Court Opinion

ID: 4196628
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2017-08-17 00:09:13.949712+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:40:08.673512
License: Public Domain

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                                      Appellate Court                          Date: 2017.07.28
                                                                               09:00:20 -05'00'

                       People v. Schutz, 2017 IL App (4th) 140956

Appellate Court        THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, Plaintiff-Appellee, v.
Caption                RYAN SCHUTZ, Defendant-Appellant.

District & No.         Fourth District
                       Docket No. 4-14-0956

Filed                  June 7, 2017
Modified upon denial
of rehearing           July 20, 2017

Decision Under         Appeal from the Circuit Court of McLean County, No. 13-CF-873; the
Review                 Hon. John Casey Costigan, Judge, presiding.

Judgment               Affirmed.

Counsel on             Michael J. Pelletier, Jacqueline L. Bullard, and James R. Williams, of
Appeal                 State Appellate Defender’s Office, of Springfield, for appellant.

                       Jason C. Chambers, State’s Attorney, of Bloomington (Luke McNeill
                       and David J. Robinson, of State’s Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor’s
                       Office, of counsel), for the People.
     Panel                     JUSTICE HOLDER WHITE delivered the judgment of the court, with
                               opinion.
                               Justices Steigmann and Appleton concurred in the judgment and
                               opinion.

                                                OPINION

¶1         In July 2013, defendant, Ryan Schutz, hired attorney M. Jane Foster to represent him in an
       ongoing criminal case. In November 2013, Foster was hired to represent Kristopher Johnson in
       two unrelated criminal cases. The following month, Foster withdrew from defendant’s case. In
       February 2014, Johnson, who was still represented by Foster, entered into a plea agreement
       conditioned upon him testifying against defendant in defendant’s pending case. Defendant’s
       attorneys at his bench trial, David Rumley and Michael Herzog, had also previously
       represented Johnson in unrelated matters. Following the bench trial, the trial court found
       defendant guilty of multiple charges and subsequently sentenced him to 12 years’
       imprisonment.
¶2         Defendant appeals, asserting all three of his attorneys labored under conflicts of interest
       that should result in us reversing his convictions and remanding for a new trial. For the
       following reasons, we affirm.

¶3                                             I. BACKGROUND
¶4         In July 2013, the State charged defendant with numerous offenses related to one victim: (1)
       four counts of criminal sexual assault while holding a position of trust (720 ILCS
       5/11-1.20(a)(4) (West 2012)), (2) four counts of criminal sexual assault by force or threat of
       force (720 ILCS 5/11-1.20(a)(1) (West 2012)), (3) four counts of aggravated criminal sexual
       abuse (720 ILCS 5/11-1.60(d) (West 2012)), and (4) two counts of providing alcohol to a
       minor (235 ILCS 5/6-16(a)(iii) (West 2012)).
¶5         Later that month, Foster filed an entry of appearance on defendant’s behalf. Foster
       appeared on defendant’s behalf for numerous pretrial matters, including (1) defendant’s waiver
       of his right to a jury trial, (2) two State motions to compel, and (3) the State’s motions to allow
       evidence pursuant to sections 115-7.2 and 115-7.3 of the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963
       (725 ILCS 5/115-7.2, 115-7.3 (West 2012)).
¶6         In November 2013, while she continued to represent defendant, Foster entered her
       appearance on behalf of Kristopher Johnson in two unrelated criminal cases (McLean County
       case Nos. 13-CF-735 and 13-CF-1332). At some point in November or December 2013,
       Johnson, who shared a jail cell with defendant, obtained incriminating evidence from
       defendant regarding defendant’s criminal case.
¶7         Foster withdrew from defendant’s case in December 2013. In February 2014, Johnson
       entered into a plea agreement wherein he agreed to testify against defendant. Foster signed her
       acknowledgment of the plea agreement.
¶8         In March 2014, defendant’s case proceeded to bench trial, where he was represented by
       Rumley and Herzog. Pursuant to his plea agreement, Johnson testified against defendant,
       stating he had a conversation with defendant in the McLean County jail wherein defendant

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       admitted committing sexual acts with the victim. Herzog objected to Johnson’s testimony on
       numerous occasions, citing lack of foundation or narrative testimony.
¶9         On direct examination, Johnson admitted he had previously committed drug offenses that
       resulted in probation and prison sentences. During cross-examination, Rumley and Herzog did
       not question Johnson about his prior convictions for aggravated battery (McLean County case
       No. 07-CF-648), violation of bail bond (McLean County case No. 11-CM-752), or felony theft
       (McLean County case No. 12-CF-177), all impeachable convictions the State disclosed in
       discovery but failed to raise on direct examination. Herzog cross-examined Johnson regarding
       the plea agreement, and Johnson admitted he hoped to get a lighter sentence for disclosing
       confessions from other inmates, particularly those charged with sex offenses. Johnson also
       admitted he specifically sought information from defendant due to the nature of defendant’s
       case. Herzog also challenged Johnson’s version of events, which Rumley highlighted during
       closing arguments. Rumley argued Johnson’s testimony was “laughable,” as Johnson
       “pretended” to know details about the offense, but those details were inconsistent with other
       evidence. Moreover, Rumley highlighted that Johnson was a “jailhouse snitch” and convicted
       felon.
¶ 10       In one of the cases involved in Johnson’s plea agreement with the State (McLean County
       case No. 13-CF-735), Herzog had represented Johnson for purposes of conducting a June 2013
       bond hearing. The record contains no evidence that defendant or the trial court knew of
       Herzog’s prior representation of Johnson. Additionally, Rumley represented Johnson in a prior
       criminal proceeding unrelated to Johnson’s plea agreement (McLean County case No.
       12-CF-177), wherein Johnson was convicted of felony retail theft. Neither the State nor
       Rumley or Herzog impeached Johnson regarding his conviction on this offense. The record
       contains no evidence that defendant or the trial court knew of Rumley’s prior representation of
       Johnson.
¶ 11       Following the presentation of evidence, the trial court found defendant guilty of one count
       of criminal sexual assault, one count of criminal sexual abuse, and two counts of providing
       alcohol to a minor. In reaching its decision, the court found the victim credible given the
       general consistency of her statements. The court also noted that several witnesses testified
       about profound changes in the victim around the time of the alleged offenses, including a
       diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder, that gave further weight to the victim’s testimony.
       As to Johnson’s testimony, the court said, “while the court does not place a high degree of
       reliability in Mr. Johnson, the court would note that there are certain facts that he testified to
       that would be difficult for him to know had he not had a conversation that he claims he did with
       the defendant. The court likewise notes Mr. Johnson’s background and is considering the
       totality of his circumstances when evaluating his testimony.” The court subsequently
       sentenced defendant to 12 years’ imprisonment.
¶ 12       This appeal followed.

¶ 13                                            II. ANALYSIS
¶ 14       On appeal, defendant asserts that all three of his attorneys labored under a conflict of
       interest that should result in us reversing his conviction and remanding the case for a new trial.
       “[A] criminal defendant is entitled to the undivided loyalty of counsel who is free from
       conflicting interests or inconsistent obligations.” People v. Murry, 305 Ill. App. 3d 311, 314,
       711 N.E.2d 1230, 1233 (1999). Where the facts in the record are undisputed, the issue of

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       whether an attorney operated under a conflict of interest is a legal question subject to de novo
       review. People v. Murphy, 2013 IL App (4th) 111128, ¶ 24, 990 N.E.2d 815. We begin by
       addressing whether any of defendant’s attorneys labored under a per se conflict of interest.

¶ 15                                   A. Per Se Conflict of Interest
¶ 16       Defendant asserts Foster and Herzog operated under a per se conflict of interest that
       requires us to reverse and remand this case for a new trial. “A per se conflict of interest exists
       where certain facts about a defense attorney’s status, by themselves, engender a disabling
       conflict.” People v. Fields, 2012 IL 112438, ¶ 17, 980 N.E.2d 35. An attorney labors under a
       per se conflict of interest where defense counsel’s past or present commitments raise the
       possibility that the attorney is unwilling or unable to effectively represent the defendant.
       People v. Becerril, 307 Ill. App. 3d 518, 524, 718 N.E.2d 1025, 1029 (1999). “Unless a
       defendant waives his right to conflict-free representation, a per se conflict is automatic
       grounds for reversal.” Fields, 2012 IL 112438, ¶ 18, 980 N.E.2d 35.
¶ 17       A per se conflict of interest occurs: “(1) where defense counsel has a prior or
       contemporaneous association with the victim, the prosecution, or an entity assisting the
       prosecution; (2) where defense counsel contemporaneously represents a prosecution witness;
       and (3) where defense counsel was a former prosecutor who had been personally involved with
       the prosecution of defendant.” Id. Here, defendant focuses on the second situation, where
       defense counsel has a contemporaneous relationship with the defendant and a prosecution
       witness. “[I]n cases where defense counsel has represented a State’s witness, a per se conflict
       of interest will not be held to exist unless the professional relationship between the attorney
       and the witness is contemporaneous with defense counsel’s representation of the defendant.”
       Id. ¶ 20. However, a contemporaneous relationship does not require simultaneous
       representation of a defendant and the prosecution’s witness. See People v. Daly, 341 Ill. App.
       3d 372, 377, 792 N.E.2d 446, 450 (2003).

¶ 18                                              1. Foster
¶ 19       Defendant argues Foster had a contemporaneous relationship with both defendant and
       Johnson because she commenced her representation of Johnson in November 2013, prior to
       withdrawing from defendant’s case. In other words, she represented Johnson and defendant
       simultaneously. However, the State asserts that Johnson did not become a prosecution witness
       until he signed his plea agreement in February 2014, which occurred after Foster withdrew
       from defendant’s case. The question we must answer is whether a per se conflict arises by
       virtue of Foster representing a prosecution witness after withdrawing from defendant’s case.
       Because we find no published cases directly on point, we must attempt to draw analogies from
       existing case law.
¶ 20       In People v. Morales, 209 Ill. 2d 340, 344, 808 N.E.2d 510, 512 (2004), the defendant’s
       attorney also represented Jorge Hernandez, who was disclosed as a potential State’s witness in
       the defendant’s case. However, in the end, Hernandez did not testify at the defendant’s trial. Id.
       at 343, 808 N.E.2d at 512. Defendant was convicted and, for the first time on appeal, argued
       that his attorney labored under a conflict of interest due to his contemporaneous representation
       of a potential prosecution witness. Id. at 345, 808 N.E.2d at 512. The supreme court found no
       per se conflict of interest, concluding, because Hernandez never testified, the defendant’s
       attorney was never the attorney for a prosecution witness. Id. at 346, 808 N.E.2d at 513.

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¶ 21       Other cases have highlighted the witness’s status as a prosecution witness in identifying
       whether an attorney labored under a per se conflict of interest. For example, in Murphy, 2013
       IL App (4th) 111128, ¶ 77, 990 N.E.2d 815, this court found a contemporaneous relationship
       existed where defense counsel represented a disclosed prosecution witness during the pretrial
       phase of defendant’s case, and the prosecution witness later testified at defendant’s trial.
       Similarly, in People v. Thomas, 131 Ill. 2d 104, 113-14, 545 N.E.2d 654, 658 (1989), the
       supreme court found contemporaneous representation where defense counsel represented a
       disclosed prosecution witness but failed to call that witness at the defendant’s pretrial
       suppression hearing to challenge the veracity of the witness’s statements to police. In all of
       these cases, the individual’s status as a “prosecution witness” was key in determining whether
       a per se conflict of interest existed.
¶ 22       In the present case, at the time Foster represented defendant, Johnson was not disclosed as
       a prosecution witness, nor does the record suggest anyone was aware Johnson would later
       become a prosecution witness. In Morales, the defendant’s attorney did not represent a
       “prosecution witness” because Hernandez never testified. Applying the same reasoning in the
       present case, Foster did not represent a “prosecution witness” at the time she represented
       defendant. This is because February 2014, the earliest time Johnson can be considered a
       prosecution witness, is after Foster had withdrawn from defendant’s case. Thus, we conclude
       Foster did not contemporaneously represent a prosecution witness such that it would create a
       per se conflict of interest.
¶ 23       In support of his argument that Foster labored under a per se conflict of interest, defendant
       relies, in his reply brief, on People v. Gerold, 265 Ill. 448, 107 N.E. 165 (1914). In Gerold, the
       defendant’s criminal defense attorney withdrew from representing the defendant and later
       became the prosecutor in the same case. Id. at 453, 107 N.E. at 168. The supreme court, in
       finding the attorney labored under a conflict of interest, reasoned:
                “[A]n attorney cannot represent conflicting interests or undertake to discharge
                inconsistent duties. When he has once been retained and received the confidence of a
                client, he cannot enter the service of those whose interests are adverse to that of his
                client or take employment in matters so closely related to those of his client or former
                client as in effect to be a part thereof.” Id. at 477, 107 N.E. at 177.
       The court added, “This rule is a rigid one, designed not alone to prevent the dishonest
       practitioner from fraudulent conduct, but as well to preclude the honest practitioner from
       putting himself in a position where he may be required to choose between conflicting duties.
       He should undertake no adverse employment, no matter how honest may be his motives and
       intentions.” Id. Because of the nature of the attorney-client relationship, an attorney “owes to
       his client fidelity, secrecy, diligence and skill and cannot take a reward from the other side.” Id.
¶ 24       In relying on Gerold, which provides a generalized overview of conflicts of interest,
       defendant overlooks the more specific rules relating to per se conflicts of interest developed in
       the years following Gerold. Specifically, defendant overlooks the three situations that
       constitute a per se conflict of interest: “(1) where defense counsel has a prior or
       contemporaneous association with the victim, the prosecution, or an entity assisting the
       prosecution; (2) where defense counsel contemporaneously represents a prosecution witness;
       and (3) where defense counsel was a former prosecutor who had been personally involved with
       the prosecution of defendant.” Fields, 2012 IL 112438, ¶ 18, 980 N.E.2d 35. The facts before
       us fit into none of the three proscribed situations. Aside from the fact that Foster did not act as

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       “defense counsel” during defendant’s trial, there are, as noted by the State, other problems with
       defendant’s position.
¶ 25       The State contends this case is more akin to People v. Probst, 344 Ill. App. 3d 378, 800
       N.E.2d 834 (2003). In Probst, the defendant’s attorney had previously represented the
       prosecution witness in an unrelated criminal case. Id. at 382, 800 N.E.2d at 839. The witness’s
       unrelated criminal case was dismissed after the witness agreed to act as a police informant. Id.
       Months later, the witness undertook an undercover drug purchase from the defendant, which
       led to the defendant’s arrest and criminal charges. Id. This court found no per se conflict of
       interest, concluding defense counsel’s prior representation of the witness “neither concerned
       nor was relevant to defendant’s trial.” Id. at 383, 800 N.E.2d at 840. This was particularly true
       where nothing in the witness’s agreement to become an informant was contingent on a guilty
       verdict in the defendant’s case. Id. at 384, 800 N.E.2d at 840.
¶ 26       Similarly, in the present case, nothing in the record indicates Johnson’s agreement to
       testify against defendant was contingent on a guilty verdict in defendant’s case. Moreover,
       Johnson’s plea agreement concerned criminal cases wholly unrelated to defendant’s criminal
       case. Thus, as in Probst, defense counsel’s representation of Johnson “neither concerned nor
       was relevant to defendant’s trial.” Id. at 383, 800 N.E.2d at 840.
¶ 27       After applying the existing case law to the facts of this case, we conclude Foster did not
       labor under a per se conflict of interest.

¶ 28                                         2. Herzog
¶ 29       With respect to Foster, we found no per se conflict of interest where she did not
       contemporaneously represent defendant and a “prosecution witness.” See id. The same
       reasoning applies to Herzog. Herzog represented Johnson for purposes of a bond hearing in
       June 2013, but Johnson did not become a State’s witness until February 2014, long after
       Herzog’s representation of Johnson ended. Thus, we conclude Herzog was not laboring under
       a per se conflict of interest.
¶ 30       We now turn to whether any of defendant’s attorneys labored under an actual conflict of
       interest.

¶ 31                                   B. Actual Conflict of Interest
¶ 32       Where a defendant fails to demonstrate a per se conflict of interest, he must demonstrate
       that an actual conflict of interest adversely affected his attorney’s performance. People v.
       Austin M., 2012 IL 111194, ¶ 82, 975 N.E.2d 22. To establish a conflict, the defendant must
       show “some specific defect in his counsel’s strategy, tactics, or decision making attributable to
       [a] conflict.” (Internal quotation marks omitted.) Morales, 209 Ill. 2d at 349, 808 N.E.2d at
       515. “[M]ere speculative or hypothetical conflicts are insufficient to demonstrate an actual
       conflict of interest.” People v. Bailey, 374 Ill. App. 3d 1008, 1022, 872 N.E.2d 1018, 1031
       (2007).

¶ 33                                            1. Foster
¶ 34       Although defendant asserts Foster labored under an actual conflict of interest, he raises no
       specific argument to support such a finding. Regardless, given that Foster had withdrawn from
       defendant’s case prior to trial and prior to Johnson becoming a prosecution witness, it is

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       difficult to imagine how a conflict of interest adversely affected Foster’s performance. See
       Austin M., 2012 IL 111194, ¶ 82, 975 N.E.2d 22. Notably, defendant makes no allegation that
       Foster provided any privileged information about defendant’s case to Johnson. In fact,
       Johnson’s agreement to testify stemmed not from his relationship with Foster, but from an
       alleged conversation between defendant and Johnson. Given Foster did not represent
       defendant at trial, it cannot be said Foster’s divided loyalties impeded her ability to
       cross-examine Johnson. Accordingly, we conclude defendant has failed to demonstrate Foster
       labored under an actual conflict of interest.

¶ 35                                             2. Herzog
¶ 36       Defendant asserts Herzog’s failure to properly impeach Johnson with his prior convictions
       constituted an actual conflict of interest due to Herzog’s duties to Johnson as a former client.
       Defendant argues Herzog’s loyalties were divided between defendant, who stood to benefit
       from Johnson’s impeachment, and Johnson, to whom, as a former client, Herzog had a
       continuing duty of loyalty.
¶ 37       We begin by noting that Herzog had no reason to engage in redundant impeachment of
       Johnson regarding his prior criminal history. The State engaged in extensive examination,
       highlighting that Johnson was currently in jail, had been to prison, was on drug court
       probation, and had convictions for drug-related offenses. The State’s direct examination also
       included a discussion of Johnson’s plea agreement in McLean County case Nos. 13-CF-1332
       and 13-CF-735, the latter being the case in which Herzog briefly represented Johnson. On
       cross-examination, Herzog generally highlighted Johnson’s criminal history, including the fact
       that Johnson (1) had previously been to prison, (2) had been in the McLean County jail for
       approximately five months, and (3) had prior experiences in criminal court. Although Herzog
       did not specifically question Johnson about his prior convictions for aggravated battery
       (McLean County case No. 07-CF-648), violation of bail bond (McLean County case No.
       11-CM-752), or felony theft (McLean County case No. 12-CF-177), Herzog’s
       cross-examination of Johnson’s criminal history was sufficient to impeach his overall
       testimony.
¶ 38       Not only did Herzog impeach Johnson’s credibility with his history of criminality, Herzog
       also engaged in extensive cross-examination of Johnson’s motives regarding the plea
       agreement, such as Johnson’s (1) knowledge that he could receive favorable treatment from
       the State if he provided information about an inmate charged with a sex crime, (2) targeting of
       defendant in an attempt to obtain a statement, and (3) desire to benefit from disclosing
       defendant’s alleged statements. Herzog extensively questioned Johnson regarding the details
       of defendant’s alleged statement, which Rumley used during closing arguments to demonstrate
       the lack of accuracy in Johnson’s testimony when compared to the other evidence. These
       actions do not demonstrate Herzog was withholding himself from fully questioning Johnson
       due to ongoing loyalties. Accordingly, defendant has failed to demonstrate an actual conflict of
       interest adversely affected Herzog’s performance.

¶ 39                                           3. Rumley
¶ 40      Defendant next asserts Rumley’s failure to properly impeach Johnson with his prior
       convictions constituted an actual conflict of interest due to Rumley’s duties to Johnson as a
       former client. Although Herzog cross-examined Johnson, and was therefore the attorney in a

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       position to directly challenge Johnson, Rumley challenged Johnson’s testimony at length
       during closing argument. Rumley called Johnson’s testimony “laughable” and highlighted the
       various inaccuracies in Johnson’s testimony. As with Herzog, Rumley’s actions demonstrated
       a loyalty to defendant. Accordingly, defendant has failed to show an actual conflict of interest
       adversely affected Rumley’s performance.

¶ 41                                          C. Best Practices
¶ 42        Although we find no specific conflict of interest present in this case, our conclusion does
       not condone counsels’ representations as ideal. As the State conceded at oral argument, this
       case presents a scenario where “the optics aren’t the best.” In the judicial system, where we
       seek to avoid even the appearance of impropriety and extol the notion of fairness, cases such as
       the one before us tarnish that image. Simply stated, it can be inferred from the facts of this case
       that Foster worked out a deal for one her clients that was to the detriment of another client. The
       difficulties presented by this case are avoidable.
¶ 43        Diligent record keeping as to client representation—along with communication among the
       trial court, counsel, and the defendant—would have prevented the problems that developed in
       this case. Counsel should stay informed as to prior clients and disclose to the court and the
       defendant any prior representation of individuals related to the defendant’s case. This would
       allow the defendant to state any grievances or request new counsel prior to trial, and it would
       give the trial court the opportunity to resolve the matter.
¶ 44        As a better practice, Foster should have informed the trial court that she previously
       represented defendant and currently represented Johnson, who was now a prosecution witness
       against defendant. Both Herzog and Rumley should have disclosed their prior representation of
       Johnson, regardless of the nature or length of the representation. While we do not suspect or
       intend to suggest any wrongdoing on the part of any of the attorneys involved in this matter, we
       conclude our proposed solution appropriately places the burden on counsel in light of their
       ethical obligations in matters before the court. Additionally, in cases involving court-appointed
       attorneys, such as Herzog and Rumley, the court certainly has the authority to make inquiries
       aimed at assuring appointed counsel is not laboring under any conflict of interest.

¶ 45                                      III. CONCLUSION
¶ 46      For the foregoing reasons, we affirm the trial court’s judgment. As part of our judgment,
       we grant the State its $75 statutory assessment against defendant as costs of this appeal. 55
       ILCS 5/4-2002 (West 2014).

¶ 47      Affirmed.

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