Court Opinion

ID: 2696705
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2014-08-04 15:42:46.935835+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T15:29:28.101465
License: Public Domain

[Cite as State v. Tatum, 2011-Ohio-3005.]

                      IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
                          THIRD APPELLATE DISTRICT
                               SENECA COUNTY

STATE OF OHIO,                                            CASE NO. 13-10-18

   PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE,

  v.

ALI L. TATUM,                                                   OPINION

   DEFENDANT-APPELLANT.

                  Appeal from Seneca County Common Pleas Court
                            Trial Court No. 10-CR-0021

                                      Judgment Affirmed

                              Date of Decision: June 20, 2011

APPEARANCES:

        Randy F. Hoffman for Appellant

        Rhonda L. Best for Appellee
Case No. 13-10-18

ROGERS, P.J.

       {¶1} Defendant-Appellant, Ali Tatum, appeals from the judgment of the

Court of Common Pleas of Seneca County sentencing him to a twenty-year prison

term. On appeal, Tatum contends that the trial court erred as a matter of law by

overruling his motion to dismiss the charges due to a violation of the speedy trial

statute; that the trial court erred by overruling his motion to strike testimony and

his motion for mistrial; that the trial court erred in denying his motions for

acquittal; and, that the trial court erred in sentencing him to consecutive sentences

for counts involving the possession of controlled substances.         Based on the

following, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

       {¶2} On February 3, 2010, the Seneca County Grand Jury indicted Tatum

on Count One: possession of crack cocaine in an amount which exceeds twenty-

five grams but is less than one hundred grams in violation of R.C.

2925.11(A),(C)(4)(e), a felony of the first degree; Count Two: possession of

cocaine in an amount which exceeds twenty-five grams but is less than one

hundred grams in violation of R.C. 2925.11(A),(C)(4)(c), a felony of the third

degree; Count Three: possession of MDMA, a schedule one controlled substance,

in an amount which exceeds the bulk amount but is less than five times the bulk

amount in violation of R.C. 2925.11(A),(C)(1)(b), a felony of the third degree;

Count Four: possession of BZP, a schedule one controlled substance, in an amount

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Case No. 13-10-18

which exceeds the bulk amount but is less than five times the bulk amount in

violation of R.C. 2925.11(A),(C)(1)(b), a felony of the third degree; Count Five:

possession of methamphetamine, a schedule two controlled substance, in violation

of R.C. 2925.11(A),(C)(1)(a), a felony of the fifth degree; Count Six: possession

of criminal tools in violation of R.C. 2923.24, a felony of the fifth degree; and,

Count Seven: having a weapon while under disability in violation of R.C.

2923.13(A)(3), a felony of the third degree. The foregoing indictment arose from

a March 6, 2008 incident, where officers apprehended Tatum at a friend’s

residence, and discovered controlled substances, a digital scale, and a firearm, in a

black bag which Tatum had carried into the residence.

       {¶3} The State originally indicted Tatum on the foregoing counts in March

2008. The State, however, dismissed the indictment without prejudice on May 13,

2008, as Tatum was taken into federal custody for violating parole. Subsequently,

Tatum was released from federal custody into a half-way house and was later

arrested on charges unrelated to those at issue on this appeal. As a result of that

arrest a federal detainer was placed on Tatum. In addition, the State reindicted

Tatum for the alleged offenses which occurred on March 6, 2008.

       {¶4} On March 24, 2010, Tatum filed a motion to dismiss the case based on

a violation of his right to a speedy trial. Specifically, Tatum argued that he had

been held in jeopardy on the foregoing charges for more than two years, which far

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Case No. 13-10-18

exceeded the time period in which an accused must be brought to trial. The trial

court, after it heard arguments on the motion during trial, denied Tatum’s motion.

        {¶5} On March 29, 2010, the matter proceeded to a jury trial, at which the

following testimony was adduced.

        {¶6} Officer Matthew Dickson testified that on the night of March 6, 2008,

he attempted to conduct a traffic stop of a white SUV driven by Tatum.1 Despite

having engaged his overhead emergency lights, Tatum did not pull over. After an

abbreviated chase, Tatum stopped the vehicle in front of a residence located at 211

Culbertson, that Officer Dickson later learned was inhabited by Tiffany Lee and

Brent Lentz. Officer Dickson witnessed Tatum exit the SUV and pursued him

towards the residence but was unable to apprehend him before he had entered the

residence and locked the door. Subsequently, Officer Dickson returned to the

SUV and found Lentz in the passenger seat. Officer Dickson placed Lentz in

investigative custody and waited for back-up before he attempted to enter the

residence.

        {¶7} Officer Dickson continued that upon Officer Michael Cortez’s arrival

he and Officer Cortez attempted to enter the residence. During this time officers

from the Fostoria Police Department had set a perimeter around the residence.

Also, during this time Lentz placed a call to Lee, who was in the residence with

Justin Jones, a visitor and Tatum’s cousin, telling her to open the door. Shortly
1
  Officer Dickson testified that Tatum’s traffic violation resulted from turning left into the outside lane
rather than the lane closest to the center line.

                                                   -4-
Case No. 13-10-18

thereafter, the door was unlocked. Upon entering the residence, Officers Dickson

and Cortez placed Tatum in custody. As Officer Dickson entered the residence he

also observed Lee on the sofa and Jones on the floor playing video games in the

living room.

       {¶8} Officer Dickson continued that Officer Cortez spoke with Lee and

received verbal, as well as written, permission to search the residence. During his

search of the kitchen Officer Dickson discovered a black bag on top of the

refrigerator. Upon opening the bag Officer Dickson discovered what he perceived

to be controlled substances.    Officer Dickson communicated his discovery to

Officer Cortez, who retrieved his evidence bag and documented the evidence.

Further investigation of the black bag revealed the presence of a digital scale as

well as a firearm. Officer Dickson further testified that neither he nor any other

officer discovered any other black bags in the residence.

       {¶9} At trial Officer Dickson testified about the contents of the video

recorded by his police cruiser’s dash mounted camera. The video captured an

individual exiting the SUV, who Officer Dickson identified as Tatum, carrying a

black bag.

       {¶10} Officer Cortez testified that on the night of March 6, 2008, he

responded to a call for assistance from Officer Dickson. Upon arrival, Officer

Cortez observed Officer Dickson placing Lentz in custody, and learned that Tatum

had locked himself inside the residence. As Officer Dickson attempted to gain

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Case No. 13-10-18

entry into the residence, Officer Cortez asked Lentz about the individuals inside

the residence. Lentz responded that Lee, his girlfriend, Jones, and Tatum were in

the residence. Officer Cortez asked Lentz if he would call Lee and ask her to

unlock the door. Lentz agreed and called Lee. Officer Cortez then returned to the

front door with Officer Dickson. Eventually, the door was unlocked, allowing

Officers Dickson and Cortez to enter the residence and place Tatum in custody. In

addition to observing Tatum in the residence Officer Cortez also testified that he

observed another male and female in the residence, who he later identified as

Jones and Lee.

      {¶11} Officer Cortez continued that he smelled marijuana in the residence

and asked Lee if officers could conduct a search of the residence. It was at this

point Officer Cortez learned that Lee and Lentz were the sole inhabitants of the

residence. Lee gave Officer Cortez permission to search the residence and signed

a consent to search form. Prior to this point, Officer Cortez testified that the

residence had not been searched. After receiving Lee’s permission the officers

conducted a search of the entire residence. During the search Officer Dickson

directed Officer Cortez’s attention to a black bag found in the kitchen. Upon

entering the kitchen, Officer Cortez witnessed a black bag on the counter, and

observed what he perceived to be controlled substances within the bag. Officer

Cortez retrieved his evidence bag and began recording and conducting an

inventory of the bag’s contents.     Officer Cortez also testified that the bag

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Case No. 13-10-18

contained a digital scale and a firearm. Officer Cortez further testified that no

other officers who conducted a search of the residence on the night in question

discovered any other black bags.

       {¶12} Lee testified that on the night of March 6, 2008, she resided at 211

Culbertson with Lentz, and that no one else lived in the residence. On that night,

Lee was at the residence with Jones, who was playing video games. Lee did not

recall Jones carrying a bag into the residence when he arrived that day.

       {¶13} Lee continued that at some point during the night in question Tatum

entered the residence. Shortly thereafter police officers requested entry into the

residence. Lee then received a phone call from Lentz requesting her to let the

officers in, at which point Tatum opened the door. After the officers placed Tatum

in custody, Lee testified that officers began to search the residence. Lee further

testified that only after the officers began to search the residence did Officer

Cortez request her permission to search the residence. Lee testified that Officer

Cortez told her that she had to sign the consent to search form. Subsequently, an

officer informed Lee about a black bag above the refrigerator in the kitchen. Lee

testified that she did not keep anything on top of the refrigerator, nor did she or

Lentz own a black bag.

       {¶14} Lentz testified that on the night of March 6, 2008, he resided at 211

Culbertson with Lee, and that no one else lived in the residence. Lentz further

testified that on the night in question, he was a passenger in a white SUV driven

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Case No. 13-10-18

by Tatum. During their drive a police cruiser attempted to pull them over, but

Tatum did not stop until he reached 211 Culbertson. Tatum then exited the SUV

and ran into the residence, while Lentz remained in the SUV. Lentz testified that

as Tatum entered the residence he saw Tatum carrying a black bag. Subsequently,

Lentz was placed in custody, and was asked to call Lee and have her open the

door. After officers entered the residence Lentz was notified that a black bag was

found on top of the refrigerator. Lentz testified that he did not keep anything on

top of the refrigerator, nor did he or Lee own a black bag.

       {¶15} Tatum testified that on the night of March 6, 2008, he was driving a

white SUV, with Lentz as a passenger. At some point during his drive a police

cruiser attempted to pull him over. Tatum testified that he did not stop because he

did not have a license. Tatum further testified that he continued to 211 Culbertson

so he could have Jones, his cousin, state that he was driving the SUV. Upon

reaching 211 Culbertson Tatum exited the SUV carrying a black bag, which

Tatum testified contained video games and controllers.         Upon entering the

residence Tatum testified that he locked the door and placed the black bag on the

floor near Jones and the television with his coat on top. Tatum then explained his

predicament to Jones, who did not want to be involved. During this time officers

were requesting entry into the residence. After several minutes had elapsed from

the moment the officers requested entry into the residence, Tatum opened the door

and was placed in custody.

                                         -8-
Case No. 13-10-18

      {¶16} Scott Dobransky, a forensic scientist with the Ohio Bureau of

Criminal Identification and Investigation (“BCI & I”), testified about the

substances given to him for analysis in Tatum’s case. Dobransky was shown and

asked to testify about State’s exhibits 2A.1, 2A.2, 2A.5, 2A.8, and 2A.9.

Dobransky testified that the foregoing exhibits wholly or partially contained BZP,

a schedule one controlled substance, in an amount totaling forty unit doses.

Dobransky was then shown and asked to testify about State’s exhibits 2A.4, 2A.5,

2A.8, 2A.9, and 2A.11. Dobransky testified that the foregoing exhibits wholly or

partially contained MDMA, a schedule one controlled substance, in an amount

totaling twenty-two unit doses. As to the remaining substances found in the black

bag, Dobransky testified that he identified crack cocaine in an amount that

exceeded twenty-five grams but was less than one hundred grams, cocaine in an

amount that exceeded twenty-five grams but was less than one hundred grams, and

methamphetamine.

      {¶17} At the conclusion of the State’s case, Tatum’s defense, and the

presentation of all the evidence, Tatum moved for a judgment of acquittal pursuant

to Crim.R. 29(A), arguing that the evidence was insufficient to establish that he

had actual or constructive possession of the contents within the black bag and that

the State failed to present enough evidence to prove that he possessed bulk

amounts of MDMA and BZP.             The trial court denied Tatum’s motions.

                                        -9-
Case No. 13-10-18

Thereafter, the jury returned a verdict convicting Tatum on all seven counts of the

indictment.

       {¶18} On April 8, 2010, the matter proceeded to sentencing. The trial court

sentenced Tatum to a nine-year prison term on Count One, a four-year prison term

on Count Two, a four-year prison term on Count Three, a four-year prison term on

Count Four, an eleven-month prison term on Count Five, an eleven-month prison

term on Count Six, and a three-year prison term on Count Seven. The trial court

further ordered that Counts Three, Four, Five, and Six be served concurrently, but

consecutively to Counts One, Two, and Seven, which are to be served

consecutively to each other, resulting in a total prison term of twenty-years.

       {¶19} It is from this judgment Tatum appeals, presenting the following

assignments of error for our review.

                                Assignment of Error No. I

       THE TRIAL COURT ERRED AS A MATTER OF LAW BY
       DENYING APPELLANT’S MOTION FOR DISMISSAL ON
       GROUNDS OF DENIAL OF SPEEDY TRIAL.

                               Assignment of Error No. II

       THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY OVERRULING
       APPELLANT’S MOTIONS FOR STRIKING TESTIMONY
       AND FOR MISTRIAL.

                               Assignment of Error No. III

       THE TRIAL COURT ERRED AS A MATTER OF LAW IN
       DENYING APPELLANT’S MOTIONS FOR ACQUITTAL AT
       THE END OF THE STATE’S EVIDENCE, THE

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Case No. 13-10-18

      DEFENDANT’S EVIDENCE, AND AT THE END OF ALL
      THE EVIDENCE.

                              Assignment of Error No. IV

      THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN SENTENCING APPELLANT
      TO CONSECUTIVE TERMS FOR ANY INDICTMENT
      COUNTS     INVOLVING   THE    POSSESSION   OF
      CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES.

                               Assignment of Error No. I

      {¶20} In his first assignment of error, Tatum contends that the trial court

erred in denying his motion to dismiss on grounds that he did not receive a speedy

trial, and that his right to due process of law was violated as a result of an

indictment occurring two years after the commission of the offense. We disagree.

                                      Speedy Trial

      {¶21} “Our standard of review upon an appeal raising a speedy trial issue is

to count the expired days as directed by R.C. 2945.71, et seq.” State v. King, 3d

Dist. No. 9-06-18, 2007-Ohio-335, ¶30, citing State v. DePue (1994), 96 Ohio

App.3d 513, 516. If any ambiguity exists, this Court will construe the record in

the defendant’s favor. King, 2007-Ohio-335, at ¶30, citing State v. Mays (1996),

108 Ohio App.3d 598, 609.

      {¶22} “Both the United States and Ohio Constitutions guarantee a criminal

defendant the right to a speedy trial.” State v. Masters, 172 Ohio App.3d 666,

2007-Ohio-4229, ¶9, citing State v. Baker, 78 Ohio St.3d 108, 110, 1997-Ohio-

229. In addition, Ohio statutes set forth specific time requirements necessary for

                                      -11-
Case No. 13-10-18

compliance with the speedy trial guarantee. The applicable statutory speedy trial

provision, R.C. 2945.71(C)(2), provides that “[a] person against whom a charge of

felony is pending * * * [s]hall be brought to trial within two hundred seventy days

after the person’s arrest.”

       {¶23} Additionally, R.C. 2945.73(B) provides that “[u]pon motion made at

or prior to the commencement of trial, a person charged with an offense shall be

discharged if he is not brought to trial within the time required by sections 2945.71

and 2945.72 of the Revised Code.”          Both R.C. 2945.71 and 2945.73 are

mandatory, and strict compliance is required by the State. King, 2007-Ohio-335,

at ¶32, quoting State v. Pudlock (1975), 44 Ohio St.2d 104, 105. “Therefore,

when a criminal defendant shows that he was not brought to trial within the proper

period, the burden shifts to the State to demonstrate that sufficient time was tolled

or extended under the statute.” State v. Maisch, 173 Ohio App.3d 724, 2007-

Ohio-6230, ¶24, citing Masters, 2007-Ohio-4229, at ¶10, citing State v. Butcher

(1986), 27 Ohio St.3d 28, 31.

       {¶24} “The statutory time period begins to run on the date the defendant is

arrested; however, the date of arrest is not counted when computing the time

period.” Maisch, 2007-Ohio-6230, ¶26, citing Masters, 172 Ohio App.3d 666, at

¶12, citing State v. Stewart, 12th Dist. No. CA98-03-021, 1998 WL 640909.

Additionally, the triple-count statute, R.C. 2945.71(E), provides that, for

computation purposes, each day an accused spends in jail in lieu of bond solely on

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Case No. 13-10-18

the pending charge shall count as three days. State v. Euton, 3d Dist. No. 2-06-35,

2007-Ohio-6704, ¶24; State v. Pishok, 3d Dist. No. 13-03-43, 2003-Ohio-7118,

¶7, citing State v. Brown (1992), 64 Ohio St.3d 476, 479.

       {¶25} The speedy trial time may be tolled in certain circumstances. One

circumstance occurs when the original charges are dismissed without prejudice

and the defendant is later reindicted, upon the same facts as alleged in the original

indictment. State v. Azbell, 112 Ohio St.3d 300, 2006-Ohio-6552, ¶17, quoting

State v. Broughton (1991), 62 Ohio St.3d 253. The time period between the

dismissal and the date on which the new indictment was filed is tolled and shall

not be counted, unless the defendant remained in jail or was released on bail

pursuant to Crim.R. 12(I). Id. In that circumstance the speedy trial clock does not

start anew with the reindictment, but continues from the point of dismissal of the

original indictment. State v. Byrd, 8th Dist. No. 91433, 2009-Ohio-3283, ¶17.

       {¶26} Turning to the facts of the case at bar, we find that the speedy trial

period ran from Tatum’s apprehension on March 6, 2008, to the State’s dismissal

of the original indictment on May 13, 2008. Because Tatum was detained during

this period of time, the triple-count provision applied, thus exhausting 204 days of

the speedy trial period.     The period between the dismissal of the original

indictment and Tatum’s reindictment do not count towards the speedy trial period,

thus we continue our calculation on the day Tatum was reindicted, which occurred

on February 3, 2010.

                                        -13-
Case No. 13-10-18

      {¶27} At the time Tatum was reindicted he was being held on unrelated

charges and also had a federal detainer placed on him. Tatum baldly asserts that

the unrelated charges were very weak and were returned for the sole purpose of

avoiding the triple-count provision.    Tatum, however, offers no evidence to

support this assertion, and we find no evidence in the record to substantiate this

assertion. Accordingly, we find that the triple-count provision does not apply to

those days after February 3, 2010, since Tatum was not being held “in jail in lieu

of bond solely on the pending charge[s].” See State v. Freeman, 8th Dist. No.

85137, 2005-Ohio-3480, ¶56, reversed on other grounds; State v. Monroe, 4th

Dist. No.02CA23, 2003-Ohio-1709, ¶5; State v. Donald, 8th Dist. Nos. 81570,

83947, 2004-Ohio-6848. Tatum’s trial commenced on March 29, 2010, thus

exhausting another 55 days of the speedy trial period. Adding these days to the

existing balance we find that only 259 days of the 270 day statutory period

elapsed. Accordingly, we find that Tatum’s right to trial within the statutory time

period was not violated.

                                   Delay in Indictment

      {¶28} Tatum also contends that the two-year delay between his initial arrest

and the February 3, 2010 indictment violated his right to due process as it

exacerbated his inability to locate Jones and obtain Jones’ testimony.         We

disagree.

                                       -14-
Case No. 13-10-18

       {¶29} The Ohio Supreme Court has held that “[a]n unjustifiable delay

between the commission of an offense and a defendant’s indictment * * * is a

violation of the right to due process of law under Section 16, Article I of the Ohio

Constitution and the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States

Constitution.” State v. Luck (1984), 15 Ohio St.3d 150, paragraph two of the

syllabus. In so holding, the Supreme Court set forth a two-step test to determine

whether the defendant’s right to due process was violated by the delay. First, the

defendant must produce evidence demonstrating that the delay caused actual

prejudice to his defense. Luck, 15 Ohio St.3d at 154. Then, after the defendant

has established actual prejudice, the state must produce evidence of a justifiable

reason for the delay. Id. at 158. “[T]he prejudice suffered by the defendant must

be viewed in light of the state’s reason for the delay.” Id. at 154, citing United

States v. Lovasco (1977), 431 U.S. 783, 789-790.

       {¶30} Review of the record reveals nothing that indicates Tatum made any

attempt to locate Jones. Considering Tatum’s statement that Jones would have

offered crucial testimony, we would expect to see something in the record

demonstrating an effort to locate Jones or to postpone the trial until Jones’

whereabouts could be secured. Furthermore, on appeal, Tatum baldly asserts that

Jones’ testimony “had a significant potential for probative information.” We find

that this assertion, without more, is insufficient to establish actual prejudice. In

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Case No. 13-10-18

light of the foregoing, we find that Tatum failed to establish that he suffered actual

prejudice as a result of the delayed indictment.

       {¶31} Even if Tatum had established that he suffered actual prejudice, the

State has offered evidence justifying the delay. The Ohio Supreme Court phrased

this step as follows:

       [A] delay in the commencement of prosecution can be found to
       be unjustifiable when the state’s reason for the delay is to
       intentionally gain a tactical advantage over the defendant * * *
       or when the state, through negligence or error in judgment,
       effectively ceases the active investigation of a case, but later
       decides to commence prosecution upon the same evidence that
       was available to it at the time that its active investigation was
       ceased.

Luck, 15 Ohio St.3d at 158.

       {¶32} Tatum was originally indicted shortly after his arrest on March 6,

2008. Review of the record indicates that the original indictment was dismissed

primarily because Tatum had been placed in federal custody for a parole violation.

Accordingly, the State could not move forward with its prosecution while Tatum

was in federal custody. Nearly two years passed before the State learned that

Tatum had been released from federal custody and placed in a halfway house, at

which point the State reindicted Tatum. Due to the foregoing series of events we

find that the State did not intentionally delay prosecution of Tatum to gain a

tactical advantage. Accordingly, we find that the Tatum’s right to due process of

law was not violated by the delayed indictment.

                                        -16-
Case No. 13-10-18

       {¶33} Accordingly, we overrule Tatum’s first assignment of error.

                                Assignment of Error No. II

       {¶34} In his second assignment of error, Tatum contends that the trial court

erred in denying his motion to strike testimony and his motion for mistrial.

Specifically, Tatum contends that the trial court erred when it denied his motion to

strike Lee’s testimony concerning her consent to search the residence. Tatum also

contends that the trial court erred when it denied his motion for mistrial, which

stemmed from Lentz’s testimony concerning Tatum’s possession of the black bag.

We disagree.

                                     Motion to Strike

       {¶35} An appellate court reviews the trial court’s decision on the admission

of evidence for an abuse of discretion. State v. Heft, 3d Dist. No. 8-09-08, 2009-

Ohio-5908, ¶62, citing State v. Issa, 93 Ohio St.3d 49, 64, 2001-Ohio-1290. A

trial court will be found to have abused its discretion when its decision is contrary

to law, unreasonable, not supported by the evidence, or grossly unsound. See

State v. Boles, 2d Dist. No. 23037, 2010-Ohio-278, ¶¶17-18, citing Black’s Law

Dictionary (8 Ed.Rev.2004) 11. When applying the abuse of discretion standard, a

reviewing court may not simply substitute its judgment for that of the trial court.

State v. Nagle (2000), 11th Dist. No. 99-L-089, 2000 WL 777835, citing

Blakemore v. Blakemore (1983), 5 Ohio St.3d 217, 219.

                                        -17-
Case No. 13-10-18

      {¶36} Tatum contends that the State’s questioning on redirect examination

concerning the contents of the consent to search form amounted to prejudicial

surprise, and should have been stricken from the record. We disagree.

      {¶37} During trial, the State called Lee to the stand. At no time during

Lee’s testimony on direct examination was there any discussion or reading of the

consent to search form signed by Lee on March 6, 2008. Instead, Tatum, on cross-

examination, questioned Lee about the consent to search form, resulting in the

following colloquy:

      Q: So, uhm, did they indicate to you that they wanted to search
      your residence?

      A: No. They were just asking me where the drugs were.

      Q: Okay. Uhm, did they start searching your residence?

      A: Yes, immediately.

      Q: Did they have permission from you to search the residence?

      A: No. I remember when they were searching my residence and
      they were going through Ali’s bag, uhm, Cortez had called me in
      to the bedroom, uhm, the first bedroom to the left, and I
      remember I could see the officers going through, uhm, the bag in
      the kitchen and then they were in the bedroom. There was
      another officer. They were everywhere, looking and - - and
      searching while he was showing me the search and seizure, he
      was trying to explain it to me. He told me that I had to sign it.

      Q: At some point did - - did you sign the form that allowed them
      to search?

      A: Yeah, he told me that I had to. I was naive. I didn’t know.
      So, yeah. I signed it.

                                      -18-
Case No. 13-10-18

Trial Tr., pp. 440-41. This line of questioning effectively opened the door for the

State to rebut and clarify Lee’s testimony, which it did through the following

colloquy on redirect examination:

      Q: Ms. Lee, I’d like you to read some sections here on State’s
      Exhibit 36. Could you read the sentence here, “Knowing of my
      lawful rights”?

      Mr. Klepatz: Your Honor, I’m going to object.

      The Court: Overruled.

      Mr. Klepatz: I think that the - -

      The Court: Overruled.

      Mr. Klepatz: - - document stands for itself.

      The Court: I understand but it’s been brought up.                 It’s
      overruled.

      The Witness: “Knowing of my lawful right to refuse to consent
      to such a search, I hereby give my permission to above named
      officers to conduct a complete search of the premises, property,
      including all buildings, vehicles, both inside and outside of the
      property located.” And, yes, I did sign this but - -

      Ms. Best: That’s all I asked you.

      ***

      Q: * * * Could you also read the sentence right here?

      A. “This is written permission to search without a search
      warrant is given by me to above officers voluntarily, without any
      threats or promises of any kind.”

                                       -19-
Case No. 13-10-18

Trial Tr., pp. 447-48. We find the foregoing line of questioning does not amount

to surprise as Tatum contends. Tatum opened the door on the subject during cross

examination, thus affording the State an opportunity to rebut and clarify Lee’s

testimony concerning the consent form. Accordingly, we find that the trial court

did not abuse its discretion in overruling Tatum’s motion to strike Lee’s

testimony.

                                    Motion for Mistrial

       {¶38} The granting or denying of a mistrial rests within the sound

discretion of the trial court. State v. Sage (1987), 31 Ohio St.3d 173, 182, citing

State v. Williams (1975), 43 Ohio St.2d 88. An appellate court will not disturb the

exercise of that discretion absent a showing that the accused has suffered material

prejudice. State v. Long (1978), 53 Ohio St.2d 91, 98; State v. Hymore (1967), 9

Ohio St.2d 122, 128, certiorari denied (1968), 390 U.S. 1024. The granting of a

mistrial is only necessary where a fair trial is no longer possible. State v. Holland,

3d Dist. No. 1-2000-88, 2001-Ohio-2192, citing State v. Franklin (1991), 62 Ohio

St.3d 118, 127.

       {¶39} Tatum contends that Lentz’s testimony contradicted the statements

he made to Officer Cortez, which were reflected in Cortez’s police report.

According to Tatum, Cortez’s report indicated that Lentz stated that he did not see

Tatum with a black bag. As a result, Tatum argues that the discrepancy between

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Case No. 13-10-18

Lentz’s statements in Cortez’s report and Lentz’s statements at trial materially

affected his right to a fair trial, thus necessitating a mistrial. We disagree.

       {¶40} Although there is a slight discrepancy between Lentz’s statements in

Cortez’s report and his statements at trial, we find that Tatum was not prejudiced

by this discrepancy.     The purpose of having Lentz testify as to whether he

witnessed Tatum with a black bag was to establish the fact that Tatum entered the

residence with a black bag. This fact is crucial in demonstrating possession.

However, Lentz’s testimony was not uncorroborated, as the dash camera in

Officer Dickson’s police cruiser recorded Tatum exiting the vehicle carrying a

black bag. We find that this evidence alone would have been sufficient for the

trier of fact to find, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Tatum exited the vehicle and

entered the residence with a black bag. We further note that the narrow issue

before us is a discrepancy between one man’s conflicting statements about

whether Tatum entered the residence with a black bag. This type of discrepancy is

best resolved by a jury, as it is an issue of fact (i.e. whether or not Lentz saw

Tatum enter the residence with a black bag). For these reasons we find that the

trial court did not abuse its discretion in denying Tatum’s motion for mistrial.

       {¶41} Accordingly, we overrule Tatum’s second assignment of error.

                                 Assignment of Error No. III

       {¶42} In his third assignment of error, Tatum contends that the trial court

erred in denying his motions for acquittal. Specifically, Tatum contends that the

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Case No. 13-10-18

State failed to prove that he had actual or constructive possession of the contents

within the black bag found atop the refrigerator.2 In addition, Tatum argues that

the State failed to present evidence to prove that he possessed a bulk amount of

MDMA and BZP. We disagree.

         {¶43} Under Crim.R. 29(A), a court shall not order an entry of judgment of

acquittal if the evidence is such that reasonable minds can reach different

conclusions as to whether each material element of a crime has been proved

beyond a reasonable doubt. State v. Bridgeman (1978), 55 Ohio St.2d 261, 263.

A motion for acquittal tests the sufficiency of the evidence. State v. Miley (1996),

114 Ohio App.3d 738, 742.

         {¶44} When an appellate court reviews a record for sufficiency, the

relevant inquiry is whether, after viewing the evidence in a light most favorable to

the prosecution, any rational trier of fact could have found the essential elements

of the crime proven beyond a reasonable doubt. State v. Monroe, 105 Ohio St.3d

384, 392, 2005-Ohio-2282, citing State v. Jenks (1981), 61 Ohio St.3d 259,

superseded by state constitutional amendment on other grounds as stated in State

v. Smith, 80 Ohio St.3d 89, 1997-Ohio-355. Sufficiency is a test of adequacy,

State v. Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d 380, 386, 1997-Ohio-52, and the question of

whether evidence is sufficient to sustain a verdict is one of law. State v. Robinson

2
 We find Tatum’s argument concerning the State’s failure to offer sufficient evidence to prove that he had
possession of the black bag and its contents fails to include citations to authority and the transcript. App.R.
16(A)(7). Despite this lack of support and argument, in the interest of justice, we will address the merits of
Tatum’s contention.

                                                    -22-
Case No. 13-10-18

(1955), 162 Ohio St. 486, superseded by state constitutional amendment on other

grounds as stated in Smith, supra.

                                       Possession

       {¶45} The Revised Code defines “possession” as “having control over a

thing or substance, but may not be inferred solely from mere access to the thing or

substance through ownership or occupation of the premises upon which the thing

or substance is found.” R.C. 2925.01(K). The issue of whether a person charged

with drug possession knowingly possessed a controlled substance “is to be

determined from all the attendant facts and circumstances available.” State v.

Teamer, 82 Ohio St.3d 490, 492, 1998-Ohio-193.

       {¶46} Possession may be actual or constructive.       See State v. Haynes

(1971), 25 Ohio St.2d 264; State v. Hankerson (1982), 70 Ohio St.2d 87. For

constructive possession to exist, the State must demonstrate that the defendant was

able to exercise dominion or control over the item, even though the item may not

be within his immediate physical possession. State v. Wolery (1976), 46 Ohio

St.2d 316, 329; see also, State v. Alexander, 8th Dist. No. 90509, 2009-Ohio-597,

¶23; State v. Messer (1995), 107 Ohio App.3d 51, 56. Further, it must also be

shown that the person was conscious of the object’s presence. Hankerson, 70

Ohio St.2d at 91. Circumstantial evidence alone is sufficient to support a finding

of constructive possession. State v. Bray, 8th Dist. No. 92619, 2009-Ohio-6461,

¶24, citing State v. Jenks (1981), 61 Ohio St.3d 259, 272-73, paragraph one of the

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Case No. 13-10-18

syllabus, superseded by state constitutional amendment on other grounds in Smith,

supra.

         {¶47} The evidence presented at trial was sufficient for the trier of fact to

find that Tatum had possession of the black bag and its contents. The police

cruiser’s dash mounted video camera captured Tatum exiting the vehicle with a

black bag. Lentz testified that he witnessed Tatum enter the residence with a

black bag. Officer Cortez testified that the officers’ search of the entire residence

yielded only one black bag, which was located above the refrigerator. Both Lentz

and Lee testified that they did not own a black bag, that they were not aware of

any black bags in their residence prior to the officers’ discovery of the bag in

question, and that they did not store anything above the refrigerator. Lentz was

shown State’s exhibit one, the black bag in question, and was asked whether he

recognized the bag as the one he saw in Tatum’s possession when he entered the

residence. Although Lentz could not definitively identify State’s exhibit one as

the bag he saw in Tatum’s possession, he did testify that the bag was not his and

that he never saw Lee or Jones in possession of the bag that evening. Lee also

testified that she did not see Jones carrying a bag into the residence when he

arrived on the day in question. Considering the foregoing evidence in its entirety,

we find that there was sufficient evidence for a trier of fact to find, beyond a

reasonable doubt, that Tatum possessed the bag in question, as well as the contents

therein.

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Case No. 13-10-18

                                                 Bulk Amount

           {¶48} Tatum contends that the State failed to present enough evidence to

prove that he possessed an amount of MDMA and BZP that was more than bulk

amount but less than five times bulk amount. In addition, Tatum further contends

that the State did not sufficiently define ‘bulk amount.’ We disagree.

           {¶49} We begin by noting that Tatum incorrectly suggests that the State

had the burden of defining ‘bulk amount.’ Defining the term ‘bulk amount’ is a

matter of law, not fact. Accordingly, the task of defining ‘bulk amount’ is solely

within the province of the trial court. The State’s burden is to demonstrate,

through its evidence, that the defendant possessed the requisite quantity. Review

of the record reveals that the trial court properly defined ‘bulk amount’ in its jury

instructions, thus Tatum’s contention lacks merit.

           {¶50} R.C. 2925.01(D)(1)(c) defines ‘bulk amount’ for MDMA3 and BZP4

as:

           (c) An amount equal to or exceeding thirty grams or ten unit
           doses of a compound, mixture, preparation, or substance that is
           or contains any amount of a schedule I hallucinogen other than
           tetrahydrocannabinol or lysergic acid amide, or a schedule I
           stimulant or depressant. [Emphasis Added.]

           {¶51} At trial the State called Dobransky, who testified about the

substances found in the black bag and their amounts. Review of Dobransky’s

testimony reveals that analysis of the pills found in the black bag yielded a
3
    MDMA is a schedule I hallucinogen. See R.C. 3719.41, Schedule I(C).
4
    BZP is a schedule I stimulant. See R.C. 3719.41, Schedule I(E).

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Case No. 13-10-18

quantity that exceeded 10 unit doses of MDMA. Trial Tr., pp. 375-78. Further

review of the Dobransky’s testimony reveals that analysis of the pills found in the

black bag yielded a quantity that exceeded 10 unit doses of BZP. Trial Tr., pp.

362-64. In light of the definition of ‘bulk amount’ and the foregoing testimony,

we find that the State provided sufficient evidence for the trier of fact to find,

beyond a reasonable doubt, that Tatum possessed an amount of MDMA and BZP

that was more than bulk amount but less than five times bulk amount.

       {¶52} Accordingly, we overrule Tatum’s third assignment of error.

                               Assignment of Error No. IV

       {¶53} In his fourth assignment of error, Tatum contends that the trial court

erred in sentencing him to consecutive sentences, as the crimes of which he was

convicted stemmed from the same act and thus were allied offenses. We disagree.

       {¶54} In determining whether two or more offenses should be merged, the

intent of the General Assembly is controlling. State v. Johnson, 128 Ohio St.3d

153, 2010-Ohio-6314, ¶46.      We determine the General Assembly’s intent by

applying R.C. 2941.25, which expressly instructs courts to consider the offenses at

issue in light of the defendant’s conduct. Id. Under R.C. 2941.25, the court must

determine, prior to sentencing, whether the offenses were committed by the same

conduct. Id. at ¶47. In so determining, the court should conduct the following

analysis:

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Case No. 13-10-18

      “In determining whether offenses are allied offenses of similar
      import under R.C. 2941.25(A), the question is whether it is
      possible to commit one offense and commit the other with the
      same conduct, not whether it is possible to commit one without
      committing the other. If the offenses correspond to such a degree
      that the conduct of the defendant constituting commission of one
      offense constitutes commission of the other, then the offenses are
      of similar import.

      “If the multiple offenses can be committed by the same conduct,
      then the court must determine whether the offenses were
      committed by the same conduct, i.e., “a single act, committed
      with a single state of mind.” Brown, 119 Ohio St.3d 447, 2008–
      Ohio–4569, 895 N.E.2d 149, at ¶ 50 (Lanzinger, J., dissenting).

      “If the answer to both questions is yes, then the offenses are
      allied offenses of similar import and will be merged.

      “Conversely, if the court determines that the commission of one
      offense will never result in the commission of the other, or if the
      offenses are committed separately, or if the defendant has
      separate animus for each offense, then, according to R.C.
      2941.25(B), the offenses will not merge.”

Id. at ¶¶48–51.

      {¶55} Review of the foregoing analysis reveals that the conduct giving rise

to the charges is not the only step in the analysis. First, the court must consider

“whether it is possible to commit one offense and commit the other with the same

conduct.” In conducting this analysis the court must consider the provisions of the

Revised Code that the defendant has allegedly violated.

      {¶56} The pertinent portions of R.C. 2925.11 read as follows:

      (A) No person shall knowingly obtain, possess, or use a
      controlled substance.

                                       -27-
Case No. 13-10-18

      ***

      (C) Whoever violates division (A) of this section is guilty of one
      of the following:

      (1) If the drug involved in the violation is a compound, mixture,
      preparation, or substance included in schedule I or II, with the
      exception of marihuana, cocaine, L.S.D., heroin, and hashish,
      whoever violates division (A) of this section is guilty of
      aggravated possession of drugs. The penalty for the offense shall
      be determined as follows:

      (b) If the amount of the drug involved equals or exceeds the bulk
      amount but is less than five times the bulk amount, aggravated
      possession of drugs is a felony of the third degree, and there is a
      presumption for a prison term for the offense.

      ***

      (c) If the amount of the drug involved equals or exceeds twenty-
      five grams but is less than one hundred grams of cocaine that is
      not crack cocaine or equals or exceeds five grams but is less than
      ten grams of crack cocaine, possession of cocaine is a felony of
      the third degree, and the court shall impose as a mandatory
      prison term one of the prison terms prescribed for a felony of
      the third degree.

      ***

      (e) If the amount of the drug involved equals or exceeds five
      hundred grams but is less than one thousand grams of cocaine
      that is not crack cocaine or equals or exceeds twenty-five grams
      but is less than one hundred grams of crack cocaine, possession
      of cocaine is a felony of the first degree, and the court shall
      impose as a mandatory prison term one of the prison terms
      prescribed for a felony of the first degree.

      {¶57} R.C. 2923.24 reads in pertinent part:

                                      -28-
Case No. 13-10-18

       (A) No person shall possess or have under the person's control
       any substance, device, instrument, or article, with purpose to use
       it criminally.

       {¶58} R.C. 2923.13(A)(3) reads in pertinent part:

       (A) Unless relieved from disability as provided in section
       2923.14 of the Revised Code, no person shall knowingly acquire,
       have, carry, or use any firearm or dangerous ordnance, if any of
       the following apply:

       ***

       (3) The person is under indictment for or has been convicted of
       any offense involving the illegal possession, use, sale,
       administration, distribution, or trafficking in any drug of abuse
       or has been adjudicated a delinquent child for the commission of
       an offense that, if committed by an adult, would have been an
       offense involving the illegal possession, use, sale, administration,
       distribution, or trafficking in any drug of abuse.

       {¶59} Having considered the foregoing provisions and in light of the facts

of the case at bar, we find that it is not possible to commit any one of the charged

offenses and commit any of the other charged offenses with the same conduct.

For instance, simultaneous possession of crack cocaine and cocaine are, pursuant

to R.C. 2925.11, separate offenses. State v. Delfino (1986), 22 Ohio St.3d 270, at

syllabus; State v. Brown, 3d Dist. No. 1-10-31, 2011-Ohio-1461, ¶41, State v.

Siefer, 3d Dist. No. 5-09-24, 2011-Ohio-1868, ¶26, citing State v. Crisp, 3d Dist.

No. 1-05-45, 2006-Ohio-2509, ¶22 (finding that the legislature intended there to

be a distinction between crack cocaine and cocaine).

                                       -29-
Case No. 13-10-18

       {¶60} Having found that the foregoing offenses are not allied, and thus are

not required to be merged, we proceed to address whether the trial court erred in

sentencing Tatum to consecutive sentences. An appellate court must conduct a

meaningful review of the trial court’s sentencing decision.                 State v.

Daughenbaugh, 3d Dist. No. 16-07-07, 2007-Ohio-5774, ¶8, citing State v. Carter,

11th Dist. No.2003-P-0007, 2004-Ohio-1181. A meaningful review means “that

an appellate court hearing an appeal of a felony sentence may modify or vacate the

sentence and remand the matter to the trial court for re-sentencing if the court

clearly and convincingly finds that the record does not support the sentence or that

the sentence is otherwise contrary to law.” Daughenbaugh, 2007-Ohio-5774, at

¶8, citing Carter, 2004-Ohio-1181, at ¶44; R.C. 2953.08(G). Having found that

the offenses are not allied, we find that the trial court’s decision to sentence Tatum

to consecutive sentences was not contrary to law and thus was proper.

       {¶61} Accordingly, we overrule Tatum’s fourth assignment of error.

       {¶62} Having found no error prejudicial to Tatum herein, in the particulars

assigned and argued, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

                                                                  Judgment Affirmed

SHAW and PRESTON, J.J., concur.

/jnc

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