Court Opinion

ID: 9900503
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-11-18 23:01:19.080747+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T09:21:07.467328
License: Public Domain

This opinion is subject to administrative correction before final disposition.

                                Before
                    HOLIFIELD, HACKEL, and DALY
                       Appellate Military Judges

                         _________________________

                           UNITED STATES
                               Appellee

                                      v.

                     Roger O. ROACHE, Jr.
               Lance Corporal (E-3), U.S. Marine Corps
                             Appellant

                             No. 202200128

                         _________________________

                         Decided: 9 November 2023

    Appeal from the United States Navy-Marine Corps Trial Judiciary

                               Military Judge:
                               Adam M. King

 Sentence adjudged 31 January 2022 by a general court-martial con-
 vened at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, consisting of a military judge
 sitting alone. Sentence in the Entry of Judgment: reduction to E-1, for-
 feiture of all pay and allowances, confinement for 12 years, and a dis-
 honorable discharge. 1

 1 Appellant was credited 249 days of pretrial confinement.
                United States v. Roache, NMCCA No. 202200128
                              Opinion of the Court

                                 For Appellant:
                          Major Joshua P. Keefe, USMC

                                 For Appellee:
                   Lieutenant Ebenezer K. Gyasi, JAGC, USN

                            _________________________

         This opinion does not serve as binding precedent, but
              may be cited as persuasive authority under
               NMCCA Rule of Appellate Procedure 30.2.

                            _________________________

PER CURIAM:
    A military judge sitting alone as a general court-martial convicted Appel-
lant pursuant to his pleas. Appellant pleaded guilty to conspiracy, to wit: sex-
ual assault of a child (three children under the age of 16); knowingly and
wrongfully distributing child pornography; and five specifications of sexual as-
sault of a child, in violation of Articles 81, 134 and 120b, Uniform Code of Mil-
itary Justice, [UCMJ]. 2
    In his sole assignment of error Appellant asserts that his sentence is inap-
propriately severe because it is highly disparate to sentences awarded in two
closely related cases and no rational basis exists for the disparity. 3 We find no
prejudicial error and affirm.

    2 10 U.S.C. §§ 881, 920b, and 934 (2019).

    3 Appellant did not move to attach his co-conspirators’ Entries of Judgment but

cited them in his brief. This Court considered the Entries of Judgment and plea agree-
ments of Appellant’s co-conspirators, documents outside Appellant’s record of trial, for
our analysis pursuant to United States v. Jessie, 79 M.J. 437, 440 (C.A.A.F 2020),
where the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces recognized the appropriateness of
considering material from outside the record when “necessary for resolving issues
raised by materials in the record.” Jessie, 79 M.J. at 444. Although not raised by Ap-
pellant, LCpl Armao’s (a companion case) court-martial results were not listed on Ap-
pellant’s Statement of Trial Results or Convening Authority’s Action as required by §
0150a(3) and § 0153a(5), respectively, of the Dep’t of the Navy, Judge Advocate General
Instr. 5800.7G, Manual of the Judge Advocate General, (CH-1, Feb. 14, 2022). But we
find no prejudice. We note that LCpl Fahey’s court-martial was referred by a different
convening authority so it does not qualify as a companion case.

                                           2
                 United States v. Roache, NMCCA No. 202200128
                               Opinion of the Court

                                 I. BACKGROUND

    Appellant reported in 2020 to 9th Engineer Support Battalion in Okinawa,
Japan. This was his first duty assignment as a Marine. After about a year on
the island, he received orders to Ammunition Company, 3d Supply Battalion,
located on a northern camp in Okinawa. This is the same unit that Lance Cor-
poral [LCpl] Mason Armao and LCpl Joseph Fahey later joined in mid-2021.
The Marines became friends and spent time together at work and on liberty.
    During this time, Appellant created two fictitious social media accounts for
the purpose of identifying teenagers on Okinawa who wanted to engage in sex-
ual activity and consume alcohol and drugs. In one account, he posed as a fe-
male high school student who had recently moved to Okinawa, Japan, and was
interested in participating in a “summer challenge,” whereby participants
would receive “points” and money in exchange for legal and illegal acts, includ-
ing sexual challenges. 4 In another account he posed as a female middle school
student in Okinawa who had a “sugar daddy,” 5 that is a person who pays for
sex acts. 6 He alternated between the fictitious accounts to ensnare children,
having the children take and send him naked images of themselves. The
scheme also served as a means to introduce Appellant (as himself) online and
in person to these minors, and to thereby attempt to have sex with them. Ap-
pellant used this scheme to communicate with 34 such persons, some of whom
he knew were under 18 years of age. 7
    Appellant targeted his first victim in May 2021. Miss Lima was a 13-year-
old military dependent and a seventh grade student at Lester Middle School—
a Department of Defense Education Activity school on board Camp Lester in
Okinawa, Japan. 8 Alternating between his two false social media accounts, Ap-
pellant recommended himself to Miss Lima as a suitable “sugar daddy” and
used the fictitious personas to give credibility that sex with Appellant was en-
joyable and that Appellant would give money to Miss Lima for the sex acts.
Using his real identity, Appellant told Miss Lima that he would be her “sugar
daddy” and pay for sex. Appellant then sent Miss Lima images of girls posed
in sexual positions for her to mimic, asking that she take images of herself and

   4 R at 213 - 214.

   5 R at 213 and Pros. Ex. 1.

   6 R at 213.

   7 Pros. Ex. 1 at 2.

   8 The names of the victims in this opinion are pseudonyms.

                                        3
                 United States v. Roache, NMCCA No. 202200128
                               Opinion of the Court

send to him. Miss Lima did as asked, sending several such images, which Ap-
pellant stored on his electronic devices. He later distributed the images to LCpl
Armao and LCpl Fahey.
    After exchanging the images with Miss Lima and expressing to her his de-
sire to exchange money for sexual intercourse, Appellant rented a room at a
hotel located in Chatan, Okinawa, across the street from Lester Middle School.
On 21 May 2021, Appellant brought Miss Lima to the hotel after classes ended
for the day. In the hotel room, Appellant removed Miss Lima’s clothes and pen-
etrated her vulva and vagina with his finger to gratify his sexual desires. Ap-
pellant then placed his hand on her throat and pressed her against the wall by
applying pressure to her throat. After pinning her to the wall by her throat,
Appellant, using his hand on her throat, threw her on the bed and then pene-
trated her vagina with his penis until he ejaculated. This activity constituted
sexual assault of a minor as Appellant pleaded to in Charge I, Specification 2
of the charge sheet. When finished, Appellant paid Miss Lima for the sexual
acts. At all times, Appellant believed Miss Lima was 13 years old because she
told him as much on 18 May 2021. 9
    After his sexual assault of Miss Lima, Appellant continued to seek other
children for sex. Over the next few days, he communicated with three other
girls: Miss Pete, Miss Romeo, and Miss Rose—all students at Lester Middle
School. As before, Appellant used multiple fictitious social media accounts to
set himself up as a potential “sugar daddy.” At the time, Miss Pete and Miss
Romeo were 13 years of age, and Miss Rose was 14 years of age.
    On 25 May 2021, Appellant invited several friends to join in his scheme.
While on duty with LCpl Fahey, Appellant stated that he had found girls on
Instagram who wanted to participate in a “summer challenge” but that it was
difficult doing all of the online communication himself. So, he invited LCpl
Fahey, LCpl Armao, and two other Marines into a group chat. Appellant also
sought and obtained nude images from Miss Pete, Miss Romeo, and Miss Rose.
He shared these pornographic images of the children with the members of the
group chat, including LCpl Armao and LCpl Fahey.
    Soon, a conspiracy formed amongst Appellant, LCpl Fahey, and LCpl Ar-
mao, for the purpose of having sex with the three girls. Appellant described
this moment during the plea colloquy portion of his court-martial:

   9 R at 138.

                                       4
                  United States v. Roache, NMCCA No. 202200128
                                Opinion of the Court

       Lance Corporal Fahey says in the Man of Culture group chat --
       He says, “Okay. Are you ready to deal? Are you ready? Are you
       down to rail some hoes? Yes or no? Even if they are 12?”
       Which then Lance Corporal Armao replies quoting “Sí, papi,”
       which means yes. He came to agreement after that. 10
   Appellant asked LCpl Armao and LCpl Fahey to send images of themselves
and their Snapchat addresses to the three girls, which they did. The girls were
then asked who they wanted to be their “sugar daddy.” This process paired off
each girl with each Marine: Miss Rose with LCpl Fahey, Miss Romeo with LCpl
Armao, and Miss Pete with Appellant. The Marines and the girls then began
communicating directly.
    Working together, the three Marines coordinated to meet up with the three
girls. Appellant reserved rooms at the same hotel near Lester Middle School
where he had assaulted Miss Lima, and LCpl Fahey coordinated meeting times
with the girls. All three Marines separately told the girls with whom they were
paired that they wanted to have sex with them.
    On 27 May 2021, the three conspirators executed their plan, purchasing
condoms, lubricant, and alcohol on their way to the hotel. Later that day, the
three Marines and three girls finally met up. After making introductions, they
walked first to a convenience store and then to the hotel, where they went
straight to LCpl Armao’s room. After some time, LCpl Fahey suggested they
begin drinking alcohol. He then poured five drinks, which were a mix of rum
and pineapple juice. The girls all drank some alcohol, but in different amounts:
Miss Pete drank only a small amount, Miss Romeo drank her whole cup, and
Miss Rose drank her own cup, the remainder of her friend’s cup, and the re-
maining rum left in the bottle.
    At this point Appellant suggested that the group should separate as couples
into their individual rooms, and LCpl Armao agreed. Appellant and Miss Pete
departed for Appellant’s room. There, Appellant placed his hand on Miss Pete’s
throat and removed her clothing. They started having sex, during which he
penetrated her vulva with his fingers and penis. At all times during the sexual
assault Appellant knew that Miss Pete was 13 years old.
    A short time later, Appellant and Miss Pete returned to LCpl Armao’s
room, where they met up with the other two girls and two Marines. Since Miss
Rose had become very intoxicated from the drinks earlier that evening, LCpl
Fahey, LCpl Armao, and Miss Romeo took Miss Rose to a local restaurant to
get some food. Appellant took Miss Pete to get ice cream. Soon thereafter, all

   10 R at 187.

                                       5
                United States v. Roache, NMCCA No. 202200128
                              Opinion of the Court

of the girls left the Marines who later returned to the hotel. Later that evening,
while all three were in Appellant’s room, a law enforcement official from the
Provost Marshal’s Office apprehended the three Marines.
    On 21 October 2021, LCpl Fahey pleaded guilty at a general court-martial
to sexually assaulting Miss Rose, a child under 16 years of age. His plea agree-
ment contained a clause that he would testify against Appellant. His sentence
consisted of reduction to E-1, 48 months of confinement, and a dishonorable
discharge.
    On 13 January 2022, LCpl Armao pleaded guilty at a general court-martial
to sexually assaulting Miss Romeo, a child under 16 years of age. His plea
agreement contained a clause that he would testify against Appellant. His sen-
tence consisted of reduction to E-1, 4 years of confinement, and a dishonorable
discharge.

                                  II. DISCUSSION

Appellant’s Sentence was Appropriate and Not Highly Disparate
    In his sole assignment of error, Appellant alleges that his sentence is dis-
proportionately severe compared to the sentences of his fellow co-conspira-
tors. 11 He avers that reassessing a sentence of confinement in the range of eight
to ten years will remedy this error.
    We review sentence appropriateness de novo 12 and generally without ref-
erence or comparison to sentences in other cases. 13 We will engage in sentence
comparison only “in those rare instances in which sentence appropriateness
can be fairly determined only by reference to disparate sentences adjudged in
closely related cases.” 14
   When arguing for relief based on sentence disparity, an appellant must
demonstrate “that any cited cases are ‘closely related’ to his or her case and
that the sentences are ‘highly disparate.’ If the appellant meets that bur-
den . . . then the Government must show that there is a rational basis for the

    11 Neither LCpl Armao nor LCpl Fahey pleaded guilty to any charges alleging con-

spiracy or distribution of child pornography.
    12 United States v. Lane, 64 M.J. 1, 2 (C.A.A.F. 2006).

    13 United States v. Ballard, 20 M.J. 282, 283 (C.M.A. 1985).

    14 United States v. Sothen, 54 M.J. 294, 296 (C.A.A.F. 2001) (quoting Ballard, 20

M.J. at 283).

                                           6
               United States v. Roache, NMCCA No. 202200128
                             Opinion of the Court

disparity.” 15 “Closely related” cases involve “offenses that are similar in both
nature and seriousness or which arise from a common scheme or design.” 16
   In assessing whether sentences are highly disparate, “adjudged sentences
are used because there are several intervening and independent factors be-
tween trial and appeal—including discretionary grants of clemency and limits
from pretrial agreements—that might properly create the disparity in what
are otherwise closely related cases.” 17 Moreover, we are “not limited to a nar-
row comparison of the relative numerical values of the sentences at issue,” but
may also consider “the disparity in relation to the potential maximum punish-
ment.” 18
    Finally, co-conspirators are not entitled to similar sentences, and disparity
between them does not necessarily render one sentence inappropriate, “pro-
vided each military accused is sentenced as an individual.” 19 This is so because
the point of examining disparate sentences is not only to eliminate actual un-
fairness or injustice, but also to ensure the “appearance of fairness and integ-
rity, without which the public, members of Congress, and service personnel
will lose confidence in the military justice system.” 20
    We begin by finding that, while he engaged in criminal activity in conjunc-
tion with LCpl Armao and LCpl Fahey, Appellant’s case is not closely related
to theirs as he committed additional misconduct. Not only did Appellant sex-
ually assault Miss Lima a few days before engaging in his scheme with LCpl
Armao and LCpl Fahey, but he also distributed child pornography (digital im-
ages of Miss Romeo, Miss Rose, and Miss Pete engaging in sexually explicit
conduct), and was the mastermind and primary agent of the conspiracy, a
charge to which he alone pleaded guilty. 21 The additional serious misconduct
to which Appellant pleaded guilty clearly distinguishes his case from those of
his co-actors.

   15 United States v. Lacy, 50 M.J. 286, 288 (C.A.A.F 1999).

   16 United States v. Kelly, 40 M.J. 558, 570 (N.M.C.M.R. 1994); see also Lacy, 50

M.J. at 288 (examples of closely related cases include co-actors in a common crime,
service members involved in a common or parallel scheme, or “some other direct nexus
between the service members whose sentences are sought to be compared”).
   17 United States v. Roach, 69 M.J. 17, 21 (C.A.A.F. 2010).

   18 Lacy, 50 M.J. at 289.

   19 United States v. Durant, 55 M.J. 258, 261 (C.A.A.F. 2001).

   20 Kelly, 40 M.J. at 570.

   21 Additional Charge II.

                                          7
               United States v. Roache, NMCCA No. 202200128
                             Opinion of the Court

    Nonetheless, even had Appellant met his burden of showing that the cases
were “closely related” and that the sentences were “highly disparate,” we none-
theless find rational bases for disparities among the sentences. Appellant’s ad-
ditional misconduct—and the severity and frequency of his scheming and pred-
atory behavior—clearly justifies disparate treatment. Additionally, and nota-
bly, both LCpl Fahey and LCpl Armao struck plea agreements with the Gov-
ernment to testify against Appellant, indicating mitigating characteristics of
acceptance of responsibility less present in Appellant’s case. Also, Appellant’s
additional misconduct meant that he faced a maximum confinement period of
200 years, while his co-conspirators faced 60 years (LCpl Armao) and 90 years
(LCpl Fahey). While the two other Marines’ sentences vary substantially from
Appellant’s sentence, his additional misconduct fully accounts for the differ-
ence in punishment.
    Finally, “Appellant’s punishment was the predictable result of a [plea
agreement] that he negotiated and voluntarily entered into with the convening
authority.” 22 Appellant voluntarily chose to plead guilty in accordance with the
specific terms of an agreement he freely negotiated. As we have previously
stated, “we generally refrain from second guessing or comparing a sentence
that flows from a lawful pretrial agreement.” 23 Therefore, we find the Appel-
lant’s claim to be without merit.

                               III. CONCLUSION

   After careful consideration of the record and briefs of appellate counsel, we
have determined that the findings and sentence are correct in law and fact and
that no error materially prejudicial to Appellant’s substantial rights oc-
curred.20

   The findings and sentence are AFFIRMED.

                                  FOR THE COURT:

                                  MARK K. JAMISON
                                  Clerk of Court

   22 United States v. Bocage, No. 202000206, 2022 CCA LEXIS 311, *7 (N-M Ct. Crim.

App. May 25, 2022).
   23 United States v. Widak, No. 201500309, 2016 CCA LEXIS 172, *7 (N-M. Ct.

Crim. App. Mar. 22, 2016) (unpublished).

                                           8