Court Opinion

ID: 2698703
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2014-08-04 17:54:08.317334+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T12:51:12.789834
License: Public Domain

[Cite as State v. Troche, 2013-Ohio-3110.]

                                        COURT OF APPEALS
                                     RICHLAND COUNTY, OHIO
                                    FIFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT

                                                       JUDGES:
STATE OF OHIO                                  :       Hon. W. Scott Gwin, P.J.
                                               :       Hon. Sheila G. Farmer, J.
                         Plaintiff-Appellee    :       Hon. John W. Wise, J.
                                               :
-vs-                                           :
                                               :       Case No. 12CA86
GEORGE J. TROCHE                               :
                                               :
                     Defendant-Appellant       :       OPINION

CHARACTER OF PROCEEDING:                           Criminal appeal from the Richland County
                                                   Court of Common Pleas, Case No. 2012-
                                                   CR-202

JUDGMENT:                                          Affirmed

DATE OF JUDGMENT ENTRY:                            July 15, 2013

APPEARANCES:

For Plaintiff-Appellee                             For Defendant-Appellant

JOHN J. MAYER                                      RANDALL FRY
JOHN NIEFT                                         10 West Newlon Place
38 South Park Street                               Mansfield, OH 44902
Mansfield, OH 44902
[Cite as State v. Troche, 2013-Ohio-3110.]

Gwin, P.J.

        {¶1}     Defendant-appellant George Troche (“Troche”) appeals from the August

12, 2012 Judgment Entry of the Richland County Court of Common Pleas convicting

and sentencing him after a jury trial on one count of Burglary in violation of R.C.

2911,12(A)(3), a felony of the third degree; and one count of Theft of Drugs in violation

of R.C. 2913.02(A)(i), a felony of the fourth degree

                                         Facts and Procedural History

        {¶2}     Money, medications, liquor, jewelry, and purses were stolen during a

break-in at the residence of Richard Minor on November 7, 2011 at 1 p.m. Minor lived at

65 Penn Avenue, in Mansfield, Ohio.

        {¶3}     Tina Wischhusen, who lived across the street, observed two stocky men

of mixed race walking down Penn Avenue. One had a yellow shirt and appeared to be

her neighbor, Jared Williams; the other, stockier man was in a red shirt and had a

backpack.

        {¶4}     Both men walked around the residence and then went up onto the porch.

The man in the yellow shirt then backed down onto the steps of the porch as the man in

the red shirt smashed in the front window and opened the door. The man in the yellow

shirt then ran off down the street. Approximately five minutes later, the man in the red

shirt emerged from the back of the residence. He was still carrying the backpack, but it

appeared to be much heavier. The man in the red shirt struggled to carry the backpack

as he ran away.

        {¶5}     Tina's neighbor, Jared Williams, testified that he was the man in the yellow

shirt. Jared was walking with Troche from a local convenience store down Penn
Richland County, Case No. 12CA86                                                        3

Avenue. Jared testified that he and Troche were walking around Minor's residence as a

shortcut back from the store. Troche was wearing a red shirt and carrying a backpack.

Troche and Jared walked onto Minor's front porch. Jared unsuccessfully attempted to

contact his cousin, who lived in the adjoined apartment. After this, Jared saw Troche put

on gloves and smash the window in the door of Minor's residence. Troche had the

gloves in his back pants pocket. Jared backed off onto the steps and then ran away

when he saw Troche break the glass. The police caught Jared a short time later and

while in custody, he gave the police a statement. Two to three weeks after the break-in,

Jared received a message from Troche on Facebook stating “R.I.P.”

      {¶6}   Richard Minor testified to the damage to his residence and his stolen

items. Shortly before trial, Troche called Minor on his home phone two nights in a row

and threatened him. Troche told Minor that he should not testify and that he would kill

Minor when he saw him.

      {¶7}   Troche testified in his own defense. He denied being at the scene of the

burglary.

      {¶8}   Troche was indicted for Burglary in violation of R.C. 2911,12(A)(3), a

felony of the third degree and Theft of Drugs in violation of R.C. 2913.02(A)(i), a felony

of the fourth degree. The jury found Troche guilty of burglary and theft. Troche was

sentenced to an aggregate sentence of three years’ incarceration.

                                     Assignments of Error

      {¶9}   Troche raises four assignments of error,

      {¶10} “I. THE DEFENDANT-APPELLANT WAS DEPRIVED OF HIS SIXTH

AMENDMENT RIGHT IN THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION TO EFFECTIVE
Richland County, Case No. 12CA86                                                          4

ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL AS THE TRIAL COUNSEL FAILED TO FILE A PROPER

NOTICE OF ALIBI. THEREBY PROHIBITING THE DEFENDANT-APPELLANT FROM

SETTING FORTH A VALID DEFENSE.

       {¶11} “II. THE DEFENDANT-APPELLANT WAS DEPRIVED OF HIS SIXTH

AMENDMENT RIGHT IN THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION AS A RESULT OF

TRIAL COUNSEL'S FAILURE TO OBJECT TO THE PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE’S CROSS-

EXAMINATION OF THE DEFENDANT-APPELLANT CONCERNING HIS TESTIMONY

AS TO WHERE HE WAS AND WHO HE WAS WITH WHEN THE BURGLARY AND

THEFT OCCURRED.

       {¶12} “III.   THE   VERDICT        OF   GUILTY   AGAINST      THE    DEFENDANT-

APPELLANT FOR COMMITTING THE CRIMES OF BURGLARY AND THEFT WAS

AGAINST THE MANIFEST WEIGHT OF THE EVIDENCE

       {¶13} “IV. THE TRIAL COURT COMMITTED ABUSE OF DISCRETION TO THE

PREJUDICE OF THE DEFENDANT-APPELLANT BY EXCLUDING ALIBI EVIDENCE

WHEN NO OBJECTION TO SAID EVIDENCE WAS MADE.”

                                               I & II

       {¶14} Because we find the issues raised in Troche’s first and second

assignments of error are closely related, for ease of discussion we shall address the

assignments of error together.

       {¶15} In his first assignment of error, Troche argues that his trial counsel was

ineffective for failing to file a timely notice of alibi. In his second assignment of error,

Troche contends that his trial counsel was ineffective in failing to object to the cross-

examination of him regarding his alibi.
Richland County, Case No. 12CA86                                                          5

       {¶16} A claim of ineffective assistance of counsel requires a two-prong analysis.

The first inquiry in whether counsel's performance fell below an objective standard of

reasonable representation involving a substantial violation of any of defense counsel's

essential duties to appellant. The second prong is whether the appellant was prejudiced

by counsel's ineffectiveness. Lockhart v. Fretwell, 506 U.S. 364, 113 S.Ct. 838, 122

L.Ed.2d 180(1993); Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 104 S.Ct. 2052, 80 L.Ed.2d

674(1984); State v. Bradley, 42 Ohio St.3d 136, 538 N.E.2d 373(1989).

       {¶17} In determining whether counsel's representation fell below an objective

standard of reasonableness, judicial scrutiny of counsel's performance must be highly

deferential. Bradley, 42 Ohio St.3d at 142. Because of the difficulties inherent in

determining whether effective assistance of counsel was rendered in any given case, a

strong presumption exists that counsel's conduct fell within the wide range of

reasonable, professional assistance. Id.

       {¶18} In order to warrant a reversal, the appellant must additionally show he was

prejudiced by counsel's ineffectiveness. Prejudice warranting reversal must be such that

"there is a reasonable probability that, but for counsel's unprofessional errors, the result

of the proceedings would have been different.” Strickland, 466 U.S. at 694. A court

making the prejudice inquiry must ask if the defendant has met the burden of showing

that the decision reached would "reasonably likely been different" absent the errors.

Strickland, 466 U.S. 695, 696. A reasonable probability is a probability sufficient to

undermine confidence in the outcome. Strickland, supra; Bradley, supra.

       {¶19} The United States Supreme Court and the Ohio Supreme Court have held

a reviewing court “need not determine whether counsel’s performance was deficient
Richland County, Case No. 12CA86                                                          6

before examining the prejudice suffered by the defendant as a result of the alleged

deficiencies.” Bradley at 143, quoting Strickland at 697. Accordingly, we will direct our

attention to the second prong of the Strickland test.

                                1. Failure to file notice of alibi.

       {¶20} Crim. R. 12.1 provides,

              Whenever a defendant in a criminal case proposes to offer

       testimony to establish an alibi on his behalf, he shall, not less than seven

       days before trial, file and serve upon the prosecuting attorney a notice in

       writing of his intention to claim alibi. The notice shall include specific

       information as to the place at which the defendant claims to have been at

       the time of the alleged offense. If the defendant fails to file such written

       notice, the court may exclude evidence offered by the defendant for the

       purpose of proving such alibi, unless the court determines that in the

       interest of justice such evidence should be admitted.

       {¶21} The purpose of Crim.R. 12.1 is to provide the State “some protection

against false and fraudulent claims of alibi often presented by the accused so near the

close of the trial as to make it quite impossible for the state to ascertain any facts as to

the credibility of the witnesses called by the accused.” State v. Thayer, 124 Ohio St. 1,

4, 176 N.E. 656(1931); State v. Jamison, 49 Ohio St.3d 182, 188, 552 N.E.2d

180(1990).

       {¶22} At trial, Troche testified on cross-examination that he was at Lamont’s

house on South Diamond recording music with Lamont Miller, John Graham and

Cashus Ewers. (1T. at 218). Thus, Troche was not denied the right to testify concerning
Richland County, Case No. 12CA86                                                         7

his whereabouts at the time covered by the indictment. State v. Thayer, 124 Ohio St. 1,

4, 176 N.E.2d 656(1931). What Troche cannot do is present corroborating or extrinsic

evidence for the purpose of proving his alibi.

       {¶23} In addition, the record is clear that Troche’s attorney was never given an

address to locate the alibi witnesses. (1T. at 214). The following exchange occurred

during Troche’s jury trial,

              [DEFENSE COUNSEL]           I would like an attempt to find this

       Lamont Miller. He gave me a general address, didn’t give me and

       address, but he just said about where he was.

                                           ***

              He did tell me that, I couldn’t find the guy. He didn’t have an

       address from being in jail. So I go knocking on doors and nobody knows

       where he is.

                                            ***

              [THE COURT]          What did he tell you the information that could

       locate him?

              [DEFENSE COUNSEL]           He told me he was on South Diamond

       someplace, that’s big. (1T. at 238-239).

       {¶24} Trial counsel cannot be faulted for failing to give notice seven days prior to

trial when the address of the witness is unknown.

       {¶25} Assuming, arguendo, the performance of trial counsel fell below an

objective standard of reasonableness, Troche cannot show, with reasonable probability,

that the outcome of the trial would have been different.
Richland County, Case No. 12CA86                                                          8

       {¶26} On cross-examination, Troche testifies as to his whereabouts at the time

covered by the indictment. In addition, the jury heard testimony from Tina, who lived

across the street, Jared who testifed he was with Troche when Troche broke into the

apartment, and Richard Minor. The neighbor’s testimony in the case at bar corroborated

Jared’s testimony in the crucial respects. Jared was familiar with Troche so there is no

danger of misidentification on his part. Further, both Jared and Minor testified that they

received similar threats from Troche concerning their testimony at his upcoming trial.

       {¶27} Having failed to find that the outcome of the trial would have been

different, we do not therefore find that actions of counsel in failing to file the notice of

alibi prejudiced Troche.

                                      2. Failure to object.

       {¶28} Troche contends that his trial counsel was ineffective in failing to object to

the cross-examination of him regarding his alibi.

       {¶29} “‘The failure to object to error, alone, is not enough to sustain a claim of

ineffective assistance of counsel.’” State v. Fears, 86 Ohio St.3d 329, 347, 715 N.E.2d

136(1999), quoting State v. Holloway, 38 Ohio St.3d 239, 244, 527 N.E. 2d 831(1988).

Accord, State v. Hale, 119 Ohio St.3d 118, 2008-Ohio-3426, 892 N.E.2d 864, ¶233. A

defendant must also show that he was materially prejudiced by the failure to object.

Halloway, 38 Ohio St.3d at 244, 527 N.E.2d 831.

       {¶30} When addressing prejudice, a court must observe whether “there is a

reasonable doubt that, absent the errors, the fact finder would have had a reasonable

doubt respecting guilt.” Strickland v. Washington 466 U.S. at 695, 104 S.Ct. 2052, 80
Richland County, Case No. 12CA86                                                          9

L.Ed.2d 674. In making this determination, an appellate court hearing an ineffectiveness

claim must consider the totality of the evidence before the jury. Id.

       {¶31} In the case at bar, Troche testified that he was not the person who was

with Jared and that he, Troche, did not break into Richard Minor’s residence. The state

can ask Troche where he was and who he was with at the time under these

circumstances.

       {¶32} It is improper for a prosecuting attorney to notify a jury that evidence

would be offered to prove an alibi when such notice has not been filed. State v. Cocco,

73 Ohio App. 182, 186-187(5th Dist. 1943); State v. Fuller, 8th Dist. Nos. 63987, 63988,

1993 WL 437596(Oct. 28, 1993); State v. Woodruff, 2nd Dist. No. 7943, 1982 WL

3896(Dec. 22, 1982). However, in the present case, this court finds that the prosecutor's

questioning of Troche on this issue is harmless error.

       {¶33} The neighbor’s testimony in the case at bar corroborated Jared’s

testimony in the crucial respects. Jared was familiar with Troche so there is no danger

of misidentification on his part. Further, both Jared and Minor testified that they received

similar threats from Troche concerning their testimony at his upcoming trial.

       {¶34} Accordingly, we hold that Troche has not met the burden of demonstrating

that the decision reached would reasonably likely have been different absent the errors

of defense counsel. See, Strickland, 466 U.S. at 696, 104 S.Ct. 2052, 80 L.Ed.2d 674.

       {¶35} Troche’s first and second assignments of error are overruled in their

entirety.
Richland County, Case No. 12CA86                                                          10

                                                III.

       {¶36} In his third assignment of error, Troche argues the jury’s findings of guilty

are against the manifest weight of the evidence.

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

criminal conviction is governed by Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 319, 99 S.Ct.

2781, 61 L.Ed.2d 560 (1979), which requires a court of appeals to determine whether

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

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

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

582(2010) (reaffirming this standard); State v. Fry, 125 Ohio St.3d 163, 926 N.E.2d

1239, 2010–Ohio–1017, ¶ 146; State v. Clay, 187 Ohio App.3d 633, 933 N.E.2d 296,

2010–Ohio–2720, ¶ 68.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

quoting Black's Law Dictionary (6th Ed. 1990) at 1594.
Richland County, Case No. 12CA86                                                             11

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

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

“’thirteenth juror’” and disagrees with the fact finder’s resolution of the conflicting

testimony. Id. at 387, 678 N.E.2d 541, quoting Tibbs v. Florida, 457 U.S. 31, 42, 102

S.Ct. 2211, 72 L.Ed.2d 652 (1982). However, an appellate court may not merely

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

       the weight of the evidence, every reasonable intendment and every

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

       finding of facts. * * *

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

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

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

       judgment.”

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

3, quoting 5 Ohio Jurisprudence 3d, Appellate Review, Section 60, at 191–192 (1978).
Richland County, Case No. 12CA86                                                                 12

       {¶40} There is no dispute that Minor’s home was broken into and items of

property were stolen. Troche’s main argument is that the testimony of the witnesses is

inconsistent and should not be believed.

       {¶41} However, Tina and Jared's testimony are consistent on the substantive

facts. Tina and Jared both testified that Jared and a rotund man in a red shirt with a

backpack were walking together down Penn Avenue and that these men walked around

the house at 65 Penn Avenue. Tina could not identify the man in the red shirt, but knew

him to be stocky like Troche. Jared identified the man in the red shirt as Troche. Tina

and Jared also testified that Jared began to back off the porch as Troche broke the

window on the door of 65 Penn Avenue. Both then testified that Jared ran off down the

street. Tina then saw the individual in the red shirt come from the back of the residence

with a very full backpack.

       {¶42} The trier of fact "has the best opportunity to view the demeanor, attitude,

and credibility of each witness, something that does not translate well on the written

page." Davis v. Flickinger, 77 Ohio St.3d 415, 1997-Ohio-260, 674 N.E.2d 1159.

Ultimately, “the reviewing court must determine whether the appellant or the appellee

provided the more believable evidence, but must not completely substitute its judgment

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

way.’” State v. Pallai, 7th Dist. No. 07 MA 198, 2008–Ohio–6635, ¶31, quoting State v.

Woullard, 158 Ohio App.3d 31, 2004–Ohio–3395, 813 N.E.2d 964(2nd Dist.), ¶81. In

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

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

choose which one we believe.” State v. Dyke, 7th Dist. No. 99 CA 149, 2002–Ohio–
Richland County, Case No. 12CA86                                                           13

1152, at ¶13, citing State v. Gore, 131 Ohio App.3d 197, 201, 722 N.E.2d 125(7th Dist.

1999).

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

Supreme Court further cautioned,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

161 Ohio St. at 477–478. (Emphasis added). The weight to be given to the evidence

and the credibility of the witnesses are issues for the trier of fact. State v. DeHass, 10

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

131 Ohio St.3d 67, 2011–Ohio–6524, 960 N.E.2d 955, ¶ 118. Accord, Glasser v. United

States, 315 U.S. 60, 80, 62 S.Ct. 457, 86 L.Ed. 680 (1942); Marshall v. Lonberger, 459

U.S. 422, 434, 103 S.Ct. 843, 74 L.Ed .2d 646 (1983).

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

         the lie detector.’ United States v. Barnard, 490 F.2d 907, 912 (9th
Richland County, Case No. 12CA86                                                        14

      Cir.1973), cert. denied, 416 U.S. 959, 94 S.Ct. 1976, 40 L.Ed.2d 310

      (1974). Determining the weight and credibility of witness testimony,

      therefore, has long been held to be the ‘part of every case [that] belongs

      to the jury, who are presumed to be fitted for it by their natural intelligence

      and ... practical knowledge of men and the ways of men.’ Aetna Life Ins.

      Co. v. Ward, 140 U.S. 76, 88, 11 S.Ct. 720, 724–725, 35 L.Ed. 371

      (1891).

United States v. Scheffer (1997), 523 U.S. 303, 313, 118 S.Ct. 1261, 1266–1267(1997).

      {¶44} Although Troche cross-examined the witnesses and argued that their

testimony was inconsistent and not to be believed, and further that Troche was

elsewhere at the time, the weight to be given to the evidence and the credibility of the

witnesses are issues for the trier of fact. State v. Jamison, 49 Ohio St.3d 182, 552

N.E.2d 180(1990).

      {¶45} The jury was free to accept or reject any and all of the evidence offered by

the parties and assess the witness's credibility. “While the jury may take note of the

inconsistencies and resolve or discount them accordingly * * * such inconsistencies do

not render defendant's conviction against the manifest weight or sufficiency of the

evidence”. State v. Craig, 10th Dist. No. 99AP–739, 1999 WL 29752 (Mar 23, 2000)

citing State v. Nivens, 10th Dist. No. 95APA09–1236, 1996 WL 284714 (May 28, 1996).

Indeed, the jury need not believe all of a witness' testimony, but may accept only

portions of it as true. State v. Raver, Franklin App. No. 02AP–604, 2003–Ohio–958, ¶

21, citing State v. Antill, 176 Ohio St. 61, 67, 197 N.E.2d 548 (1964); State v. Burke,

10th Dist. No. 02AP–1238, 2003–Ohio–2889, citing State v. Caldwell (1992), 79 Ohio
Richland County, Case No. 12CA86                                                          15

App.3d 667, 607 N.E.2d 1096 (4th Dist.1992). Although the evidence may have been

circumstantial, we note that circumstantial evidence has the same probative value as

direct evidence. State v. Jenks, supra.

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

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

quoting Martin, 20 Ohio App.3d at 175, 485 N.E.2d 717. The jury neither lost their way

nor created a miscarriage of justice in convicting Troche of burglary and theft.

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

Troche's convictions were not against the manifest weight of the evidence. To the

contrary, the jury appears to have fairly and impartially decided the matters before it.

The jury as a trier of fact can reach different conclusions concerning the credibility of the

testimony of Tina, Jared, Minor and Troche at trial, and concerning the evidence

presented by the parties; this court will not disturb that finding so long as competent

evidence was present to support it. State v. Walker, 55 Ohio St.2d 208, 378 N.E.2d

1049 (1978). The jury heard the witnesses, evaluated the evidence, and was convinced

of Troche's guilt.

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

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

crime of burglary and theft of drugs beyond a reasonable doubt.

       {¶49} Troche’s third assignment of error is overruled.
Richland County, Case No. 12CA86                                                         16

                                                 IV.

         {¶50} In his fourth assignment of error, Troche alleges that the trial court abused

its discretion when it excluded his alibi testimony because he had not filed a notice of

alibi.

         {¶51} The Ohio Rules of Criminal Procedure require written notice of alibi not

less than seven days before trial. Absent notice, a trial court may exclude alibi evidence

“unless the court determines that in the interest of justice such evidence should be

admitted.” Crim.R. 12.1. Sound reasons exist for the notice requirement. As the Ohio

Supreme Court has noted,

               “Records are replete with alibi testimony from relatives, girlfriends

         and bar companions and, as to these, the rule pertaining to prompt notice

         is based on sound reasoning.”

State v. Jamison, 49 Ohio St.3d 182, 189, 552 N.E.2d 180(1990), quoting State v.

Edwards, 52 Ohio App.2d 120, 122, 368 N.E.2d 302(6th Dist. 1975). To refuse to

enforce an alibi notice requirement would be to nullify it. State v. Nooks, 123 Ohio St.

190, 174 N.E. 743(1930); see, also, State v. Focht, 37 Ohio St.2d 173, 309 N.E.2d

922(1974).

         {¶52} In the case at bar, Troche did not file a notice of alibi pursuant to Crim.R.

12.1. Therefore, the trial court was permitted to exclude the alibi testimony. See Crim.R.

12.1.

         {¶53} We review the trial court's determination to exclude alibi testimony for

abuse of discretion. State v. Smith (1985), 17 Ohio St.3d 98, 477 N.E.2d 1128(1985);

Accord, State v. Gough, 5th Dist. No. 2004CA00022, 2004-Ohio-4550, ¶36.
Richland County, Case No. 12CA86                                                            17

       {¶54} The trial court did abuse its discretion by not permitting Troche to testify

on direct examination concerning his whereabouts and whom he claimed to be with on

the day in question. State v. Thayer, 124 Ohio St. at 4, 176 N.E.2d 656. However, the

trial court did not abuse its discretion by ruling that Troche cannot present additional

witnesses for the purpose of proving his alibi.

       {¶55} We find any error by the trial court to be harmless beyond a reasonable

doubt. In the case at bar, Troche did not subpoena anyone to testify concerning his

alibi. No witness was present at the time of trial and prepared to testify on Troche’s alibi

claim. (1T. at 238-239). In light of Troche’s failure to have any witness who would testify

on his behalf, we cannot say that the trial court abused its discretion by excluding

additional witnesses for the purpose of proving his alibi. As the Second District Court of

Appeals observed,

              Where, as here, the State is left unaware of the identity of the alibi

       witness until only days before trial, its ability to determine the credibility of

       such witness is clearly frustrated. A finding to the contrary would thwart

       the protective aim of Crim.R. 12.1.

State v. Ellington, 2nd Dist. No. 22254, 2008-Ohio-986, ¶33; See also, State v. Focht,

37 Ohio St.2d 173, 175, 309 N.E.2d 922(construing R.C. 2945.58’s notice of alibi

requirements and holding trial court did not abuse its discretion in excluding testimony

of supporting alibi witness where defendant, whose counsel stated that two alibi

witnesses had been located the night before trial, neither filed notice of alibi prior to trial

nor sought a continuance).

       {¶56} Troche’s fourth assignment of error is overruled.
Richland County, Case No. 12CA86                                                 18

      {¶57} The decision of the Richland County Court of Common Pleas is affirmed.

By Gwin, P.J.,

Farmer, J., and

Wise, J., concur

                                          _________________________________
                                          HON. W. SCOTT GWIN

                                          _________________________________
                                          HON. SHEILA G. FARMER

                                          _________________________________
                                          HON. JOHN W. WISE

WSG:clw 0626
[Cite as State v. Troche, 2013-Ohio-3110.]

              IN THE COURT OF APPEALS FOR RICHLAND COUNTY, OHIO

                                    FIFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT

STATE OF OHIO                                     :
                                                  :
                             Plaintiff-Appellee   :
                                                  :
                                                  :
-vs-                                              :       JUDGMENT ENTRY
                                                  :
GEORGE J. TROCHE                                  :
                                                  :
                                                  :
                        Defendant-Appellant       :       CASE NO. 12CA86

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

decision of the Richland County Court of Common Pleas is affirmed.               Costs to

appellant.

                                                      _________________________________
                                                      HON. W. SCOTT GWIN

                                                      _________________________________
                                                      HON. SHEILA G. FARMER

                                                      _________________________________
                                                      HON. JOHN W. WISE