Court Opinion

ID: 2698854
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2014-08-04 17:56:20.566525+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T12:51:25.852122
License: Public Domain

[Cite as State v. Morrison, 2013-Ohio-2182.]

                                        COURT OF APPEALS
                                    DELAWARE COUNTY, OHIO
                                    FIFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT

STATE OF OHIO                                     JUDGES:
                                                  Hon. John W. Wise, P. J.
        Plaintiff-Appellee                        Hon. Patricia A. Delaney, J.
                                                  Hon. Craig R. Baldwin, J.
-vs-
                                                  Case No. 12 CAA 08 0053
JAMES MORRISON

        Defendant-Appellant                       OPINION

CHARACTER OF PROCEEDING:                       Criminal Appeal from the Court of Common
                                               Pleas, Case No. 11 CR I 06 0302

JUDGMENT:                                      Affirmed

DATE OF JUDGMENT ENTRY:                         May 24, 2013

APPEARANCES:

For Plaintiff-Appellee                         For Defendant-Appellant

CAROL HAMILTON O'BRIEN                         BRIAN G. JONES
PROSECUTING ATTORNEY                           THE LAW OFFICE OF BRIAN JONES
DOUGLAS DUMOLT                                 S. Highway 23 North
ASSISTANT PROSECUTOR                           Delaware, Ohio 43015
140 North Sandusky Street
Delaware, Ohio 43015
Delaware County, Case No. 12 CAA 08 0053                                              2

Wise, P. J.

       {¶1}   Defendant-Appellant James F. Morrison appeals his sentence entered in

the Delaware County Common Pleas Court following an Alford plea.

       {¶2}   Plaintiff-Appellee is the State of Ohio.

                       STATEMENT OF THE FACTS AND CASE

       {¶3}   On June 3, 2010, the Delaware County Grand Jury returned a thirty-six

count indictment against Appellant James F. Morrison. Appellant was charged with six

counts of Pandering Sexually Oriented Material Involving a Minor, in violation of R.C.

§2907.322(A)(1), for creating and reproducing images of child rape on his computer by

downloading them through the Limewire file sharing network; nineteen counts of Illegal

Use of a Minor in Nudity Orientated Material, in violation of R.C. §2907.323(A)(3), for

creating and reproducing lewd images of children in a state of nudity on his computer by

downloading them through the Limewire file sharing network; eight counts of Attempted

Pandering Sexually Oriented Material Involving a Minor, in violation of R.C.

§2907.322(A)(1), for attempting to create and reproduce images of child rape on his

computer though the Limewire file sharing network; one count of Identity Fraud and

Falsification, in violation of R.C. §2913.49(B)(2) and §2921.13(A)(3), for providing a

false name and social security number to law enforcement during the execution of the

search warrant of his residence; and one count of Illegal Use of a Minor in Nudity

Oriented Material, in violation of R.C. §2907.323(A)(2), for taking a lewd photograph of

his underage daughter in a state of nudity.

       {¶4}   On May 7, 2012, pursuant to a plea agreement, Appellant entered an

Alford plea (North Carolina v. Alford, 400 U.S. 25 (1970)) to only four counts of
Delaware County, Case No. 12 CAA 08 0053                                                   3

Attempted Pandering Sexually Oriented Matter Involving a Minor, a third-degree felony,

and the remaining counts were dismissed. (See May 8, 2012, Plea Agreement and May

15, 2012, Judgment Entry on Guilty Pleas).

         {¶5}   In its May 15, 2012, Judgment Entry on Guilty Pleas, the trial court stated:

         {¶6}   “Based on the facts of this case, the Defendant was advised that he had a

choice of going to trial and, if convicted, receiving sentences totaling over One Hundred

(100) years or, if he accepted the plea offer from the State of Ohio he could receive not

more than Twelve (12) years in prison. The Court then ascertained that the Defendant

understood the same and with such understanding still wished to enter pleas of Guilty,

as contemplated by North Carolina v. Alford, supra, to the crimes of Attempted

Pandering Sexually Oriented Matter Involving a Minor, as set forth in Counts Twenty-

Six, Twenty-Seven, Twenty-Eight, and Twenty-Nine of the Indictment.” (5/15/12 J.E. at

4).

         {¶7}   At the beginning of the sentencing hearing on July 27, 2012, the trial court

first heard arguments on the issue of merger. In support of his argument that some or

all of the offenses to which he pled guilty must merge, Appellant presented the

testimony of computer forensic expert C. Matthew Curtin.1

         {¶8}   Mr. Curtin offered extensive background information on peer-to peer-file

sharing and computer data storage. During his testimony, Mr. Curtin explained that

when someone uses the Limewire program, they are presented with a search box. The

user then types a search term in the box and the Limewire program searches the files of

other users for these search term or terms. (T. at 25). Any files with names containing

1
    Mr. Curtin had also filed an Affidavit with the court.
Delaware County, Case No. 12 CAA 08 0053                                                  4

those search terms then appear in a list. (T. at 26). The user may then select files from

the list either by selecting individual files or selecting a range of files. Id. The user is

then able to click the download button to begin the download process. (T. at 27).

       {¶9}   Files can be downloaded through the Limewire software by three different

methods: (1) a user can highlight a single file listed in the search results and then press

the download one time, thereby creating a single file, in a distinct location, on the hard

drive; (2) a user can hold down the control key on the keyboard and then use the mouse

to select any number of individual files in the search results; the user would then press

the download button once and multiple files would be created on the hard drive in

separate and distinct locations; or (3) a user can hold down the shift key on the

keyboard to select two separate files on the search results list, thereby selecting any

files on the list appearing between the two selected files; the user would then press the

download button once and multiple files would be created on the hard drive in separate

and distinct locations. (T. at 43-44, 46-47).

       {¶10} Curtin went on to explain that when the download button is depressed, an

"empty" file is created on the computer, which is analogous to a hanging paper file

folder into which papers can later be placed. (T. at 17).

       {¶11} At that point, the files would go into a "holding pattern" while Limewire

looked for available "download slots" or intervals when it was possible to transfer a file

between the computers. Limewire would then transfer a file each time a new download

slot came open until all the selected files were transferred. (T. at 11-15, 21-22, 44-48,

60-61, 63-64).
Delaware County, Case No. 12 CAA 08 0053                                                   5

       {¶12} Mr. Curtin reviewed the computer data and came to three conclusions:

First, a Limewire user cannot know the content of a file until it is actually downloaded

because Limewire did not have a preview function for photos. Second, the files Mr.

Morrison attempted to download were actually empty on his computer, meaning that

they were merely placeholder files and the download was never completed. (T. at 10-12,

16-18). Third, he concluded that the forensic evidence was consistent with a single

download: Appellant could have downloaded all four files with a single act of clicking the

download button once. Id.

       {¶13} In this case, each "empty" file was given a separate name and stored at a

separate physical location on Appellant's hard drive. (T. at 31-32). Each of these files

was individually identified in the Indictment and Bill of Particulars furnished to Appellant.

These "placeholder files", which would ultimately become images of child pornography

when the transfer of data was complete, also have separate and distinct creation times.

(T. at 30-31).

       {¶14} Curtin then testified that while the forensic evidence in this case is

consistent with a "single act" of downloading (selecting multiple files and then pressing

the download button once), it is also consistent with multiple acts of downloading

(selecting individual files and pressing the download button multiple times). (T. at 36).

Curtin explained, however, that prior to a user being able to download multiple files with

a single click of the Limewire download button, separate actions and decisions on the

part of the user are required. (T. at 45).

       {¶15} Curtin further explained that while it was possible in Limewire to

separately download each file by selecting a file, clicking download, selecting another
Delaware County, Case No. 12 CAA 08 0053                                                   6

file, clicking download, etc., the user would need sufficient time between each

download. In that regard, the evidence showed that the files were downloaded at

1:06:28 a.m., 1:24:42 a.m., 1:25:27 a.m., and 1:25:28 a.m., respectively. Thus,

Appellant only had 45 seconds between the second and third files, and merely one

second between the third and fourth files, making separate downloads highly unlikely.

(T. at 36-39, 63, 68-72).

       {¶16} Curtin explained that there was nothing in the Limewire data which would

allow him to know which one of the three methods were used in any given case;

forensically, it is an unknowable fact. (T. at 47-48).

       {¶17} While it cannot be forensically determined how an individual used

Limewire to download files in any case, Curtin testified that where the download of

multiple files is initiated with a single mouse-click of the download button, the user would

have had to have previously decided to download multiple items at one time. (T. at 44).

       {¶18} Curtin further testified that even in the case where the download button is

depressed a single time, it takes multiple, affirmative acts on the part of the user to

select multiple files to be downloaded. (T. at 44). Curtin then repeated that, in addition

to requiring multiple affirmative acts to download multiple files, it also requires a

conscious choice to select multiple files from the search list - as opposed to a single file.

(T. at 45).

       {¶19} Assisting the State in offering a visual demonstration of these concepts to

the trial court, Curtin explained that the method of selecting multiple files through the

Limewire software is analogous to selecting files though the Windows Explorer interface

(the software in Windows that lets you browse through "My Documents" and other
Delaware County, Case No. 12 CAA 08 0053                                               7

locations on a computer). (T. at 45-48).           An overhead projector was used to

demonstrate each of the possible methods of downloading files. Curtin showed the trial

court how multiple acts are required to select multiple files. (T. at 46).

       {¶20} After listening to the testimony of Mr. Curtin, and considering the

arguments of counsel, the trial court concluded that each count was the product of a

separate act, and occurred with a separate animus. (T. at 91). The trial court then heard

statements from counsel, one victim's mother, and Appellant.

       {¶21} The trial court sentenced Appellant to thirty (30) months in prison on each

count to run consecutively for a total of ten (10) years.2 (T. at 116).

       {¶22} Appellant now appeals, assigning the following error for review:

                                ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR

       {¶23} “I. THE TRIAL COURT VIOLATED THE DOUBLE JEOPARDY CLAUSE

OF THE FIFTH AMENDMENT TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION AND

ARTICLE I SECTION 10 OF THE OHIO CONSTITUTION WHEN IT FAILED TO

MERGE THE CONVICTIONS IN COUNTS 26, 27, 28 AND 29.”

                                              I.

       {¶24} In his sole Assignment of Error, Appellant claims that the trial court erred

in failing to merge the counts of Attempted Pandering Sexually Oriented Matter

Involving a Minor. We disagree.

       {¶25} In the case sub judice, Appellant argues that he committed only one

criminal act with only one animus in this case and therefore the four counts of Attempted

2
 Appellant was also designated a Tier II sex offender for purposes of registration and
notification under R.C. Chapter 2950
Delaware County, Case No. 12 CAA 08 0053                                                 8

Pandering Sexually Oriented Matter Involving a Minor should have merged for purposes

of sentencing.

       {¶26} The defendant bears the burden of proving an entitlement to merger at

sentencing pursuant to R.C. §2941.25. State v. Mughni, 33 Ohio St.3d 65, 67, 514

N.E.2d 870 (1987). The conditions required for merger are set forth in R.C.

§2941.25(A):

       {¶27} “Where the same conduct by defendant can be construed to constitute two

or more allied offenses of similar import, the indictment or information may contain

counts for all such offenses, but the defendant may be convicted of only one.”

       {¶28} Thus, a defendant cannot establish an entitlement to merger without

demonstrating that the offenses result from the “same conduct” and share a “similar

import.” See State v. Cooper, 104 Ohio St.3d 293, 2004-Ohio-6553, quoting State v.

Logan, 60 Ohio St.2d 126, 128 ( “ ‘ In addition to the requirement of similar import * * *,

the defendant, in order to obtain the protection of R.C. 2941.25(A), must show that the

prosecution has relied upon the same conduct to support both offenses charged’ ”).

       {¶29} R.C. §2941.25(B) restates these requirements in the negative by

prohibiting merger where the offenses are of “dissimilar import” or were “committed

separately,” but also identifies a third bar to merger where the offenses were committed

with a “separate animus as to each.”

       {¶30} In State v. Johnson, 128 Ohio St.3d 153, 2010-Ohio-6314, the Supreme

Court of Ohio unanimously abandoned the standard for determining the “similar import”

of offenses articulated in State v. Rance, 85 Ohio St.3d 632 and further clarified the

proper interpretation of R.C. §2941.25.
Delaware County, Case No. 12 CAA 08 0053                                                 9

       {¶31} In Johnson, the Supreme Court held that under Ohio's allied offense

statute the proper analysis involves two questions: first, whether it is possible to commit

one offense and commit the other with the same conduct, and if so, whether the two

offenses were actually committed with the same conduct. Id. If the answer to both

questions is yes, then the offenses are allied offenses of similar import and will be

merged. Id.

       {¶32} 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. [State v.] Blankenship, 38 Ohio St.3d [116,] 119, 526

N.E.2d 816 (Whiteside, J., concurring) (“It is not necessary that both crimes are always

committed by the same conduct but, rather, it is sufficient if both offenses can be

committed by the same conduct. It is a matter of possibility 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, rather than

certainty, that the same conduct will constitute commission of both offenses.”

       {¶33} 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.” [State v.] Brown, 119 Ohio St.3d

447, 2008-Ohio-4569, 895 N.E.2d 149, at ¶ 50 (Lanzinger, J., dissenting).

       {¶34} 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
Delaware County, Case No. 12 CAA 08 0053                                                 10

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. See State v.

Burrell, 2011-Ohio-2091.

       {¶35} In the case sub judice, in finding against merger, the trial court found that

Appellant made four separate attempts to download four separate images and that each

image was a new and distinct crime. (July 31, 2012, Judgment Entry).

       {¶36} Upon review, we find that trial court was correct in finding that counts

herein should not be merged.

       {¶37} As stated by the court in State v. Brewster, Hamilton App. Nos. C–30024

and C–30025, 2004–Ohio–2993, “[m]ultiple violations of the same statute are not allied

offenses of similar import, and a defendant may be sentenced for each violation.”

       {¶38} The files containing the images in this case were separate and distinct.

They were displayed with separate names and stored in separate locations. To the

extent that the multiple images depicted different victims, courts have held that the

charges do not merge. State v. Collier, 8th Dist. No. 95572, 2011-Ohio-2791; State v.

Barrett (2012), 974 N.E.2d 185, 187-188.

       {¶39} Even if they did constitute allied offenses of similar import, which they

clearly are not, Appellant's argument would still fail. A “[d]efendant who enters [a] guilty

plea to two distinct offenses waives argument that [the] offenses are, in reality, allied

offenses of similar import.” State v. Fortner, Franklin App. No. 08AP–191, 2008-Ohio-

5067, citing State v. Hooper, Columbiana App. No. 03CO30, 2005-Ohio-7084. “[A]

defendant waives his right to challenge any defects in an indictment by pleading guilty.”

Fortner at ¶ 8. See, also, State v. Kent (1980), 68 Ohio App.2d 151.
Delaware County, Case No. 12 CAA 08 0053                                          11

      {¶40} Further, Appellant has failed to offer anything in the record to rebut a

finding that the images were separate and distinct, so he has failed to exemplify his

claimed error. See App.R. 16(A)(7)

      {¶41} Based on the foregoing, we find that the trial court did not err in

sentencing Appellant on all four counts of Attempted Pandering Sexually Oriented

Matter Involving a Minor.

      {¶42} Appellant’s sole Assignment of Error is overruled.

      {¶43} For the foregoing reasons, the judgment of the Court of Common Pleas,

Delaware County, Ohio, is affirmed.

By: Wise, P. J.

Delaney, J., and

Baldwin, J., concur.

                                           ___________________________________

                                           ___________________________________

                                           ___________________________________

                                                                 JUDGES
JWW/d 0502
Delaware County, Case No. 12 CAA 08 0053                                       12

           IN THE COURT OF APPEALS FOR DELAWARE COUNTY, OHIO
                         FIFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT

STATE OF OHIO                             :
                                          :
       Plaintiff-Appellee                 :
                                          :
-vs-                                      :         JUDGMENT ENTRY
                                          :
JAMES MORRISON                            :
                                          :
       Defendant-Appellant                :         Case No. 12 CAA 08 0053

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

judgment of the Court of Common Pleas of Delaware County, Ohio, is affirmed.

       Costs assessed to Appellant.

                                          ___________________________________

                                          ___________________________________

                                          ___________________________________

                                                             JUDGES