Court Opinion

ID: 4420884
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2019-07-29 15:48:05.882067+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:52:39.668016
License: Public Domain

[Cite as State v. Smith, 2019-Ohio-3048.]

                                        COURT OF APPEALS
                                    MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO
                                    FIFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT

STATE OF OHIO                                      JUDGES:
                                                   Hon. John W. Wise, P. J.
        Plaintiff-Appellee                         Hon. Patricia A. Delaney, J.
                                                   Hon. Craig R. Baldwin, J.
-vs-
                                                   Case No. CT2018-0063
IVAN J. SMITH

        Defendant-Appellant                        OPINION

CHARACTER OF PROCEEDING:                       Criminal Appeal from the Court of Common
                                               Pleas, Case No. CR2016-0317

JUDGMENT:                                      Affirmed

DATE OF JUDGMENT ENTRY:                         July 26, 2019

APPEARANCES:

For Plaintiff-Appellee                         For Defendant-Appellant

D. MICHAEL HADDOX                              JAMES ANZELMO
PROSECUTING ATTORNEY                           446 Howland Drive
TAYLOR P. BENNINGTON                           Gahanna, Ohio 43230
ASSISTANT PROSECUTOR
27 North Fifth Street, P. O. Box 189
Zanesville, Ohio 43702-0189
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2018-0063                                                         2

Wise, P. J.

       {¶1}   Defendant-Appellant Ivan J. Smith appeals denial of his motion to waive

court costs by the Muskingum County Court of Common Pleas.

       {¶2}   Plaintiff-Appellee is the State of Ohio.

                             STATEMENT OF THE FACTS AND CASE

       {¶3}   The facts and procedural history are as follows:

       {¶4}   On July 13, 2016, Muskingum County Sheriff’s dispatch received a

complaint about the odor of marijuana coming from the residence located at 128 Hamline

Ave., Zanesville, Ohio. The complaint also stated that the occupants at the residence

were trafficking in drugs.

       {¶5}   Colleena Johnson ("Colleena") and Appellant lived at 128 Hamline Ave. 130

Hamline Ave. was vacant at the time. (Trial, Vol. I, p. 157, 159; Vol. II, p. 455). Their

residence is a duplex with 130 Hamline Ave., wherein 128 is on the south side and 130

is on the north side. (T. at 157).

       {¶6}   In response to the complaint, officers approached the residence to conduct

a “knock and talk”. (T. at 152-53). Officers noticed the odor or raw marijuana, which

became stronger when Colleena came out after the officers knocked. (T. at 155-56).

Colleena refused to give consent for a search of the residence. Officers secured the

residence while Detective Matt Wilhite ("Det. Wilhite") left to procure a search warrant. (T.

at 156). Colleena, who was not permitted to re-enter the residence without being

accompanied by an officer, left on foot. It took a little over an hour for Det. Wilhite to return

with a signed search warrant.
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2018-0063                                                   3

       {¶7}   Additionally, officers received consent from Dan Reinstetle, the owner of the

duplex, to search the vacant 130 Hamline Ave. residence to confirm the odor of marijuana

was not coming from it. (T. at 159). Officers also found nine (9) marijuana plants outside,

on the south side (128 side) of the duplex, in pots that resembled pots that were later

discovered inside 128 Hamline Ave. (T. at 167). The marijuana plants outside had labels

on them to identify their strand. (T. at 169).

       {¶8}   Inside 128 Hamline Ave., officers found Christmas tags that read "To Ivan,

From Col", mason jars with labelling, and Ziploc vacuum sealed bags with handwriting

that was similar to the handwriting on the labels on the marijuana plants outside. (T. at

170-71, 173). There was also marijuana residue on the bottom of the mason jars and the

labels for other strands of marijuana. (T. at 171-72).

       {¶9}   Officers also found five (5) butane cans inside the residence, which Det.

Wilhite testified were frequently used to process marijuana to manufacture hashish. (T.

at 172). Hashish was also found. (T. at 467-69).

       {¶10} During the search, officers also found duct tape that matched duct tape on

the marijuana plants outside, as well as duct tape that would later be found in the

basement and at a storage unit. (T. at 173-74).

       {¶11} A book named Cannabis Indica was found next to a cedar chest in a room

upstairs. (T. at 176). Inside that cedar chest were four (4) more mason jars with labels,

vacuum sealed bags, and a plastic tote that had Appellant's fingerprint on it. (T. at 177,

392-94). There was a desk in the room that had mail and multiple documents in the name

of Appellant. (T. at 83-84, 205). Officers also found a Styrofoam cup with

methamphetamine inside of it. (T. at 180, 182, 301, 467-69).
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2018-0063                                                   4

       {¶12} In a closet behind some clothes was a staircase that led to the attic, which

had been secured by coat hanger wire. (T. at 184). The attic can only be accessed from

128 Hamline Ave., not from 130 Hamline Ave. (T. at 166, 269-70). In the attic, eighty-four

(84) full plants, fresh, with wet and damp soil, were found, as well as a large, plastic,

industrial grinder with ground-up marijuana inside, more mason jars, a vacuum sealer,

and other dried marijuana were found. (T. at 185, 188-89, 317-18). Appellant's fingerprints

were on the grinder. (T. at 189, 392-94). There was no lighting in the attic and the

temperature was above 100 degrees. (T. at 185, 273).

       {¶13} Det. Wilhite testified about his knowledge of marijuana and that marijuana

plants cannot grow in a space of that temperature and with no light, concluding that the

plants had to have recently been placed there. (T. at 185-86, 188, 273). Colleena would

not have had time to move the plants to the attic. (T. at 276).

       {¶14} In the basement, officers found three (3) constructed hydroponic grow

rooms wrapped in heavy black plastic with reflective plastic on the inside, grow lights,

hydroponic stems, and filters, all used to grow marijuana. (T. at 192). There were also

hydroponic clay balls and bamboo sticks, which matched hydroponic clay balls and

bamboo sticks that were found with the outside marijuana plants. (T. at 194). There was

a box for grow lights with the name Howard Bailey on it, who previously worked at Iroc's

Hair Design Studio ("Iroc's"), which is the barbershop business that Appellant owns,

located at 125 State Street. (T. at 196, 253). There was blue rope and blue pulleys holding

up the LED grow lights from the ceiling. (T. at 196). Howard Bailey's fingerprint was on

one of the LED grow lights, which he testified he had previously sold to Appellant. (T. at

255, 299, 366, 369). There was also Appellant's yellow-hooded sweatshirt, which he had
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2018-0063                                                     5

been seen wearing around town, and the matching pants were located in his vehicle

parked outside. (T. at 197, 231). Finally, a bag of packaged (processed) marijuana was

found inside the dryer. (T. at 414).

       {¶15} Appellant's Ford Explorer was parked at 128 Hamline Ave. and was also

searched. (T. at 229-31). Located in the vehicle was a blue pulley, a pair of yellow pants,

Appellant's wallet and identification, credit cards, and numerous documents and receipts,

including an electric bill for Iroc's, a Huntington Bank bill in the name of Appellant, and

another Huntington Bank bill in the name of Ivan J. Smith dba Iroc's Hair Design Studios.

(T. at 231-32, 236, 319-320).

       {¶16} In the cedar chest was also a payment book/receipts for Five Star Store It

in the name of Appellant and his company Iroc's. (T. at 203-04). That storage unit was

rented in Appellant's name for Iroc's. (T. at 252-53, 409). A K9 alerted to the presence of

narcotics in the storage unit that Appellant/Iroc's was renting. (T. at 332). A search of the

storage unit revealed 2x4 framing, ventilation piping with heavy plastic stapled to it,

vacuum sealed bags with similar writing as those found at 128 Hamline, reflective plastic,

and hydroponic clay balls, all similar to those found at 128 Hamline Ave. (T. at 215-217,

221-223). There was also a hydroponic water pump system, further documents in the

name of Appellant, heavy black plastic and duct tape similar to that found in the basement

at 128 Hamline Ave., and a hair salon chair with marijuana residue on it. (T. at 223, 226).

The receipt for Indoor Gardens found in the Ford Explorer led detectives to visit Indoor

Gardens and retrieve the merchant copy which showed that Appellant purchased grow

lights and other materials using his Huntington Bank business account card. (T. at 235,

248-252, 362-363).
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2018-0063                                                    6

       {¶17} The scene was processed, evidence collected, and was sent away for

testing and analysis. (T. at 254). The grinder, plastic bin, and lighting systems were

processed for fingerprints. (T. at 337-338, 346-347). Five (5) of the fingerprints came back

identifying Appellant, one fingerprint belonged to Howard Bailey. Colleena's prints were

excluded from being on the evidence. (T. at 392, 394).

       {¶18} The marijuana was tested and weighed and came back with a combined

weight of 1.28 kilograms, or 1,280 grams. (T. at 439, 445-446). The hashish was tested

and weighed 13.05 grams, the methamphetamine was tested and weighed less than 0.10

grams. (T. at 467-469).

       {¶19} During the search, Appellant called Detective Todd Kanavel. Appellant was

upset and asking why they were searching the house. (T. at 415). Appellant called back

asking if he needed to turn himself in, and while referring to the grow lights, stated "the

stuff isn't even turned on". (T. at 416-17).

       {¶20} On October 12, 2016, Appellant was indicted as follows:

              Count 1:     Possession of drugs (Marijuana), in violation of R.C.

       §2925.11(A), a felony of the third degree,

              Count 2: Cultivation of Marijuana, in violation of R.C. §2925.04(A), a

       felony of the third degree, with a forfeiture specification;

              Count 3: Possession of drugs (Hashish), in violation of R.C.

       §2925.11(A), a felony of the fifth degree;

              Count 4: Possession of drugs (Methamphetamine), in violation of

       R.C. §2925.11(A), a felony of the fifth degree;
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2018-0063                                                      7

              Count 5: Possession of criminal tools, in violation of R.C.

       §2923.24(A), felony of the fifth degree;

              Count 6: Money laundering, in violation of R.C. §1315.55(A), a felony

       of the third degree, with a forfeiture specification.

       {¶21} On January 31, 2017, Appellant filed a motion to suppress.

       {¶22} On February 10, 2017, a hearing was held on Appellant’s motion to

suppress. The trial court denied the motion.

       {¶23} On February 12, 2017, a jury trial commenced in this matter. One hour into

voir dire, the trial was continued due to Appellant’s wish to fire his counsel and Appellant’s

counsel moving the court to allow him to withdraw as counsel.

       {¶24} Following deliberations, the jury found Appellant guilty on Counts One, Two,

Three, Five and Six, and the forfeiture specifications.

       {¶25} On June 14, 2017, a sentencing hearing was held. At said hearing, the trial

court merged Counts One and Two for purposes of sentencing and sentenced Appellant

to thirty (30) months on those counts, twelve (12) months on Count Three, twelve (12)

months on Count Five and thirty (30) months on Count Six. Counts Two and Six were

ordered to run consecutively to one another. Counts Three and Five were ordered to run

concurrently with each other and with the sentence on Counts Two and Six, for an

aggregate prison term of sixty (60) months. The applicable property, including real estate

located 125 State Street, Zanesville, Ohio, was also ordered to be seized and forfeited to

the State of Ohio and transferred to the County of Muskingum. The trial court waived the

mandatory $5,000 fine.

       {¶26} On July 10, 2017, Appellant appealed his conviction to this Court.
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2018-0063                                                8

       {¶27} By Opinion and Entry dated June 18, 2018, this Court affirmed the judgment

of the Muskingum County Common Pleas Court, upholding the conviction.

       {¶28} On May 23, 2018, Appellant filed a Motion to Vacate Costs or in the

Alternative for an Order Allowing a Monthly Partial Payment Plan.

       {¶29} On June 29, 2018, the State filed opposition to Appellant’s motion.

       {¶30} On July 27, 2018, the trial court denied Appellant’s motion.

       {¶31} On August 6, 2018, Appellant filed a Notice of Appeal with the Ohio

Supreme Court. On November 13, 2018, the Ohio Supreme Court declined to accept

jurisdiction.

       {¶32} On September 21, 2018, Appellant filed an Application to Reopen his

Appeal. On December 3, 2018, this Court denied the Application to Reopen.

       {¶33} On October 15, 2018, Appellant filed a motion for a delayed appeal, which

was granted by this Court. This appeal follows.

       {¶34} On January 16, 2019, Appellant filed a Notice of Appeal with the Ohio

Supreme Court. On April 18, 2019, the Ohio Supreme Court declined to accept

jurisdiction.

       {¶35} Appellant now appeals, raising the following assignment of error on appeal:

                              ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR

       {¶36} “I. THE TRIAL COURT ABUSED ITS DISCRETION BY DENYING SMITH’S

MOTION TO WAIVE COURT COSTS OR TO ALLOW A MONTHLY PAYMENT PLAN,

IN VIOLATION OF HIS RIGHTS UNDER THE EIGHTH AMENDMENT TO THE UNITED

STATES CONSTITUTION.”
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2018-0063                                                      9

                                                 I.

       {¶37} In his sole assignment of error, Appellant argues that the trial court erred in

denying his motion to waive court costs. We disagree.

       {¶38} R.C. 2947.23(A)(1)(a) governs the imposition of court costs. It states, in

relevant part: “In all criminal cases, * * * the judge * * * shall include in the sentence the

costs of prosecution, * * * and render a judgment against the defendant for such costs.”

The Supreme Court of Ohio has held that R.C. 2947.23 requires a court to assess costs

against all convicted defendants, including indigent defendants. State v. White, 103 Ohio

St.3d 580, 2004-Ohio-5989, ¶ 8; State v. Hayes, 11th Dist. Ashtabula No. 2004-A-0024,

2005-Ohio-2881, ¶ 8. Therefore, ‘a defendant's financial status is irrelevant to the

imposition of court costs.’ State v. Clevenger, 114 Ohio St. 3d 258, 2007-Ohio-4006, ¶3.”

Id. at ¶8.

       {¶39} We find no abuse of discretion in the case at bar.

       {¶40} In addition, we note the General Assembly amended R.C. 2947.23 by

adding the following provision, “[t]he court retains jurisdiction to waive, suspend, or modify

the payment of the costs of prosecution * * * at the time of sentencing or at any time

thereafter.” In State v. Beasley, 153 Ohio St. 3d 497, 2018-Ohio-493, 108 N.E.3d 1028,

the Ohio Supreme Court noted that in light of this new provision, a case does not need to

be remanded to the trial court in order for the defendant to obtain an order waiving,

suspending, or modifying costs. Id. at ¶ 264 –265.

       {¶41} Accordingly, in the case at bar, any further dispute as to costs can be

handled in the manner authorized under R.C. §2947.23, without remand by this Court.

       {¶42} Appellant’s sole assignment of error is overruled.
Muskingum County, Case No. CT2018-0063                                   10

      {¶43} Accordingly, the judgment of the Common Pleas Court of Muskingum

County, Ohio, is affirmed.

By: Wise, P. J.

Delaney, J., and

Baldwin, J., concur.

JWW/d 0715