[Cite as State v. Ward, 2012-Ohio-988.]

IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO 

THIRD APPELLATE DISTRICT 

SENECA COUNTY 

 

STATE OF OHIO, 

 PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, CASE NO. 13-11-17 

 v. 

JOHN E. WARD, O P I N I O N 

 DEFENDANT-APPELLANT. 

 

Appeal from Seneca County Common Pleas Court 

Trial Court No. 10 CR 0133 

Judgment Affirmed 

Date of Decision: March 12, 2012 

 

APPEARANCES: 

James S. Nordholt, Jr. for Appellant 

Derek W. DeVine and James A. Davey for Appellee 
Case No. 13-11-17 

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SHAW, P.J. 

{¶1} Appellant, John E. Ward (“Ward”), appeals the April 18, 2011 

judgment of the Seneca County Court of Common Pleas journalizing his 

conviction by a jury for two counts of aggravated trafficking in drugs and 

sentencing him to serve fifteen months in prison on each count, to be served 

consecutively. 

{¶2} On July 29, 2010, the Seneca County Grand Jury returned a two count 

indictment alleging Ward committed aggravated trafficking in drugs, in violation 

of R.C. 2925.03(A)(1),(C)(1)(a). Both offenses are felonies of the fourth degree. 

{¶3} The charges stemmed from two controlled purchase operations 

conducted by the Seneca County Drug Task Force MERITCH Enforcement Unit 

on February 16, 2009, and on March 2, 2009. Each of these controlled purchase 

operations involved the use of a confidential informant, hereinafter referred to as 

the “CI,” who purchased a prearranged amount of Oxycodone from Ward. During 

the controlled purchase operations, law enforcement outfitted the CI with an audio 

transmitter and recorder, which recorded the CI’s conversations with Ward during 

each drug transaction. The CI died unexpectedly after participating in the two 

controlled purchase operations involving Ward. 

{¶4} On October 12, 2010, Ward filed a motion in limine to exclude from 

evidence any out-of-court statements made by the CI during the operations, in 
Case No. 13-11-17 

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particular any statements made by the CI identifying Ward as the person who sold 

him the Oxycodone. Ward argued that because the CI was unavailable to testify at 

trial, his out-of-court statements are considered hearsay and their admission would 

violate his Sixth Amendment right of confrontation. 

{¶5} The trial court held a hearing on Ward’s motion in limine. On January 

7, 2011, the trial court issued a Judgment Entry granting in part and overruling in 

part Ward’s motion in limine. Specifically, the trial court excluded evidence of 

the CI’s statements made during a photo array identifying Ward as the suspect. 

However, the trial court permitted the prosecution to use the audio recordings 

from the controlled purchase operations, concluding that the recordings are not 

hearsay and the confrontation clause would not be violated. The trial court also 

ruled that it would give a limiting instruction regarding the audio recordings to the 

jury. 

{¶6} Ward filed two additional motions in limine requesting the trial court 

to exclude from evidence any out-of-court statements made by the CI to law 

enforcement after his encounters with Ward, and any out-of-court statements made 

by the CI during a subsequent interview with law enforcement. After a hearing, 

the trial court granted both of these motions in limine. As a result of the trial 

court’s rulings, the prosecution was limited to only introducing the portion of the 

audio recordings that captured the CI’s encounter with Ward during the drug 
Case No. 13-11-17 

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transactions, and was not permitted to introduce any portion of the tape after the 

transactions concluded. The recording of the CI’s interview with law enforcement 

was also excluded from being presented as evidence in the prosecution’s case-inchief. 

{¶7} The case proceeded to a jury trial on April 11 and 12, 2011. The 

prosecution presented the testimony of the law enforcement officers involved in 

each of the controlled purchase operations. In addition, the prosecution also 

presented the testimony of the forensic scientists who analyzed the drugs the CI 

purchased from Ward and confirmed its identity as Oxycodone. Ward testified on 

his own behalf. 

{¶8} On April 12, 2011, the jury returned a guilty verdict for both counts of 

aggravated trafficking in drugs, convicting Ward of both offenses. 

{¶9} On April 18, 2011, the trial court sentenced Ward to serve fifteen 

months in prison for each offense, to be served consecutively. 

{¶10} Ward now appeals, asserting the following assignments of error. 

ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NO. I

THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY ADMITTING 

TESTIMONIAL STATEMENTS MADE BY AN 

UNAVAILABLE WITNESS THROUGH AUDIO TAPES OF 

ALLEGED DRUG TRANSACTIONS AND THE TESTIMONY 

OF POLICE OFFICERS. 
Case No. 13-11-17 

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ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NO. II

THE VERDICT OF GUILTY RENDERED BY THE JURY 

WAS AGAINST THE MANIFEST WEIGHT OF THE 

EVIDENCE. 

{¶11} For ease of discussion, we elect to address Ward’s assignments of 

error together. 

First and Second Assignments of Error

{¶12} On appeal, Ward claims the trial court erred in permitting the 

prosecution to use the audio recordings of the actual drug transactions during the 

controlled purchase operations as evidence against him. Ward also challenges the 

jury verdict, asserting that it is against the manifest weight of the evidence. 

{¶13} The following testimony was elicited as evidence at trial. Detective 

Armstrong, a police officer with the Fostoria Police Department and a detective 

with the Seneca County Drug Task Force MERTICH Enforcement Unit, testified 

that he was the case manager assigned to both controlled purchase operations and 

made all the decisions regarding how the operations proceeded. Detective 

Armstrong testified that he had previously participated in approximately two 

hundred controlled purchase operations. 

{¶14} On the stand, Detective Armstrong explained the typical protocol 

used in a controlled purchase operation. As standard “pre-operational protocol,” 

the CI and law enforcement meet at a “pre-determined location,” where the CI and 
Case No. 13-11-17 

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his vehicle are searched by law enforcement for contraband.1

 The CI is outfitted 

with an audio transmitter and recorder which serves two functions: 1) to transmit 

in real time to the listener all the sounds captured by the device during the 

operation; and 2) to digitally record all the sounds captured by the device during 

the operation. Detective Armstrong explained that during the pre-operational 

protocol law enforcement also issues the CI money to purchase the illegal drugs 

anticipated to be obtained in the operation. The serial numbers on the bills are 

recorded prior to being issued to the CI. 

{¶15} Detective Armstrong explained that in both of these instances 

involving Ward, the CI and law enforcement left the pre-determined location and 

travelled to the “target location,” where the controlled purchase was arranged to 

take place. In both operations, the target location was the alley behind the CI’s 

home located at 194 East Perry Street in Tiffin, Ohio. Detective Armstrong 

testified that law enforcement conducted both visual and audio surveillance of the 

operations. The audio surveillance was conducted with the use of the audio 

transmitter and recorder placed on the CI, and the visual surveillance was 

conducted with the use of a video camera. 

 

1

 The testimony at trial also revealed in detail the procedure used by law enforcement to conduct the search 

of the CI and his vehicle. The vehicle search lasts approximately five to ten minutes and is performed in 

same manner as a typical traffic stop search. Specifically, law enforcement thoroughly searches the vehicle 

including the glove box, under the seats and mats, and the trunk. During the search of the CI, the CI is 

asked to remove all outer layers of clothing, including his shoes, so that his first layer of clothing is all that 

remains on his person. The CI’s clothing and shoes are searched by law enforcement and the CI is 

thoroughly patted down. 
Case No. 13-11-17 

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{¶16} Detective Armstrong testified that immediately after the completion 

of each operation, the CI and law enforcement returned to the pre-determined 

location to conduct the “post-operational protocol.” At this time, the CI turns over 

the illegal drugs he purchased in the operation to law enforcement and the 

contraband is packaged and labeled as evidence. The CI and his vehicle are again 

searched for additional contraband, and the audio transmitter and recorder is 

removed. 

1. February 16, 2009 Controlled Purchase Operation 

{¶17} In this particular instance, Detective Armstrong recalled that the 

operation was initiated when the CI contacted him about arranging the purchase of 

seven OxyContin 80 pills from a person named “John.”2

 Detective Armstrong 

testified that based on the information he obtained from the CI, he anticipated that 

the price would be $50.00 per pill. Detective Armstrong explained that he was the 

“control officer” for this particular CI, meaning that the CI would contact 

Detective Armstrong anytime he discovered that he could purchase illegal drugs 

from someone to see if law enforcement was available to conduct a controlled 

 

2

 OxyContin is the trade name for Oxycodone Hydrochloride controlled-release tablets, an opioid analgesic 

drug. “Oxycodone is a morphine-like drug that is highly addictive and is rated as a Schedule II narcotic, a 

designation given by the government that identifies a prescription medication as having a great potential for 

abuse. A Schedule II designation also means that the drug, while accepted for medical use, has severe 

restrictions, and abuse of the drug has a high potential to lead to severe psychological or physical 

dependence.” Howland v. Purdue Pharma L.P., 104 Ohio St.3d 584, 2004-Ohio-6552, ¶¶ 2-3. Detective 

Armstrong testified that OxyContin 80 contains 80 milligrams of Oxycodone. 
Case No. 13-11-17 

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purchase operation. After speaking with the CI, Detective Armstrong authorized 

the CI to arrange the purchase with the seller. 

{¶18} Detective Armstrong recalled that the operation occurred in the 

afternoon. Detective Armstrong and two other detectives, Detectives Joseph and 

Vallery,3

 met with the CI at the pre-determined location to conduct the preoperational protocol. Detective Armstrong testified that he searched the CI and 

fitted him with the audio transmitter and recorder. Detectives Vallery and Joseph 

both testified that together they searched the CI’s vehicle. The testimony of all 

three Detectives confirmed that no contraband was found either on the CI or in his 

vehicle. Detective Armstrong testified that he issued the CI $350.00 to purchase 

the seven OxyContin tablets at $50.00 apiece. Detective Armstrong recalled that 

he assigned Detective Joseph to conduct the video surveillance of the operation, 

while he and Detective Vallery monitored the audio surveillance. 

{¶19} After completing the pre-operational protocol, the CI and the 

detectives left the pre-determined location and headed toward the target location. 

The CI drove his own vehicle, with Detective Joseph in one vehicle, and 

Detectives Vallery and Armstrong riding together in another. Detective Joseph 

testified that he was the first to leave the predetermined location with the CI 

behind him, and Detectives Armstrong and Vallery following the CI. 

 

3

 Detectives Joseph and Vallery testified that they collectively have over 28 years of law enforcement 

experience and have conducted over a thousand controlled purchase operations. 
Case No. 13-11-17 

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{¶20} Detective Armstrong recalled that while en route to the target 

location, he received information from the CI that the person from whom he was 

supposed to buy the OxyContin pills had arrived early. Specifically, the CI 

indicated to the detectives that the suspect was in a blue-green four-door vehicle 

stopped at the intersection. The same blue-green four-door vehicle then pulled up 

into the lane next to Detectives Vallery and Armstrong’s vehicle. Detective 

Armstrong testified that from his vantage point he was able to get “a full visual” of 

the driver, whom he later identified as Ward. Detective Armstrong also observed 

a handicapped placard hanging from the vehicle’s rearview mirror. 

{¶21} At this time, Detective Armstrong was also able to observe the 

license plate on the blue-green vehicle. Detective Armstrong testified that he ran 

the license plate number through LEADS, a national law enforcement database, 

and discovered that the vehicle was registered to John E. Ward. The suspect then 

followed the CI to the target location. Detectives Armstrong and Vallery arrived 

at the target location shortly after the CI and the suspect. 

{¶22} On the stand, Detective Joseph testified that he remembered hearing 

the call over the police radio indicating that the suspect had arrived early and that 

his vehicle had been identified as the one stopped at the intersection. Detective 

Joseph testified that he then observed both the CI’s and the suspect’s vehicles 

behind him while en route to the target location. Detective Joseph described the 
Case No. 13-11-17 

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suspect’s vehicle as blue-green in color. Detective Joseph also recalled hearing 

Detective Armstrong recite the license plate number of the suspect’s vehicle over 

the radio. 

{¶23} Once at the target location, Detective Joseph explained that he 

parked his vehicle in a nearby parking lot where he could observe the location of 

the anticipated drug transaction. Detective Joseph testified that he arrived at the 

target location shortly before the CI and suspect, who arrived at the same time. As 

a consequence of the suspect arriving early, Detective Joseph was only able to 

record the tail-end of the drug transaction with the video recorder, which depicted 

the blue-green car identified as the suspect’s leaving after the illegal drug purchase 

took place. However, Detective Joseph testified that while he was trying to focus 

the video camera he personally observed the CI speaking to a white male during 

the time the drug transaction occurred. 

{¶24} Detective Armstrong testified that he audibly monitored in real time 

the conversation between the CI and Ward during this operation. At trial, 

Detective Armstrong identified the voices on the audio recordings as those 

belonging to the CI and Ward. Detective Armstrong explained that he was 

familiar with the CI’s voice because he was the “control officer” for the CI and 

had daily contact with him. Detective Armstrong further explained that his 

familiarity with Ward’s voice stemmed from his participation in the controlled 
Case No. 13-11-17 

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purchase operations and other additional occasions on which he interacted with 

Ward after the conclusion of the operations. 

{¶25} The following is an excerpt from the audio recording of the February 

16, 2009 controlled purchase operation, which was played for the jury. 

JW: (Inaudible.) 

CI: I know. We’ll I am trying to make you some money, man. 

There is one, two—seven there? 

JW: I can’t give you my bottle. 

CI: All right. Wait a minute. 

JW: (Inaudible) give you my bottle. 

CI: One, two—you can count it. There’s $350; one, two, 

three, four, five—All right. All right. Well, I’ll get ahold of you 

later, all right? 

JW: (Inaudible) three or four more but they’re 50, man, and 

I’d have to pull a couple strings to get ‘em because I gotta go to 

Upper. 

CI: All right. Well, I’ll just give you a call later, all right? 

Just give me a call. I’ll give you a call in a couple hours or 

something, an hour. When are you going up there? 

JW: I’m gonna be leaving (Inaudible). 

CI: Well, call me when you get back then. 

JW: I gotta go pay bills and shit, you know what I mean? 

CI: Yeah. Well, call me when you get back. Yeah. Uhm, 

yeah I got—Yeah, I gotta go drop these off real quick. 
Case No. 13-11-17 

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(Trans. p. 221-22). 

{¶26} At trial, Detective Armstrong testified to his own perceptions of the 

conversation between the CI and Ward on the audio recording of the February 16, 

2009 transaction. Detective Armstrong explained that he heard Ward state he 

could not give the CI his bottle. Based on his experience, Detective Armstrong 

testified that Ward was referring to a prescription pill bottle, which was sometimes 

used as the vessel to hold the illegal drugs sold in a controlled purchase operation. 

{¶27} On the stand, Detective Armstrong also explained the significance of 

Ward’s statements “three or four more but they’re 50, man, and I’d have to pull a 

couple strings to get ‘em because I gotta go to Upper.” Detective Armstrong 

testified that based on his experience, the CI and Ward were arranging another 

purchase of illegal drugs for three or four more pills at $50.00 a piece, but that 

Ward would have to travel to Upper Sandusky, a neighboring town, to obtain the 

drugs. Detective Armstrong explained that he also heard the CI counting to 350 

which he believed indicated that the CI had completed the purchase of the seven 

OxyContin pills for $50.00 each. 

{¶28} Detectives Armstrong, Joseph, and Vallery each testified that they 

followed the CI to the pre-determined location after the operation was complete to 

conduct the post-operational protocol. Detective Vallery recalled that he searched 

both the CI and his vehicle after the operation. Notably, the $350.00 in marked 
Case No. 13-11-17 

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bills given to the CI prior to the operation was not found. At this time, the CI 

handed Detective Vallery the illegal drugs obtained during the operation, which 

were identified as the anticipated seven OxyContin pills. 

{¶29} Detective Vallery described the contraband as pills loosely contained 

in a cellophane wrapper, similar to the kind found on the outer wrapping of a 

cigarette pack. The fact that the anticipated contraband was contained in the 

cellophane wrapper directly correlates with Detective Armstrong’s perceptions of 

Ward’s statements on the audio recordings indicating that he could not give the CI 

his prescription pill bottle to transport the illegal drugs. Notably, as highlighted in 

our discussion of the second controlled purchase operation; the illegal drugs 

exchanged in that transaction were contained in a prescription pill bottle with the 

label removed. 

{¶30} Detective Vallery testified that he then handed the contraband to 

Detective Armstrong. Detective Armstrong testified that he packaged the pills and 

labeled them as evidence. The testimony at trial revealed that at this time no other 

contraband was found on either the CI or in his vehicle. Detective Armstrong also 

confirmed that the audio transmitter and recorder was removed from the CI. 

{¶31} The prosecution admitted the pills obtained during the February 16, 

2009 operation as an exhibit at trial. On the stand, both Detectives Vallery and 

Armstrong individually identified the exhibit as the pills purchased by the CI 
Case No. 13-11-17 

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during the operation. In addition, the prosecution presented the testimony of the 

forensic scientist who analyzed the identity and the weight of the pills and 

confirmed that the pills were the scheduled II substance, Oxycodone. The lab 

report prepared by the forensic scientist was also admitted as an exhibit at trial. 

2. March 2, 2009 Controlled Purchase Operation 

{¶32} Detective Armstrong testified that he learned from the CI that twenty 

Percocet pills4

 could be purchased from the same seller for $5.00 apiece, or 

$100.00, and gave the CI permission to arrange the purchase. 

{¶33} Detective Armstrong recalled that the operation took place during the 

afternoon of March 2, 2009. This time, the participating law enforcement officers 

were Detectives Armstrong, Joseph and Boyer.5

 The detectives met the CI at the 

pre-determined location to conduct the pre-operational protocol. Detective Joseph 

testified that the CI was searched and the audio transmitter and recorder was 

placed on the CI’s body. The CI’s vehicle was not involved in this operation. 

Detective Armstrong testified that the CI was issued five marked $20.00 bills. 

{¶34} The target location during this operation was the same as in the 

previous operation. Detective Boyer was assigned to conduct the video 

surveillance. 

 

4

 Percocet is composed of Oxycodone and Tylenol. As previously mentioned, Oxycodone is a schedule II 

substance. 

5

 Detective Boyer testified that he has nineteen years’ of experience as a City of Tiffin Police Officer and 

that he also serves as the unit coordinator for the Seneca County Drug Task Force METRICH Enforcement 

Unit. He testified that he has participated in over a thousand controlled purchase operations. 
Case No. 13-11-17 

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{¶35} Detective Boyer testified that he parked at the target location, hid in 

the back of his vehicle, and waited for the suspect to arrive. Detective Boyer’s 

video recording of the operation was admitted as evidence at trial. The recording 

initially focuses on the CI who is waiting to meet with the suspect. After a few 

minutes pass, a blue-green four-door vehicle is seen driving down the alley past 

Detective Boyer’s location. There is a handicapped placard hanging from the 

rearview mirror of the vehicle. Detective Boyer focuses on the driver, who is the 

sole occupant of the vehicle, and is able to view his face. The vehicle stops at the 

target location and a man in a brown coat is seen approaching the driver’s side of 

the vehicle. The man in the brown coat then leans into the driver’s side window 

with his hands inside the vehicle for close to a minute. Detective Boyer focuses 

on the vehicle’s license plate and calls in the license plate number over the police 

radio. The man in the brown coat then leans back from the vehicle and is seen 

with a small object in his right hand. The man in the brown coat and the driver 

continue to talk for another minute and then driver leaves the target location. 

{¶36} At trial, Detective Boyer testified to his observations during the 

operation and explains the video. Specifically, he identifies the CI as the man 

wearing the brown coat, who leans into the vehicle. Detective Boyer explained 

that based on his experience a person typically leans into a vehicle in that manner, 

in broad daylight, to avoid anyone seeing what is being exchanged. Detective 
Case No. 13-11-17 

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Boyer testified that it is his understanding that the illegal drugs were exchanged 

between the suspect and the CI at this moment. Detective Boyer also identified 

his voice on the video and explained that he recited over the radio the license plate 

number of the suspect’s vehicle to inform the other detectives. 

{¶37} Detective Boyer testified that he made still photographs of the driver 

and the vehicle from his video surveillance. These photographs were also 

admitted as exhibits at trial. On the stand, Detective Boyer described the images 

in the photos. The majority of the photos focus on the driver of the vehicle, in 

particular the driver’s face. Detective Boyer identified Ward in the courtroom as 

the driver of the vehicle in the photos. Another photo depicts the blue-green 

vehicle with a clear view of the license plate number. Boyer identified this vehicle 

as the one he observed at the March 2, 2009 controlled purchase operation. The 

testimony at trial also revealed that the license plate number on the vehicle was the 

same one observed by Detective Armstrong in the first operation. 

{¶38} Detectives Armstrong and Joseph conducted the audio surveillance 

from the same vehicle. During this time, Detective Armstrong audibly monitored 

the operation in real time. The operation was simultaneously being recorded. The 

following is an excerpt of the audio recording of the March 2, 2009 operation, 

which was also played for the jury at trial. 

CI: What’s up, big dawg? Can you roll that down farther or— 
Case No. 13-11-17 

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JW: (Inaudible). 

CI: One, two, three, four, five; one hundred. Where are you 

going? Upper Sandusky? What do you gotta go up there for? 

(Inaudible) stand right there. 

JW: I took my kids up there (Inaudible) snow storm. We were 

upset (Inaudible) thought it was give [sic], then I found out it 

was (Inaudible.) 

CI: (Inaudible) 

JW: I gotta be up there a [sic] six. 

CI: Well, what time are you gonna be back? 

JW: Probably about seven, 7:30. 

CI: Seven, 7:30? 

JW: Hey, tomorrow might be able to get some Donnes in the 

morning (Inaudible) fuckin’ Blue’s old lady to the doctor in the 

morning. 

CI: Blue’s old lady? 

JW: Yeah (Inaudible) fuckin’ Donnes and Zannies in the 

morning. 

CI: That’d be cool. Get a hold of me, man, for sure. Call me 

tonight. 

JW: I will. 

CI: All right. 

JW: I don’t even hardly have any of these left, fuck. 

CI: Damn, you done got rid of all of them already? 
Case No. 13-11-17 

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JW: I wanted to fuck—I need a few to fuckin’—I don’t know. 

I wanna get this quarter of red bud that’s really (Inaudible) you 

know? 

CI: Yeah. 

JW: But I gave [sic] him a few of these, I get a, fuck, quarter of 

it. 

CI: All right. 

JW: I was trying to fuckin’ (Inaudible) 15, I’d give them five of 

them. 

CI: Yeah. 

JW: They told me it’d be ready Monday. 

CI: Huh? All right. Well, get a hold of me, man. 

JW: I already had some one time, that’s fuckin’ good, man, 

fuckin’ real good. It’s all real red. 

CI: Oh, yeah? 

JW: You know, like the red hairs in the leaves. 

CI: That real— 

JW: (Inaudible) green in it. 

CI: That real good shit? 

JW: Ain’t any green in it. 

CI: Oh, yeah. Really? I’d like to see some of that. 

JW: It’s the fuckin’ bomb. 
Case No. 13-11-17 

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CI: Oh yeah. Okay. Well, call me when you get back from 

Upper. 

JW: I will. 

CI: All right, man. I’ll close our garage . . . 

(Trans. p. 243-46). 

{¶39} After the audio recording of the March 2, 2009 operation was played, 

the prosecutor asked Detective Armstrong to explain some of the references made 

by Ward in his statements. Detective Armstrong explained that the anticipated 

goal of this operation was to purchase twenty Percocet pills for $100.00. 

Detective Armstrong testified that based on his training and experience he 

believed that Ward’s comments stating that he only had “a few of these” left, that 

“it’d be ready Monday,” and that he wanted to get rid of “15” and “I’d give them 

five of them” so that he could get “a quarter of a red bud” meant that Ward wanted 

to keep five of the twenty Percocet pills he arranged to sell to the CI to exchange 

them for a quarter ounce of marijuana. However, the CI had already indicated that 

he wanted to buy the twenty pills. Detective Armstrong testified that based on his 

understanding of what had occurred, the CI was able to purchase all twenty pills 

because he heard the CI counting “one, two, three, four, five; one hundred” 

indicating that the CI was individually counting the five twenty dollar bills 

previously issued to him by law enforcement. 
Case No. 13-11-17 

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{¶40} Shortly after the CI’s statements, a noticeable rattling sound was also 

picked up by the recording. Detective Armstrong described this sound as pills 

dropping into a prescription pill bottle. After the operation was complete, the 

twenty Percocet pills purchased by the CI were turned over to the detectives. 

Notably, the pills were contained in a prescription pill bottle with the label 

removed, which was consistent with Detective Armstrong’s perceptions while 

listening to the recordings. Detective Armstrong also explained Ward’s references 

to “Zannies” and “Donnes” as the street names for Xanax pills and Methadone 

pills.6

 

{¶41} Detective Armstrong testified that after the operation he and 

Detective Joseph picked-up the CI from the target location and drove him to the 

pre-determined location to conduct the post-operational protocol. At this time, the 

CI handed Detective Joseph the twenty pills contained in the plastic prescription 

pill bottle with the label removed. Detective Joseph testified that he received the 

pills from the CI, and then labeled and packaged the pills as evidence. Detective 

Armstrong confirmed that the CI was searched and the audio transmitter and 

recorder was removed. Detective Armstrong testified that neither the marked bills 

nor any additional contraband were found on the CI’s person. 

 

6

 Xanax is an anti-anxiety drug and a schedule IV substance. Methadone is a pain reliever and a schedule II 

substance. 
Case No. 13-11-17 

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{¶42} At trial, the prosecution admitted as an exhibit the package of 

evidence containing the pills purchased by the CI in the operation. On the stand, 

Detective Joseph identified the pills as the ones obtained in the March 2, 2009 

operation. In addition, the prosecution presented the testimony of the forensic 

scientist who analyzed the identity and the weight of the pills and confirmed that 

the pills were the scheduled II substance, Oxycodone. The lab report prepared by 

the forensic scientist was also admitted as an exhibit at trial. 

{¶43} In his first assignment of error, Ward argues that the trial court erred 

in partially overruling his motion in limine to exclude as evidence against him the 

audio recordings of the controlled purchase operations. Specifically, Ward argues 

that the statements of the CI captured by the recordings constitute hearsay and 

violate his Sixth Amendment right of confrontation. 

{¶44} As an initial matter we note that decisions regarding the admissibility 

of evidence are within the sound discretion of the trial court and will not be 

reversed absent a showing of an abuse of discretion. State v. Yohey (March 18, 

1996), 3d Dist. No. 9-95-46, citing State v. Graham, 58 Ohio St.2d 350 (1979), 

and State v. Lundy, 41 Ohio App.3d 163 (1987). An abuse of discretion implies 

that the court’s attitude is unreasonable, arbitrary, or unconscionable. Blakemore 

v. Blakemore, 5 Ohio St.3d 217, 219, (1983). 
Case No. 13-11-17 

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{¶45} We have previously addressed this issue and concluded that the 

audio recordings of actual drug transactions are not hearsay, and that the 

introduction of such recordings does not violate the confrontation clause. See

State v. Perkins, 3d Dist. No. 13-10-36, 2011-Ohio-2705, ¶ 5; State v. Stewart, 3d 

Dist. No. 13-08-18, 2009-Ohio-3411, ¶ 90. The rationale underpinning our prior 

cases is based on state and federal authority which has uniformly held that the 

introduction of a CI’s statements recorded during the actual drug transaction with 

the defendant are not offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted, but are 

merely necessary to establish the context of the defendant’s own statements and 

responses captured on the recordings. Stewart at ¶ 90 citing State v. Sloan, 8th 

Dist. No. 79832, 2002-Ohio-2669, ¶ 16; State v. Hill, 5th Dist. No. CA-8094 (Dec. 

31, 1990). See, also United States v. Price, 792 F.2d 994, 996 (11th Cir.1986) 

(finding that the statements of the deceased CI on the audio recordings of a 

narcotics transaction involving the defendant were not hearsay and did not violate 

the defendant’s Sixth Amendment right of confrontation because “[t]he single 

purpose for admitting the [CI’s] statements was to make understandable to the jury 

the statements made by [the defendant] himself.”) Notably, Ohio appellate courts, 

as well as other jurisdictions, have ruled on this issue consistent with our prior 

opinions. See e.g., State v. Jones, 4th Dist. No. 09CA1, 2010-Ohio-865, ¶ 24; 

State v. Aldrich, 12th Dist. No. CA2006-10-044; 2008-Ohio-1362, ¶ 9; United 
Case No. 13-11-17 

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States v. Jones, 205 Fed. Appx. 327, 342 (C.A.6 2006); Turner v. Kentucky, 248 

S.W.3d 543, 545-546 (Ky.2008); Connecticut v. Smith (CT 2008), 289 Conn. 598, 

960 A.2d 993, 1011-1012. 

{¶46} In this instance, the trial court also gave the jury the following 

instruction regarding the evidentiary weight to be allotted to these audio 

recordings. 

Now, in this case, the Court has permitted the State of Ohio to 

introduce the statements of the confidential informant made 

outside of court through the introduction of various audio 

recordings over the objection of John Ward. These statements 

have not been introduced for the truth of the matter asserted. 

Rather, these statements have been allowed into evidence to 

merely establish the context of the suspect’s statements and 

responses. For that reason, you, the jury, may not consider the 

statements of the confidential informant for the truth of the 

matter asserted. 

(Trans. p. 321). 

{¶47} Based on the testimony which we set forth above, we believe that the 

audio recordings of the controlled purchase operations were introduced for the 

permissible purpose of establishing the context of Ward’s statements consistent 

with the ruling of our prior case law. We also believe the record demonstrates that 

the audio recordings were offered for an additional purpose to provide the context 

for the personal observations and perceptions made by Detective Armstrong while 

he audibly monitored the drug transactions in real time, and to assist Detective 

Armstrong in providing testimony to that effect on the stand. Therefore, we 
Case No. 13-11-17 

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conclude that the audio recordings of the operations do not constitute hearsay and 

their admission did not violate Ward’s Sixth Amendment right to confrontation. 

Ward’s first assignment of error is overruled. 

{¶48} In his second assignment of error, Ward challenges the jury verdict 

convicting him on two counts of aggravated trafficking in drugs. Specifically, 

Ward argues that the jury verdict was against the manifest weight of the evidence. 

{¶49} An appellate court’s function when reviewing the weight of the 

evidence is to determine whether the greater amount of credible evidence supports 

the verdict. State v. Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d 380, 387 (1997). In reviewing 

whether the trial court’s judgment was against the weight of the evidence, the 

appellate court sits as a “thirteenth juror” and examines the conflicting testimony. 

Id. In doing so, this Court must review the entire record, weigh the evidence and 

all of the reasonable inferences, consider the credibility of witnesses, and 

determine whether in resolving conflicts in the evidence, the factfinder “clearly 

lost its way and created such a manifest miscarriage of justice that the conviction 

must be reversed and a new trial ordered.” State v. Andrews, 3d Dist. No. 1–05–

70, 2006–Ohio–3764, ¶ 30, citing State v. Martin, 20 Ohio App.3d 172, 175 

(1983); Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d at 387. 

{¶50} Ward was convicted of aggravated trafficking in drugs, in violation 

of R.C. 2925.03(A)(1),(C)(1)(a), which provides: 
Case No. 13-11-17 

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(A) No person shall knowingly do any of the following: 

(1) Sell or offer to sell a controlled substance; 

(C) Whoever violates division (A) of this section is guilty of one 

of the following: 

(1) If the drug involved in the violation is any compound, 

mixture, preparation, or substance included in schedule I or 

schedule II. * * * The penalty for the offense shall be determined 

as follows: 

(a) * * * aggravated trafficking in drugs is a felony of the 

fourth degree, and division (C) of section 2929.13 of the Revised 

Code applies in determining whether to impose a prison term on 

the offender. 

{¶51} On appeal, Ward contends that the jury verdict was against the 

manifest weight of the evidence because the only witness who could identify Ward 

as the person who sold the Oxycodone in the controlled purchase operations is 

now deceased and unable to testify in court. Therefore, Ward challenges the 

validity of the jury verdict, asserting that there was no direct evidence introduced 

at trial to either identify him as the person who sold the Oxycodone to the CI or to 

demonstrate that an illegal drug transaction actually occurred. 

{¶52} Despite Ward’s contentions, direct and circumstantial evidence do 

not differ in terms of their probative value. State v. Treesh, 90 Ohio St.3d 460, 

485, (2001), citing State v. Jenks, 61 Ohio St.3d 259 (1991) paragraph one of the 

syllabus. It is well established that “circumstantial evidence is sufficient to sustain 

a conviction if the evidence would convince the average mind of the defendant’s 
Case No. 13-11-17 

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guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.” State v. McKnight, 107 Ohio St.3d 101, 2005–

Ohio–6046, ¶ 75. “Circumstantial evidence is not only sufficient, but may also be 

more certain, satisfying and persuasive than direct evidence.” State v. Lott, 51 

Ohio St.3d, 160, 168 (1990), quoting Michalic v. Cleveland Tankers, Inc, 364 U.S. 

325, 330 (1960). 

{¶53} As observed by the United States Supreme Court, “[i]ndividual 

pieces of evidence, insufficient in themselves to prove a point, may in cumulation 

prove it,” because “[t]he sum of an evidentiary presentation may well be greater 

than its constituent parts.” Bourjaily v. United States (1987), 483 U.S. 171, 179–

180. In addition, “a piece of evidence, unreliable in isolation, may become quite 

probative when corroborated by other evidence.” Id. at 180. Moreover, a series of 

facts and circumstances can be employed by a jury as the basis for its ultimate 

conclusions in a case. Lott, 51 Ohio St.3d at 168, citing Hurt v. Charles J. Rogers 

Transp. Co., 164 Ohio St., 329, 331 (1955). 

{¶54} In reviewing the testimony presented at trial, we find there is 

substantial circumstantial evidence identifying Ward as the person who sold the 

Oxycodone to the CI during both controlled purchase operations. Detectives 

Boyer and Armstrong each identified Ward as the person they observed meeting 

with the CI during the operations. Moreover, they each identified Ward’s vehicle 

as the one involved in the operations. 
Case No. 13-11-17 

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{¶55} In addition, Detective Armstrong also explained that when he ran the 

license plate number of the vehicle through the database every picture Ward had 

taken over the years to renew his driver’s license identification card appeared on 

the screen. Detective Armstrong testified that upon seeing those pictures he was 

able to identify Ward as the person he had seen in the vehicle with the CI at the 

target location. 

{¶56} Detective Armstrong also testified that he had seen Ward on a few 

occasions in addition to the two controlled purchase operations. Detective 

Armstrong recalled a specific instance where he had an hour-long conversation 

with Ward at a child custody hearing, which was prompted as a result of the 

charges pending in this case. Detective Armstrong remembered talking with Ward 

in a doorway waiting to go into the courtroom. Detective Armstrong also recalled 

participating in at least two traffic stops involving Ward, which occurred after the 

controlled purchase operations were completed. 

{¶57} Detective Armstrong further testified that Ward has a distinguishing 

physical characteristic which assisted him in identifying Ward. Detective 

Armstrong explained that based on his personal observations of Ward, he noticed 

that Ward walks with a limp. At trial, Ward testified that in 1999 he became 

disabled with a fused leg and a bad back. All of this testimony further bolstered 
Case No. 13-11-17 

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Detective Armstrong’s identification of Ward as the person who sold the 

Oxycodone to the CI in the controlled purchase operations. 

{¶58} Ward challenges the prosecution’s evidence identifying him as the 

seller in the controlled purchase operations based on the fact that law enforcement 

did not attempt to analyze any fingerprints potentially found on the containers in 

which the Oxycodone was transferred, or to conduct a voice analysis of the audio 

recordings. On cross-examination, Ward’s counsel asked each of the detectives 

who participated in the controlled purchase operations why neither a fingerprint 

nor a voice analysis were performed in this case. The detectives provided similar 

and consistent responses to this question stating that it is not standard protocol to 

perform these types of tests, specifically when they believed the identity of the 

suspect is not in question. Moreover, the testimony revealed that fingerprint 

analysis is usually futile in these types of cases because it is difficult to lift a 

fingerprint off of cellophane or a plastic prescription pill bottle. Ward’s counsel 

also asked the detectives why Ward was not arrested immediately after the 

operation. The detectives explained again that it was not protocol to arrest the 

suspect immediately after a controlled purchase operation because at that time the 

CI’s identity would be revealed, and the CI would no longer be of use to law 

enforcement in the future. 
Case No. 13-11-17 

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{¶59} At trial, Ward testified on his own behalf. Ward denied selling the 

drugs to the CI on February 16, 2009 and on March 2, 2009. Ward admitted that 

during the time of the controlled purchase operations he had owned a vehicle 

which matched the description of the one identified by the detectives. However, 

Ward claimed that during these pertinent time periods he had entrusted his vehicle 

to a local mechanic and therefore he was not in possession of the vehicle at all 

times relevant to the operations. Ward also testified that he has been unable to 

maintain employment since 2006 due to his disability. Ward further testified that 

in the past he had been prescribed Percocet, Oxycontin 10, 20, 30, 40 and 80, but 

insisted that he never failed a pill count.7

{¶60} There is also ample circumstantial evidence demonstrating that a 

drug transaction occurred in each instance that the CI met with Ward during the 

controlled purchase operations. As previously discussed, each of the detectives 

involved in the controlled purchase operations testified to the procedural protocol 

conducted during the operations. Moreover, each of the detectives testified to his 

specific role in that protocol. On both occasions, the CI and his vehicle, if it was 

involved, were extensively searched before and after the operation. Prior to each 

operation, the CI was issued marked bills to complete the purchase, which were 

 

7

 Based on the testimony at trial, the number after OxyContin indicates the milligram amount of 

Oxycondone. For example, OxyContin 10 means that the drug contains 10 milligrams of Oxycodone. In 

addition, Ward testified that a “pill count” is a random screening ordered by a doctor which involves a 

patient going into a pharmacy to count the pills to ensure that the patient has the appropriate amount of pills 

remaining at that point in the prescription period. 
Case No. 13-11-17 

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not found on his person or in his vehicle after meeting with Ward. In both 

instances, it was only after the CI met with Ward, that the CI had obtained the 

anticipated amount and type of drugs expected to be purchased in the operation. 

{¶61} In addition, the audio recordings of the encounters between Ward 

and the CI provide evidence that drug transactions had occurred. In each of the 

recordings, the CI is heard counting the precise amount of money anticipated to be 

used in the transaction. As explained by Detective Armstrong, Ward’s own 

statements on the audio recording of the two operations indicate that a drug 

transaction was in progress. Each of these facts and circumstances together 

created a reasonable basis for the jury to conclude that Ward was the person who 

sold the Oxycodone to the CI during the operations and that an actual illegal drug 

purchase occurred on each of these occasions. 

{¶62} In the end, it was solely within the province of the jury to weigh the 

evidence and consider the credibility the witnesses to determine whether the 

evidence sustained a conviction. In this case, it is apparent that the jury found the 

evidence to be adequate to support finding Ward guilty on two counts of 

aggravated trafficking in drugs. 

{¶63} After reviewing the record, weighing the evidence and all reasonable 

inferences, and considering the credibility of witnesses, we conclude that a 

reasonable jury could have found that Ward was the person who sold Oxycodone 
Case No. 13-11-17 

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to the CI during the controlled purchase operations on February 16, 2009 and on 

March 2, 2009, and that an actual drug transaction occurred during the operations. 

Therefore, we further conclude that the jury did not lose its way and create a 

manifest miscarriage of justice in reaching these conclusions. Accordingly, we 

find that Ward’s convictions for aggravated trafficking in drugs are not against the 

manifest weight of the evidence. Ward’s second assignment of error is overruled. 

{¶64} For all these reasons, the judgment is affirmed. 

 Judgment Affirmed 

WILLAMOWSKI and ROGERS, J.J., concur. 

/jlr