Court Opinion

ID: 9965690
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2024-05-03 13:02:33.567927+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T08:25:34.142698
License: Public Domain

Before
                           KISOR, BURGTORF, and MIZER
                              Appellate Military Judges

                               _________________________

                                 UNITED STATES
                                     Appellee

                                            v.

                            Dylan S. HITCHCOCK
                     Fire Technician Seaman (E-3), U.S. Navy
                                    Appellant

                                   No. 202300080

                               _________________________

                                 Decided: 30 April 2024

          Appeal from the United States Navy-Marine Corps Trial Judiciary

                                   Military Judges:
                            Melanie M. Mann (arraignment)
                                 Eric A. Catto (trial)

   Sentence adjudged 6 December 2022 by a general court-martial convened at
   Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, consisting of a military judge sitting
   alone. Sentence in the Entry of Judgment: reduction to E-1, confinement for 39
   months, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and a dishonorable discharge. 1

                                For Appellant:
               Lieutenant Commander Megan P. Marinos, JAGC, USN

                                   For Appellee:
                     Lieutenant Rachel E. Noveroske, JAGC, USN

   1 The military judge credited Appellant with 209 days of administrative confinement credit

based on an Article 13, UCMJ, violation. 10 U.S.C. § 813.

  2 May 2024: Opinion and EOJ corrected to reflect Appellant’s rating and military service
                   United States v. Hitchcock, NMCCA No. 202300080
                                  Opinion of the Court

                                _________________________

        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:
    Appellant was convicted, consistent with his pleas, of: two specifications of at-
tempted sexual abuse of a child; one specification of distribution of child pornography;
and one specification of receipt, possession, and viewing of child pornography, in vio-
lation of Articles 80 and 134, Uniform Code of Military Justice. 2
    Appellant submits two assignments of error: (1) the military judge erred in certi-
fying the Entry of Judgment, which failed to summarize the charges, specifications,
sentence, and pretrial confinement; and (2) the Statement of Trial Results did not
accurately reflect the plea agreement. We order corrective action in our decretal par-
agraph, to ensure Appellant’s record of trial is correct and accurately reflects the pro-
ceedings. We otherwise find no prejudicial error and affirm the findings and sentence.

                                     I. BACKGROUND

    Appellant entered into a plea agreement with the convening authority. He agreed
to plead guilty to the above charges and specifications, with exceptions and substitu-
tions for dates in the child pornography specifications. The convening authority
agreed to dismiss the remaining twenty-seven specifications, including two additional
charges, without prejudice, to ripen into prejudice upon completion of our review.
   After accepting Appellant’s pleas and adjourning the court-martial, the military
judge omitted from the Statement of Trial Results that the plea agreement permitted
adjudged forfeitures. 3 The military judge also neglected to include in the Entry of
Judgement: (1) that Appellant’s pleas included exceptions and substitutions for dates,

    2 10 U.S.C. §§ 880, 934.

    3 Both Parties agree that the Statement of Trial Results in block 24 is inaccurate in that

adjudged forfeiture of pay and allowances was an authorized punishment negotiated pursuant
to the plea agreement. App. Ex. II at 19. We agree. We are skeptical, however, that we have
the authority to correct an erroneous Statement of Trial Results without remanding the case
back to the military judge to correct. In this case, remand is unnecessary because the scrive-
ner’s error is minor, we find no prejudice to Appellant, and Appellant alleges no prejudice from

                                               2
                   United States v. Hitchcock, NMCCA No. 202300080
                                  Opinion of the Court

related to the child pornography specifications; (2) that the charges to which Appellant
pleaded not guilty were withdrawn, without prejudice, to ripen into prejudice upon
completion of our review; (3) the sentence adjudged, by specification; (4) whether the
sentences would be served consecutively, or concurrently; and (5) pretrial confinement
credit awarded. Appellant made no post-trial motion to correct either the Statement
of Trial Results or the Entry of Judgment. 4

                                    II. DISCUSSION

   Whether a record of trial is accurate and complete is a question of law that we
review de novo. 5 Appellants are entitled to have their official records accurately reflect
what happened in their proceedings. 6 The Parties agree that error occurred and that
we can correct these errors, pursuant to United States v. Crumpley. 7

                                   III. CONCLUSION

   The Statement of Trial Results and Entry of Judgment are inaccurate for the rea-
sons stated above. In accordance with Rule for Courts-Martial 1111(c)(2), we modify
the Entry of Judgment, and direct that it be included in the record.
    After careful consideration of the record, we have otherwise determined that the
findings and sentence are correct in law and fact, and that no error materially preju-
dicial to Appellant’s substantial rights occurred. 8 The findings and sentence are AF-
FIRMED.

                                             FOR THE COURT:

                                             MARK K. JAMISON
                                             Clerk of Court

it. Inasmuch as the Entry of Judgment is the official document that terminates the proceed-
ings, R.C.M. 1111(a)(2), we modify the Entry of Judgment. R.C.M. 1111(c)(2).
   4 R.C.M. 1104(b)(2)(C).

   5 United States v. Crumpley, 49 M.J. 538 (N-M. Ct. Crim. App. 1998).

   6 Id. at 539.

   7 Id. at 538.

   8 Articles 59 & 66, UCMJ, 10 U.S.C. §§ 859, 866.

                                             3
UNITED STATES                                          NMCCA NO. 202300080

       v.                                                     ENTRY
                                                               OF
Dylan S. HITCHCOCK                                          JUDGMENT
Fire Technician Seaman (E-3)
U.S. Navy                                              As Modified on Appeal
                      Accused
                                                             30 April 2024

   On 6 December 2022, the Accused was tried at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam,
Hawaii, by general court-martial consisting of a military judge sitting alone. Military
Judge Eric A. Catto, presided.

                                      FINDINGS

   The following are the Accused’s pleas and the Court’s finding to all offenses the
convening authority referred to trial:

Charge I:      Violation of Article 80, Uniform Code of Military Justice,
               10 U.S.C. § 880.
                Plea: Guilty.
                Finding: Guilty

   Additional Specification 1: Attempted Sexual Abuse of a Child
                               Involving Indecent Communication
                               between on or about 25 February 2021 and
                               on or about 11 May 2022.
                               Plea: Guilty
                               Finding: Guilty

   Additional Specification 2: Attempted Sexual Abuse of a Child
                               Involving Indecent Exposure between on or
                               about 25 February 2021 and on or about
                               11 May 2022.

  2 May 2024: Opinion and EOJ corrected to reflect Appellant’s rating and military service
           United States v. Hitchcock, NMCCA No. 202300080
                      Modified Entry of Judgment

                            Plea: Guilty
                            Finding: Guilty

Specification 1: Attempted Sexual Abuse of a Child Involving Indecent
                 Communication between on or about 15 February 2022
                 and on or about 23 February 2022.
                Plea: Not Guilty
                Finding: Withdrawn and dismissed without prejudice to
                     ripen into prejudice upon completion of appellate review.

Specification 2: Attempted Sexual Abuse of a Child Involving Indecent
                 Communication on or about 11 August 2021.
                Plea: Not Guilty
                Finding: Withdrawn and dismissed without prejudice to
                     ripen into prejudice upon completion of appellate review.

Specification 3: Attempted Sexual Abuse of a Child Involving Indecent
                 Exposure on or about 11 August 2021.
                Plea: Not Guilty
                Finding: Withdrawn and dismissed without prejudice to
                     ripen into prejudice upon completion of appellate review.

Specification 4: Attempted Sexual Abuse of a Child Involving Indecent
                 Communication between on or about 30 July 2021 and
                 on or about 31 July 2021.
                Plea: Not Guilty
                Finding: Withdrawn and dismissed without prejudice to
                     ripen into prejudice upon completion of appellate review.

Specification 5: Attempted Sexual Abuse of a Child Involving Indecent
                 Communication between on or about 15 August 2021
                 and on or about 17 August 2021.
                Plea: Not Guilty
                Finding: Withdrawn and dismissed without prejudice to
                     ripen into prejudice upon completion of appellate review.

Specification 6: Attempted Sexual Abuse of a Child Involving Indecent
                 Exposure on or about 16 August 2021.
                Plea: Not Guilty
                Finding: Withdrawn and dismissed without prejudice to
                     ripen into prejudice upon completion of appellate review.

                                  2
               United States v. Hitchcock, NMCCA No. 202300080
                          Modified Entry of Judgment

   Specification 7: Attempted Sexual Abuse of a Child Involving Indecent
                    Conduct on or about 28 August 2021.
                     Plea: Not Guilty
                     Finding: Withdrawn and dismissed without prejudice to
                          ripen into prejudice upon completion of appellate review.

   Specification 8: Attempted Sexual Abuse of a Child Involving Indecent
                    Exposure on or about 2 September 2021.
                     Plea: Not Guilty
                     Finding: Withdrawn and dismissed without prejudice to
                          ripen into prejudice upon completion of appellate review.

   Specification 9: Attempted Sexual Abuse of a Child Involving Indecent
                    Exposure on or about October 2021.
                     Plea: Not Guilty
                     Finding: Withdrawn and dismissed without prejudice to
                          ripen into prejudice upon completion of appellate review.

   Specification 10: Attempted Sexual Abuse of a Child Involving Indecent
                     Exposure on or about 6 December 2021.
                     Plea: Not Guilty
                     Finding: Withdrawn and dismissed without prejudice to
                          ripen into prejudice upon completion of appellate review.

Charge II:   Violation of Article 82, Uniform Code of Military Justice,
             10 U.S.C. § 882.
                     Plea: Not Guilty
                     Finding: Withdrawn and dismissed without prejudice to
                          ripen into prejudice upon completion of appellate review.

   Specification 1: Solicitation to Produce and Distribute Child
                    Pornography between on or about August 2021 and on
                    or about 28 August 2022.
                     Plea: Not Guilty
                     Finding: Withdrawn and dismissed without prejudice to
                          ripen into prejudice upon completion of appellate review.

   Specification 2: Solicitation to Sexually Abuse a Child on or about 12
                    November 2021.
                     Plea: Not Guilty
                     Finding: Withdrawn and dismissed without prejudice to
                          ripen into prejudice upon completion of appellate review.

                                       3
               United States v. Hitchcock, NMCCA No. 202300080
                          Modified Entry of Judgment

   Specification 3: Solicitation to Produce and Distribute Child
                    Pornography on or about 5 August 2021.
                    Plea: Not Guilty
                    Finding: Withdrawn and dismissed without prejudice to
                         ripen into prejudice upon completion of appellate review.

Charge III: Violation of Article 120b, Uniform Code of Military Justice,
            10 U.S.C. § 920b.
                    Plea: Not Guilty
                    Finding: Withdrawn and dismissed without prejudice to
                         ripen into prejudice upon completion of appellate review.

   Specification 1: Sexual Abuse of a Child Involving Indecent
                    Communication between on or about March 2022 and
                    about May 2022.
                    Plea: Not Guilty
                    Finding: Withdrawn and dismissed without prejudice to
                         ripen into prejudice upon completion of appellate review.

   Specification 2: Sexual Abuse of a Child Involving Indecent Exposure
                    between on or about March 2022 and about May 2022.
                    Plea: Not Guilty
                    Finding: Withdrawn and dismissed without prejudice to
                         ripen into prejudice upon completion of appellate review.

Charge IV: Violation of Article 134, Uniform Code of Military Justice,
           10 U.S.C. § 934.
             Plea: Guilty.
             Finding: Guilty

   Specification 1: Distribution of Child Pornography between on or
                    about August 2021 and on or about May 2022.
                    Plea: Guilty, except for the words “August 2021” and
                       substituting the words “25 February 2021.”
                    Finding: Guilty, as excepted and substituted.

   Specification 2: Receipt, Possession, and Viewing of Child
                    Pornography between on or about August 2021 and on
                    or about May 2022.
                    Plea: Guilty, except for the words “August 2021” and
                       substituting the words “25 February 2021.”
                    Finding: Guilty, as excepted and substituted.

                                      4
           United States v. Hitchcock, NMCCA No. 202300080
                      Modified Entry of Judgment

Specification 3: Indecent Language between on or about 30 June 2021
                 and on about 20 August 2021.
                Plea: Not Guilty
                Finding: Withdrawn and dismissed without prejudice to
                     ripen into prejudice upon completion of appellate review.

Specification 4: Indecent Language between on or about 30 July 2021
                 and on or about 25 September 2021.
                Plea: Not Guilty
                Finding: Withdrawn and dismissed without prejudice to
                     ripen into prejudice upon completion of appellate review.

Specification 5: Indecent Language between on or about 19 August
                 2021 and on or about 10 June 2022.
                Plea: Not Guilty
                Finding: Withdrawn and dismissed without prejudice to
                     ripen into prejudice upon completion of appellate review.

Specification 6: Indecent Language between on or about 12 October
                 2021 and on or about 19 April 2022.
                Plea: Not Guilty
                Finding: Withdrawn and dismissed without prejudice to
                     ripen into prejudice upon completion of appellate review.

Specification 7: Indecent Language between on or about 5 November
                 2021 and on or about 23 November 2021.
                Plea: Not Guilty
                Finding: Withdrawn and dismissed without prejudice to
                     ripen into prejudice upon completion of appellate review.

Specification 8: Indecent Language between on or about 16 October
                 2021 and on or about 18 November 2021.
                Plea: Not Guilty
                Finding: Withdrawn and dismissed without prejudice to
                     ripen into prejudice upon completion of appellate review.

Specification 9: Indecent Language between on or about 29 November
                 2021 and on or about 7 December 2021.
                Plea: Not Guilty
                Finding: Withdrawn and dismissed without prejudice to
                     ripen into prejudice upon completion of appellate review.

                                  5
                United States v. Hitchcock, NMCCA No. 202300080
                           Modified Entry of Judgment

   Specification 10: Indecent Language between on or about 22 October
                     2021 and on or about 16 November 2021.
                      Plea: Not Guilty
                      Finding: Withdrawn and dismissed without prejudice to
                           ripen into prejudice upon completion of appellate review.

                                  SENTENCE

   On 6 December 2022, the Military Judge sentenced the Accused to the following:
      Reduction to pay grade E-1.
      Confinement for a total of 39 months, as follows:
          For Additional Specification 1 of Charge I:
             confinement for 39 months.
          For Additional Specification 2 of Charge I:
             confinement for 39 months.
          For Specification 1 of Charge IV:
             confinement for 20 months.
          For the Specification 2 of Charge IV:
             confinement for 20 months.
          The terms of confinement will run concurrently.
The Accused shall be credited with 209 days of administrative confinement credit, to
be deducted from the adjudged sentence to confinement.
      Forfeiture of all pay and allowances.
      A dishonorable discharge.

                                          FOR THE COURT:

                                          MARK K. JAMISON
                                          Clerk of Court

                                         6