Court Opinion

ID: 2698492
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2014-08-04 17:51:05.210933+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T12:40:55.910435
License: Public Domain

[Cite as State v. Milton, 2013-Ohio-5155.]

                                        COURT OF APPEALS
                                       STARK COUNTY, OHIO
                                    FIFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT

                                                       JUDGES:
STATE OF OHIO                                  :       Hon. W. Scott Gwin, P.J.
                                               :       Hon. William B. Hoffman, J.
                          Plaintiff-Appellee   :       Hon. Patricia A. Delaney, J.
                                               :
-vs-                                           :
                                               :       Case No. 2013CA00072
CHARLES HENRY MILTON                           :
                                               :
                     Defendant-Appellant       :       OPINION

CHARACTER OF PROCEEDING:                           Criminal appeal from the Stark County
                                                   Court of Common Pleas, Case No. 2013-
                                                   CR-0070

JUDGMENT:                                          Affirmed

DATE OF JUDGMENT ENTRY:                            November 18, 2013

APPEARANCES:

For Plaintiff-Appellee                             For Defendant-Appellant

JOHN D. FERRERO                                    GEORGE URBAN
STARK COUNTY PROSECUTOR                            116 Cleveland Avenue N.W.
BY: KATHLEEN TATARSKY                              808 Courtyard Centre
110 Central Plaza South                            Canton, OH 44702
Canton, OH 44702-1413
[Cite as State v. Milton, 2013-Ohio-5155.]

Gwin, P.J.

        {¶1}     Appellant Charles Henry Milton [“Milton”] appeals his convictions and

sentences after a jury trial in the Stark County Court of Common Pleas for three counts

of Trafficking in Cocaine, felonies of the fifth degree in violation of                R.C.

2925.03(A)(1)(C)(4)(A).

                                             Facts and Procedural History

        1. Officer Zachary Taylor observes November 8, 2010 drug buy.

        {¶2}     In 2010, Canton City police officer Zachary Taylor was assigned to work

with the FBI Task Force to conduct undercover narcotics investigations. On November

8, 2010, he was asked to do a "buy" with a confidential informant [“C.I.”] provided by the

FBI. He met with the C.I. and together they placed a telephone call to a "target" who

turned out to be Milton. During the telephone conversation, Officer Taylor and the C.I.

were instructed to travel to a Laundromat at the corner of 9th and Dueber in Canton,

Ohio for the cocaine buy. Officer Taylor prepared the C.l. for the "controlled purchase"

by checking him for contraband and money.

        {¶3}     It was around 2:00 in the afternoon. Officer Taylor was able to observe the

drug transaction. Milton was driving a blue Dodge Caliber. Milton told the C.l. to follow

him to the corner of 9th and Hafer Court. At a garage directly behind 616 Dueber S.W.,

the buy was made. The C.I. walked over to the driver's side of Milton's car, reached in

the window with his left hand and exchanged $200.00 for two loose rocks of crack

cocaine. The C.l. immediately reentered the passenger seat of the truck Officer Taylor

was driving and gave the cocaine to Taylor who placed it in an evidence bag.
Stark County, Case No. 2013CA00072                                                   3

      {¶4}   When the buy was over, Officer Taylor checked the C.l. again to make

sure that he had not pocketed any drugs. Officer Taylor turned the C.l. and the crack

cocaine into Canton Detective Mike Volpe, who was also assigned to the undercover

FBI task force.

      {¶5}   Jay Spencer of the Stark County Crime Laboratory tested the rock like

substance submitted by Volpe and found it to be crack cocaine.

      2. Officer Joseph Mongold observed January 4, 2011 drug buy.

      {¶6}   In 2011, Canton City police officer Joseph Mongold was assigned to the

Canton Gang Task Force working with the FBI Task Force in the investigation of illegal

drugs in the Canton area. Mongold was assigned to work an undercover drug

investigation of Milton along with a C.I. Officer Mongold prepared the C.l. for the

"controlled purchase" by checking him for contraband and money. He then gave the C.l.

$200.00 to make the drug purchase. Officer Mongold drove the C.l. to the Family Dollar

Store on East Tuscarawas and Riverside, Canton, Ohio.

      {¶7}   Milton pulled into the Family Dollar in a gray Dodge Charger and motioned

the C.I. to come over to the car. The C.I. handed Milton the money he had been given

by Officer Mongold and Milton gave the C.I. the crack cocaine. The C.I. returned to the

vehicle, gave Officer Mongold several loose off white rocks of crack cocaine. Officer

Mongold tagged these as evidence. It was turned over to the Stark County Crime

Laboratory and tested positive for crack cocaine.

      3. Milton sold crack cocaine to Officer Mongold on January 19, 2011.

      {¶8}   Milton sold crack cocaine on January 19, 2011 near 11th and Prospect

SW., Canton, Ohio. This time, however, Officer Mongold was out of uniform and
Stark County, Case No. 2013CA00072                                                        4

undercover. Officer Mongold personally made the buy. Officer Mongold went to Milton's

vehicle. Milton rolled the window down and took a plastic bag of crack cocaine out of the

center console, counted out several off white rocks and exchanged it for $200.00. Milton

told Officer Mongold, -if you need anything else, give me a call."

       {¶9}   Officer Mongold turned over the off-white rocks to an agent with the FBI

Task Force and it tested positive for crack cocaine.

       {¶10} Testimony was presented that because the investigation of Milton was a

long-term investigation, the moneys used for the drug buys were not photographed. So

too, the buys were not recorded either by audio or visual equipment.

       {¶11} Milton was secretly indicted on four counts of count of Trafficking In

Cocaine, R.C. 2925.03(A)(1)(C)(4)(b), felonies of the fourth degree and two counts

Trafficking In Cocaine, RC 2925.03(A)(1)(C)(4)(A), felonies of the fifth degree. However,

prior to the start of trial the state dismissed three charges and amended the remaining

charges to reflect Trafficking in Cocaine, felonies of the fifth degree.

       {¶12} At the conclusion of the trial, the jury found Milton guilty of three counts of

Trafficking in Cocaine, felonies of the fifth degree. The trial court then imposed an

aggregate prison sentence of 36 months.

                                       Assignments of Error

       {¶13} Milton raises three assignments of error,

       {¶14} “I. THE TRIAL COURT ABUSED ITS DISCRETION WHEN IT ALLOWED

THE ADMISSION OF PREJUDICIAL EVIDENCE THAT DID NOT REFLECT THE

CRIMES ALLEGED IN THE BILL OF PARTICULARS.
Stark County, Case No. 2013CA00072                                                       5

       {¶15} “II. APPELLANTS CONVICTION WAS AGAINST THE MANIFEST

WEIGHT AND SUFFICIENCY OF THE EVIDENCE.

       {¶16} “III. APPELLANT'S CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT AS GUARANTEED BY

SECTION 28, ARTICLE II OF THE OHIO CONSTITUTION AND SECTION 10

ARTICLE I OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION TO BE PROTECTED FROM

EX POST FACTO LAWS WAS VIOLATED WHEN THE TRIAL COURT IMPOSED A

PRISON SENTENCE.”

                                                I.

       {¶17} In his first assignment of error, Milton claims the trial court abused its

discretion when it allowed the state to admit crime laboratory reports that did not match

the amount of crack cocaine alleged to have been sold by him as detailed in the bill of

particulars.

       {¶18} During Milton’s jury trial, defense counsel objected to the admission of a

Stark County Crime Laboratory Report that reflected .98 grams of crack cocaine

because the Bill of Particulars furnished by the state in discovery stated .92 grams of

crack cocaine. (T. at 151; 155-58). The second objection made counsel occurred when

the state moved to admit a crime lab sheet that reflected .179 grams of crack cocaine.

The basis for that objection was that the specific crime alleging the sale of .179 grams

of crack cocaine was one of the counts that the state had dismissed prior to the start of

trial. (T. at 153). The trial court overruled both objections and permitted the two crime

lab sheets to be admitted as evidence and submitted to the jury.

       {¶19} “It is axiomatic that a determination as to the admissibility of evidence is a

matter within the sound discretion of the trial court. See Calderon v. Sharkey (1982), 70
Stark County, Case No. 2013CA00072                                                        6
Ohio St. 2d 218, 24 O.O.3d 322, 436 N.E.2d 1008. The issue of whether testimony is

relevant or irrelevant, confusing or misleading is best decided by the trial judge who is in

a significantly better position to analyze the impact of the evidence on the jury.” State v.

Taylor, 39 Ohio St. 3d 162, 164, 529 N.E.2d 1382(1988).

       {¶20} In the case at bar, the state dismissed counts 2, 3 and 6 of the indictment

prior to trial. Milton was convicted on counts 1, 4 and 5.

       {¶21} Count 1 alleged that Milton sold .54 grams of crack cocaine on November

8, 2010. The state submitted the correct Stark County Laboratory sheet for Count 1.

       {¶22} Count 4 alleged Milton sold 1.31 grams of crack cocaine on January 19,

2011. However, the state mistakenly submitted the Stark County Crime Laboratory

report for Count 2 in support of this charge. [State’s Exhibit 1A]. Count 2 had alleged

that Milton sold .179 grams of crack cocaine on November 15, 2010. Count 2 had been

dismissed before trial.

       {¶23} Count 5 alleged that Milton sold .092 grams of crack cocaine on January

4, 2011. The state mistakenly submitted a Stark County Laboratory report showing .98

grams of crack cocaine. [State’s Exhibit 3A] Apparently, the laboratory report that was

admitted into evidence related to an alleged sale on January 11, 2011 for which Milton

was never charged.

       {¶24} It is clear that the trial court erred by allowing the state to introduce and

present to the jury State’s Exhibit’s 1A and 3A.

       {¶25} Even assuming the admission of the two laboratory reports was

erroneous, we would conclude, from a review of the entire record, that such error would

be “harmless beyond a reasonable doubt.” Chapman v. California, 386 U.S. 18, 87 S.Ct.
Stark County, Case No. 2013CA00072                                                         7

824, 17 L.Ed.2d 705(1967); Harrington v. California, 395 U.S. 250, 89 S .Ct. 1726, 23

L.Ed.2d 284(1969); Schneble v. Florida, 405 U.S. 427, 92 S. Ct. 1056, 31 L.Ed.2d

340(1972).

       {¶26} The state’s argument that the amount of crack cocaine Milton sold is not

determinative of whether he sold or offered to sell the drugs and does not affect the

penalty for conviction is somewhat disingenuous. So is the state’s argument that only an

“offer to sell” is needed in order to convict an individual of trafficking in cocaine. One is

certainly left to wonder why, then, the state went to the effort and expense to have the

substances analyzed, and further to present witnesses and documents to the jury

attempting to prove the substance was in fact cocaine, if the state is confident that such

evidence is unnecessary and would not be persuasive to the jury.

       {¶27} In any event, we find from a review of the record in this particular case that

the state did provide all six of the laboratory reports in support of the six charges

originally contained in the Indictment to the defense in advance of trial. Reports in

support of count four and count five accurately reflect the correct amounts and that the

substance were in fact crack cocaine.

       {¶28} We must be mindful of the “ * * * elementary proposition of law that an

appellant, in order to secure reversal of a judgment against him, must not only show

some error but must also show that that error was prejudicial to him.” See Smith v.

Flesher, 12 Ohio St. 2d 107, 233 N.E.2d 137(1967); State v. Stanton, 15 Ohio St. 2d 215,

217, 239 N.E.2d 92, 94(1968); Wachovia Mtg. Corp. v. Aleshire, 5th Dist. Licking No. 09

CA 4, 2009–Ohio–5097, ¶16. See, also, App. R. 12(D). In making a Crim.R. 52(A)

harmless error analysis, any error will be deemed harmless if it did not affect the
Stark County, Case No. 2013CA00072                                                      8

accused's “substantial rights.” Otherwise stated, the accused has a constitutional

guarantee to a trial free from prejudicial error, not necessarily one free of all error.

Before constitutional error can be considered harmless, we must be able to “declare a

belief that it was harmless beyond a reasonable doubt.” Chapman v. California, 386
U.S. 18, 24 87 S. Ct. 824, 17 L.Ed.2d 705(1967). Where there is no reasonable

possibility that unlawful testimony contributed to a conviction, the error is harmless and

therefore will not be grounds for reversal. State v. Lytle, 48 Ohio St. 2d 391, 2 O.O.3d

495, 358 N.E.2d 623(1976), paragraph three of the syllabus, vacated on other grounds

in 438 U.S. 910, 98 S. Ct. 3135, 57 L.Ed.2d 1154(1978). Accord, State v. Hood, 135
Ohio St. 3d 137, 2012-Ohio-6208, 984 N.E.2d 1057, ¶29.

       {¶29} Milton has failed to articulate any real prejudice. The laboratory reports

were cumulative to the testimony of the officers who had observed the transactions

contemporaneously. There is sufficient independent evidence of Milton's guilt, which

renders the admitted laboratory reports harmless, there is no prejudice and reversal is

unwarranted. State v. Moritz, 63 Ohio St. 2d 150, 407 N.E.2d 1268(1980). (Citing

Schneble v. Florida, 405 U.S. 427, 430, 92 S. Ct. 1056, 1059(1972)); State v.

Stevenson, 5th Dist. Stark No. 2005-CA-00011, 2005-Ohio-5216, ¶ 46.

       {¶30} Milton’s first assignment of error is overruled.

                                                II.

       {¶31} In his second assignment of error, Milton contends that his convictions are

against the sufficiency of the evidence and against the manifest weight of the evidence,

respectively.
Stark County, Case No. 2013CA00072                                                         9

       {¶32} Our review of the constitutional sufficiency of evidence to support a

criminal conviction is governed by Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 319, 99 S. Ct.
2781, 61 L. Ed. 2d 560 (1979), which requires a court of appeals to determine whether

“after viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution, any rational

trier of fact could have found the essential elements of the crime beyond a reasonable

doubt.” Id.; see also McDaniel v. Brown, 558 U.S. 120, 130 S. Ct. 665, 673, 175 L.Ed.2d

582(2010) (reaffirming this standard); State v. Fry, 125 Ohio St. 3d 163, 926 N.E.2d
1239, 2010–Ohio–1017, ¶ 146; State v. Clay, 187 Ohio App. 3d 633, 933 N.E.2d 296,

2010–Ohio–2720, ¶ 68.

       {¶33} Weight of the evidence addresses the evidence's effect of inducing belief.

State v. Thompkins, 78 Ohio St. 3d 380, 386-387, 678 N.E.2d 541 (1997), superseded

by constitutional amendment on other grounds as stated by State v. Smith, 80 Ohio

St.3d 89, 684 N.E.2d 668, 1997-Ohio–355. Weight of the evidence concerns “the

inclination of the greater amount of credible evidence, offered in a trial, to support one

side of the issue rather than the other. It indicates clearly to the jury that the party

having the burden of proof will be entitled to their verdict, if, on weighing the evidence in

their minds, they shall find the greater amount of credible evidence sustains the issue

which is to be established before them. Weight is not a question of mathematics, but

depends on its effect in inducing belief.” (Emphasis sic.) Id. at 387, 678 N.E.2d 541,

quoting Black's Law Dictionary (6th Ed. 1990) at 1594.

       {¶34} When a court of appeals reverses a judgment of a trial court on the basis

that the verdict is against the weight of the evidence, the appellate court sits as a

“’thirteenth juror’” and disagrees with the fact finder’s resolution of the conflicting
Stark County, Case No. 2013CA00072                                                           10

testimony. Id. at 387, 678 N.E.2d 541, quoting Tibbs v. Florida, 457 U.S. 31, 42, 102
S. Ct. 2211, 72 L. Ed. 2d 652 (1982). However, an appellate court may not merely

substitute its view for that of the jury, but must find that “‘the jury clearly lost its way and

created such a manifest miscarriage of justice that the conviction must be reversed and

a new trial ordered.’” State v. Thompkins, supra, 78 Ohio St.3d at 387, quoting State v.

Martin, 20 Ohio App. 3d 172, 175, 485 N.E.2d 717, 720–721(1st Dist. 1983).

Accordingly, reversal on manifest weight grounds is reserved for “‘the exceptional case

in which the evidence weighs heavily against the conviction.’” Id.

              “[I]n determining whether the judgment below is manifestly against

       the weight of the evidence, every reasonable intendment and every

       reasonable presumption must be made in favor of the judgment and the

       finding of facts.

                                             ***

               “If the evidence is susceptible of more than one construction, the

       reviewing court is bound to give it that interpretation which is consistent

       with the verdict and judgment, most favorable to sustaining the verdict and

       judgment.”

Seasons Coal Co., Inc. v. Cleveland, 10 Ohio St. 3d 77, 80, 461 N.E.2d 1273 (1984), fn.

3, quoting 5 Ohio Jurisprudence 3d, Appellate Review, Section 60, at 191–192 (1978).

       {¶35} R.C. 2925.03(A) (1) sets forth the essential elements of trafficking in

drugs: "No person shall knowingly sell or offer to sell a controlled substance."

       {¶36} In the case at bar, to find Milton guilty of trafficking in drugs in violation of

R.C. 2925.03(A)(1)(C)(4)(a) as alleged in the indictment the trier of fact, in this case the
Stark County, Case No. 2013CA00072                                                           11

jury, would have to find that Milton sold or offered to sell a controlled substance and the

drug involved in the violation is cocaine or a compound, mixture, preparation, or

substance containing cocaine.

         {¶37} It is well established that a person can be convicted for offering to sell a

controlled substance in violation of R.C. 2925.03(A)(1) without actually transferring a

controlled substance to the buyer. State v. Scott, 69 Ohio St. 2d 439, 440, 432 N.E.2d
798(1982), at syllabus; State v. Patterson, 69 Ohio St. 2d 445, 467, 432 N.E.2d 802.

(1982); State v. Mughni, 33 Ohio St. 3d 65, 514 N.E.2d 870(1987), fn. 1. The offense is

complete under R.C. 2925.03(A)(1) when a person knowingly offers to sell a controlled

substance. Mughni, 33 Ohio St. 3d at 68, 514 N.E.2d 870. The conduct proscribed by

the statute is offering to sell a controlled substance, not offering the controlled

substance. Scott, 69 Ohio St. 2d at 440, 432 N.E.2d 798.

         1. Officer Zachary Taylor observed the November 8, 2010 drug buy.

         {¶38} In the case at bar, Officer Taylor testified that he got a good look at Milton

who was driving a blue Dodge Caliber because Officer Taylor’s vehicle was beside

Milton’s vehicle. It was daylight. Officer Taylor observed the C.I. reach into Milton’s

vehicle with his left hand and exchange currency. The C.I. retrieved something, which

he cupped in his right hand as he returned to Officer Taylor’s vehicle. Officer Taylor

immediately received from the C.I.’s hand “two loose individual rocks of crack cocaine.”

(T. at 110).

         {¶39} Viewing the evidence in a light most favorable to the prosecution, we

conclude that a reasonable person could have found beyond a reasonable doubt that

Milton    committed     the   crime   of   trafficking   in   drugs   in   violation   of   R.C.
Stark County, Case No. 2013CA00072                                                          12

2925.03(A)(1)(C)(4)(a) as alleged in the indictment. We hold, therefore, that the state

met its burden of production regarding each element of the crime and, accordingly,

there was sufficient evidence to support Milton’s conviction.

         2. Officer Joseph Mongold observed the January 4, 2011 drug buy.

         {¶40} Officer Mongold testifed that on January 4, 2011 he observed Milton in a

gray Charger parked in a Family Dollar store parking lot in Canton, Ohio. It was

daytime. Officer Mongold observed the C.I. walk up to the gray Charger, hand money to

Milton and Milton place something in the hand of the C.I. The C.I. returned directly to

Officer Mongold’s vehicle, at which time he handed Officer Mongold several off white

rocks of crack cocaine. (T. at 83). Officer Mongold testifed that he has had the

opportunity to observe crack cocaine hundreds of times in the past. (Id. at 85). Based

upon his training and experience, Officer Mongold believed what the C.I. handed to him

on January 4, 2011 was crack cocaine. (Id.).

         {¶41} Viewing the evidence in a light most favorable to the prosecution, we

conclude that a reasonable person could have found beyond a reasonable doubt that

Milton    committed    the   crime   of   trafficking   in   drugs   in   violation   of   R.C.

2925.03(A)(1)(C)(4)(a) as alleged in the indictment. We hold, therefore, that the state

met its burden of production regarding each element of the crime and, accordingly,

there was sufficient evidence to support Milton’s conviction.

         3. Milton sold crack cocaine to Officer Mongold on January 19, 2011.

         {¶42} On January 19, 2011, Officer Milton was working undercover with the FBI

Task Force. At 8:30 p.m. on January 11, 2011, Officer Mongold met Milton. Officer

Mongold got out of his vehicle and walked over to the vehicle Milton was driving. Officer
Stark County, Case No. 2013CA00072                                                            13

Mongold handed Milton $200.00 and received an off-white substance, which Officer

Mongold testifed was crack cocaine.

         {¶43} Viewing the evidence in a light most favorable to the prosecution, we

conclude that a reasonable person could have found beyond a reasonable doubt that

Milton    committed    the   crime    of   trafficking   in   drugs   in   violation   of   R.C.

2925.03(A)(1)(C)(4)(a) as alleged in the indictment. We hold, therefore, that the state

met its burden of production regarding each element of the crime and, accordingly,

there was sufficient evidence to support Milton’s conviction.

         {¶44} Ultimately, “the reviewing court must determine whether the appellant or

the appellee provided the more believable evidence, but must not completely substitute

its judgment for that of the original trier of fact ‘unless it is patently apparent that the fact

finder lost its way.’” State v. Pallai, 7th Dist. No. 07 MA 198, 2008-Ohio-6635, ¶31,

quoting State v. Woullard, 158 Ohio App. 3d 31, 2004-Ohio-3395, 813 N.E.2d 964, ¶ 81.

In other words, “[w]hen there exist two fairly reasonable views of the evidence or two

conflicting versions of events, neither of which is unbelievable, it is not our province to

choose which one we believe.” State v. Dyke, 7th Dist. No. 99 CA 149, 2002-Ohio-1152,

at ¶ 13, citing State v. Gore, 131 Ohio App. 3d 197, 201, 722 N.E.2d 125(1999).

         {¶45} The weight to be given to the evidence and the credibility of the witnesses

are issues for the trier of fact. State v. DeHass, 10 Ohio St. 2d 230, 227 N.E.2d

212(1967), paragraph one of the syllabus; State v. Hunter, 131 Ohio St. 3d 67, 2011-

Ohio-6524, 960 N.E.2d 955, ¶118. Accord, Glasser v. United States, 315 U.S. 60, 80,

62 S. Ct. 457, 86 L. Ed. 680 (1942); Marshall v. Lonberger, 459 U.S. 422, 434, 103 S. Ct.
843, 74 L. Ed. 2d 646 (1983).
Stark County, Case No. 2013CA00072                                                     14

      {¶46} Although Milton cross-examined the witnesses and argued that the drug

buys could have been, but were not, recorded and further, that the money used to

allegedly buy the drugs was not photographed or recorded, the weight to be given to the

evidence and the credibility of the witnesses are issues for the trier of fact. State v.

DeHass, 10 Ohio St. 2d 230, 227 N.E.2d 212(1967), paragraph one of the syllabus;

State v. Hunter, 131 Ohio St. 3d 67, 2011-Ohio-6524, 960 N.E.2d 955, ¶118. Accord,

Glasser v. United States, 315 U.S. 60, 80, 62 S. Ct. 457, 86 L. Ed. 680 (1942); Marshall

v. Lonberger, 459 U.S. 422, 434, 103 S. Ct. 843, 74 L. Ed. 2d 646 (1983). The jury was

free to accept or reject any and all of the evidence offered by the parties and assess the

witness’s credibility. "While the jury may take note of the inconsistencies and resolve or

discount them accordingly * * * such inconsistencies do not render defendant's

conviction against the manifest weight or sufficiency of the evidence". State v. Craig,

10th Dist. No. 99AP-739, 1999 WL 29752 (Mar 23, 2000) citing State v. Nivens, 10th

Dist. No. 95APA09-1236, 1996 WL 284714 (May 28, 1996). Indeed, the jury need not

believe all of a witness' testimony, but may accept only portions of it as true. State v.

Raver, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 02AP-604, 2003-Ohio-958, ¶21, citing State v. Antill, 176
Ohio St. 61, 67, 197 N.E.2d 548 (1964); State v. Burke, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 02AP-

1238, 2003-Ohio-2889, citing State v. Caldwell, 79 Ohio App. 3d 667, 607 N.E.2d 1096

(4th Dist. 1992). Although the evidence may have been circumstantial, we note that

circumstantial evidence has the same probative value as direct evidence. State v.

Jenks, supra.

                “[I]n determining whether the judgment below is manifestly against

      the weight of the evidence, every reasonable intendment and every
Stark County, Case No. 2013CA00072                                                      15

      reasonable presumption must be made in favor of the judgment and the

      finding of facts.

                                           ***

             “If the evidence is susceptible of more than one construction, the

      reviewing court is bound to give it that interpretation which is consistent

      with the verdict and judgment, most favorable to sustaining the verdict and

      judgment.”

Seasons Coal Co., Inc. v. Cleveland, 10 Ohio St. 3d 77, 80, 461 N.E.2d 1273 (1984), fn.

3, quoting 5 Ohio Jurisprudence 3d, Appellate Review, Section 60, at 191-192 (1978).

      {¶47} In Cross v. Ledford, 161 Ohio St. 469, 477, 120 N.E.2d 118 (1954), the

Supreme Court further cautioned,

             The mere number of witnesses, who may support a claim of one or

      the other of the parties to an action, is not to be taken as a basis for

      resolving disputed facts. The degree of proof required is determined by

      the impression which the testimony of the witnesses makes upon the trier

      of facts, and the character of the testimony itself. Credibility, intelligence,

      freedom from bias or prejudice, opportunity to be informed, the disposition

      to tell the truth or otherwise, and the probability or improbability of the

      statements made, are all tests of testimonial value. Where the evidence is

      in conflict, the trier of facts may determine what should be accepted as the

      truth and what should be rejected as false. See Rice v. City of Cleveland,

      114 Ohio St. 299, 58 N.E.2d 768.

161 Ohio St. at 477-478. (Emphasis added).
Stark County, Case No. 2013CA00072                                                            16

              A fundamental premise of our criminal trial system is that “the jury

       is the lie detector.” United States v. Barnard, 490 F.2d 907, 912 (9th Cir.

       1973) (emphasis added), cert. denied, 416 U.S. 959, 94 S. Ct. 1976, 40
L. Ed. 2d 310 (1974). Determining the weight and credibility of witness

       testimony, therefore, has long been held to be the “part of every case

       [that] belongs to the jury, who are presumed to be fitted for it by their

       natural intelligence and their practical knowledge of men and the ways of

       men.” Aetna Life Ins. Co. v. Ward, 140 U.S. 76, 88, 11 S. Ct. 720, 724-725,

       35 L. Ed. 371 (1891).

       {¶48} United States v. Scheffer (1997), 523 U.S. 303, 313, 118 S. Ct. 1261,

1266-1267(1997).

       {¶49} We find that this is not an “‘exceptional case in which the evidence weighs

heavily against the conviction.’” Thompkins, 78 Ohio St. 3d at 387, 678 N.E.2d 541,

quoting Martin, 20 Ohio App. 3d at 175, 485 N.E.2d 717. The jury neither lost its way nor

created a miscarriage of justice in convicting Monk of the charges.

       {¶50} Based upon the foregoing and the entire record in this matter, we find

Milton’s convictions were not against the sufficiency or the manifest weight of the

evidence. To the contrary, the jury appears to have fairly and impartially decided the

matters before it. The jury as a trier of fact can reach different conclusions concerning

the credibility of the testimony of the officers. This court will not disturb that jury's finding

so long as competent evidence was present to support it. State v. Walker, 55 Ohio St. 2d
208, 378 N.E.2d 1049 (1978). The jury heard the witnesses, evaluated the evidence,

and was convinced of Milton's guilt.
Stark County, Case No. 2013CA00072                                                        17

       {¶51} Finally, upon careful consideration of the record in its entirety, we find that

there is substantial evidence presented which if believed, proves all the elements of the

crimes beyond a reasonable doubt.

       {¶52} Milton’s second assignment of error is overruled.

                                                III.

       {¶53} In his third assignment of error, Milton argues that the trial court should not

have sentenced him pursuant to the version of R.C. 2929.13 that became effective

March 22, 2013.

       {¶54} R.C. 2929.13 was amended as part of 2011 Am.Sub.H.B. No. 86. R.C.

2929.13 was amended to provide that, relevant to the case at bar, a trial court must

sentence an offender convicted of a fifth degree felony to community control sanctions

rather than prison. However, several exceptions to this presumption are contained

within 2929.13. Most notably, the presumption is defeated if the offender has a prior

felony conviction. R.C. 2929.13(B)(1)(a)(i). In the case at bar, Milton concedes the

commission of previous felonies and a previous prison term. However, Milton claims

that this version of R.C. 2929.13 increased his punishment, therefore, the application of

the amended version of R.C. 2929.13 is prohibited by the ex post facto clause of the

Ohio Constitution, Article II, Section 28 and the U.S. Constitution, Article I, Section 10.

       {¶55} Retroactive changes in the measure of punishment are impermissibly ex

post facto if they subject a defendant to a more severe sentence than was available at

the time of the offense. See Lindsey v. Washington, 301 U.S. 397, 401, 57 S. Ct. 797, 81

L.Ed. 1182(1937); State v. Walls, 96 Ohio St. 2d at 447, 2002-Ohio-5059, 775 N.E.2d
841, ¶29. A “speculative and attenuated” possibility that the statutory change has
Stark County, Case No. 2013CA00072                                                      18

increased the measure of punishment will not constitute an ex post facto violation.

California Dept. of Corrections v. Morales, 514 U.S. 499, 510, 115 S. Ct. 1597, 131

L.Ed.2d 588(1995) In other words, Milton must demonstrate that he had more than a

speculative chance under the old law of receiving community control sanctions instead

of prison. State v. Walls, supra, 96 Ohio St.2d at 448, 2002-Ohio-5059 at ¶ 30, 775
N.E.2d at 841. Accord, State v. Paynter, 5th Dist. Muskingum No. CT2006-0034, 2006-

Ohio-5542, ¶32.

      {¶56} R.C. 2929.13(B), in effect at the time Milton committed the crimes stated,

             (B)(1) Except as provided in division (B)(2), (E), (F), or (G) of this

      section, in sentencing an offender for a felony of the fourth or fifth degree,

      the sentencing court shall determine whether any of the following apply:

             (a) In committing the offense, the offender caused physical harm to

      a person.

             (b) In committing the offense, the offender attempted to cause or

      made an actual threat of physical harm to a person with a deadly weapon.

             (c) In committing the offense, the offender attempted to cause or

      made an actual threat of physical harm to a person, and the offender

      previously was convicted of an offense that caused physical harm to a

      person.

             (d) The offender held a public office or position of trust and the

      offense related to that office or position; the offender's position obliged the

      offender to prevent the offense or to bring those committing it to justice; or
Stark County, Case No. 2013CA00072                                                       19

     the offender's professional reputation or position facilitated the offense or

     was likely to influence the future conduct of others.

            (e) The offender committed the offense for hire or as part of an

     organized criminal activity.

            (f) The offense is a sex offense that is a fourth or fifth degree felony

     violation of section 2907.03, 2907.04, 2907.05, 2907.22, 2907.31,

     2907.321, 2907.322, 2907.323, or 2907.34 of the Revised Code.

            (g) The offender at the time of the offense was serving, or the

     offender previously had served, a prison term.

            (h) The offender committed the offense while under a community

     control sanction, while on probation, or while released from custody on a

     bond or personal recognizance.

            (i) The offender committed the offense while in possession of a

     firearm.

            (2)(a) If the court makes a finding described in division (B)(1)(a),

     (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), or (i) of this section and if the court, after

     considering the factors set forth in section 2929.12 of the Revised Code,

     finds that a prison term is consistent with the purposes and principles of

     sentencing set forth in section 2929.11 of the Revised Code and finds that

     the offender is not amenable to an available community control sanction,

     the court shall impose a prison term upon the offender.

            (b) Except as provided in division (E), (F), or (G) of this section, if

     the court does not make a finding described in division (B)(1)(a), (b), (c),
Stark County, Case No. 2013CA00072                                                          20

      (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), or (i) of this section and if the court, after considering

      the factors set forth in section 2929.12 of the Revised Code, finds that a

      community control sanction or combination of community control sanctions

      is consistent with the purposes and principles of sentencing set forth in

      section 2929.11 of the Revised Code, the court shall impose a community

      control sanction or combination of community control sanctions upon the

      offender.

      CREDIT(S)

      (2010 S 58, eff. 9-17-10; 2008 H 130, eff. 4-7-09; 2008 H 280, eff. 4-7-09;

      2008 S 183, eff. 9-11-08; 2007 S 10, eff. 1-1-08; 2006 S 281, eff. 4-5-07;

      2006 H 461, eff. 4-4-07; 2006 S 260, eff. 1-2-07; 2006 H 95, eff. 8-3-06;

      2004 H 473, eff. 4-29-05; 2004 H 163, eff. 9-23-04; 2004 H 52, eff. 6-1-04;

      2003 S 5, § 3, eff. 1-1-04; 2003 S 5, § 1, eff. 7-31-03; 2002 S 123, eff. 1-1-

      04; 2002 H 485, eff. 6-13-02; 2002 H 327, eff. 7-8-02; 2000 S 222, eff. 3-

      22-01; 2000 H 528, eff. 2-13-01; 1999 S 22, eff. 5-17-00; 1999 S 107, eff.

      3-23-00; 1999 S 142, eff. 2-3-00; 1998 H 122, eff. 7-29-98; 1998 H 293,

      eff. 3-17-98; 1997 S 111, eff. 3-17-98; 1997 H 32, eff. 3-10-98; 1996 H

      180, eff. 1-1-97; 1996 S 166, eff. 10-17-96; 1996 S 269, eff. 7-1-96; 1996

      H 445, eff. 9-3-96; 1995 S 2, eff. 7-1-96)

      {¶57} This previous version of R.C. 2929.13 was analyzed by the Ohio Supreme

Court in State v. Foster, 109 Ohio St. 3d 1, 845 N.E.2d 470, 2006-Ohio-856. In Foster,

the Ohio Supreme Court observed that, “[c]ommunity control is the default sentence for

felonies of the fourth and fifth degree, except for those identified as mandatory prison
Stark County, Case No. 2013CA00072                                                        21

offenses.” Foster at ¶ 68. However, Foster held that there is no presumption in favor of

community control. Id. at ¶69. In Foster, the Ohio Supreme Court held that R.C.

2929.13(B)(2)(a) “permit[s] a judge to impose prison rather than community control

without R.C. 2929.13(B) findings.” Foster, ¶70. The Court explained,

              If no findings are made under R.C. 2929.13(B)(1)(a) through (i), the

       court must find that a community-control sanction meets the principles of

       sentencing under R.C. 2929.11 before it must impose community control.

       Thus, a judge who does not make one of the (B)(1) findings and does not

       find that community control is a sufficient sanction could still impose a

       prison term.

Foster, at ¶ 69; State v. Sharp, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 05AP-809, 2006-Ohio-3448;

State v. Nichols, 5th Dist. Licking No. 2007 CA 0120, 2008-Ohio-4345, ¶12.

       {¶58} In the case at bar, the trial court stated during Milton’s sentencing hearing,

in relevant part,

              The Court finds that the Defendant has both prior felony convictions

       and also that the Defendant has served a prior prison term, at least one,

       he's actually served two, which pull him out of the statute. The Court has

       applied all of the respective felony criteria that the Court is required to look

       at under 2929.13, as well as the other sentencing statutes.

       {¶59} The Court finds that the Defendant is not amenable to an available

community control sanction, these are multiple offenses on multiple dates. And

the Court is going to issue a sentence on felony--on the first count that was

before the jury of 12 months in an appropriate state correctional facility. He would
Stark County, Case No. 2013CA00072                                                    22

be given credit for any time served on that offense. It being a felony of the fifth

degree, at this point in time the Court taking judicial notice of the fact that the

indictment was amended to pull out any higher rated offenses and all we have

are three felony five counts here, he would be sentenced to the 12-month term.

He would be given any credit for time served up through today and pending his

transfer.

(T. at 214-215).

       {¶60} Thus, in the present case, the trial court did not find that community

control was a sufficient sanction.

       {¶61} To violate the ex post facto clause, “the law must be retrospective so that

it applies to events occurring before its enactment and it must disadvantage the

person affected by altering the definition of criminal conduct or increasing the

punishment for the crime.” State v. Glaude, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 7375, 1999 WL

684813(Sept. 2, 1999), citing Lynce v. Mathis, 519 U.S. 433, 117 S. Ct. 891, 137

L.Ed.2d 63(1997); Weaver v. Graham, 450 U.S. 24, 29, 101 S. Ct. 960, 67 L.Ed.2d

17(1981). “The clause prohibits the enactment of any law that criminalizes conduct

which was innocent and not punishable at the time it was committed; or that makes

the crime more serious than it was when committed; or that inflicts a greater

punishment than that prescribed at the time the crime was committed; or that alters

the legal rules of evidence either by requiring less or different evidence in order to

convict or by eliminating a defense available when the crime was committed.” Id.,

citing Beazell v. Ohio, 269 U.S. 167, 46 S. Ct. 68, 70 L.Ed. 216(1925); Calder v. Bull, 3
Stark County, Case No. 2013CA00072                                                       23

Dall. 386, 1 L.Ed. 648(1798); State v. Dolce, 92 Ohio App. 3d 687, 637 N.E.2d

51(1993).

       {¶62} R.C. 2929.13 as amended March 22, 2013 does not punish any action

that was formerly not a crime or increase the penalty for a crime already committed. The

version of R.C. 2929.13 in effect at the time Milton committed the offenses did not

mandate community control sanctions. A “speculative and attenuated” possibility that

the statutory change has increased the measure of punishment will not constitute an ex

post facto violation. State v. Walls, 96 Ohio St. 3d 437, 2002-Ohio-5059, 795 N.E.2d
829, ¶30, citing California Dept. of Corrections v. Morales, 514 U.S. 499,509 115 S. Ct.
1597, 131 L.Ed.2d 588(1995). In other words, Milton has failed to demonstrate that he

had more than a speculative chance under the old law of being sentenced to community

control sanctions instead of prison.

       {¶63} However, the Stark County Grand Jury indicted Milton on January 16,

2013. He was found guilty by a jury on March 23, 2013 and sentenced the same day.

       {¶64} Milton argues the trial court must follow the version of R. C. 2929.13 in

place immediately prior to its amendment on March 22, 2013, which prohibits a prison

term for a non-violent fifth degree felony unless the felony occurred in the last two years

prior to sentencing. Because his felony convictions occurred more than 2 years ago, the

trial court, Milton contends, was required to sentence him to community control.

       {¶65} R.C., 2929.13 as effective from September 30, 2011 to and including

March 21, 2013 provided, in relevant part,

              (B)(1)(a) Except as provided in division (B)(1)(b) of this section, if

       an offender is convicted of or pleads guilty to a felony of the fourth or fifth
Stark County, Case No. 2013CA00072                                                      24

     degree that is not an offense of violence, the court shall sentence the

     offender to a community control sanction of at least one year's duration if

     all of the following apply:

            (i) The offender previously has not been convicted of or pleaded

     guilty to a felony offense or to an offense of violence that is a

     misdemeanor and that the offender committed within two years prior to the

     offense for which sentence is being imposed.

            (ii) The most serious charge against the offender at the time of

     sentencing is a felony of the fourth or fifth degree.

            (iii) If the court made a request of the department of rehabilitation

     and correction pursuant to division (B)(1)(c) of this section, the

     department, within the forty-five-day period specified in that division,

     provided the court with the names of, contact information for, and program

     details of one or more community control sanctions of at least one year's

     duration that are available for persons sentenced by the court.

            (b) The court has discretion to impose a prison term upon an

     offender who is convicted of or pleads guilty to a felony of the fourth or fifth

     degree that is not an offense of violence if any of the following apply:

            (i) The offender committed the offense while having a firearm on or

     about the offender's person or under the offender's control.

            (ii) The offender caused physical harm to another person while

     committing the offense.
Stark County, Case No. 2013CA00072                                                      25

            (iii) The offender violated a term of the conditions of bond as set by

     the court.

            (iv) The court made a request of the department of rehabilitation

     and correction pursuant to division (B)(1)(c) of this section, and the

     department, within the forty-five-day period specified in that division, did

     not provide the court with the name of, contact information for, and

     program details of any community control sanction of at least one year's

     duration that is available for persons sentenced by the court.

            (c) If a court that is sentencing an offender who is convicted of or

     pleads guilty to a felony of the fourth or fifth degree that is not an offense

     of violence believes that no community control sanctions are available for

     its use that, if imposed on the offender, will adequately fulfill the overriding

     principles and purposes of sentencing, the court shall contact the

     department of rehabilitation and correction and ask the department to

     provide the court with the names of, contact information for, and program

     details of one or more community control sanctions of at least one year's

     duration that are available for persons sentenced by the court. Not later

     than forty-five days after receipt of a request from a court under this

     division, the department shall provide the court with the names of, contact

     information for, and program details of one or more community control

     sanctions of at least one year's duration that are available for persons

     sentenced by the court, if any. Upon making a request under this division

     that relates to a particular offender, a court shall defer sentencing of that
Stark County, Case No. 2013CA00072                                                   26

     offender until it receives from the department the names of, contact

     information for, and program details of one or more community control

     sanctions of at least one year's duration that are available for persons

     sentenced by the court or for forty-five days, whichever is the earlier.

            If the department provides the court with the names of, contact

     information for, and program details of one or more community control

     sanctions of at least one year's duration that are available for persons

     sentenced by the court within the forty-five-day period specified in this

     division, the court shall impose upon the offender a community control

     sanction under division (B)(1)(a) of this section, subject to divisions

     (B)(1)(b)(i) and (ii) of this section. If the department does not provide the

     court with the names of, contact information for, and program details of

     one or more community control sanctions of at least one year's duration

     that are available for persons sentenced by the court within the forty-five-

     day period specified in this division, the court may impose upon the

     offender a prison term under division (B)(1)(b)(iii) of this section.

     CREDIT(S)

     (2011 H 86, eff. 9-30-11; 2010 S 58, eff. 9-17-10; 2008 H 130, eff. 4-7-09;

     2008 H 280, eff. 4-7-09; 2008 S 183, eff. 9-11-08; 2007 S 10, eff. 1-1-08;

     2006 S 281, eff. 4-5-07; 2006 H 461, eff. 4-4-07; 2006 S 260, eff. 1-2-07;

     2006 H 95, eff. 8-3-06; 2004 H 473, eff. 4-29-05; 2004 H 163, eff. 9-23-04;

     2004 H 52, eff. 6-1-04; 2003 S 5, § 3, eff. 1-1-04; 2003 S 5, § 1, eff. 7-31-

     03; 2002 S 123, eff. 1-1-04; 2002 H 485, eff. 6-13-02; 2002 H 327, eff. 7-
Stark County, Case No. 2013CA00072                                                     27

      8-02; 2000 S 222, eff. 3-22-01; 2000 H 528, eff. 2-13-01; 1999 S 22, eff. 5-

      17-00; 1999 S 107, eff. 3-23-00; 1999 S 142, eff. 2-3-00; 1998 H 122, eff.

      7-29-98; 1998 H 293, eff. 3-17-98; 1997 S 111, eff. 3-17-98; 1997 H 32,

      eff. 3-10-98; 1996 H 180, eff. 1-1-97; 1996 S 166, eff. 10-17-96; 1996 S

      269, eff. 7-1-96; 1996 H 445, eff. 9-3-96; 1995 S 2, eff. 7-1-96) (Emphasis

      added).

      {¶66} Milton was sentenced on March 23, 2013. 2011 Am.Sub.H.B. No. 86 took

effect on March 22, 2013 and clarified the provisions of R.C. 2929.13(b)(1)(b) upon

which Milton relies. Under the clarified version, as we have previously noted, the

mandatory community control provisions do not apply if the offender previously has

been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a felony offense.

      {¶67} When the General Assembly adopted the amendments to Section

2929.13, effective September 30, 2011, it addressed the issue of applicability. “The

amendments...that are made in this act apply to a person who commits an offense

specified or penalized...on or after the effective date of this section and to a person to

whom division (B) of section 1.58 of the Revised Code makes the amendments

applicable.” Am. Sub. H.B. No. 86, Section 4, 2011 Ohio Laws 29. See, State v. Taylor,

9th Dist. Summit No. 26279, 2012-Ohio-5403, ¶6. Milton is not “a person who commit

[ted] an offense ... on or after the effective date” of House Bill 86. Id. Therefore, the

version of Section 2929.13 would have applied to him only if he is “a person to whom

division (B) of section 1.58 of the Revised Code makes the amendments applicable.” Id.

      {¶68} We note that an “ex post facto inquiry does not focus ‘on whether a

legislative change produces some ambiguous sort of ‘disadvantage [.]’ Morales, 514
Stark County, Case No. 2013CA00072 28
U.S. at 506, 115 S.Ct. at 1602, 131 L. Ed. 2d at 595, fn. 3. State v. Rush, 83 Ohio St. 3d
53, 59, 697 N.E.2d 634(1998). In Milton’s case, he committed each crime before the

amendment to R.C. 2929.13 in 2011. At the time he committed each crime, Milton did

not have an “absolute” or “matured” right to be sentenced under R.C. 2929.13 effective

from September 30, 2011 to and including March 21, 2013. Nor did he have an

“absolute” or “matured” right to be sentenced only to community control sanctions. See,

State v. White, 132 Ohio St. 3d 344, 2012-Ohio-2583, 972 N.E.2d 534, ¶36. Before

Milton was sentenced in this case, the legislature amended R.C. 2929.13 to remove any

ambiguity as to whether repeat felony offenders were eligible for mandatory community

control sanctions. Thus, upon the amendment that became effective March 22, 2013,

any right Milton may have had to be sentenced under the version in effect between

September 30, 2011 and March 21, 2013 was extinguished. White, 132 Ohio St. 3d 344,

2012-Ohio-2583, 972 N.E.2d 534, ¶36. As we have already explained, the provisions

that became effective March 21, 2013 did not inflict a greater punishment than that

prescribed at the time the crimes was committed. No ex post facto violation occurred by

the trial court’s sentence,

       {¶69} Milton’s third assignment of error is overruled.
Stark County, Case No. 2013CA00072                                       29

      {¶70} The judgment of the Court of Common Pleas, Stark County, Ohio is

affirmed.

By Gwin, P.J.,

Hoffman, J., and

Delaney, J., concur

                                      _________________________________
                                      HON. W. SCOTT GWIN

                                      _________________________________
                                      HON. WILLIAM B. HOFFMAN

                                      _________________________________
                                      HON. PATRICIA A. DELANEY

WSG:clw 1101
[Cite as State v. Milton, 2013-Ohio-5155.]

                 IN THE COURT OF APPEALS FOR STARK COUNTY, OHIO

                                    FIFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT

STATE OF OHIO                                     :
                                                  :
                             Plaintiff-Appellee   :
                                                  :
                                                  :
-vs-                                              :       JUDGMENT ENTRY
                                                  :
CHARLES HENRY MILTON                              :
                                                  :
                                                  :
                        Defendant-Appellant       :       CASE NO. 2013CA00072

        For the reasons stated in our accompanying Memorandum-Opinion, the

judgment of the Court of Common Pleas, Stark County, Ohio is affirmed. Costs to

appellant.

                                                      _________________________________
                                                      HON. W. SCOTT GWIN

                                                      _________________________________
                                                      HON. WILLIAM B. HOFFMAN

                                                      _________________________________
                                                      HON. PATRICIA A. DELANEY