarding eyewitness testimony is not supported by the record.

Appellant argues that Robert Madden’s identification of Appellant was “tenuous at

best.” He argues Madden’s testimony demonstrated “apparent uncertainty”

regarding the identification of the perpetrator. Appellant further argues that

defense counsel failed to properly cross-examine Madden regarding “the

uncertainty previously expressed by [him] regarding the look he got at the

suspect.” However, the record does not support these arguments.

{¶49} Instead, a review of the record reveals that Robert Madden

unequivocally testified that he “got a good look” at both Appellant and his co-

defendant, Miller. He testified that Appellant was up close to him and that he

maintained eye contact with him during the incident. He further identified

Appellant in the courtroom. Appellant argues that Madden’s response of “I think

so” upon being questioned a second time as to whether he “got a good look at [the]

guy that came behind the register” indicated “apparent uncertainty” as to the

perpetrator’s identification. However, depending on the inflection in Madden’s

voice, which this Court cannot review, that statement could have been construed as Scioto App. Nos. 18CA3848 & 18CA3849 37

being a clear yes, rather than an indication of uncertainty. The surveillance footage

reveals the restaurant was well-lit at the time of the incident and that Madden

would have had a direct and close-up view of the perpetrator’s face.

{¶50} Further, and contrary to Appellant’s arguments, defense counsel

specifically cross-examined Madden regarding his identification of Appellant.

Defense counsel cross-examined Madden on the clothing the perpetrator was

wearing, whether he was wearing glasses, and whether his hood was up. Defense

counsel further questioned Madden regarding what it was that was “so specific

about the Defendant today that would make [him] able to identify him.” Madden

responded that Appellant’s facial features, beard, haircut and glasses were all the

same. In response to Madden’s comment regarding the glasses, defense counsel

showed the jury Appellant’s booking photo, in which he was not wearing glasses.

Thus, the record indicates defense counsel vigorously cross-examined Madden

regarding his identification of Appellant as the perpetrator of the robbery.

{¶51} In light of the foregoing trial testimony, there is no support in the

record for Appellant’s argument that trial counsel should have requested a jury

instruction regarding eyewitness identification. Further, counsel’s failure to

request an instruction that was not warranted based upon the evidence does not

constitute ineffective assistance. Thus, we find Appellant’s fifth assignment of

error has no merit and it is overruled. Scioto App. Nos. 18CA3848 & 18CA3849 38

{¶52} Accordingly, having found no merit in any of the assignments of error

raised by Appellant, the judgment of the trial court is affirmed.

JUDGMENT AFFIRMED. Scioto App. Nos. 18CA3848 & 18CA3849 39

JUDGMENT ENTRY

It is ordered that the JUDGMENT BE AFFIRMED and costs be assessed to Appellant. The Court finds there were reasonable grounds for this appeal. It is ordered that a special mandate issue out of this Court directing the Scioto County Common Pleas Court to carry this judgment into execution. IF A STAY OF EXECUTION OF SENTENCE AND RELEASE UPON BAIL HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY GRANTED BY THE TRIAL COURT OR THIS COURT, it is temporarily continued for a period not to exceed sixty days upon the bail previously posted. The purpose of a continued stay is to allow Appellant to file with the Supreme Court of Ohio an application for a stay during the pendency of proceedings in that court. If a stay is continued by this entry, it will terminate at the earlier of the expiration of the sixty day period, or the failure of the Appellant to file a notice of appeal with the Supreme Court of Ohio in the forty-five day appeal period pursuant to Rule II, Sec. 2 of the Rules of Practice of the Supreme Court of Ohio. Additionally, if the Supreme Court of Ohio dismisses the appeal prior to expiration of sixty days, the stay will terminate as of the date of such dismissal. A certified copy of this entry shall constitute the mandate pursuant to Rule 27 of the Rules of Appellate Procedure. Abele, J. & Hess, J.: Concur in Judgment and Opinion. For the Court,

BY: __________________________________ 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. Scioto App. Nos. 18CA3848 & 18CA3849 40