Court Opinion

ID: 4566534
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2020-09-17 23:01:04.858421+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T08:40:16.623264
License: Public Domain

U NITED S TATES AIR F ORCE
             C OURT OF C RIMINAL APPEALS
                         ________________________

                              No. ACM 39549
                         ________________________

                            UNITED STATES
                                Appellee
                                     v.
                      David E. MACDONALD
          Airman First Class (E-3), U.S. Air Force, Appellant
                         ________________________

        Appeal from the United States Air Force Trial Judiciary
                       Decided 17 September 2020
                         ________________________

Military Judge: Donald R. Eller, Jr.
Approved sentence: Dishonorable discharge, confinement for 30 years,
forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and reduction to E-1. Sentence ad-
judged 31 May 2018 by GCM convened at Ellsworth Air Force Base,
South Dakota.
For Appellant: Major Meghan R. Glines-Barney, USAF; Major M. Dedra
Campbell, USAF.
For Appellee: Lieutenant Colonel Joseph J. Kubler, USAF; Major Dayle
P. Percle, USAF; Mary Ellen Payne, Esquire.
Before MINK, LEWIS, and D. JOHNSON, Appellate Military Judges.
Senior Judge MINK delivered the opinion of the court, in which Senior
Judge LEWIS and Judge D. JOHNSON joined.
                         ________________________

    This is an unpublished opinion and, as such, does not serve as
    precedent under AFCCA Rule of Practice and Procedure 30.4.
                         ________________________

MINK, Senior Judge:
    A general court-martial composed of a military judge alone convicted Ap-
pellant, in accordance with his pleas pursuant to a pretrial agreement (PTA),
                  United States v. MacDonald, No. ACM 39549

of one specification of murder in violation of Article 118, Uniform Code of Mil-
itary Justice (UCMJ), 10 U.S.C. § 918. 1 The military judge sentenced Appellant
to a dishonorable discharge, confinement for 30 years, forfeiture of all pay and
allowances, and reduction to the grade of E-1. The PTA had no impact on the
sentence the convening authority could approve because the adjudged confine-
ment was the same as the limitiation on confinement contained in the PTA.
The convening authority approved the sentence as adjudged.
    Appellant raises five issues on appeal: (1) whether the military judge
abused his discretion by considering evidence of an uncharged, and unrelated,
intentional abuse when he deliberated on Appellant’s sentence; (2) whether the
trial counsel’s sentencing argument was improper; (3) whether Appellant’s
sentence is inappropriately severe in light of adjudged and approved sentences
for similar misconduct; (4) whether Appellant is entitled to meaningful sen-
tence relief due to the conditions of his post-trial confinement; and (5) whether
Appellant is entitled to relief for facially unreasonable appellate delay. 2 With
respect to issues (2), (3), and (4), we have carefully considered Appellant’s con-
tentions and find they do not require further discussion or warrant relief. See
United States v. Matias, 25 M.J. 356, 361 (C.M.A. 1987). We find no error that
materially prejudiced Appellant’s substantial rights, and we affirm the find-
ings and sentence.

                                  I. BACKGROUND
    On 25 October 2016, Appellant and his wife, SrA PM, 3 took their three-
month-old son, EM, to the 28th Medical Group (28 MDG) at Ellsworth Air
Force Base (AFB), South Dakota, for examination after SrA PM noticed swell-
ing on the left side of EM’s head. A pediatrician at 28 MDG advised Appellant
and SrA PM to take EM to the Rapid City Regional Hospital (RCRH), which
they did. Medical evaluation at RCRH established that EM had a fracture on
the left side of his skull and bleeding in areas around his brain. Later that
same day, when interviewed by a civilian law enforcement officer and a civilian
social worker regarding the source of EM’s injuries, Appellant denied knowing
what had caused EM’s injuries but “suggested it could have happened when

1All references in this opinion to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, Military Rules
of Evidence, and Rules for Courts-Martial are to the Manual for Courts-Martial,
United States (2016 ed.).
2Appellant personally raises issues (2), (3), and (4) pursuant to United States v.
Grostefon, 12 M.J. 431 (C.M.A. 1982).
3By the time of the court-martial, SrA PM and Appellant had divorced, and she had
returned to using her maiden name. For purposes of this opinion, we refer to her as
SrA PM.

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                United States v. MacDonald, No. ACM 39549

[Appellant] accidentally bumped [EM]’s head on the edge of a desk while play-
ing on the computer.” Appellant stated he “never dropped [EM] or anything
like that.” A short time later, Appellant told the law enforcement officer that
he dropped EM after giving him a bath on 23 October 2016, and EM hit his
head on a baby monitor when he landed on the floor. Medical personnel treat-
ing EM concluded that the explanation offered by Appellant that EM hit his
head on a baby monitor after being dropped could have resulted in EM’s injury,
and the baby was released back into the custody of Appellant and SrA PM on
26 October 2016. Appellant and SrA PM took EM to 28 MDG for a follow-up
appointment on 27 October 2016. The pediatrician that examined EM during
that visit noted that EM was “healing appropriately, feeding well, no further
vomiting . . . and overall back to baseline.”
    On 30 October 2016, after SrA PM observed EM projectile vomiting, Appel-
lant and SrA PM took EM back to RCRH, and the doctors found EM to have
“increased and extended” bleeding in the areas around his brain, including ad-
ditional bleeding on the left side and new bleeding on the right side of EM’s
brain. No explanation for any additional injury to EM was provided by either
Appellant or SrA PM. The RCRH staff found EM’s “vomiting and increased
bleeding were likely related to the 23 October injury and released [EM]” back
into Appellant and SrA PM’s custody on 1 November 2016. In the stipulation
of fact admitted at trial, Appellant and the Government agreed that “[t]his de-
cline in [EM]’s condition, in combination with increased and additional find-
ings during testing, are indicative of non-accidental trauma.”
    On 4 November 2016, SrA PM returned to work for the first time since
giving birth to EM, which resulted in Appellant being left alone in the home
with EM for the first time. After SrA PM departed their on-base residence at
approximately 1200 hours, Appellant repeatedly struck EM on the left side of
his head with Appellant’s hand with a force he knew was sufficient to cause
death or great bodily harm to his infant son. At 1317 hours, Appellant called
911 and performed CPR on EM as instructed by the 911 operator until emer-
gency personnel arrived. EM was subsequently transported by ambulance to
RCRH. EM never recovered and was pronounced dead on 7 November 2016.

                               II. DISCUSSION
A. Sentencing Evidence Regarding Prior Injury
    Appellant asserts that the military judge abused his discretion when delib-
erating on the sentence for Appellant by considering evidence of the uncharged,
intentional abuse of EM. We are not persuaded.

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                  United States v. MacDonald, No. ACM 39549

    1. Additional Background
    During presentencing proceedings, the Government sought to introduce the
testimony of a military child abuse pediatrician, Lieutenant Colonel (Dr.) SM.
Prior to Dr. SM’s testimony, the trial counsel made a proffer that Dr. SM would
testify that EM’s injuries evaluated on 25 October 2016 and on 30 October 2016
were the result of non-accidental trauma. At the invitation of the military
judge, the trial defense counsel submitted written objections to Dr. SM’s prof-
ferred testimony and the trial counsel submitted a response to the trial defense
counsel’s objections. After reviewing the written submissions, the military
judge stated he considered the filings of the parties; the electronic recordings
attached to the stipulation of fact, which included recordings of Appellant’s
interviews with investigators and a 911 call; and EM’s medical records. Addi-
tionally, the military judge stated that he also considered the cases cited by
the parties. 4 The military judge then stated:
        I feel as though I am at a stage where I have to hear the evidence
        before I make a ruling on whether this is confusing or not, if I'm
        doing a 403 balancing test. I just articulate up front that just as
        kind of a baseline of the court’s interpretation on this issue, RCM
        1001 before it allows the government to present evidence as to
        any aggravating circumstances directly relating to and resulting
        from the offenses of which the accused has been found guilty. In
        this case, the accused through his provident pleas of guilty, the
        court found him guilty of killing his son who was a three-month
        old infant. Evidence in aggravation includes but is not limited to
        evidence of financial, social, psychological, medical impact on or
        cost any person or entity who is the victim of an offense commit-
        ted by the accused, and evidence of significant adverse impact
        on the mission, discipline, or efficiency of the command directly
        and immediately resulting from the accused offenses. The court
        in [United States v. Hardison, 64 M.J. 279 (C.A.A.F. 2007)], in-
        dicated that there are two primary limitations on the admission
        of aggravating evidence. First, the evidence must be directly re-
        lating to the offenses of which the accused has been found guilty,

4The military judge stated while he considered all the cases to which the parties cited,
he found the following particularly helpful: United States v. Nourse, 55 M.J. 229
(C.A.A.F. 2001); United States v. Ross, 34 M.J. 183 (C.M.A. 1992); United States v.
Mullens, 29 M.J. 398 (C.M.A. 1990); United States v. Wingart, 27 M.J. 128 (C.M.A.
1988); United States v. Silva, 21 M.J. 336 (C.M.A. 1986); United States v. Vickers, 13
M.J. 403 (C.M.A. 1982); and United States v. Rhine, 67 M.J. 646 (A.F. Ct. Crim. App.
2009).

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                United States v. MacDonald, No. ACM 39549

       and must pass the [Mil. R. Evid.] 403 balancing test which re-
       quires balancing the probative value against its likely prejudi-
       cial impact.
       ....
       Again, in consideration of the present circumstances, the ac-
       cused pled guilty and was found guilty of murder of his infant
       son in violation of Article 118 of the UCMJ. The acts of the ac-
       cused occurred on 4 November 2016. The victim in this offense
       was a three-month-old child. Even as indicated within the med-
       ical records, I just note on this anecdotally, page 21 of Attach-
       ment 4, is a medical record from the [RCRH]. History or exami-
       nation limited by the child is unable to give a complete or relia-
       ble history. The victim was unable to articulate the circum-
       stances, interactions with the accused. The child is unable to re-
       port the circumstances on 26 October, the child was unable or
       incapable of reporting the circumstances on 30 October, with re-
       gards to the circumstance of the injuries and who may have
       caused them.
       The treatment and evaluation relied on results of medical test-
       ing. The victim was released to the family based on the medical
       and scientific findings which included bone scans, CT, MRI, oph-
       thalmology examinations. The events at issue, span approxi-
       mately 14 days between 23 October and [sic] November. It in-
       volves the same victim within days of the child’s death, the same
       location, the same types of offenses being infliction of non-acci-
       dental trauma.
       . . . Aside from the accused’s statements, this case revolves
       around scientific circumstantial evidence which may present
       context to the offenses of which the accused has been found
       guilty of committing. And, circumstantial evidence may reveal
       an ongoing series of events. The court will allow the testimony
       at this stage in consideration of [Rule for Courts-Martial
       (R.C.M.)] 1001(b)(4). After I've heard the evidence, I will then
       conduct [a Mil. R. Evid.] 403 balancing test.
    The military judge then recognized Dr. SM as an expert in the field of child
abuse pediatrics and general pediatrics without any objection from the trial
defense counsel. Dr. SM testified that she had reviewed various items of evi-
dence, including EM’s medical records and autopsy report, and concluded that
EM had “suffered multiple episodes of abusive head trauma” between 23 Octo-
ber 2016 and 4 November 2016. Dr. SM testified at length as to the basis of her

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                 United States v. MacDonald, No. ACM 39549

opinion, describing EM’s medical condition at the time of each visit to a medical
provider and upon what evidence she based her opinion.
    Dr. SM testified that when EM was brought to RCRH on 25 October 2016,
he had a “significant skull fracture . . . on the left side of his head.” Dr. SM
testified that Appellant’s explanation that the injury was caused by dropping
EM on the baby monitor was “unlikely” but that she could not “totally exclude
a dramatic fall, a drop.” However, she opined that EM’s injury was “more con-
sistent with non-accidental trauma.” Again, on cross-examination, Dr. SM
stated her belief that Appellant’s explanation was “unlikely,” but she did not
“rule it out” as an explanation.
   When discussing EM’s condition when he was brought to the hospital on 30
October 2016, Dr. SM testified that the condition of EM’s brain was consistent
with “new injury.” On cross-examination, Dr. SM stated that there was “no
explanation given for the new findings, and the old explanation did not make
sense.”
    Prior to hearing any additional testimony from Dr. SM regarding EM’s con-
dition on 4 November 2016, the military judge provided his ruling on the evi-
dence presented by Dr. SM regarding EM’s injuries on 25 October 2016 and 30
October 2016. The military judge sustained the trial defense counsel’s objection
to Dr. SM’s testimony relating to the source of the injury that led to the treat-
ment of EM on 25 October 2016. The military judge stated that he would not
consider Dr. SM’s testimony as to other possible causes of EM’s injuries for
which EM was treated on 25 October 2016, but would only consider the drop
on the baby monitor as a possible source of injury. The military judge then
provided the rest of his ruling:
       As to the issue of treatment on 30 October, the overall assess-
       ment that there was some additional trauma to [EM] between
       the treatment and released from the hospital on 25 October and
       26 October, until he is seen again on 30 October. This evidence
       indicates that [EM] was in a state of recovery. Medical evidence
       indicates that on 30 and 31 October the treatment evaluation
       reflects that there was some new injury. [sic] Indicates that this
       is not the result of the prior injury. The medical evidence reveals
       that there was additional bleeding to the left side of the skull,
       new bleeding to the right side of the skull, and evidence of injury
       to the child’s brain all consistent with trauma and not reasona-
       bly linked to pre-existing injury that led to the child’s treatment
       on 25 October.
       . . . As to the evidence of source of injury, the court is capable of
       assessing testimony and evidence considering both direct and

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                    United States v. MacDonald, No. ACM 39549

          circumstantial evidence and reasonable inferences there from.
          The court has before it the testimony of Senior Airman [PM] spe-
          cifically denying being a source of any injury to the child. The
          court is capable of considering [Appellant’s] credibility and as-
          sessments both within the course of the Care[ 5] Inquiry as well
          as prior statement provided. The court is capable of assessing
          the evidence and giving it the weight that it believes it deserves.
          Again, a fact that is critical to this case, is that we are dealing
          with a three-month-old incapable, unable to talk to providers, to
          explain the source of the injury leading to the treatment on 30
          October. The court is able to consider the testimony of the wit-
          ness and relying on the medical evidence which reflects an in-
          tervening source of injury. This evidence provides a full nature
          of circumstances leading up to the death of [EM] of which [Ap-
          pellant] has been found guilty. And, also provides context both
          to that injury and the accused[’s] crime, as well as an ongoing
          course of conduct. Under the circumstances, there is no danger
          of unfair prejudice to [Appellant].
          In conducting [the Mil. R. Evid.] 403 balancing test there is high
          probative value under the circumstances of [R.C.M.] 1001(b)(4),
          and there is no danger of substantial prejudiced [sic], confusion
          of the issues, because at the end of it all this court is very mind-
          ful that the sentence to be imposed is that to which the accused
          has been found guilty. How the court uses evidence is within
          providence of my judicial privilege and determination. However,
          again the court is mindful that the accused is to be sentenced only
          for the offense of which he has been found guilty.
(Emphasis added.)
      2. Law
    We review a military judge’s admission or exclusion of evidence, including
sentencing evidence, for an abuse of discretion. United States v. Hyppolite, 79
M.J. 161, 166 (C.A.A.F. 2019) (citation omitted). “The abuse of discretion stand-
ard is a strict one, calling for more than a mere difference of opinion. The chal-
lenged action must be ‘arbitrary, fanciful, clearly unreasonable,’ or ‘clearly er-
roneous.’” United States v. McElhaney, 54 M.J. 120, 130 (C.A.A.F. 2000) (citing
United States v. Miller, 46 M.J. 63, 65 (C.A.A.F. 1997); United States v. Trav-
ers, 25 M.J. 61, 62 (C.M.A. 1987)). “A military judge abuses his discretion when:

5   United States v. Care, 40 C.M.R. 247 (C.M.A. 1969).

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                 United States v. MacDonald, No. ACM 39549

(1) the findings of fact upon which he predicates his ruling are not supported
by the evidence of record; (2) if incorrect legal principles were used; or (3) if his
application of the correct legal principles to the facts is clearly unreasonable.”
United States v. Ellis, 68 M.J. 341, 344 (C.A.A.F. 2010) (citing United States v.
Mackie, 66 M.J. 198, 199 (C.A.A.F. 2008)).
    Rule for Courts-Martial 1001(b)(4) permits the Government to introduce
evidence “as to any aggravating circumstances directly relating to or resulting
from the offenses of which the accused has been found guilty.” The language in
the rule does not serve to open the door to “a never-ending chain of causes and
effects.” United States v. Rust, 41 M.J. 472, 478 (C.A.A.F. 1995) (citation omit-
ted) (interpreting R.C.M. 1001(b)(4)). It also follows that R.C.M. 1001(b)(4)
would prohibit “‘introduction in general of evidence of . . . uncharged miscon-
duct.’” United States v. Hardison, 64 M.J. 279, 281 (C.A.A.F. 2007) (omission
in original) (quoting United States v. Nourse, 55 M.J. 229, 231 (C.A.A.F. 2001)).
   However, uncharged misconduct may qualify as aggravation evidence
when that misconduct is directly related to an offense an accused is guilty of,
which means the misconduct is “closely related in time, type, and/or often out-
come, to the convicted crime.” Hardison, 64 M.J. at 281–82. Moreover, the rules
governing military sentencing proceedings “provide for accuracy in the sen-
tencing process by permitting the judge to fully appreciate the true plight of
the victim in each case.” United States v. Terlep, 57 M.J. 344, 350 (C.A.A.F.
2002) (citations omitted).
    “Sentencing evidence, like all other evidence, is subject to the balancing
test of Mil. R. Evid. 403.” United States v. Manns, 54 M.J. 164, 166 (C.A.A.F.
2000) (citations omitted). Mil. R. Evid. 403 allows the military judge to “exclude
relevant evidence if its probative value is substantially outweighed by a danger
of one or more of the following: unfair prejudice, confusing the issues, . . . undue
delay, wasting time, or needlessly presenting cumulative evidence.”
   A military judge enjoys “wide discretion” in applying Mil. R. Evid. 403.
Manns, 54 M.J. at 166 (citation omitted). “When a military judge conducts a
proper balancing test under Mil. R. Evid. 403, the ruling will not be overturned
unless there is a ‘clear abuse of discretion.’” Id. (citation omitted).
       3. Analysis
    The evidence already before the military judge as reflected in the stipula-
tion of fact established that EM was suffering from a fractured skull on 25
October 2016 and had improved by 27 October 2016, but three days later on 30
October 2016, his condition had worsened. After hearing Dr. SM’s expert tes-
timony regarding EM’s condition on 25 October 2016 and 30 October 2016, the
military judge sustained the trial defense counsel’s objection as to considera-
tion of Dr. SM’s testimony regarding other possible causes of EM’s injuries on

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                United States v. MacDonald, No. ACM 39549

25 October 2016. Appellant does not allege the military judge erred in consid-
ering these facts.
    However, the military judge came to a different conclusion as to the cause
of EM’s injuries for which he was treated on 30 October 2016. In his detailed
ruling quoted above, the military judge considered Dr. SM’s testimony in view
of R.C.M. 1001(b)(4) and the applicable case law. In arguing on appeal that the
military judge abused his discretion, Appellant cites the same cases in his ap-
pellate brief that the military judge relied upon when making his ruling. Dr.
SM’s testimony related to EM’s injuries five days prior to Appellant’s criminal
actions that resulted in EM’s death. As noted above, in the stipulation of fact
admitted at trial, Appellant and the Government agreed that “[t]his decline in
[EM]’s condition, in combination with increased and additional findings during
testing, are indicative of non-accidental trauma.” Dr. SM’s expert testimony
simply reinforced and expanded on this fact that had already been agreed to
by Appellant.
    Not only were the nature and cause of EM’s injuries on 30 October 2016 in
close temporal proximity to the fatal injuries EM suffered at the hands of Ap-
pellant, the exclusion of such evidence would have left the military judge a
diluted version of the events for which Appellant had been convicted. As the
military judge noted in his ruling, “the events at issue, span approximately 14
days between 23 October and [sic] November. It involves the same victim
within days of the child’s death, the same location, the same types of offenses
being infliction of non-accidental trauma.”
    Putting aside the cause of the traumas EM suffered, there is no question
that Appellant was well aware of the injuries EM had suffered resulting in
EM’s hospitalization on 25 October 2016 and 30 October 2016 when Appellant
struck EM repeatedly on the left side of EM’s head on 4 November 2016. There-
fore, we find that Dr. SM’s expert testimony regarding EM’s injuries on 30 Oc-
tober 2016 was permissible under R.C.M. 1001(b)(4) because it was directly
related to the charged offense and showed the full impact of Appellant’s crime.
The military judge did not abuse his discretion in admitting and considering
this evidence.
    The military judge also performed a proper Mil. R. Evid. 403 balancing test,
finding high probative value and no danger of unfair prejudice or confusion of
the issues by considering Dr. SM’s testimony regarding EM’s injuries as of 30
October 2016. The military judge, as the sentencing authority, is “presumed to
know the law and apply it correctly.” United States v. Sanders, 67 M.J. 344,
346 (C.A.A.F. 2009) (per curiam) (citations omitted). Morever, in this case, the
military judge noted on the record that he, as the sentencing authority, was
well aware that he was only sentencing Appellant for the crime to which Ap-
pellant had pleaded and been found guilty, irrespective of Dr. SM’s testimony

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                 United States v. MacDonald, No. ACM 39549

regarding EM’s injuries on 30 October 2016. Again, we find that the military
judge did not abuse his discretion by considering Dr. SM’s testimony.
    Even assuming arguendo that the military judge erred by admitting evi-
dence of the injuries of which EM was suffering on 30 October 2016, Appellant
has failed to establish prejudice under the facts of this case. “When there is
error in the admission of sentencing evidence, the test for prejudice ‘is whether
the error substantially influenced the adjudged sentence.’” United States v.
Barker, 77 M.J. 377, 384 (C.A.A.F. 2018) (quoting United States v. Sanders, 67
M.J. 344, 346 (C.A.A.F. 2009)). We consider four factors when determining
whether an error had a substantial influence on the sentence: “(1) the strength
of the Government’s case; (2) the strength of the defense case; (3) the materi-
ality of the evidence in question; and (4) the quality of the evidence in ques-
tion.” Id. (citations omitted).
    We find that the Government’s case was strong, supported by a stipulation
of fact and a guilty plea inquiry both of which described the facts and circum-
stances of the offense to which Appellant pleaded guilty. By comparison, the
Defense’s case was relatively weak, relying on the fact that Appellant pleaded
guilty and asked for mercy in sentencing. The materiality of the evidence was
limited because of the similar information presented in the agreed-upon stip-
ulation of fact. The quality of the evidence was unchallenged. We find that the
balance of these four factors weighs in favor of the Government. Having given
careful and individualized consideration to Appellant, the nature and serious-
ness of his offense as shown by the facts and circumstances, Appellant’s record
of service, and all other matters contained in the record of trial, we conclude
that even if the military judge erred by allowing evidence indicating that EM’s
condition on 30 October 2016 was the result of non-accidental trauma that er-
ror would not have had a substantial influence on the sentence imposed by the
military judge.
B. Timeliness of Appellate Review
   1. Additional Background
   Appellant’s case was originally docketed with this court on 2 October 2018.
As Appellant correctly asserts, the delay in rendering this decision after 2 April
2020 is presumptively unreasonable. However, we determine there has been
no violation of Appellant’s right to due process and a speedy post-trial review
and appeal.
   2. Law
   “We review de novo claims that an appellant has been denied the due pro-
cess right to a speedy post-trial review and appeal.” United States v. Moreno,
63 M.J. 129, 135 (C.A.A.F. 2006) (citing United States v. Rodriguez, 60 M.J.
239, 246 (C.A.A.F. 2004); United States v. Cooper, 58 M.J. 54, 58 (C.A.A.F.

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                 United States v. MacDonald, No. ACM 39549

2003)). In Moreno, the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces
(CAAF) established a presumption of facially unreasonable delay when the
Court of Criminal Appeals does not render a decision within 18 months of dock-
eting. 63 M.J. at 142. Where there is such a delay, we examine the four factors
set forth in Barker v. Wingo, 407 U.S. 514, 530 (1972): “(1) the length of the
delay; (2) the reasons for the delay; (3) the appellant’s assertion of his right to
a timely review and appeal; and (4) prejudice [to the appellant].” Moreno, 63
M.J. at 135 (citing United States v. Jones, 61 M.J. 80, 83 (C.A.A.F. 2005);
Toohey v. United States, 60 M.J. 100, 102 (C.A.A.F. 2004)). “No single factor is
required for finding a due process violation and the absence of a given factor
will not prevent such a finding.” Id. at 136 (citing Barker, 407 U.S. at 533).
    However, where an appellant has not shown prejudice from the delay, there
is no due process violation unless the delay is so egregious as to “adversely
affect the public’s perception of the fairness and integrity of the military justice
system.” United States v. Toohey, 63 M.J. 353, 362 (C.A.A.F. 2006). In Moreno,
the CAAF identified three types of cognizable prejudice for purposes of an Ap-
pellant’s due process right to timely post-trial review: (1) oppressive incarcer-
ation; (2) anxiety and concern; and (3) impairment of the appellant’s ability to
present a defense at a rehearing. 63 M.J. at 138–39 (citations omitted).
   3. Analysis
    This court is affirming the findings and sentence in this case. We find no
oppressive incarceration because Appellant’s appeal has not resulted in any
reduction in his term of confinement. As for anxiety and concern, the CAAF
has explained “the appropriate test for the military justice system is to require
an appellant to show particularized anxiety or concern that is distinguishable
from the normal anxiety experienced by prisoners awaiting an appellate deci-
sion.” Id. at 140. We discern no such particularized anxiety in Appellant’s case.
Lastly, where the appeal does not result in a rehearing on findings or sentence,
as in this case, Appellant’s ability to present a defense at a rehearing is not
impaired. See id.
    Where, as here, there is no qualifying prejudice from the delay, there is no
due process violation unless the delay is so egregious as to “adversely affect the
public’s perception of the fairness and integrity of the military justice system.”
Toohey, 63 M.J. at 362. With regard to appellate review, the delay in issuing
the court’s opinion exceeded the 18-month Moreno standard by approximately
five months. On the whole, we do not find the delay so egregious as to adversely
affect the perceived fairness and integrity of the military justice system. Id.
   Recognizing our authority under Article 66(c), UCMJ, 10 U.S.C. § 866(c),
we have also considered whether relief for excessive post-trial delay is appro-

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                 United States v. MacDonald, No. ACM 39549

priate even in the absence of a due process violation. See United States v. Tar-
dif, 57 M.J. 219, 225 (C.A.A.F. 2002). After considering the factors enumerated
in United States v. Gay, 74 M.J. 736, 744 (A.F. Ct. Crim. App. 2015), aff’d, 75
M.J. 264 (C.A.A.F. 2016), we conclude it is not.

                               III. CONCLUSION
    The approved findings and sentence are correct in law and fact, and no er-
ror materially prejudicial to the substantial rights of Appellant occurred. Arti-
cles 59(a) and 66(c), UCMJ, 10 U.S.C. §§ 859(a), 866(c). Accordingly, the find-
ings and sentence are AFFIRMED.

                 FOR THE COURT

                 CAROL K. JOYCE
                 Clerk of the Court

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