Opinion ID: 2827857
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Counsel’s failure to present financial expert

Text: Appellant asserts trial counsel was ineffective for failing to consult with a financial expert and call such an expert at trial to rebut the Commonwealth’s evidence of his financial status and theories of appellant’s motives. The Commonwealth asserts counsel had a reasonable basis for not consulting with or calling a financial expert to (…continued) trial, such that the absence of canine DNA evidence would not have led to a different verdict — hence, appellant cannot establish the third prong necessary for relief. 15As to the Commonwealth’s claim appellant could have benefitted from the fire by pocketing the insurance proceeds and rebuilding his home himself, appellant argues counsel should have presented evidence he was physically incapable of rebuilding the home. The PCRA court determined appellant’s claim was speculative, underdeveloped, and contrary to the evidence presented, noting appellant, around the time of the fire, maintained his rental properties and competed in competitive powerlifting. The court concluded counsel was not ineffective in failing to portray appellant as feeble, as such a decision would have been futile. PCRA Court Opinion, 3/27/12, at 71 n.32. We agree and thus find appellant’s contention meritless. [J-49-2013] - 22 testify, noting he testified at the PCRA hearing: (1) appellant was the best source to assess his own finances; (2) he felt making a common-sense argument at trial that appellant would not have benefitted financially from the fire was sufficient and the evidence would have established the same; and (3) because the Commonwealth had a rebuttal financial expert prepared to testify, he thought it would have been futile to create a battle between experts. At trial, the Commonwealth established appellant unsuccessfully attempted to borrow money and kept poor financial records, implying he set fire to his home to relieve himself from financial hardship. At the PCRA evidentiary hearings, appellant presented testimony from Kenneth McCrory, a forensic accountant, who opined appellant was financially sound, making financial gain an unlikely motive for arson. N.T. PCRA Hearing, 8/12/09, at 178. Specifically, Mr. McCrory stated appellant had personal equity of approximately $250,000, and his child-support payments of $3,000 per year were not a significant strain on his income. Id., at 189, 212. On cross-examination, he noted appellant’s expenses and bills included: $90,000 per year on his mortgages; 16 a credit-card balance of approximately $30,000; utility bills of approximately $20,000; $1,000 per month to his ex-wife as part of their divorce settlement (which included child support); and approximately $13,000 in miscellaneous expenses. Id., at 215-23. The PCRA court mentioned appellant’s personal equity involved no liquid assets and concluded, “Had Mr. McCrory testified at trial, he would not have refuted the evidence that showed that [appellant] had significant expenses and little in the way of liquid assets.” PCRA Court Opinion, 3/27/12, at 69-70. It also found credible the Commonwealth’s PCRA expert who testified appellant’s bank-account balances had significantly decreased weeks before the fire, his debt-to-income ratio supported banks denying him 16 As previously noted, appellant owned and maintained various rental properties. [J-49-2013] - 23 loans, and he would have made approximately $140,000 from insurance proceeds as a result of the fire but only $24,000 in profit if he sold the home. See id., at 70-71. The court cited counsel’s reason for not presenting a financial expert — he felt the Commonwealth could not establish a strong financial motive and there was no benefit “to get into this sort of tit for tat[.]” Id., at 71 (quoting N.T. PCRA Hearing, 8/10/09, at 98). Determining a “battle of the experts” would not have rebutted the Commonwealth’s motive theories and instead would have likely elicited more prejudicial evidence against appellant, the court concluded counsel had a reasonable basis in not presenting a financial expert and appellant failed to establish prejudice. Id., at 71-72. In Chmiel, this Court explained: Where a claim is made of counsel’s ineffectiveness for failing to call witnesses, it is the appellant’s burden to show that the witness existed and was available; counsel was aware of, or had a duty to know of the witness; the witness was willing and able to appear; and the proposed testimony was necessary in order to avoid prejudice to the appellant. The mere failure to obtain an expert rebuttal witness is not ineffectiveness. Appellant must demonstrate that an expert witness was available who would have offered testimony designed to advance appellant’s cause. Trial counsel need not introduce expert testimony on his client’s behalf if he is able effectively to cross-examine prosecution witnesses and elicit helpful testimony. Additionally, trial counsel will not be deemed ineffective for failing to call a[n] … expert merely to critically evaluate expert testimony [that] was presented by the prosecution. Thus, the question becomes whether or not [defense counsel] effectively cross-examined [the Commonwealth’s expert witness]. Chmiel, at 1143 (internal quotations marks and citations omitted). We hold the PCRA court’s conclusions are free from legal error and supported by the record. Apart from the fact that appellant failed to demonstrate Mr. McCrory was known at the time of trial or should have been known to counsel, it is unlikely the expert would have established appellant was financially sound, as Mr. McCrory would not have refuted appellant’s substantial expenses and lack of liquid assets. Further, expert testimony on appellant’s financial status was unnecessary, particularly where counsel [J-49-2013] - 24 cross-examined the Commonwealth witnesses in an effective manner. Additionally, appellant does not explain how he was prejudiced particularly by the failure to present a financial expert, but instead argues he was collectively prejudiced by counsel’s failure to call a multitude of experts. See infra, Issue X. Therefore, we reject this claim. B. Counsel’s failure to question appellant’s family-law attorney Although appellant acknowledges trial counsel called Attorney Kelly Mroz, his family-law attorney, as a defense witness at trial, he contends counsel was ineffective in failing to question Attorney Mroz about his financial status. In particular, he asserts Attorney Mroz analyzed his finances and, if properly questioned by counsel, would have testified appellant did not desire to reduce his child-support payments and had a considerable monthly income. The Commonwealth, on the other hand, asserts Attorney Mroz had limited knowledge regarding appellant’s mortgages and bills; thus, it contends, counsel elicited as much beneficial testimony from Attorney Mroz as she had to offer. Attorney Mroz testified she was retained by appellant to represent him in a custody matter regarding Jessica. N.T. Trial, 10/4/02, at 209-10. Attorney Mroz stated that a few months before the fire, appellant sought a custody modification to increase his visitation time with Jessica. Id., at 210-13. At the PCRA hearings, Attorney Mroz knew minimal information concerning appellant’s financial status. She had appellant’s bank-account statements and information on occupancy and monthly rent for his apartments, but she was unaware of appellant’s overall financial status, the mortgages on his properties, and his monthly bills and expenses. N.T. PCRA Hearing, 7/7/09, at 87-88. The PCRA court concluded appellant’s contention lacked arguable merit, as Attorney Mroz would not have supported appellant’s claim that he was financially sound. [J-49-2013] - 25 PCRA Court Opinion, 3/27/12, at 72. We agree and find appellant’s claim meritless. His family-law attorney, who he retained solely to handle a petition to modify his custody and visitation of Jessica, had limited knowledge about his finances. Accordingly, appellant is not entitled to relief on this claim. C. Counsel’s failure to impeach tax preparer with crimen falsi Appellant claims trial counsel unreasonably failed to investigate and impeach Ella Alloway, appellant’s tax preparer, based on her crimen falsi and bias in favor of the prosecution. He argues a proper investigation of Ms. Alloway would have uncovered her legal and financial obligations to the Commonwealth as a result of her forgery conviction, and counsel was ineffective in failing to uncover this crimen falsi conviction and use it to impeach her. The Commonwealth responds appellant did not suffer prejudice by any lack of impeachment, as Ms. Alloway’s testimony supported the possibility appellant received a legitimate threat of arson. It notes Ms. Alloway testified the documents appellant submitted for tax-return preparation lacked sufficient detail, and she did not opine on appellant’s financial status. Ms. Alloway testified at trial that she prepared appellant’s tax returns from 1996 to 2000 and he poorly maintained his financial records. N.T. Trial, 10/4/02, at 136, 138-39. She also testified appellant — one week before the fire — brought her a box of financial records and asked her to store them, which is something she often did for clients. Id., at 141-44. Appellant asked her for information about his homeowners and auto insurance the day after the fire. Id., at 142-43. On cross-examination, trial counsel elicited testimony that appellant gave Ms. Alloway sufficient information to prepare his tax returns. Id., at 145. Counsel also questioned Ms. Alloway about the box appellant gave her. Ms. Alloway disclosed appellant told her he was concerned because of a [J-49-2013] - 26 threatening note he received, which prompted him to bring her the box of records. Id., at 145-46. The PCRA court rejected appellant’s ineffectiveness claim, determining he would have lost the benefit of the favorable inferences elicited by counsel on cross-examination had counsel impeached Ms. Alloway with her crimen falsi. PCRA Court Opinion, 3/27/12, at 73. The court reasoned that using Ms. Alloway’s convictions against her would have demonstrated appellant’s taxes were prepared by a convicted forger. Id. Evidence of a witness’s conviction for a crime involving dishonesty or a false statement is generally admissible. Pa.R.E. 609(a). “A failure to so impeach a key witness is considered ineffectiveness in the absence of a reasonable strategic basis for not impeaching.” Commonwealth v. Small, 980 A.2d 549, 565 (Pa. 2009) (citation omitted). We agree with the PCRA court that counsel acted reasonably in declining to impeach Ms. Alloway, as impeaching her would have discredited favorable testimony, i.e., her corroboration of the defense’s theory that someone else committed the arson. Accordingly, we reject appellant’s claim for his failure to establish the reasonable basis prong of the ineffectiveness test. Issue IV: Counsel’s Failure to Impeach Mr. Pianta and Request “Corrupt Source” Instruction Appellant contends trial counsel was ineffective for failing to impeach Mr. Pianta, particularly with evidence of his reputation for dishonesty, crimen falsi juvenile adjudication, use of aliases, bias, and mental health. He also argues counsel should have requested a corrupt-source instruction because Mr. Pianta was an accomplice. A. Counsel’s failure to present evidence of Mr. Pianta’s reputation for dishonesty Appellant claims Mr. Pianta had a reputation for being a thief and a liar, and each of the five character witnesses appellant proffered at the PCRA hearings testified to his [J-49-2013] - 27 reputation for dishonesty. Appellant asserts trial counsel had no reasonable basis for failing to call character witnesses and he was prejudiced because Mr. Pianta was a crucial Commonwealth witness who divulged appellant’s plan to commit the arson and murder, thereby establishing intent and premeditation. The Commonwealth avers appellant failed to establish counsel knew or should have known of all the proffered witnesses except for Sally Owen, an aunt of the mother of Mr. Pianta’s child. As to Ms. Owen, the Commonwealth posits her testimony would not have been admissible because she only testified to specific instances of conduct and not reputation. The PCRA court rejected appellant’s ineffectiveness claims, determining the witnesses’ declarations related to specific instances of Mr. Pianta’s conduct, which are inadmissible under Pa.R.E. 608, 17 rather than his reputation for dishonesty. PCRA Court Opinion, 3/27/12, at 60-62. The court also concluded most of the testimony appellant presented did not relate to Mr. Pianta’s reputation at the time of trial. Id. We conclude the PCRA court’s findings are supported by the record and free of legal error. The testimony appellant presented primarily addressed Mr. Pianta’s specific instances of conduct, i.e., specific acts of theft and lying, which would have been inadmissible to attack his credibility under Pa.R.E. 608(b)(1). Further, except for Ms. Owen — whose declarations only cited Mr. Pianta’s specific instances of conduct — appellant failed to establish the witnesses were known or should have been known to counsel. See Chmiel, at 1143 (stating to prevail on ineffectiveness claim for failure to call witness, appellant must prove: (1) witness existed; (2) witness was available; (3) trial counsel knew or should have known of witness’s existence; (4) witness was prepared to 17 “[T]he character of a witness for truthfulness may not be attacked or supported by cross-examination or extrinsic evidence concerning specific instances of the witness’ conduct[.]” Id., 608(b)(1). [J-49-2013] - 28 cooperate and would have testified on appellant’s behalf; and (5) absence of testimony prejudiced appellant). Accordingly, this claim fails. B. Counsel’s failure to cross-examine Mr. Pianta with crimen falsi Appellant claims trial counsel was ineffective for failing to cross-examine Mr. Pianta concerning his crimen falsi juvenile adjudication. The Commonwealth asserts counsel had a reasonable basis for believing Mr. Pianta’s juvenile adjudication would not have been helpful, appellant failed to establish he was prejudiced by counsel’s lack of cross-examination, and the PCRA court’s decision was supported by the record and legally correct. Mr. Pianta, who was 23 years old when he testified at trial, was adjudicated delinquent for theft, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, criminal mischief, and driving without a license when he was 17. Counsel stated at the PCRA hearings that he did not use Mr. Pianta’s crimen falsi adjudication because he felt it involved minor offenses and thus was insignificant. N.T. PCRA Hearing, 8/10/09, at 23. The PCRA court held, regardless of the minor nature of the offenses, counsel lacked a reasonable basis not to cross-examine Mr. Pianta based on his crimen falsi adjudication. PCRA Court Opinion, 3/27/12, at 63. However, the court determined appellant was not prejudiced because there was no way to demonstrate what impact this adjudication would have on the jury or that the outcome of the trial would have been different. Id. We agree that appellant has failed to establish the prejudice prong of the ineffectiveness test. Appellant only argues he was cumulatively prejudiced by counsel’s failure to impeach Mr. Pianta with evidence of his reputation for dishonesty, crimen falsi, use of aliases, bias, and mental-health records. He asserts Mr. Pianta’s credibility could have been significantly undermined had counsel not committed the combined errors in cross-examining him. Yet, because he does not explain how he was prejudiced [J-49-2013] - 29 specifically by counsel’s failure to utilize Mr. Pianta’s juvenile adjudication, we decline to deem counsel’s performance constitutionally deficient. C. Counsel’s failure to present evidence of Mr. Pianta’s use of aliases Next, appellant submits trial counsel was ineffective for not cross-examining Mr. Pianta as to his use of aliases. Appellant asserts Mr. Pianta’s use of deception was relevant to his reliability and counsel had no reasonable basis for failing to cross-examine him on this basis. The Commonwealth offers no argument on this particular issue, only reiterating appellant failed to demonstrate prejudice and the PCRA court did not err. The PCRA court concluded Mr. Pianta’s use of aliases would not have been admissible at trial. Id. We conclude appellant has failed to establish entitlement to relief on this claim. His scant argument lacks arguable merit, contains a bald allegation that counsel was unreasonable, and offers no explanation as to how he was prejudiced. See Commonwealth v. Walter, 966 A.2d 560, 566 (Pa. 2009) (holding claims waived for failure to develop them). D. Counsel’s failure to elicit evidence of Mr. Pianta’s bias Appellant avers trial counsel failed to cross-examine Mr. Pianta on alleged favorable treatment he received from the Commonwealth because he, at one point, had been investigated by police for the arson. He also asserts Mr. Pianta had outstanding charges at the time of trial. Moreover, appellant argues Mr. Pianta’s bias by testifying for and currying favor with the Commonwealth was sufficient grounds to cross-examine him, and counsel had no reasonable basis for failing to do so. The Commonwealth replies there was no evidence of favorable treatment and thus counsel’s reasons for not cross-examining Mr. Pianta were legitimate. As to Mr. Pianta’s outstanding charges, the Commonwealth asserts they would have been inadmissible under Pa.R.E. 609 because they are not convictions. [J-49-2013] - 30 The PCRA court held this claim lacked merit because appellant failed to introduce any evidence of Mr. Pianta’s favorable treatment by the Commonwealth. PCRA Court Opinion, 3/27/12, at 63. We likewise find appellant’s ineffectiveness contention meritless, as he fails to provide any support for Mr. Pianta’s alleged favorable treatment in the police’s arson investigation. As to appellant’s claim that Mr. Pianta had outstanding charges at the time of trial, the charges would have been inadmissible because they were not actual convictions. See Pa.R.E. 609. Because appellant fails to demonstrate arguable merit, we reject his ineffectiveness claims as to counsel’s failure to challenge Mr. Pianta’s alleged bias. E. Counsel’s failure to cross-examine Mr. Pianta regarding his juvenile file Appellant contends trial counsel was ineffective for failing to review and present evidence of Mr. Pianta’s juvenile file, which the PCRA court sealed because it contained mental-health records. The Commonwealth makes no contention regarding this particular matter. The PCRA court found nothing in the file would have been admissible for Mr. Pianta’s competency or for any other reason. PCRA Court Opinion, 3/27/12, at 64. Thus, it concluded appellant’s claim lacked arguable merit. Id. The PCRA court’s findings are supported by the record and free of legal error. Our review of the record demonstrates any evidence in Mr. Pianta’s juvenile file relevant to his credibility would be inadmissible as specific instances of conduct, see Pa.R.E. 608(b)(1), and none of the information involved Mr. Pianta’s credibility at the time of trial. Hence, appellant’s ineffectiveness claim fails. F. Counsel’s failure to request a corrupt-source instruction Appellant argues trial counsel was ineffective for failing to request a corrupt-source instruction in connection with Mr. Pianta’s testimony. He maintains he was entitled to a [J-49-2013] - 31 corrupt-source charge because there was sufficient evidence to present a question to the jury concerning whether Mr. Pianta was an accomplice. He asserts counsel’s belief the request would have been futile is insufficient and unreasonable. As to prejudice, he only claims “there is a reasonably [sic] likelihood th[e] jurors would have accorded less weight to Pianta’s testimony over-all. Confidence in the outcome is undermined.” Appellant’s Brief, at 31. In response, the Commonwealth argues there was no evidence presented at trial from which the jury could have reasonably inferred Mr. Pianta was appellant’s accomplice. It claims the fact Mr. Pianta had been investigated by police at one point is not dispositive of whether he was an accomplice. The Commonwealth asserts, in light of the lack of evidence, counsel’s decision to forego a corrupt-source instruction was reasonable. The PCRA court held a corrupt-source instruction was not supported by the evidence admitted at trial. PCRA Court Opinion, 3/27/12, at 66. Further, the court noted, painting Mr. Pianta as an accomplice would have contradicted appellant’s defense theory that the arson was committed by some unknown intruder. Id., at 66-67. “[I]t ‘is well established that, in any case in which an accomplice implicates the defendant, the [judge] should instruct the jury that the accomplice is a corrupt and polluted source whose testimony should be considered with caution.’” Commonwealth v. Hanible, 30 A.3d 426, 462 (Pa. 2011) (citation omitted). A corrupt-source instruction is warranted where sufficient evidence is presented as to whether the witness is an accomplice. Commonwealth v. Williams, 732 A.2d 1167, 1181 (Pa. 1999). An individual is an accomplice if, with intent to promote or facilitate the commission of the offense, he solicits, aids, agrees, or attempts to aid another person in planning or committing the offense. 18 Pa.C.S. § 306(c)(1). [J-49-2013] - 32 The record supports the PCRA court’s finding appellant failed to demonstrate entitlement to relief. There was no evidence Mr. Pianta was an accomplice to the arson or the murder. Mr. Pianta lived in one of appellant’s apartments and would work for him in lieu of rent. He had been to appellant’s home a few times to retrieve tools or help with work, but he never stayed overnight or had been there for more than a few hours. Mr. Pianta stated he accompanied appellant twice on trips to pick up Jessica from her mother’s home, and on both occasions, appellant discussed his intent to commit the murder. These trips took place the week of the fire and about one month before the fire. Appellant told Mr. Pianta he wanted to avoid paying child support and wished to kill his other daughter as well. According to Mr. Pianta, appellant did not ask for his help, and he did not offer assistance. Mr. Pianta mentioned he had spread straw around appellant’s backyard because it was muddy. He also testified that, a few days before the fire, he affixed the chain ladder to appellant’s home per appellant’s request. Mr. Pianta said he was not at appellant’s home on the day of the fire. Mr. Pianta’s prior knowledge of appellant’s possession of straw and the fact Mr. Pianta attached the chain ladder to appellant’s home is insufficient to support an accomplice instruction. Mr. Pianta’s testimony was not contradicted, and there was no evidence he took part in appellant’s crimes. Because appellant was not entitled to a corrupt-source instruction, his ineffectiveness claim fails for lack of arguable merit. Moreover, as the PCRA court pointed out, we see no reason why counsel would have requested an instruction that Mr. Pianta is a corrupt and polluted source — whose testimony should not be believed because he helped appellant plan and commit the arson and murder — because counsel’s defense strategy was to blame the arson on an unknown intruder. [J-49-2013] - 33 Issue V: Inaccurate and Unreliable Testimony Appellant claims his conviction violated due process because Mr. Pianta’s testimony was inaccurate and unreliable. Appellant bases his claim on an opinion expressed by a prosecutor who handled Mr. Keith’s guilty plea. Specifically, appellant claims the prosecutor for Mr. Keith’s plea made statements to the media and at Mr. Keith’s plea hearing that established the inaccuracy and unreliability of Mr. Pianta’s testimony. The Commonwealth argues appellant’s claim is waived because he did not raise it on direct appeal. Even had appellant not waived his contention, the Commonwealth continues, the prosecutor’s personal opinion was inadmissible and did not constitute Brady material, especially due to the fact the prosecutor was not involved in appellant’s case, as the prosecutor was a local assistant district attorney and appellant’s trial was handled by the Pennsylvania Attorney General. As the PCRA court properly held, appellant’s allegation of trial court error is waived for failure to raise it on direct appeal. See 42 Pa.C.S. § 9544(b). Furthermore, the PCRA court determined, despite waiver, appellant’s contention lacked merit. After appellant was sentenced, Mr. Keith pled guilty to hindering apprehension or prosecution, and charges for conspiracy to commit arson and murder were dropped. The prosecutor — an Erie County Assistant District Attorney18 — was quoted in a newspaper article explaining one reason for agreeing to Mr. Keith’s guilty plea was due to “what happened in [appellant’s] case and the problems we know to exist with the testimony of [] Pianta[.]” 18 This is significant because appellant was prosecuted by the Pennsylvania Attorney General. The prosecutor in Mr. Keith’s case was not involved in appellant’s case. Notably, the prosecutor also was not involved in negotiating Mr. Keith’s plea; the plea was already agreed to, and his assignment was to take the plea and give reasons for the plea to the court, which were conveyed to him by the District Attorney at that time. See N.T. PCRA Hearing, 8/4/11, at 6-7. [J-49-2013] - 34 Id., at 18. He made a similar statement to the court during Mr. Keith’s guilty-plea hearing. The prosecutor explained conspiracy charges against Mr. Keith were not pursued because the conspiracy charges were withdrawn against appellant. Id., at 11. He also explained he knew nothing about appellant’s trial or whether Mr. Pianta even testified at appellant’s trial; rather, he merely relayed to the court during Mr. Keith’s guilty plea the reasons conveyed to him by the District Attorney. See, e.g., id., at 11, 13. Even if appellant preserved his claim — which he did not — we hold he fails to demonstrate arguable merit and prejudice, as Mr. Keith’s plea took place after appellant was sentenced and the jury at his trial was free to reject Mr. Pianta’s testimony if he was found to be unreliable. Issue VI: Brady Claims Appellant claims the Commonwealth violated Brady by precluding him from presenting testimony from Mr. Keith and withholding evidence that police provided housing to Mr. Pianta. To establish a Brady violation, appellant must demonstrate: (1) the prosecution concealed evidence; (2) the evidence was either exculpatory or impeachment evidence favorable to him; and (3) he was prejudiced. Chmiel, at 1130 (quoting Commonwealth v. Paddy, 15 A.3d 431, 450 (Pa. 2011)). To establish prejudice, appellant must demonstrate a “reasonable probability that, had the evidence been disclosed to the defense, the result of the proceeding would have been different.” Commonwealth v. Burke, 781 A.2d 1136, 1141 (Pa. 2001). “‘Impeachment evidence[,] which goes to the credibility of a primary witness against the accused[,] is critical evidence and it is material to the case whether that evidence is merely a promise or an understanding between the prosecution and the witness.’” Chmiel, at 1131 (quoting Commonwealth v. Strong, 761 A.2d 1167, 1175 (Pa. 2000)). “However, mere conjecture as to an understanding is not sufficient to establish a Brady violation.” Id. (citation [J-49-2013] - 35 omitted). Finally, we note “[t]here is no Brady violation when the appellant knew or, with reasonable diligence, could have uncovered the evidence in question[.]” Paddy, at 451. A. Mr. Keith’s testimony Appellant argues Mr. Keith was a critical defense witness and the Commonwealth influenced Mr. Keith to invoke his Fifth Amendment rights on the stand at appellant’s trial, which was evinced from the fact — as explained above — Mr. Keith was permitted to plead guilty to hindering apprehension in exchange for withdrawal of conspiracy charges. Appellant alleges the Commonwealth had a quid pro quo deal with Mr. Keith that if he invoked his Fifth Amendment rights at appellant’s trial, he would receive the aforementioned plea deal. The Commonwealth contends there was no evidence of any discussion of a deal. The Commonwealth explains it in no way deprived appellant of Mr. Keith’s testimony; rather, Mr. Keith invoked his rights at appellant’s trial solely on the advice of counsel. The PCRA court rejected appellant’s Brady claim, finding Mr. Keith invoked his Fifth Amendment rights at appellant’s trial because he was acting on advice of counsel, not because the Commonwealth deterred him from testifying. PCRA Court Opinion, 3/27/12, at 56. Thus, because Mr. Keith was an unavailable witness to both appellant and the Commonwealth, the court held no Brady violation occurred. Id. Preliminarily, we note appellant fails to indicate when or how he became aware of the alleged Brady material, i.e., Mr. Keith’s guilty plea, which appears to have been available at the time of his post-sentence motions or direct appeal. He fails to offer any explanation as to why this information could not have been obtained earlier with the exercise of due diligence. See 42 Pa.C.S. § 9545(b)(2). Accordingly, appellant’s Brady claim is waived because it could have been raised in an earlier proceeding. See id., § 9544(b); see also Chmiel, at 1129-30 (concluding appellant’s Brady claim concerning [J-49-2013] - 36 alleged deal between prosecutor and two material witnesses was waived for failure to have raised it in earlier proceeding (citations omitted)); Commonwealth v. Bomar, 104 A.3d 1179, 1190-91 (Pa. 2014) (finding Brady claim waived where appellant did not show information was not available at trial or counsel could not have uncovered it with reasonable diligence), petition for cert. filed (U.S. May 6, 2015) (No. 14-9649). However, because the Commonwealth does not argue waiver, we will address the claim on the merits. In October, 2001, Mr. Keith pled guilty to conspiracy to commit murder and arson, and he was awaiting sentencing. N.T. PCRA Hearing, 7/7/09, at 7. In September, 2002, one month before appellant’s trial commenced, Ms. Riddle called Attorney Charbel Latouf and requested he represent Mr. Keith for the purpose of withdrawing his guilty plea. Id., at 5-7. Attorney Latouf entered his appearance and filed a motion to withdraw Mr. Keith’s guilty plea September 17, 2002. Id., at 9. Attorney Latouf testified he advised Mr. Keith to invoke his Fifth Amendment rights at appellant’s trial and not testify. Id., at 11. As Mr. Keith invoked his rights at appellant’s trial, he was unavailable as a witness. Minutes before the hearing on Mr. Keith’s motion to withdraw his guilty plea — which occurred after appellant was convicted and sentenced — the prosecution offered to withdraw all remaining charges in exchange for Mr. Keith’s guilty plea to hindering apprehension of a witness, to which he agreed. Id., at 16-18. The record supports the PCRA court’s finding that Mr. Keith invoked his Fifth Amendment rights at appellant’s trial based solely on counsel’s advice. Attorney Latouf testified, once the guilty-plea-withdrawal motion was filed, neither he nor Mr. Keith cooperated with the Commonwealth or the defense, and the only favorable treatment Mr. Keith received from the Commonwealth came at the hearing on the motion subsequent to appellant’s trial. See id., at 12-22. As explained above, the Commonwealth offered the [J-49-2013] - 37 plea to Mr. Keith in light of the evidence elicited at appellant’s trial, not in exchange for Mr. Keith’s invocation. Because the record supports the factual finding that no agreement existed, appellant’s claim lacks merit, as he has failed to establish the Commonwealth did not disclose exculpatory or impeaching evidence. B. Evidence showing police provided Mr. Pianta witness protection It is undisputed police housed Mr. Pianta and his girlfriend in a local motel for approximately one month during March and April, 2001, costing approximately $525. Appellant claims the Commonwealth violated Brady by failing to disclose this evidence. He asserts the evidence was material to his defense by undermining Mr. Pianta’s credibility. The Commonwealth argues this information was immaterial and, had it been disclosed, would have been harmful and prejudicial to appellant because Mr. Pianta was housed due to his fear of appellant and because he rented an apartment from appellant. Therefore, as the evidence would have led the jury to infer appellant would retaliate against individuals who testified against him, the Commonwealth contends the information was not favorable to appellant and thus not Brady material. The PCRA court held appellant’s claim did not amount to a Brady violation because Mr. Pianta’s living arrangements were not used as inducement or payment in exchange for his testimony; rather, Mr. Pianta was housed because he feared appellant and police wished to keep him safe. PCRA Court Opinion, 3/27/12, at 56. We find the PCRA court’s conclusion is supported by the record and free of legal error. Appellant fails to acknowledge Mr. Pianta was essentially placed in a witness-protection program because he feared appellant would retaliate after he implicated him in the arson and murder, especially due to the fact that, as his landlord, appellant knew where he lived and had access to his apartment. The challenged evidence was not material or helpful to appellant, as it would have raised the inference he would retaliate. Thus, we find [J-49-2013] - 38 appellant’s claim lacks merit, as the evidence would not have changed the result of appellant’s trial in his favor and thus was not Brady material. See Commonwealth v. Birdsong, 24 A.3d 319, 327-28 (Pa. 2011) (stating Commonwealth’s failure to disclose it placed witnesses in protection programs did not constitute material evidence). Accordingly, appellant’s claim was properly rejected. Issue VII: Trial Court’s Failure to Voir Dire Jurors During the guilt phase of appellant’s trial, the court received a letter from a juror expressing concern about another juror’s inappropriate behavior and comments at a restaurant. The trial judge, in chambers and in the presence of all counsel, questioned court staff, the accused juror, and other jurors who interacted with the accused juror at the restaurant. All parties agreed to dismiss the accused juror, and thus he was dismissed. The judge then returned to the courtroom and questioned the jury as a whole concerning its ability to remain fair and impartial; no juror indicated his fairness or impartiality had been affected. Appellant’s trial counsel did not object to the manner in which the court handled the issue with the accused juror. See N.T. Trial, 10/4/02, at 3-41, 48-52. Appellant now contends the court erred in failing to voir dire each juror individually. The Commonwealth asserts this issue is waived. On the merits, it claims the trial court acted within its discretion and appellant fails to demonstrate prejudice. As the PCRA court correctly concluded, appellant’s claim is waived, not only because counsel failed to timely object but also because the allegation of trial court error was not raised on direct appeal. See 42 Pa.C.S. § 9544(b). Issue VIII: Counsel’s Failure to Present Good Character Evidence Appellant argues trial counsel was ineffective for failing to present evidence of his good character during the guilt phase of the trial, which could have raised reasonable doubt in the mind of the jury. Specifically, appellant claims counsel failed to investigate and present evidence supporting his good reputation for being a peaceful, honest, and [J-49-2013] - 39 law-abiding citizen. He also asserts counsel’s explanation for not presenting good character evidence — that it would have evinced instances of appellant’s misconduct involving prior arsons and theft — was unreasonable because he had no prior convictions. Thus, he concludes, any evidence of prior misconduct would have been barred on cross-examination. The Commonwealth stresses trial counsel had a reasonable strategic basis for deciding not to call character witnesses, as appellant’s evidence of good character was minimal and there was a strong likelihood of eliciting substantial evidence of bad character. The PCRA court concluded counsel adequately explored the possibility of presenting character evidence and had a reasonable basis for not calling character witnesses. PCRA Court Opinion, 3/27/12, at 74. The court determined there was a substantial risk in presenting character evidence because it would have opened the door to specific instances of bad acts or criminal conduct, particularly appellant’s involvement with approximately nine other arsons committed both as a juvenile and adult. Id. Thus, because counsel had a reasonable basis in deciding not to present good character evidence, the court held he was not ineffective. Id. The failure to call character witnesses does not constitute per se ineffectiveness. Commonwealth v. Cox, 983 A.2d 666, 693 (Pa. 2009) (citation omitted). In establishing whether defense counsel was ineffective for failing to call witnesses, appellant must prove: (1) the witness existed; (2) the witness was available to testify for the defense; (3) counsel knew of, or should have known of, the existence of the witness; (4) the witness was willing to testify for the defense; and (5) the absence of the testimony of the witness was so prejudicial as to have denied the defendant a fair trial. Commonwealth v. Puksar, 951 A.2d 267, 277 (Pa. 2008) (citation omitted). [J-49-2013] - 40 Preliminarily, we note appellant has not identified or presented any potential character witnesses; this alone is grounds to deny relief. In addition, we conclude, as did the PCRA court, that after exploring the possibility of presenting good character evidence, counsel had a reasonable, strategic basis in not calling character witnesses. “While character witnesses may not be impeached with specific acts of misconduct, a character witness may be cross-examined regarding his or her knowledge of particular acts of misconduct to test the accuracy of the testimony.” Id., at 281 (citation omitted). Counsel testified at the PCRA evidentiary hearings that appellant had minimal evidence of good character and substantial bad character evidence — specifically, the involvement in nine other fires, some of which were ruled as arsons — and he did not want to risk introduction of that evidence. Accordingly, trial counsel was not ineffective for failing to present good character evidence. Issue IX: Trial Court’s Denial of Appellant’s Request to Represent Himself Appellant alleges the trial court erred in denying his request to represent himself at the remainder of the guilt phase and the penalty phase. The Commonwealth notes the issue was previously litigated on direct appeal, and argues appellant’s claim is nonetheless meritless because the right to self-representation is not absolute and the trial proceedings had nearly concluded at the time appellant made his request. Thus, it contends the trial court did not err in denying the request. On the last day of the guilt phase, appellant expressed the desire to represent himself, and informed the court he was not attempting to delay the proceedings because he had his closing argument prepared that day and was ready to proceed. The trial court conducted a colloquy and denied the request, finding that allowing appellant to represent himself when the guilt phase was nearly complete would have confused the jury and caused disruption, inconvenience, and delay. [J-49-2013] - 41 As the PCRA court correctly concluded, this issue has been previously litigated. See Treiber, at 32 (trial court did not abuse its discretion in denying appellant’s request to represent himself); see also 42 Pa.C.S. § 9544(a)(2). Insofar as appellant alleges counsel failed to thoroughly advocate for his right to represent himself, his cursory claim of ineffectiveness is waived for failure to develop it in any meaningful fashion capable of review. See Walter, at 566 (holding claims waived for failure to develop them). Issue X: Counsel’s Failure to Investigate/Present Expert Evidence Appellant claims trial counsel was ineffective for failing to investigate, develop, and introduce expert testimony to contradict the Commonwealth’s evidence, particularly experts regarding: (1) canine DNA evidence; (2) fire investigation; (3) appellant’s indifferent demeanor; and (4) appellant’s financial status. Because we have addressed appellant’s issues as to canine DNA evidence and his financial status, see supra, Issues I-III, we will only address appellant’s claims as to fire investigation and his indifferent demeanor. A. Arson Expert Appellant argues trial counsel was ineffective for failing to call David Redsicker, an arson expert, at trial to rebut the Commonwealth’s arson testimony from a state fire marshal. While appellant acknowledges counsel consulted with Mr. Redsicker prior to trial, he asserts counsel was ineffective for not asking Mr. Redsicker a crucial question, i.e., whether a delay device was used in the arson. He also claims Mr. Redsicker would have testified the absence of detectible gasoline on appellant’s clothes the night of the fire meant he did not pour gasoline that night. The Commonwealth maintains counsel had a reasonable basis for not calling Mr. Redsicker, asserting there was no dispute the fire was an arson and Mr. Redsicker identified a third point of origin near Jessica’s bedroom. It thus argues appellant suffered [J-49-2013] - 42 no prejudice because Mr. Redsicker would not have offered helpful or additional information. The Commonwealth notes its theory at trial was that appellant used a delay device to start the fire to allow him to get away without injury, and Mr. Redsicker testified at the PCRA hearings that straw, candles, and gasoline could be used to create delay devices. The Commonwealth contends Mr. Redsicker’s opinion that appellant must not have poured gasoline because he did not have it on his clothing was highly speculative. Nonetheless, the Commonwealth submits, the lack of such testimony did not prejudice appellant because it was undisputed gasoline was not found on his person and his counsel emphasized this fact during closing argument. At trial, the Commonwealth offered testimony from the state fire marshal who examined the scene. He concluded there were two unconnected points of origin — one in the garage and the other in the basement — and straw, candles, and gasoline were used as delay devices to start the fire. Appellant’s trial counsel consulted with Mr. Redsicker prior to trial but did not call him at trial as an expert witness because: (1) there was no dispute an arson was committed; (2) Mr. Redsicker believed appellant’s basement window had been opened to provide oxygen and fuel the fire; and (3) there was a drawback to his testimony because he discovered a third point of origin outside Jessica’s bedroom. See N.T. PCRA Hearing, 8/10/09, at 51-53. Mr. Redsicker testified at the PCRA hearings that he agreed with the fire marshal’s conclusions as to the points of origin. N.T. PCRA Hearing, 8/11/09, at 60-61. Mr. Redsicker also disclosed counsel gave him the fire marshal’s report to review; the report contained the fire marshal’s opinion that delay devices were used, and the possibility that straw, gasoline, and candles were used as delay devices could not be ruled out. Id., at 76, 84. The PCRA court held counsel made a reasonable, strategic choice not to call Mr. Redsicker due to the possibility he would indicate a third point of origin — which could [J-49-2013] - 43 have hurt appellant — and it was reasonable for counsel to assume Mr. Redsicker had no dispute as to the use of delay devices, or he would have informed him of any disagreement with the fire marshal’s conclusions. PCRA Court Opinion, 3/27/12, at 52-53. The court also concluded appellant failed to establish prejudice, as Mr. Redsicker’s testimony at the PCRA hearings did not dispute the fire marshal’s conclusions at trial. Id. The court discredited Mr. Redsicker’s testimony that appellant could not have started the fire because there was no gasoline found on his clothing, finding such opinion purely speculative. Id. As discussed supra, the mere failure to call an expert rebuttal witness is not per se ineffectiveness, and counsel need not introduce such expert if he effectively cross-examines the Commonwealth’s witnesses and elicits helpful testimony. See Chmiel, at 1143 (citations omitted). Appellant fails to argue counsel’s cross-examination of the fire marshal was inadequate. Our review of the record demonstrates counsel effectively cross-examined the fire marshal and elicited helpful testimony in support of the defense theory that an unknown intruder committed the arson. See N.T. Trial, 10/1/02, at 134-44 (questioning as to evidence of forced entry in home and possibilities that may have shown intruder committed arson). Thus, counsel was not ineffective. We also conclude the PCRA court correctly determined appellant failed to establish the reasonable basis and prejudice prongs of the ineffectiveness test. As the court pointed out, Mr. Redsicker indicated a possible third point of origin located outside Jessica’s bedroom. His testimony, therefore, would have diminished the defense’s theory that an intruder committed the arson and supported the Commonwealth’s theory that appellant burned the house to murder Jessica. Thus, counsel had a reasonable basis for not calling Mr. Redsicker. Moreover, appellant does not explain how counsel’s failure to call Mr. Redsicker prejudiced him; he focuses only on the cumulative effect of [J-49-2013] - 44 counsel’s alleged errors, arguing counsel could have significantly weakened the Commonwealth’s case by calling experts in canine DNA, mental health, arson, and accounting. Appellant claims, without support, that the outcome of the guilt phase would have been different had counsel offered this expert testimony and properly impeached the fire marshal. Accordingly, appellant fails to establish prejudice.