Court Opinion

ID: 4545581
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2020-07-01 17:11:29.798938+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T12:52:25.486268
License: Public Domain

J-S23004-20

NON-PRECEDENTIAL DECISION - SEE SUPERIOR COURT I.O.P. 65.37

    COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA               :   IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF
                                               :        PENNSYLVANIA
                                               :
                v.                             :
                                               :
                                               :
    ALBERT WILLIAM WILSON                      :
                                               :
                       Appellant               :   No. 1663 EDA 2019

          Appeal from the Judgment of Sentence Entered July 11, 2013
     In the Court of Common Pleas of Delaware County Criminal Division at
                        No(s): CP-23-CR-0004712-2012

BEFORE: NICHOLS, J., McCAFFERY, J., and FORD ELLIOTT, P.J.E.

MEMORANDUM BY NICHOLS, J.:                                FILED JULY 01, 2020

       Appellant Albert William Wilson appeals from the judgment of sentence

imposed following his jury trial convictions for burglary, conspiracy, receiving

stolen property (RSP), and driving under suspension.1 On appeal, Appellant

challenges the sufficiency of the evidence, the trial court’s jury instructions,

and the discretionary aspects of his sentence. We affirm.

       We adopt the trial court’s summary of the facts and procedural history

relevant to this appeal. See Trial Ct. Op., 10/2/19, at 1-3.

       Appellant raises the following issues for our review:

       1. Evidence introduced at trial showed that Appellant was seen
          standing behind his co-defendant as the co-defendant used a
          crowbar to pry open a door to the house; Appellant was then
          seen moving away from the house with the co-defendant. Was
          the evidence therefore sufficient to convict Appellant for
____________________________________________

1 18 Pa.C.S. §§ 3502(a), 903, 3925(a), and 75 Pa.C.S. § 1543(b)(1),
respectively.
J-S23004-20

         burglary and criminal conspiracy, where the evidence
         established nothing more than mere presence and flight?

      2. Did the trial court commit error of law and abuse its discretion
         when during its instructions to the jury, the [trial] court recited
         certain facts [that] the trial court stated showed the overt acts
         necessary to convict Appellant of the crime of conspiracy?

      3. Did the trial court commit error of law and abuse of discretion
         and deprive the Appellant of his right to due process of law by
         imposing a sentence for receiving stolen property, the
         statutory minimum and maximum, which substantially
         exceeded the applicable sentencing guidelines, based at least
         in part on the court’s finding that Appellant actually committed
         an unrelated crime which he was never charged?

Appellant’s Brief at 4.

      In his first claim, Appellant challenges the sufficiency of the evidence

supporting his convictions for burglary and criminal conspiracy. Id. at 17.

Appellant argues that the evidence established that he was standing behind

his co-defendant when the co-defendant broke into the home and that

“Appellant was seen by the first responding officer moving quickly away from

the house some time later.” Id. at 18. He claims that “[n]o evidence was

introduced demonstrating that Appellant entered the home, took possession

of stolen or goods or in any way assisted [the] co-defendant.” Id. Appellant

concludes that “in short, the Commonwealth demonstrated nothing more than

Appellant’s presence at the scene and flight therefrom.” Id. at 18.

      The Commonwealth responds that the evidence was sufficient to convict

Appellant of both burglary and conspiracy, as an eyewitness “observed

[Appellant] with his co-conspirator attempting to pry open a homeowner’s

door.”   Commonwealth’s Brief at 12. The Commonwealth contends that it

                                      -2-
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“need not disprove every possibility of innocence on appeal, and the inference

that [Appellant] and his co-conspirator were attempting to break into the

home was a logical inference supported by the evidence.” Id. at 15. Further,

the Commonwealth argues that “this was not a ‘mere presence’ case.” Id.

Instead, the Commonwealth asserts that the evidence demonstrated that

“[Appellant] and his co-conspirator [used] a crowbar to try to break into a

home and that they ransacked it while inside, stealing items” and “[b]oth men

arrived on scene in [Appellant’s] van, which was full of stolen merchandise”

and “both men were wearing the same gloves.” Id. at 15-16.

      In reviewing a challenge to the sufficiency of the evidence, our standard

of review is as follows:

      Because a determination of evidentiary sufficiency presents a
      question of law, our standard of review is de novo and our scope
      of review is plenary. In reviewing the sufficiency of the evidence,
      we must determine whether the evidence admitted at trial and all
      reasonable inferences drawn therefrom, viewed in the light most
      favorable to the Commonwealth as verdict winner, were sufficient
      to prove every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt.
      [T]he facts and circumstances established by the Commonwealth
      need not preclude every possibility of innocence. It is within the
      province of the fact-finder to determine the weight to be accorded
      to each witness’s testimony and to believe all, part, or none of the
      evidence. The Commonwealth may sustain its burden of proving
      every element of the crime by means of wholly circumstantial
      evidence. Moreover, as an appellate court, we may not re-weigh
      the evidence and substitute our judgment for that of the fact-
      finder.

Commonwealth v. Palmer, 192 A.3d 85, 89 (Pa. Super. 2018) (citation

omitted), appeal denied, 204 A.3d 924 (Pa. 2019).

                                     -3-
J-S23004-20

        Here, based on our review of the record, the parties’ briefs, and the

well-reasoned opinion of the trial court, we affirm on the basis of the trial

court’s analysis of this issue.        See Trial Ct. Op. at 17-20.     Accordingly,

Appellant is not entitled to relief.

        In his next claim, Appellant challenges the trial court’s jury instruction

on conspiracy. Appellant’s Brief at 22. Specifically, Appellant argues that the

trial court erred by giving the alternative instruction at Section 12.903(B) of

the Pennsylvania Suggested Standard Criminal Jury Instructions, which

included an explanation of “facts from which [the jury] could find an overt act

necessary to prove the crime of conspiracy.”2 Id. at 24 (citing Pa. SSJI (Crim)

§ 12.903(B) (2016)).

        Appellant contends that the detailed instruction was unnecessary, as his

case was “relatively uncomplicated” and “the evidence belied the need for a

further explanation of the overt acts.” Id. at 26. Appellant argues that the

instructions “had the effect of unfairly highlighting certain facts.”             Id.

Appellant also claims that the instruction was “factually inaccurate as it
____________________________________________

2   Appellant refers to the following portion of the trial court’s instruction:

        The information alleges that the following actions were overt acts
        in furtherance of the conspiracy. Driving the van to the scene of
        the burglary. Being present when [Appellant’s co-defendant]
        broke in through the French door. . . . These are the alleged acts,
        alleged. Perhaps entering the house as well and performing the
        actions there. But as far as conspiracy is concerned, the overt
        acts that were alleged to have happened, have to be in
        furtherance of the conspiracy.

N.T. Trial, 4/11/13, at 61.

                                           -4-
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advised the jury that the Commonwealth had charged by way of information

that Appellant had committed certain acts in furtherance of the conspiracy.”

Id. Finally, Appellant contends that the trial court “incorrectly informed the

jury that Appellant himself had committed an overt act simply by being

present when another person committed a crime.” Id. at 27.

      The Commonwealth responds that “the instructions, read as a whole,

show that the trial court was simply outlining the allegations against”

Appellant.    Commonwealth’s Brief at 16.        Further, the Commonwealth

contends that “consistent with [Appellant’s] theory of the case,” the trial court

instructed the jury “that [Appellant] could not be found guilty of either crime

if he was merely present at the crime scene.” Id. Further, the Commonwealth

“disagrees with [Appellant’s] interpretation” of the jury instructions, asserting

that the trial court provided “a fact that could be used as an example of an

overt act, [and] did not offer any opinion as to whether the fact was proven

or whether [Appellant] was guilty.” Id. at 18.

      When reviewing a challenge to jury instructions, this Court will “reverse

a [trial] court’s decision only when it abused its discretion or committed an

error of law.”   Commonwealth v. Galvin, 985 A.2d 783, 799 (Pa. 2009)

(citation omitted). Further, we have explained:

      An appellate court must assess the jury instructions as a whole to
      determine whether they are fair and impartial.

         The trial court has broad discretion in phrasing its
         instructions, and may choose its own wording so long as the
         law is clearly, adequately, and accurately presented to the
         jury for its consideration.

                                      -5-
J-S23004-20

                             *     *     *

         We will not rigidly inspect a jury charge, finding reversible
         error for every technical inaccuracy, but rather evaluate
         whether the charge sufficiently and accurately apprises a lay
         jury of the law it must consider in rendering its decision.

      For an appellant to be entitled to a new trial, the jury instruction
      must have been fundamentally in error, or misled or confused the
      jury.

Commonwealth v. Moury, 992 A.2d 162, 178 (Pa. Super. 2010) (citations

and some formatting omitted).

      Here, based on our review of the record, we discern no abuse of

discretion or error of law by the trial court.   See Galvin, 985 A.2d at 799.

The trial court thoroughly addressed Appellant’s challenge to the jury

instructions and concluded that it was meritless. See Trial Ct. Op. at 20-24.

Therefore, we affirm on the basis of the trial court’s analysis of this issue. Id.

      In his third issue, Appellant raises an issue relating to the discretionary

aspects of his sentence. Appellant’s Brief at 30. Specifically, Appellant argues

that the trial court abused its discretion by sentencing him to the statutory

maximum for RSP. Id. Appellant asserts that his sentence for RSP “exceeds

the applicable sentencing guidelines, is unreasonable[,] and [that] no

adequate reason was given by the sentencing court for a sentence in excess

of the sentencing guidelines.” Id. Appellant also claims that the trial court

“relied on an impermissible factor,” because “the sentencing court found that

Appellant had committed an unrelated burglary, for which Appellant was not

                                       -6-
J-S23004-20

charged, and sought to punish Appellant for the unrelated burglary by

imposing the statutory maximum sentence for [RSP.]” Id.

      The Commonwealth responds that Appellant is citing “to an offhand

remark by the trial court . . . in an attempt to upset the [trial] court’s sentence

for the RSP conviction.” Commonwealth’s Brief at 19. The Commonwealth

argues that the trial court provided “ample support” for its sentence,

“including the fact that [Appellant] was on probation for RSP when he was

convicted of RSP and that [Appellant’s] criminal history indicated he was a

‘professional burglar’ unamenable to rehabilitation.” Id.

      Appellant’s claim relates to the discretionary aspects of his sentence.

See Commonwealth v. Downing, 990 A.2d 788 (Pa. Super 2010) (stating

that a claim that the trial court relied on improper factors when imposing a

sentence implicates the discretionary aspects of sentencing).

      “[C]hallenges to the discretionary aspects of sentencing do not entitle

an appellant to review as of right.” Commonwealth v. Derry, 150 A.3d 987,

991 (Pa. Super. 2016) (citation omitted). Before reaching the merits of such

claims, we must determine:

      (1) whether the appeal is timely; (2) whether Appellant preserved
      his issues; (3) whether Appellant’s brief includes a [Pa.R.A.P.
      2119(f)] concise statement of the reasons relied upon for
      allowance of appeal with respect to the discretionary aspects of
      sentence; and (4) whether the concise statement raises a
      substantial question that the sentence is inappropriate under the
      sentencing code.

                                       -7-
J-S23004-20

Commonwealth v. Corley, 31 A.3d 293, 296 (Pa. Super. 2011) (citations

omitted).

         Here, Appellant preserved his sentencing claim in a post-sentence

motion, filed a timely appeal, and included a Rule 2119(f) statement in his

brief.    See id.    Further, Appellant’s claim that the trial court relied on an

improper sentencing factor raises a substantial question for our review. See

Downing, 990 A.2d at 792.             Therefore, we may consider the merits of

Appellant’s claim.

         Our review is governed by the following principles:

            Sentencing is a matter vested in the sound discretion of the
            sentencing judge, and a sentence will not be disturbed on
            appeal absent a manifest abuse of discretion. In this
            context, an abuse of discretion is not shown merely by an
            error in judgment. Rather, the appellant must establish, by
            reference to the record, that the sentencing court ignored
            or misapplied the law, exercised its judgment for reasons of
            partiality, prejudice, bias or ill will, or arrived at a manifestly
            unreasonable decision.

         When imposing a sentence, the sentencing court is required to
         consider the sentence ranges set forth in the Sentencing
         Guidelines, but is not bound by the Sentencing Guidelines. . . . A
         court may depart from the guidelines if necessary, to fashion a
         sentence which takes into account the protection of the public, the
         rehabilitative needs of the defendant, and the gravity of the
         particular offense as it relates to the impact on the life of the
         victim and the community. When a court chooses to depart from
         the guidelines however, it must demonstrate on the record, as a
         proper starting point, his awareness of the sentencing guidelines.
         Further, the court must provide a contemporaneous written
         statement of the reason or reasons for the deviation from the
         guidelines.

         When reviewing a sentence outside of the guideline range, the
         essential question is whether the sentence imposed was

                                          -8-
J-S23004-20

      reasonable. An appellate court must vacate and remand a case
      where it finds that the sentencing court sentenced outside the
      sentencing guidelines and the sentence is unreasonable.

Commonwealth v. Sheller, 961 A.2d 187, 190 (Pa. Super. 2008) (citations

omitted and formatting altered). However, “[e]ven if a sentencing court relies

on a factor that should have not been considered, there is no abuse of

discretion when the sentencing court has significant other support for its

departure from the sentencing guidelines.” Id. at 192 (citations omitted).

      Here, based on our review of the record, we discern no abuse of

discretion by the trial court.    See id. at 190.   The trial court thoroughly

addressed the factors it considered when imposing Appellant’s sentence for

RSP and provided significant support for its departure from the sentencing

guidelines. See Trial Ct. Op. at 24-28. Therefore, we affirm on the basis of

the trial court’s analysis of this issue. Id.

      Judgment of sentence affirmed.

Judgment Entered.

Joseph D. Seletyn, Esq.
Prothonotary

Date: 7/1/20

                                       -9-
                                                                                                            2_Opinion
                                                                                                Circulated 05/28/2020 03:57 PM

                                                                                                                                 I
             IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF DELA WARE COUNTY,
             COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA - CRIMINAL DIVISION

COMMONWEAL TH OF PENNSYLVANIA                                                     NO.: CP-23-CR-4712-2012

                           v.

ALBERT WILSON                                                                     1663 EDA 2019

                                                   OPINION

Cappelli, J.1                                                                                  October 2, 2019

         Appellant, Albert Wilson, appeals from the July 11, 2013 Judgment of

Sentence.2

I. INTRODUCTION

         On May 30, 2012, officers from Delaware County CID and Aston Township

Police Department arrived at 889 Red Hill Road, Aston, Delaware County,

Pennsylvania responding to a report of a burglary. The officers arrested Appellant

and his co-conspirator, Andrew Zampitella, who were running out from the back of

the house. The officers observed broken rear doors, a pry bar, and a pillow case filled

with jewelry boxes immediately inside the house. The shoes worn by the co-

conspirator also appeared to match a print from an earlier May 22, 2012 burglary in

Aston Township. The police obtained a search warrant to search Appellant's van,

1 Honorable Michael F.X. Coll, who
                                      presided over the jury trial in this case, now is a senior judge in the County of
Delaware; this case was reassigned to Honorable Richard M. Cappelli.
2Upon consideration of Appellant's June 15, 2015 Motion for Post Conviction Relief and January 17, 2019 Amended

Petition for Post Conviction Relief, and following a hearing on Appellant's Motion, counsel entered a stipulation,
accepted by this Court, reinstating Appellant's direct appeal rights.
which contained a pillow case filled with items later identified as stolen a short while

earlier on May 30, 2012 in a burglary in Upper Darby Township. As a result,

Appellant was charged with, inter alia, Burglary, Conspiracy, Receiving Stolen

Property, and Driving Under Suspension (DUI related)",

        On April 11, 2013, following a jury trial presided over by the Honorable

Michael F.X. Coll, Appellant was convicted of burglary, conspiracy to commit

burglary of a building adapted for overnight accommodations while a person was

present, and receiving stolen property with value in excess of$2,000.00. In addition,

the trial court found defendant guilty of the summary offense of driving under

suspension, DUI related.

         On June 17, 2013, the court imposed sentence on Appellant", and Appellant

filed a motion for reconsideration. July 11, 2013, Appellant received the following

sentence:

    Charge                    Grading                       Statute/Crimes             Sentence
                                                            Code
    Burglary     home Fl                                    18 §3502(A)                48 - 96 months
    person present                                                                     confinement;       2
                                                                                       years     probation
                                                                                       consecutive       to
                                                                                       period           of
                                                                                       confinement on all
                                                                                       charges

3
  The Driving Under Suspension, a summary offense, conviction was imposed by the trial court, and no issues have
been raised on appeal related to said conviction, and therefore, all issues concerning the Driving Under Suspension
conviction are waived.
4
  At that sentencing hearing, the Judge Coll imposed an aggregate sentence of confinement of23 years 9 months
minimum to 47 years maximum.

                                                        2
    Criminal         Fl                            18 §903              27 - 54 months
    Conspiracy    to                                                    consecutive
    Commit Burglary                                                     confinement
    Receiving Stolen F3                            18 §3925(A)          42 - 84 months
    Property                                                            consecutive
                                                                        confinement5
    Driving    Under    s                          75 § l 543(B)(l)     60           days
    Suspension (DUI                                                     consecutive
    related)                                                            confinement;
                                                                        $500.00 fine

     On May 14, 2019, following protracted PCRA proceedings, Appellant's direct

appeal rights were reinstated, and on June 11, 2019, Appellant filed this appeal from

the July 11, 2013 Judgment of Sentence. On August 2, 2019, Appellant filed a

1925(b) Statement, alleging the following errors6:

      1. Whether the evidence introduced at trial is insufficient to convict the
         Defendant of the crimes of Burglary, Criminal Conspiracy to commit
         Burglary and Receiving Stolen Property. Evidence with respect to
         Burglary and Criminal Conspiracy showed only that the Defendant was
         present while the co-defendant was in the process of breaking open
         sliding "French Doors" and that the Defendant fled. No evidence was
         introduced to demonstrate that Defendant entered the residence,
         removed items or assisted the co-defendant in any fashion. Evidence is
         insufficient to the extent that it only demonstrates Defendant's presence
         and flight.

     2. Whether the Honorable Trial Court erred and abused its discretion in
        reciting to the jury certain facts said to establish the overt act needed to

5 Additional Conditions: Comply with Rules of Probation and Parole, pay restitution to Lisa and
Edward Morgan and Erie Insurance (joint and several with co-defendant Andrew Zampitella),
submit to DNA testing, not RRRI eligible.
6 No issues were raised
                        by Appellant concerning the conviction for Driving Under Suspension
(DUI related).
                                               3
   prove the crime of Criminal Conspiracy. The trial court's recitation of
   these facts included "driving the van to the scene of the burglary. Being
   present when Zapatella (sic) broke through the French door. .. " and
   "[p ]erhaps entering the house as well and performing actions there."
   (N.T. Trial April 11, 2013 p. 65). This recitation violated the
   Defendant's right to Due Process of Law as guaranteed by the Fourth
   and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution and
   Article 1 Sections 8 and 9 of the Pennsylvania Constitution, by invading
   the province of the jury as the sole finders of the facts, and deprived the
   Defendant of the presumption of innocence, in that the instruction
   informed the jury that the Commonwealth had in fact proven this
   element of the crime of Conspiracy. The court had previously instructed
   the jury on the elements of the crime of Conspiracy so the second
   instruction during which certain facts were highlighted, was not
   necessary. The instruction improperly and incorrectly informed the jury
   that these facts had been charged in the Information as tending to prove
   an overt act; to the contrary, the Information does not recite facts
   alleged to show an overt act but merely recites the Conspiracy statute.

3. Whether the Honorable Trial Court committed error of law and abuse
   of its discretion, imposed a sentence in violation of 42 Pa.C.S. Section
   9721 (b ), and deprived the Defendant of Due Process of Law as
   guaranteed by the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments to the United
   States Constitution and Article 1 Sections 8 and 9 of the Pennsylvania
   Constitution, when, in imposing sentence for the crime of Receiving
   Stolen Property, the court considered an impermissible factor. The
   offense at issue was based on an allegation of possession of personal
   items stolen during a prior, unrelated Burglary, for which the Defendant
   was neither charged nor convicted. The trial court manifested its
   assumption the Defendant had in fact committed the prior unrelated
   Burglary and sentenced Defendant to the statutory maximum and in
   excess of the Sentencing Guidelines, based on its finding that
   Defendant should be punished for the Burglary by a more severe
   sentence for Receiving Stolen Property.

4. Whether the aggregate consecutive sentences imposed upon the
   Defendant are overly harsh and manifestly excessive, based as they
   were solely on the serious nature of the crime, without consideration of

                                       4
      mitigating factors and rehabilitative needs attendant to the Defendant
      as well as his prospects for rehabilitation.
This appeal lacks legal merit; Judgment of Sentence should be affirmed.

      a.    Burglary

      The Crimes Code defines Burglary in relevant part:

      (a) Offense defined.--A person commits the offense of burglary if,
      with the intent to commit a crime therein, the person:
      (1) ...
              (ii) enters a building or occupied structure, or separately
      secured or occupied portion thereof that is adapted for overnight
      accommodations in which at the time of the offense any person is
      present ...

18 Pa.C.S. § 3502(A)(1)(ii). To establish Appellant committed the offense of

Burglary, the Commonwealth must prove beyond a reasonable doubt

Appellant, intending to commit the crime of theft, entered the residence at 889

Red Hill Road, Aston, PA, and someone was in the residence.

      b.    Criminal Conspiracy

      The Crimes Code defines Criminal Conspiracy in relevant part:

      (a) Definition of conspiracy.--A person is guilty of conspiracy with
      another person or persons to commit a crime if with the intent of
      promoting or facilitating its commission he:

      (1) agrees with such other person or persons that they or one or
      more of them will engage in conduct which constitutes such crime
      or an attempt or solicitation to commit such crime; or

                                        5
      (2) agrees to aid such other person or persons in the planning or
      commission of such crime or of an attempt or solicitation to commit
      such crime.

       (e) Overt act.--No person may be convicted of conspiracy to
      commit a crime unless an overt act in pursuance of such conspiracy
      is alleged and proved to have been done by him or by a person with
      whom he conspired.

18 Pa.C.S. § 903. To establish Appellant committed the offense of Criminal

Conspiracy to Commit Burglary, the CW must prove beyond a reasonable doubt

Appellant acted with another (to wit, Andrew Zampitella) to commit the crime

of burglary, and an overt act in pursuance of the conspiracy is alleged and

proved to be done by one of the conspirators.

      c.    Receiving Stolen Property

      The Crimes Code defines Receiving Stolen Property in relevant part:

      (a)   Offense defined.--A person is guilty of theft ifhe intentionally
            receives, retains, or disposes of movable property of another
            knowing that it has been stolen, or believing that it has
            probably been stolen, unless the property is received,
            retained, or disposed with intent to restore it to the owner.

   18 Pa.C.S. § 3925 (a). To establish the Appellant committed the offense of

Receiving Stolen Property, the CW must prove beyond a reasonable doubt

Appellant intentionally received, retained, or disposed of another's movable

property knowing it has been stolen or believing it has probably been stolen.

                                        6
II. TRIAL SUMMARY

      The record of the jury trial in this matter reveals that the Commonwealth

presented a clear, compelling, and succinct case for the Appellant's guilt and

convictions. At trial, the Commonwealth elicited testimony from Austin E. Morgan,

Special Agent David Peifer, Detective Joseph Walshjr., Edward J. Morgan, Sargeant

Michael Ruggieri, Detective Joseph Nardone, and Loretta Drimak. The officers are

highly trained, experienced, and knowledgeable of crimes and offenses, and notably

burglary and related offenses. The Commonwealth presented a highly cogent theory

of the case against the Appellant woven together from the direct observations of the

officers, the totality of the circumstances they found upon arrival at the scene of the

burglary, and presented to the jury information concerning Appellant and his co-

conspirator who were seen running from the back of the house, broken doors on the

house, a pry bar, a pillow case filled with jewelry boxes, and having obtained and

executed a search warrant for Appellant's van, more items connected to a separate

burglary.

   A review of the pertinent trial record reveals the following:

   a. Testimony of Austin E. Morgan, who resides at 889 Red Hill Road,
   Aston, PA.

      Austin Morgan (Morgan) testified that he lives with his parents, Ed and Lisa

Morgan, and sister, Olivia Morgan, at 889 Red Hill Road, Aston, Pennsylvania, and

he has lived there for his entire life. See April 10, 2019 Notes of Testimony at p. 31.
                                           7
Morgan testified on May 30, 2012, a little after 12:30 p.m., he was at home in the

basement, and he heard a loud bang at the basement doors, which were closed. Id. at

p. 32. Morgan testified when he looked through the window on the door, someone

was looking in through the window. Id. at p. 33. Morgan testified he went upstairs

to the kitchen to see "if there was a car there or something, some use-a worker,

maybe someone was coming to estimate." Id. at p. 34. Morgan testified he saw a

white van located directly outside of his house and he saw co-defendant Andrew

Zampitella with a crowbar in the door "and he was busting through" and Appellant

was directly behind Zampitella. Id. at p. 36. Morgan identified Appellant. Id. Morgan

testified he got his cell phone, went out the door where he first saw co-conspirator

Zampitella, went to the neighbor's house, called the police, and waited. Id. at p. 37.

Morgan testified he told the 911 operator two men broke into the house and send the

police. Id. at 38. Morgan testified law enforcement, Detective Peifer, showed up

within 30 seconds, and told Morgan to get in his car and stay on the phone with the

operator. Id. at p. 38. Morgan testified Detective Peifer drove Morgan back to his

house and pulled into the driveway, and when Detective Peifer got out of the car,

Morgan called his father. Id. at p. 39. Morgan testified Appellant did not try to stop

co-conspirator Zampitella from entering the house. Id. at p. 40. Morgan testified

eventually he observed Appellant and co-conspirator Zampitella come from around

the house. Id. On cross-examination, Morgan testified he never encountered either

                                          8
Appellant or co-conspirator Zampitella inside the house because he "booked it". Id.

at p. 46.

       b. Testimony of Special Agent David Peifer, Bureau of Special
       Investigations, Office of the Attorney General of Pennsylvania

       Special Agent David Peifer (Peifer) testified since February 4, 2013, he has

been employed as the Special Agent in charge of the Bureau of Special

Investigations for the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office, and for the previous

35 years he was Lieutenant with the Criminal Investigation Division of the County

of Delaware Office of the District Attorney. Id. at p. 50. Peifer testified he was

actually driving on Red Hill Road when he received the alert for the burglary in

progress, and he immediately responded. Id. at p. 51. Peifer testified he observed

Defendant and co-conspirator Zampitella "heading toward the wooded area, moving

at a fast pace, almost like a crouched running." Peifer testified he ordered them down

at gunpoint, and both went to the ground. Id. at p. 53. Peifer identified Appellant as

one of the persons he observed in the incident. Id. at p. 54. Peifer testified Appellant

had a pair of rubber gloves in his back pocket, and co-conspirator Zampitella also

had the same type of gloves. Id. at p. 55. Peifer testified he went back to the house

and saw damage to the back French doors, a yellow crowbar, and pillowcase with

jewelry and coins inside the door. Id. at p. 59. Peifer testified he went to the master

bedroom and saw the drawers pulled out and stuff strewn about. Id. Peifer further

testified he arrived very quickly and be believed more than one person was involved
                                           9
inside the home because "that was a lot for one person to do at one time." Id. at p.

66.

      c. Testimony of Detective Joseph Walsh, Aston Township Police
      Department/Criminal Investigation Division of the Delaware
      County District Attorney's Office

      Detective Joseph Walsh (Walsh) testified since March 18, 2013, he has been

employed by the Criminal Investigation Division of the Delaware County District

Attorney's Office, and for approximately the previous five years he was employed

as a police officer for the Aston Police Department. Id. at p. 71. Walsh testified he

responded to the burglary in progress call, and when he arrived at 889 Red Hill Road

in Aston, PA, he assisted Peifer. Id. at p. 72. Walsh identified Appellant as one of

the individuals on the ground by Peifer. Id. at p. 73. Walsh testified he arrested co-

conspirator Zampitella, placed him in handcuffs, and saw a pair of gloves lying on

the ground next to co-conspirator Zampitella; Walsh testified Officer Jones took

Appellant into custody and found a similar or same type of work gloves in his pocket.

Id. at p. 75. Walsh testified no fingerprints were collected from the scene because

both Appellant and co-conspirator Zampitella were found with gloves, id. at p. 79,

and a typical reason to not collect fingerprints at the scene of a crime is when the

offenders are caught on the scene. Id. at p. 80.

                                          10
       d. Testimony of Edward J. Morgan, who resides at 889 Red Hill
       Road, Aston, PA

       Edward J. Morgan (E.J. Morgan) testified he has lived at 889 Red Hill Road,

Aston, PA for twenty-one years. Id. at p. 81. E.J. Morgan testified when he arrived

at his house there were police vehicles and a black Suburban vehicle in his driveway,

and his son was in the back of the Suburban. Id. at p. 82. E.J. Morgan testified he

saw the broken French doors, pillowcase, and wood, from the side of the door with

the lock, on the floor, id. at p. 83, and before the incident the doors were not broken

Id. at p. 84. E.J. Morgan testified it cost him approximately $3,000.00 to repair the

doors. Id. at p. 85. E.J. Morgan testified his bedroom was clean and tidy, and the

beds were made before he went to work that day. Id. E.J. Morgan testified their house

is immaculate and after the burglary incident, his bedroom appeared ransacked and

things were missing and in disarray, including the pillowcase removed from the

pillow. Id. at p. 88. E.J. Morgan testified he does not lmow did Appellant or co-

conspirator Zampitella, nor did he give them permission to be in his house or take

his possessions. Id. at p. 94, 95.

      e. Testimony of Sergeant Michael Ruggieri, Sergeant Supervisor of
      the Detective Unit, Aston Township Police Department, Aston, PA

      Sergeant Michael Ruggieri (Ruggieri) testified he is Sergeant Supervisor of

the Detective Unit for the Aston Township Police Department and he has been

employed by the Aston Police Department for the past 16 years, and before that he

                                          11
was employed as a police officer for the Chester Police Department. Id. at p. 100,

101. Ruggieri testified on May 3 0, 2012 he responded with Detective Nardone to the

burglary scene at 889 Red Hill Road in Aston, PA, and assisted in processing the

scene including photographing the scene and interviewing Appellant and co-

conspirator Zampitella at Aston police headquarters. Id. at p. 101. Ruggieri testified

Appellant was given his Miranda warnings, Appellant stated he drove to 889 Red

Hill Road in Aston, PA, and co-conspirator Zampitella was accompanying him the

vehicle, and he stated he did not know why he pulled into the driveway. Id. at pp.

102, 106. Ruggieri testified Appellant stated no one saw him shoulder the door, and

he was 100 feet away from the house when he was arrested. Id. at p. 106. Ruggieri

testified at 5:00 p.m. on May 30, 2012, he executed a search warrant on the white

van that was in the driveway at the scene of the burglary, and he recovered a light

colored pillowcase containing jewelry, watches, coins, and other items, as well as

two cell phones from the console. Id. at pp. 107, 110, 111, 116, 117. Ruggieri

testified the items from the van were given to the Upper Darby Police Department

because they were items from a burglary that occurred in Upper Darby, PA. Id. at p.

117. Ruggieri also testified the van is registered to Appellant's estranged wife. Id. at

pp. 109, 110.

                                          12
      f. Testimony of Detective Joseph Nardone, Aston Township Police
      Department, Aston, PA

      Detective Joseph Nardone (Nardone) testified for the last six years he has been

employed as a detective for the Investigations Unit at the Aston Township Police

Department, and before that he worked as a law enforcement officer for Upper Darby

and Chester Housing Authority. Id. at p. 122. Nardone testified he spoke to Austin

Morgan, and got a written statement, and then "went into evidence collection." Id.

at p. 125. Nardone testified the house was very neat except for the bedroom, and he

observed the open drawers, and the closet and drawers were "riffled through". Id. at

p. 127. Nardone testified he didn't test for fingerprints because of the gloves that

were found with Appellant and co-conspirator Zampitella and there was an absence

of smudges. Id. at pp. 131, 132, 134. Nardone testified in his opinion based on his

experience dealing with burglaries in his position as a detective, and because of the

size of the bedroom and the areas that were entered, and because of the fast response

from the police, he did not think this burglary could have been a one man job. Id. at

pp.136, 137.

      g. Testimony of Loretta Drimak, who resides in Delaware County, PA

      Loretta Drimak (Drimak) testified she lives in Upper Darby, Delaware

County, PA with her husband and two children. See April 11, 2013 Notes of

Testimony at p. 9. Drimak testified that on May 30, 2012, she left her residence

around noon and returned at 3: 15 p.m. Id. at p. 10. Drimak testified when she walked
                                         13
into her kitchen, she observed the door to the sunroom ajar and noticed the window

smashed, and the sliding glass door from the sunroom to the deck was wide open.

Id. Drimak also testified this was not the same condition as when she left at noon.

Id. Drimak testified she called the police and reported a break in. Id. at p. 11. Drimak

testified her master bedroom had been ransacked, and she identified several items,

including jewelry, watches, coins, and a pillow case, that were removed without her

permission from her residence. Id. at p. 12, 13.

      Evidence including testimony, physical evidence actually seized at the scene,

including the crowbar, and photographs of the scene was presented to the jury. Id.,

generally. Cross-Examination did not impugn any of the witness clear and candid

testimony. Id.

III. DISCUSSION

      a. Appellant's challenge to the sufficiency of the evidence for his
      conviction for burglary, conspiracy, and receiving stolen property lacks
      legal merit and judgment of conviction should be affirmed. The
      evidence at trial sufficiently, clearly, convincingly, and beyond a
      reasonable doubt demonstrates the Appellant promoted, facilitated,
      conspired, and planned, and committed the crimes charged and
      therefore, Appellant's various sufficiency challenges must fail.
      Appellant's conviction should be affirmed.

      The standard of review for a challenge to the sufficiency of the evidence is

well-settled:

            In reviewing sufficiency of evidence claims, the Pennsylvania
      Superior Court must determine whether the evidence admitted at trial,
      as well as all reasonable inferences drawn therefrom, when viewed in
                                           14
      the light most favorable to the verdict winner, are sufficient to support
      all the elements of the offense. Commonwealth v Brown, 886 A.2d 256
      (Pa. Super. 2005); Commonwealth v. Vetrini, 734 A.2d 404, 406-407
      (Pa. Super. 1999). The Pennsylvania Superior Court does not weigh or
      substitute its judgment for that of the fact finder. Id. Additionally, to
      sustain a conviction, the facts and circumstances which the
      Commonwealth must prove, must be such that every essential element
      of the crime is established beyond a reasonable doubt. Id. When the
      court is sitting as the finder of fact, it is presumed inadmissible evidence
      is disregarded and only relevant and competent evidence is considered.
      Commonwealth v. Gonzales, 609 A.2d 1368, 1371 (1992). Admittedly,
      guilt must be based on facts and conditions proved, and not on suspicion
      or surmise.

             Entirely circumstantial evidence is sufficient so long as the
      combination of the evidence links the accused to the crime beyond a
      reasonable doubt. Any doubts regarding a defendant's guilt may be
      resolved by the fact-finder unless the evidence is so weak and
      inconclusive that as a matter of law no probability of fact may be drawn
      from the combined circumstances. The fact finder is free to believe all,
      part, or none of the evidence presented at trial. Commonwealth v.
      Moreno, 14 A.3d 133, 136 (Pa. Super. 2011), appeal denied, 44 A.3d
      1161 (Pa. 2012). "The facts and circumstances established by the
      Commonwealth need not preclude every possibility of innocence. Any
      doubts regarding a defendant's guilt may be resolved by the fact-finder
      unless the evidence is so weak and inconclusive that as a matter of law
      no probability of fact may be drawn from the combined circumstances.
      The Commonwealth may sustain its burden of proving every element
      of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt by means of wholly
      circumstantial evidence. Moreover, in applying the above test, the
      entire record must be evaluated and all evidence actually received must
      be considered. Finally, the trier of fact while passing upon the
      credibility of witnesses and the weight of the evidence produced is free
      to believe all, part or none of the evidence." Commonwealth v. Brown,
      23 A.3d 544, 559-560 (Pa. Super. 2011) (enbanc).

      The Pennsylvania Superior Court determines whether, when viewed in the

light most favorable to the verdict winner, the evidence at trial and all reasonable

                                           15
inferences therefrom are sufficient for the trier of fact to find that each element of

the crime charged is established beyond a reasonable doubt when reviewing

sufficiency challenges. See Commonwealth v. Brown, 23 A.3d 544, 559 (Pa. Super.

2011) ( en bane). "The Commonwealth may sustain its burden of proving every

element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt by means of wholly circumstantial

evidence." Id. (quoting Commonwealth v. Hutchinson, 947 A.2d 800, 805-06 (Pa.

Super. 2008)).

      The Commonwealth's theory as to Appellant's illegal participation in the

crimes of Burglary and Conspiracy and Receipt of Stolen Property is Appellant

drove his van to 889 Red Hill Road, Aston, PA, was observed by Morgan standing

with co-conspirator Zampitella as he was prying the door with a crowbar to gain

access to the residence, and specifically he was not observed in any way attempting

or encouraging co-conspirator to stop his actions or otherwise impeding co-

conspirator Zampitella's progress in his attempt to break into the residence, was

observed running with co-conspirator Zampitella from the back of the residence and

in the same direction. The Commonwealth included as part of its theory: a pillowcase

with valuable items was found at the door on the inside of the residence; testimony

from witnesses familiar with investigating burglaries revealing one person alone

could not have committed that amount of ransacking and damage in the amount of

time (30 seconds) between the 911 call and arrival of police; and upon execution of

                                          16
a search warrant for the van, items were recovered identified as stolen in a burglary

earlier that day.

      Appellant's challenges to the sufficiency of the evidence of burglary,

conspiracy, and receiving stolen property are devoid of merit when considered

against the jury's verdict of guilty in light of all of the evidence presented at trial.

      Appellant challenges sufficiency of the evidence alleging evidence with

respect to burglary and conspiracy showed only Appellant's presence when co-

conspirator Zampitella was in the process of breaking open sliding "French Doors"

and Appellant's flight. Appellant alleges evidence only demonstrates his presence

and flight, not participation, and no evidence was introduced to demonstrate that he

entered the residence, removed items or assisted the co-conspirator Zampitella in

any fashion. Appellant attacks the sufficiency of the evidence he participated,

entered the residence, removed items from the residence, and assisted co-conspirator

Zampitella in any fashion.

      In his challenge to the sufficiency, Appellant takes issue with the evidence of

the conspiracy in this case, compelling this court to examine the evidence of

conspiracy elicited at trial. "To sustain a conviction for criminal conspiracy, the

Commonwealth must establish the defendant: 1) entered into an agreement to

commit or aid in an unlawful act with another person or persons; 2) with a shared

criminal intent; and 3) an overt act was done in furtherance of the conspiracy."
                                            17
Commonwealth v. Devine, 26 A.3d 1139, 1147 (Pa. Super. 2011). "The conduct of

the parties and the circumstances surrounding such conduct may create a web of

evidence linking the accused to the alleged conspiracy beyond a reasonable doubt."

Id. The conspiratorial agreement "can be inferred from a variety of circumstances

including, but not limited to, the relation between the parties, knowledge of and

participation in the crime, and the circumstances and conduct of the parties

surrounding the criminal episode." Id. See also Commonwealth v. Feliciano, 67 A.3d

19, 25-26 (Pa. Super. 2013).

      In this case, the jury chose to find the facts both Appellant and co-conspirator

Zampitella together were present at 889 Red Hill Road, Aston, PA to commit

burglary. The testimony of Morgan that Appellant and co-conspirator Zampitella

were together at the door, the crowbar found on scene, the broken doors, Morgan's

observation and identification of Appellant standing at the door with co-conspirator

Zampitella, arrest of defendant along with co-conspirator Zampitella following their

attempt to flee, the ransacked house together with testimony by law enforcement

investigating the scene that more than one person had to be involved with the

ransacking and burglary, items found in the pillow case by the rear door made it

clear and conclusive to the jury Appellant was involved in the Burglary along with

co-conspirator Zampitella. The testimony and evidence at trial established Appellant

was present at the scene not as an unwitting bystander but as a co-conspirator

                                         18
engaging in the commission of the burglary, standing right behind co-conspirator

Zampitella, not attempting to get co-conspirator Zampitella to stop, testimony that

the amount of destruction in such a short period of time rises to the conclusion more

than one person was inside the residence, and not giving to Appellant and co-

conspirator Zampitella permission to come onto the property, break doors, enter

residence, or ransack and remove items.

      The jury concluded based on the evidence presented Appellant participated in

the burglary and conspired with co-conspirator Zampitella to drive to 889 Red Hill

Road, Aston, PA, break the French doors to gain access to the inside of the residence,

enter the residence, ransack the rooms and remove without permission items of value

that were the property of the residents who live at the residence.

      The jury also concluded Appellant was in receipt of stolen property when the

items found pursuant to the search warrant in a pillow case inside Appellant's van

were identified by the true owner Drimak as having been taken without permission

from her residence earlier in the day.

      The jury as fact-finder finding Appellant guilty of the criminal offenses

obviously found all of this to be true. The evidence of Appellant's guilt for

committing the crimes of burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, and receiving

stolen property is overwhelming. Through observation of lay witnesses and law

enforcement, execution of a duly authorized search warrant, and the evidence and

                                          19
testimony presented at trial, it is clear Appellant and co-conspirator Zampitella were

present at 889 Red Hill Road, Aston, PA for illicit and illegal purposes. The victims

of these crimes along with law enforcement personnel ended a crime spree

perpetrated by Appellant and co-conspirator Zampitella. The Commonwealth

elicited testimony at trial highlighting and underscoring the evidence. Appellant

offered no rebuttal or critical attack on any of the witnesses' testimony. It is clear

from the verdict the jury properly accepted the testimony of the law enforcement

officers, victims and witnesses, who testified on behalf of the Commonwealth. The

facts and circumstances here, taken in a light most favorable to the Commonwealth

as the verdict winner, were sufficient to sustain the Appellant's convictions for

burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, and receiving stolen property. This court

concludes the evidence is sufficient to demonstrate burglary, conspiracy to commit

burglary, and receiving stolen property. For all of the foregoing reasons, Appellant's

challenge to the sufficiency of the evidence concerning his active participation in the

commission of the offenses is devoid of merit.

      b. The trial court did not commit error nor abuse its discretion in
      providing instructions to the jury and imposing sentence upon
      Appellant. Appellant's conviction and judgment of sentence should be
      affirmed.
      The standard of review for abuse of discretion is well-settled:

      "An abuse of discretion is not merely an error of judgment, but is rather the

overriding or misapplication of the law, or the exercise ofjudgment that is manifestly
                                          20
unreasonable, or the result of bias, prejudice, ill-will or partiality, as shown by the

evidence of record." Commonwealth v. Santos, 176 A.3d 877, (Pa. Super. 2017),

Commonwealth v. Antidormi, 84 A.3d 736, 749-50 (Pa. Super. 2014) (citations

omitted). Rather, an abuse of discretion exists if the trial court renders a judgment

that is manifestly unreasonable, arbitrary, or capricious, or if it fails to apply the law

or was motivated by partiality, prejudice, bias, or ill will. Harman v. Borah, 756

A.2d 1116, 1123 (Pa. 2000). If the record adequately supports the trial court's

reasons and factual basis, the court does not abuse its discretion. Ambrogi v. Reber,

932 A.2d 969 (Pa. Super. 2007).

             1. The sentencing court did not abuse its discretion when it
             instructed the jury on the crime of conspiracy.

      Appellant raises the issue whether the trial court erred and abused its

discretion in reciting to the jury certain facts said to establish the overt act needed to

prove the crime of Criminal Conspiracy. Appellant points to the trial court's

recitation of these facts included "driving the van to the scene of the burglary. Being

present when Zapatella (sic) broke through the French door ... " and "[p]erhaps

entering the house as well and performing actions there." (N.T. Trial April 11, 2013

p. 65). Appellant claims this recitation invaded the province of the jury as the sole

finders of the facts, and deprived Appellant of the presumption of innocence, in that

the instruction informed the jury that the Commonwealth had in fact proven this

element of the crime of conspiracy. Appellant also alleges the court had previously

                                           21
instructed the jury on the elements of the crime of conspiracy so the second

instruction, during which certain facts from the trial were highlighted, was not

necessary. Appellant claims the instruction improperly and incorrectly informed the

jury that these facts had been charged in the Information as tending to prove an overt

act. Appellant's claim is devoid of merit.

      In Commonwealth v. Cook 952 A.2d 594 (Pa. 2008), in reviewing a challenged

jury instruction, the court stated: it must consider the entire charge as a whole, not

merely isolated fragments, to ascertain whether the instruction fairly conveys the

legal principles at issue; an instruction will be upheld if it clearly, adequately, and

accurately reflects the law; and the trial court may use its own form of expression to

explain difficult legal concepts to the jury, as long as the trial court's instruction

accurately conveys the law. See also Commonwealth v. Hudson, 314 A.2d 231 (Pa.

197 4) ( court instructed jury it was the sole judge of fact, and should be guided by its

own recollection of evidence if it differed from that of the judge and where court

gave jury a complete and correct charge on the issue of causation, portion of charge

in which judge stated that he recalled that defense witness, called to show that death

was not caused by bullet which defendant fired, conceded that each of the

intervening causes stemmed from a step in the course of treatment did not remove

the issue of causation from the jury); Commonwealth v. Miller, 448 Pa. 114, 290

A.2d 62 (1972) (court's charge free of error when it provided an accurate factual

                                             22
summary of the testimony given and contained no suggestion that the jury return a

verdict of guilty).

       A review of the Notes of Testimony reveals the trial judge provided only one,

albeit lengthy, instruction to the jury relating to conspiracy. See April 11, 2013 Notes

of Testimony at pp. 61-66. The trial judge used accurate facts elicited from witnesses

who testified during the trial to help the jury in its deliberations. Importantly, the

trial judge emphasized these facts were "alleged", using the phrase several times

during that part of his jury instructions. Id. at p. 65. Notably, the trial judge made it

clear the jurors are the fact finders: " ... you are the exclusive judges of the facts in

this case" and "It's your duty to arrive at a decision on the facts," id. at pp. 45, 46;

using the language "having a jury . . . stand in judgment of the facts" and " .. .in

deciding the facts ... ". Id. at p. 74. In addition, the trial court stated to the jury," .. .I

have made rulings on the evidence. You should not infer that was trying to send you

any kind of signal ... I have ... no intention of signaling you any judgment on my part

about the evidence. It's solely your responsibility." (Emphasis added). Id. at p. 75.

It is clear the trial judge allowed the jury to determine the facts of the case. The judge

recognized the members of the jury as the triers of all the facts in the case,

demonstrated by his repeated use of the terms "alleged" and "perhaps" in

conjunction with those facts. Finally, a review of the trial judge's instructions to the

jury reveals that the judge used the term "information" when he stated "the

                                              23
information alleges that the crime of burglary was the object of the conspiracy" p.

64. A review of count 6 on the Information does charge Appellant with "Conspiracy-

Burglary." Notwithstanding the trial judge's use of the term "information", the

record reveals when the trial judge states, "The information alleges that the

following actions were overt acts in furtherance of the conspiracy," id. at p. 65, it is

clear he uses the term "information" is used as a commonplace and broad, general

term, defined by Merriam-Webster as "communication or reception of knowledge

or intelligence" and "facts/data" and by Oxford Dictionary as "facts provided or

learned about something or someone," and not as the technical, legal term

"Informations" referring to formal charging documents. See Pa.R.Crim. P. 103. The

trial court's instruction was free of error and the trial court did not abuse it discretion.

Appellant's claim lacks merit and judgment of conviction should be affirmed.

              2. The sentencing court did not abuse its discretion in
              imposing Appellant's sentence on the receiving stolen
              property conviction.

       Appellant alleges the sentencing court committed error of law and abuse of its

discretion when it imposed sentence for the receiving stolen property conviction:

considering the allegation Appellant had possession of personal items stolen during

a prior, unrelated burglary, for which Appellant was not charged nor convicted.

Appellant alleges trial court made the assumption Appellant had in fact committed

the prior unrelated burglary and sentenced him to the statutory maximum and in

                                             24
excess of the Sentencing Guidelines, based on its finding that Appellant should be

punished by a more severe sentence for receiving stolen property.

      A sentencing court must consider the sentencing guidelines, but also fashion

a sentence "consistent with the protection of the public, the gravity of the offense as

it relates to the impact on the life of the victim and on the community, and the

rehabilitative needs of the defendant." 42 PACS § 972 l(b ), relating to sentencing

generally, provides in relevant part:

             (b) General standards.-- ... the court shall follow the general
             principle that the sentence imposed should call for
             confinement that is consistent with the protection of the
             public, the gravity of the offense as it relates to the impact on
             the life of the victim and on the community, and the
             rehabilitative needs of the defendant. ...

42 Pa.C.S.§ 9721(b).

      A guideline departure should not be based on the sentencing court's

determination that the guideline range is either too harsh or too lenient, but the

departure must be based upon the conclusion the conduct underlying the crime

differed from the conduct typically associated with that crime so as to render the

suggested punishment inappropriate for the particularized facts of the case.

Commonwealth v. Kleinecke, 895 A.2d 562, 589 (Pa. Super. 2006).

      When a sentencing court imposes a sentence outside of the guideline range,

the appellate court must review to determine whether the trial court's sentence is

unreasonable. 42 Pa.C.S. Section 9781(c)(3). An unreasonable decision is irrational
                                          25
or not guided by sound judgment. Commonwealth v. Walls, 926 A.2d 957, 963 (Pa.

2007), quoting The Random House Dictionary of the English Language, 2084 (2nd

ed. 1987).

      The imposition of sentence is vested in the discretion of the trial court, and

should not be disturbed on appeal for a mere error of judgment but only for an abuse

of discretion and a showing that sentence was manifestly unreasonable.

Commonwealth v. Walls, 926 A.2d 957, 962 (Pa. 2007). Sentencing guidelines,

while an aid in imposing sentencing, are advisory and nonbinding, and they do not

replace the key determination by the sentencing judge as to whether or not a sentence

was reasonable. Id. at 962, 964.

      On appeal of sentencing decision, appellate court must consider the nature of

the offense, along with the history and characteristics of defendant, the opportunity

of the sentencing court to observe defendant, the findings upon which the sentence

was based, and the sentencing guidelines. Commonwealth v. Ali, 197 A.3d 742 (Pa.

Super. 2018), appeal denied 207 A.3d 911.

      In the present case, Appellant was sentenced for the receiving stolen property

conviction, a felony 3, to a term of confinement of 42 month minimum to 84 month

maximum. The statutory maximum for a felony of the third degree is not more than

seven years. See 18 Pa.C.S. § 107(b)(7); therefore the highest minimum sentence is

42 months, and the highest maximum sentence is 84 months. The offense gravity

                                         26
score for the offense of receiving stolen property is 5, Appellant's prior record score

is 4. Although the sentence is the maximum statutory sentence available, and it falls

outside the guidelines, Appellant does not have to be happy with the sentence he

received. During sentencing, the sentencing court stated,

             " ... the reason for imposing the statutory maximum upon him is
      because that the burglary in Drexel Hill form which this stolen property
      was obtained happened a very short period of time before he and co-
      conspirator-the Defendant and his co-conspirator initiated the
      burglary at Red Hill Road in Aston ... this man was a professional
      burglar and that he was choosing his targets with such exactitude and
      which such forelmowledge, except that he would go from a specific in
      Drexel Hill to a specific place in Aston Township within minutes of
      each other and engage in burglaries. The only thing he didn't take into
      account was the fact that the Red Hill Road property was still
      occupied ... the loot from the burglary was fond in the pillowcase, in the
      same kind of pattern of using a pillowcase from the house and putting
      the things inside the pillowcase. And because of the timing, because of
      the fact that the only charge is Receiving Stolen Property but it should
      have been Burglary, I'm going to give him 42 to 84 months for that."

      The sentencing court departed from the guideline range on the basis the

conduct underlying the crime of receiving stolen property differed from the conduct

typically associated with that crime, and found the conduct more befitting of the

crime of burglary, which carries a greater offense gravity score than the crime of

receiving stolen property, and is a felony of the first degree. The sentencing court

also imposed sentence taking into consideration the protection of the public against

Appellant, gravity of Appellant's offense as it related to the victims and the

community,    Appellant's    crime    spree and     criminal history, pre-sentence

                                          27
investigation, likelihood of recidivism, and the unlikelihood Appellant can be

rehabilitated. The sentencing court exercised its discretion in departing from the

guidelines finding the suggested punishment is inappropriate in this particular case.

In this case, the sentence is within the statutory limits for a felony of the third degree.

      The trial court's sentence was free of error and the trial court did not abuse its

discretion. Judgment of sentence should be affirmed.

             3. The sentencing court did not sentence Appellant to an
             overly harsh and manifestly excessive sentence.

      Appellant's alleges his aggregate consecutive sentences are overly harsh and

manifestly excessive, based as they were solely on the serious nature of the crime,

without consideration of mitigating factors and rehabilitative needs attendant to

Appellant as well as his prospects for rehabilitation. Rule of Criminal Procedure 705,

Imposition of Sentence, provides in relevant part: "when a sentence is imposed on a

defendant who is sentenced for another offense, the judge shall state whether

sentences shall run ... consecutively." Pa.R.Crim.P. 705(B). Appellant's claim is

meritless.

       A defendant does not have an absolute right to challenge the discretionary

aspects of his sentence on appeal. Appeal is permitted only when the appellate court

is convinced that there exists a "substantial question" as to whether the sentence

violated a specific provision of the Sentencing Code or was contrary to the

                                            28
"fundamental norms underlying the sentencing process," Commonwealth v.

Johnson, 873 A.2d 704, 708 (Pa. Super. 2005).

      A defendant contending that he is entitled to appellate relief on the basis that

his sentence was harsh and excessive faces a heavy burden; a trial court's exercise

of its sentencing discretion will not be disturbed on appeal absent a manifest abuse

of that discretion. An abuse of discretion may not be found merely because an

appellate court might have reached a different conclusion, but requires a result of

manifest unreasonableness, or partiality, prejudice, bias, or ill-will, or such lack of

support so as to be clearly erroneous. The trial court is accorded discretion in

imposing sentence because that court is "in the best position to determine the proper

penalty for a particular offense based upon an evaluation of the individual

circumstances before it." Commonwealth v. Walls, 926 A.2d 957 (Pa. 2007).

      In the instant case, defendant contends that the court's determination that his

sentences for burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, and receiving stolen property

would be served consecutively constituted an abuse of discretion. It is, however,

well-settled that the mere fact that a court has imposed consecutive sentences fails

to establish any entitlement to appellate relief, or even to establish a "substantial

question" entitling defendant to appellate review. The imposition of consecutive

rather than concurrent sentences lies within the sound discretion of the sentencing

court, and a challenge to the imposition of consecutive sentences simply does not

                                          29
raise a substantial question. Commonwealth v. Lloyd, 878 A.2d 867 (Pa. Super.

2005). Appellant's attempt to raise a substantial question, by alleging the sentencing

judge imposed the sentence without consideration of mitigating factors and

rehabilitative prospects, is unfounded. Appellant's claims are meritless.

       Contrary to Appellant's allegations, Appellant's aggregate sentence is not

overly harsh nor manifestly excessive. The sentence imposed was a fair sentence,

and it was based on the serious nature of the crimes (felonies), and upon

consideration of mitigating factors and rehabilitative prospects. Following hearing

and the court's review of the pre-sentence investigation report, the court stated

Appellant's sentences for each of the felony charges would run consecutively. The

imposition of the consecutive sentences was necessary to impress upon Appellant

the wrongful nature of his conduct, and in view of the fact that, inter alia: during the

burglary in Aston, a minor child was present in the home; Appellant was under

supervision for 3 cases at the time of the commission of the May 30, 2012 Aston

Township burglary; Appellant was on electronic home monitoring for a sentence

imposed on Appellant's receiving stolen property conviction arising out of a July

28, 2011 criminal incident in Haverford Township, Delaware County, Pennsylvania;

Appellant is an "excellent candidate for recidivism, " see June 17, 2013 Notes of

Testimony at p. 20 and "the sentencing judge found Appellant would not "ever ...

be rehabilitated." Id. at p. 21.

                                          30
      The sentence is not disproportionate or unreasonable in light of the

circumstances of this case. Appellant does not allege the sentencing was inconsistent

with a specific provision of the Sentencing Code nor the sentencing process contrary

to the fundamental norms of how defendants are sentenced in Pennsylvania.

Appellant's sentence was not excessively harsh nor manifestly excessive, and it was

free of error and the trial court did not abuse its discretion, and there is no substantial

question concerning the application of the Sentencing Code or the sentencing

process in this case. Appellant's claim lacks merit and judgment of sentence should

be affirmed.

                                                                                      c·
                                                                                      (··.

IV. CONCLUSION                                                                         .. ,..' .
                                                                                       ''·
                                                                                         ... ', J

      For all the foregoing reasons, the Appellant's Judgment of Sentenceshould
                                                                         :·<1.. '
                                                                             -t   •

                                                                                                   �-

be affirmed.

                                                 BY THE COURT:

cc:    A. Sheldon Kovach, Esquire, Attorney for the Commonwealth
       William Wismer, Esquire, Attorney for Appellant

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