Court Opinion

ID: 4035180
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2016-09-20 15:02:48.890508+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:29:34.179564
License: Public Domain

NOTICE: NOT FOR OFFICIAL PUBLICATION.
 UNDER ARIZONA RULE OF THE SUPREME COURT 111(c), THIS DECISION IS NOT PRECEDENTIAL
                 AND MAY BE CITED ONLY AS AUTHORIZED BY RULE.

                                    IN THE
             ARIZONA COURT OF APPEALS
                                DIVISION ONE

                       STATE OF ARIZONA, Appellee,

                                        v.

                     JO ELLEN WHITLOCK, Appellant.

                             No. 1 CA-CR 16-0022
                               FILED 9-20-2016

           Appeal from the Superior Court in Maricopa County
                        No. CR 2014-136372-001
          The Honorable James R. Rummage, Judge Pro Tempore

                        AFFIRMED AS MODIFIED

                                   COUNSEL

Arizona Attorney General’s Office, Phoenix
By Michael Valenzuela
Counsel for Appellee

Maricopa County Public Defender’s Office, Phoenix
By Kevin D. Heade
Counsel for Appellant
                           STATE v. WHITLOCK
                            Decision of the Court

                      MEMORANDUM DECISION

Judge Margaret H. Downie delivered the decision of the Court, in which
Presiding Judge Patricia K. Norris and Judge Samuel A. Thumma joined.

D O W N I E, Judge:

¶1            Jo Ellen Whitlock appeals her convictions and sentences for
theft of means of transportation and possession of burglary tools. We
affirm Whitlock’s convictions but modify her sentences to reflect an
additional 60 days of presentence incarceration credit.

                FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY1

¶2             In the early morning hours of July 29, 2014, Officer Nollette
ran the license plate of a 1996 Infiniti stopped in front of him at a traffic
light, learning that the vehicle had been reported stolen. The officer
followed the vehicle into a business parking lot. After the occupants exited
the car, Officer Nollette approached the driver — Whitlock — and advised
her of her Miranda rights.

¶3             After being placed in the patrol car, Whitlock agreed to
answer questions and stated that the Infiniti belonged to a man named
“Oscar.” Whitlock asked Officer Nollette to retrieve her purse from the
vehicle. As he carried the open purse to the patrol car, Officer Nollette saw
a clear envelope containing a vehicle registration form. He asked Whitlock
whether the purse belonged to her, and she responded affirmatively. When
the officer removed the envelope from the purse, he discovered it contained
the vehicle registration, title, and insurance documentation — all in the
name of the registered owner (“the victim”).

¶4           Officer Nollette conducted an inventory search of the vehicle
and recovered a key from the ignition. He immediately noticed the key was
“odd,” and “it took a little manipulation to get the key out of the ignition.”
The key had no logo or brand name and was “worn down,” without the
“normal lines or edges.” Although Officer Nollette was “eventually” able

1      We view the facts in the light most favorable to sustaining the
verdicts. State v. Payne, 233 Ariz. 484, 509, ¶ 93 (2013).

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                           STATE v. WHITLOCK
                            Decision of the Court

to start the car with the key, “it did not work in the trunk.” Based on his
training and experience, the officer identified the key as a “jiggle key” that
had been worn down to fit the ignition of a vehicle for which it was not
made.

¶5            At the police station, Officer Nollette again asked Whitlock
about the vehicle’s owner, and she responded that it belonged to Alfredo
Robles, who loaned it to her approximately three weeks earlier. Whitlock
had no contact information for Robles. She said that Robles told her to
“jiggle” the key in the ignition and admitted suspecting that the car may
have been stolen.

¶6           Whitlock was charged with one count of theft of means of
transportation and one count of possession of burglary tools. The State also
alleged Whitlock had historical prior felony convictions.

¶7            At trial, the victim testified that the Infiniti was stolen from
her carport in June 2014. At the time of the theft, the car was locked with
the windows rolled up. No broken glass was left behind, and the victim
retained all keys to the vehicle. When the car was recovered, the victim’s
keys no longer operated the ignition. The victim did not know Whitlock or
anyone named Oscar or Alfredo, and she did not give anyone permission
to use her car.

¶8            The jury found Whitlock guilty as charged. The trial court
found that Whitlock had four prior felony convictions and sentenced her as
a category three repetitive offender to concurrent prison terms: a mitigated
term of nine years for theft of means of transportation and a mitigated term
of two and three-quarters years for possession of burglary tools. Whitlock
timely appealed. We have jurisdiction pursuant to Arizona Revised
Statutes (“A.R.S.”) sections 12-120.21(A)(1), 13-4031 and -4033(A)(1).

                               DISCUSSION

I.     Sufficiency of the Evidence

¶9           Whitlock argues there was insufficient evidence to convict her
of possession of burglary tools. Specifically, she contends the seized key
does not qualify as a burglary tool under the relevant statutes.

¶10          We review a claim of insufficient evidence de novo. State v.
West, 226 Ariz. 559, 562, ¶ 15 (2011). Sufficient evidence may be direct or
circumstantial and “is such proof that reasonable persons could accept as
adequate” to “support a conclusion of defendant’s guilt beyond a

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                            STATE v. WHITLOCK
                             Decision of the Court

reasonable doubt.” State v. Borquez, 232 Ariz. 484, 487, ¶¶ 9, 11 (App. 2013).
“To set aside a jury verdict for insufficient evidence it must clearly appear
that upon no hypothesis whatever is there sufficient evidence to support
the conclusion reached by the jury.” State v. Arredondo, 155 Ariz. 314, 316
(1987). In evaluating the sufficiency of the evidence, we test the evidence
“against the statutorily required elements of the offense,” State v. Pena, 209
Ariz. 503, 505, ¶ 8 (App. 2005), and “do not reweigh the evidence to decide
if we would reach the same conclusions as the trier of fact.” Borquez, 232
Ariz. at 487, ¶ 9.

¶11           We also interpret statutes de novo. State v. Neese, 239 Ariz. 84,
86, ¶ 8 (App. 2016). When the language of a statute is clear, “we need not
look further to determine the statute’s meaning and apply its terms as
written.” State v. Lee, 236 Ariz. 377, 382, ¶ 16 (App. 2014). If statutory
language is ambiguous, though, we consider the statute’s history, subject
matter, and purpose. Taylor v. Cruikshank, 214 Ariz. 40, 43, ¶ 10 (App. 2006).
We also construe a statute in light of other statutes that relate to the same
subject matter, “as though they constituted one law.” State ex rel. Thomas v.
Ditsworth, 216 Ariz. 339, 342, ¶ 12 (App. 2007).

¶12            As charged here, and pursuant to A.R.S. § 13-1505(A)(2) and
(B)(2), a person commits possession of burglary tools by possessing or using
a motor vehicle manipulation key with the intent to commit theft or any
felony. A “manipulation key” is a “key, device or instrument, other than a
key that is designed to operate a specific lock, that can be variably
positioned and manipulated in a vehicle keyway to operate a lock or
cylinder, including a wiggle key, jiggle key or rocker key.” A.R.S.
§ 13-1501(8).

¶13           Relying on A.R.S. § 13-1501(8)’s qualifying phrase — “other
than a key that is designed to operate a specific lock” — Whitlock argues
the statutory definition of manipulation key excludes a key that was created
to correspond to a particular lock but has since been worn or filed down
and thereby “adapted” for use in other locks. Stated differently, she
contends the key was, at its inception, designed to operate a single lock and
did not become a manipulation key when worn down to fit other locks. We
conclude otherwise.

¶14            On its face, and given a plain meaning within the context of
the statute, the phrase “other than a key that is designed to operate a
specific lock” excludes from the definition of “manipulation key” a key that
is designed to operate the specific lock at issue. That is, the use of a key with
its paired lock or ignition does not constitute possession of burglary tools

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                            STATE v. WHITLOCK
                             Decision of the Court

under A.R.S. § 13-1505(A)(2).2 Contrary to Whitlock’s argument, however,
this relatively narrow exception does not exclude from the statutory
definition a worn or filed down key with a non-paired lock.

¶15           But even if the statutory language could be viewed as
ambiguous, when read in the context of related statutory provisions, and
given the statute’s history and purpose, Whitlock’s proposed interpretation
is untenable. See State v. Barragan-Sierra, 219 Ariz. 276, 282, ¶ 17 (App. 2008)
(Courts “employ a common sense approach” in interpreting a statute,
“reading the statute in terms of its stated purpose and the system of related
statutes of which it forms a part, while taking care to avoid absurd
results.”).

¶16           As the State notes, in 2003, the legislature amended A.R.S.
§§ 13-1501, -1505, and -1506 to address the growing use of manipulation
keys and, in so doing, was advised by law enforcement officials “that
thieves actually form” manipulation keys “themselves from existing keys.”
S. Fact Sheet (Jan. 23, 2003), S.B. 1057, 46th Leg., 1st Reg. Sess. (2003);
Minutes of the H. Judiciary Comm. (Mar. 6, 2003), 46th Leg., 1st Reg. Sess.
(2003) (emphasis added). Thus, even assuming ambiguity in the statutory
definition of “manipulation key,” given A.R.S. § 13-1505’s purpose of
preventing property crime, and reading A.R.S. § 13-1501 within the context
of the related statutes and relevant legislative history, a manipulation key
is any key, device or instrument that can be variably positioned and
manipulated in a vehicle keyway to operate a lock or cylinder, other than a
key designed to operate the specific lock at issue.

¶17             The worn-down key Whitlock used had no emblem or logo
identifying it as an Infiniti key, did not fit the Infiniti’s trunk lock, and could
only operate the ignition with significant manipulation. Whitlock herself
admitted she had to “jiggle” the key to start the engine. In addition, the
victim testified she possessed all of the Infiniti’s keys at the time of the theft.
On this record, the State presented sufficient evidence that the seized key
was a manipulation key pursuant to A.R.S. § 13-1501(8).

¶18           Because Whitlock possessed only one manipulation key, the
State was also required to prove that she possessed the key “with the intent
to commit any theft or felony.” A.R.S. § 13-1505(B)(2). Reasonable jurors
could conclude from the trial evidence that Whitlock was aware the victim,

2      Accordingly, a duplicate key created to correspond to a particular
lock and used with its corresponding lock is not a manipulation key under
A.R.S. § 13-1501(8), even if the key has worn down over time.

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                           STATE v. WHITLOCK
                            Decision of the Court

not “Oscar” or “Alfredo,” owned the vehicle. Nevertheless, Whitlock
continued driving the vehicle. Under these circumstances, jurors could
conclude that Whitlock possessed a manipulation key with the intent to
commit theft of means of transportation. See A.R.S. § 13-1814(A)(5) (a
person commits theft of means of transportation by knowingly controlling
another person’s means of transportation “having reason to know that the
property is stolen”).

¶19           Substantial evidence supports Whitlock’s conviction for
possession of burglary tools.3

II.    Prosecutorial Misconduct

¶20            Whitlock next contends the prosecutor engaged in
misconduct by presenting intentionally misleading evidence and by
implicitly referring to her invocation of the right to remain silent.

¶21            Whitlock did not object on this basis in the trial court, and we
therefore review only for fundamental, prejudicial error. State v. Henderson,
210 Ariz. 561, 567, ¶ 20 (2005). Under this standard of review, the defendant
must first prove that misconduct actually occurred. State v. Edmisten, 220
Ariz. 517, 524, ¶ 23 (App. 2009). The defendant must also demonstrate “that
the prosecutor’s misconduct so infected the trial with unfairness as to make
the resulting conviction a denial of due process. Reversal on the basis of
prosecutorial misconduct requires that the conduct be so pronounced and
persistent that it permeates the entire atmosphere of the trial.” Id. (quoting
State v. Harrod, 219 Ariz. 268, 278, ¶ 35 (2008)). Prosecutorial misconduct is
not “merely the result of legal error, negligence, mistake or insignificant
impropriety.” Pool v. Superior Court, 139 Ariz. 98, 108 (1984). Rather, it is
intentional conduct that the prosecutor “knows to be improper and
prejudicial and which he pursues for any improper purpose.” Id. at 108–09.

¶22         Whitlock first asserts the prosecutor presented misleading
evidence. Before trial, the State moved to preclude Whitlock from
introducing unspecified exculpatory statements she made to officers

3       Whitlock also argues a key does not qualify as a manipulation key
unless it can operate multiple locks. Under the statutory definition, the
State was required to prove that the key could manipulate a non-paired
vehicle lock or cylinder. The evidence established that both Whitlock and
Officer Nollette were able to start the stolen car after manipulating the key
in the ignition. This evidence satisfies the statutory requirement.

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                           STATE v. WHITLOCK
                            Decision of the Court

following her arrest. At a pretrial hearing, the prosecutor explained that
Whitlock had told Officer Nollette she became suspicious the car might be
stolen, “looked online,” and ascertained it had not been reported stolen.
Defense counsel acknowledged that the self-serving hearsay statement was
inadmissible, and the prosecutor recognized the State might “open the
door” if it elicited testimony that Whitlock had “looked on the internet” to
determine whether the vehicle was stolen. The trial court granted the
State’s motion “with respect to any statements [that Whitlock] had looked
online.” The court advised, though, that “if the State asks the question, it’s
a whole different ball game.”

¶23           Officer Nollette testified at trial that Whitlock admitted she
suspected the car might be stolen but continued using it. During cross-
examination, defense counsel asked the officer when Whitlock first
suspected that the vehicle had been stolen, and he responded that he did
not know. Defense counsel inquired whether it was possible Whitlock first
suspected the car was stolen when Officer Nollette approached her, to
which the officer responded,“It could have been. Sure.”

¶24            During redirect, the prosecutor asked Officer Nollette
whether a person who suspected she was in possession of a stolen vehicle
could contact the police to ascertain whether the vehicle had been reported
stolen. Officer Nollette stated that a police officer could provide such
assistance, and the prosecutor then asked him whether there was any
indication Whitlock “did that in this case, that she contacted the police.”
Officer Nollette responded, “no.” There was no objection to this exchange,
but after Officer Nollette’s testimony, defense counsel inquired whether the
prosecutor had elicited testimony that Whitlock “looked it up” to determine
if the vehicle was stolen. The prosecutor responded that no such testimony
was given, and defense counsel responded, “All right. That’s fine.”

¶25           Citing Officer Nollette’s redirect testimony, Whitlock argues
the prosecutor “intentionally misled” the jury into believing she “had done
absolutely nothing to determine whether the car had been reported stolen.”
But as Whitlock concedes, nothing in the record establishes she in fact
consulted a website associated with law enforcement. Nor did the
prosecutor violate the court’s pretrial evidentiary ruling. At most, the State
opened the door to additional evidence by Whitlock. Whitlock, however,
did not attempt to present additional evidence about any efforts she made
to ascertain whether the vehicle had been stolen.

¶26          Whitlock next argues the prosecutor implicitly commented on
her invocation of the right to remain silent. During closing argument, the

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                           STATE v. WHITLOCK
                            Decision of the Court

prosecutor remarked that the only witnesses were Officer Nollette and the
victim, and he characterized their testimony as “undisputed” and
“uncontroverted.” Indeed, the prosecutor stated “There’s no conflicting
witnesses, no he-said/she-said. There’s only one version of what
happened.”

¶27           “It is constitutionally impermissible for a prosecutor . . . to
comment on a defendant’s failure to testify.” State v. Mata, 125 Ariz. 233,
237 (1980). “Whether a prosecutor’s comment is improper depends upon
the context in which it was made and whether the jury would naturally and
necessarily perceive it to be a comment on the defendant’s failure to testify.”
State v. Rutledge, 205 Ariz. 7, 13, ¶ 33 (2003). “To be constitutionally
proscribed, a comment must be adverse; that is, it must support an
unfavorable inference against the defendant and, therefore, operate as a
penalty imposed for exercising a constitutional privilege.” Mata, 125 Ariz.
at 238. A comment that the prosecution’s evidence is “uncontradicted” is
not objectionable unless the defendant “is the only one who could explain
or contradict the evidence offered by the state.” State v. Still, 119 Ariz. 549,
551 (1978); State v. Arredondo, 111 Ariz. 141, 143 (1974) (prosecutor’s
argument that “everything the officers have said” is “uncontroverted,
uncontested” not improper).

¶28           Viewed in context, the prosecutor’s argument did not invite
jurors to draw an unfavorable inference against Whitlock based on her
failure to testify, but rather emphasized that certain evidence was not
controverted or disputed. The prosecutor did not suggest Whitlock had
elected not to testify because she could not do so without incriminating
herself, but instead argued all of the trial evidence supported the State’s
theory. And as the State observes, Whitlock was not the only person who
could have contradicted the State’s evidence. The defense could have
presented the individual who purportedly gave Whitlock the vehicle or her
passenger to refute the State’s evidence.

¶29           For the reasons stated, the record establishes no prosecutorial
misconduct. “Absent any finding of misconduct, there can be no
cumulative effect of misconduct sufficient to permeate the entire
atmosphere of the trial with unfairness.” State v. Bocharski, 218 Ariz. 476,
492, ¶ 75 (2008).

III.   Presentence Incarceration Credit

¶30          Whitlock next contends she did not receive appropriate
presentence incarceration credit. Although she did not object on this basis

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                            STATE v. WHITLOCK
                             Decision of the Court

in the trial court, the failure to give a defendant full credit for presentence
incarceration constitutes fundamental error. State v. Cofield, 210 Ariz. 84,
86, ¶ 10 (App. 2005).

¶31           “All time actually spent in custody pursuant to an offense
until the prisoner is sentenced to imprisonment for such offense shall be
credited against the term of imprisonment.” A.R.S. § 13-712(B). A
defendant is entitled to a full day of credit for any partial day in custody,
State v. Carnegie, 174 Ariz. 452, 454 (App. 1993), but no credit for the day of
sentencing. State v. Lopez, 153 Ariz. 285, 285 (1987); accord A.R.S. § 13-712(B).

¶32           At sentencing, without objection, Whitlock received 95 days’
credit. Whitlock was first arrested on July 29, 2014 and released on bond
on August 28, 2014 (31 days). She was re-arrested on September 11, 2015
and remained in custody until sentencing on January 13, 2016 (124 days).
Whitlock was thus incarcerated for a total of 155 days before sentencing and
should have received 60 additional days of presentence incarceration credit.
We modify her sentence to so reflect. See Ariz. R. Crim. P. 31.17(b); State v.
Stevens, 173 Ariz. 494, 495–96 (App. 1992) (modifying sentence to reflect
correct presentence incarceration credit).

                                CONCLUSION

¶33            We affirm Whitlock’s convictions, but modify her sentences
to reflect 60 additional days of presentence incarceration credit.

                           AMY M. WOOD • Clerk of the Court
                           FILED: AA

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