Court Opinion

ID: 2697001
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2014-08-04 15:46:44.319588+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T12:22:30.472571
License: Public Domain

[Cite as State v. Tebelman, 2010-Ohio-481.]

                      IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
                          THIRD APPELLATE DISTRICT
                              PUTNAM COUNTY

STATE OF OHIO,

        PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE,                              CASE NO. 12-09-01

        v.

ROBERT D. TEBELMAN,                                      OPINION

        DEFENDANT-APPELLANT.

                 Appeal from Putnam County Common Pleas Court
                            Trial Court No. 2008 CR 62

                                     Judgment Affirmed

                          Date of Decision: February 16, 2010

APPEARANCES:

        Esteban R. Callejas for Appellant

        Todd C. Shroeder for Appellee
Case No. 12-09-01

SHAW, J.

      {¶1} Appellant-Defendant Robert D. Tebelman (“Tebelman”) appeals

from the April 13, 2009 Judgment Entry of the Common Pleas Court of Putman

County, Ohio, convicting him of one count of rape in violation of R.C.

2907.02(A)(1)(b) where the victim is less than thirteen years of age and sentencing

him to life imprisonment without parole.

      {¶2} The facts relevant to this appeal are as follows. Tebelman and Lacy

began dating in February 2006. At the time, Lacy was living in Columbus Grove

with her two year old daughter, G.B. Shortly thereafter, Lacy and G.B. moved

into Tebelman’s apartment in Ada where he was finishing his undergraduate

degree. On Christmas of 2007, Lacy asked her father, Rodney, if she, G.B., and

Tebelman could move in with him to allow them to save money to get a place of

their own. Rodney agreed and by March of 2008 the three were completely

moved in. Rodney owned a two story house in Columbus Grove and lived on the

downstairs level. Tebelman, Lacy, and G.B. occupied the three rooms on second

level where Tebelman and Lacy shared one room, G.B. had her own room, and the

third room, referred to as the “Junk” room, was used for storage. Although, the

residents treated each level as separate apartment units, all four occupants shared

the kitchen and only bathroom which were both located on the first floor.

                                        -2-
Case No. 12-09-01

       {¶3} Tebelman took on most of the responsibility for being G.B.’s

primary caretaker because Lacy had an injured back which limited her mobility,

and relegated her to the upstairs level. Lacy and Tebelman split the care of G.B.

accordingly. Lacy would set out G.B’s clothes upstairs while Tebelman would

take on the downstairs duties of cooking G.B. breakfast, fixing her hair, and

making sure she bathed and brushed her teeth. In the fall of 2008, G.B. turned five

and started Kindergarten at Columbus Grove Elementary. Tebelman then added

escort to and from the bus stop, which was located at the end of the lane, as part of

this daily routine.

       {¶4} On November 4, 2008, Tebelman deviated from the routine and

drove G.B to school. Lacy bought a bus ticket to travel to Grand Rapids and

Tebelman needed to inform the school that G.B. would be absent for the rest of the

week. When G.B. arrived at the school, she was visibly upset. She cried and

complained that she did not want to be at school. According to her teacher this

was unusual behavior for G.B who was a generally happy child and had never

come to school crying prior to this occasion.

       {¶5} A short time later, G.B. calmed and settled into the school day which

progressed normally until an episode later that afternoon. G.B. asked to use the

restroom and was gone for five minutes, a typical length of time for a child to be

gone when using the bathroom. During this time period the school’s maintenance

                                         -3-
Case No. 12-09-01

supervisor was walking down the hall and as he passed the restrooms he heard the

stall doors slamming shut and a little girl’s voice calling “Mommy, Mommy,

where are you?” (Trial Trans. p.363). From the hallway, he asked the girl if she

was alright. The door opened and G.B. exited the bathroom. The maintenance

supervisor asked G.B. if she was looking for her mother and she replied “yes.” He

then asked if she knew where her classroom was, to which she replied “yes” and

returned to her classroom to finish out the day.

       {¶6} After school, Tebelman met G.B. at the bus stop. Lacy’s bus left a

few hours earlier. Before leaving, Lacy arranged for G.B. to stay with Kim

Fletcher, G.B.’s paternal grandmother, while she was out of town. Although Lacy

originally planned for Kim to pick G.B. up from the bus stop, Kim phoned Lacy to

tell her that she could not pick up G.B. until 6:30 p.m. because she had to work.

Lacy then relayed the change of plans to Tebelman. G.B. and Tebelman remained

at the house alone for a few hours until Kim arrived. Kim picked up G.B. around

6:30 p.m. and drove her back to Delphos where Kim lived with her husband,

Mark, G.B.’s grandfather.

       {¶7} Kim had a meeting to attend at 7:00 p.m. so she dropped G.B. off

with Mark. Kim’s meeting lasted about an hour. During this time, Mark watched

hunting shows on T.V. in the living room while G.B. played in the dining room,

which the Fletchers made into G.B.’s playroom for when she visited. Around 7:15

                                         -4-
Case No. 12-09-01

p.m. Mark’s friend, Ron, stopped by to visit. He left a half hour later and returned

a little after eight with his wife, Peggy, and Kim who were at the meeting together.

Upon Kim returning home, Mark informed her that he noticed G.B. grabbing

herself in the vaginal area and suggested she look into it.

       {¶8} Once Peggy and Ron left, about twenty minutes later, Kim asked

G.B. if she was “hurting down there” and G.B. answered, “Yes, Grandma. I’m

peeing hot pee.” (Trial Trans. 388). Kim initially thought that G.B.’s discomfort

was related to a yeast infection she had been diagnosed and treated for a month

earlier. Kim took G.B. to the bathroom, located off the living room, to apply the

topical vaginal cream prescribed for the yeast infection. G.B. pulled her pants

down and spread her legs. Kim noticed redness from her vagina to her anus as

well as a little bit of dried blood. She asked G.B. what happened. G.B. continued

to complain of “hot pee.” (Id.) Kim then asked if anyone had touched down

there. G.B. did not respond and appeared embarrassed. Kim asked again. G.B.

then stated “Robbie did,” referring to Tebelman. (Trial trans. p. 389). Kim

inquired further and G.B. in detail disclosed that she and Tebelman played various

“games” which involved Tebelman inserting objects into her anus.          She also

disclosed that Tebelman inserted his fingers into her “who-who,” G.B.’s name for

vagina, while he bathed her.

                                         -5-
Case No. 12-09-01

       {¶9} In shock, Kim called Chris, her son and G.B’s father, to tell him

what G.B. disclosed to her. Chris calmed his mother and they decided to take G.B

to the hospital after work the next day.          Given the emotionally charged

circumstances, they thought it best at the time to let heated feelings subside before

taking G.B. to the hospital.    The next morning, on November 5, 2008, Kim

arranged for a neighbor, Robin Priest, to come over and watch G.B. while she

worked. Robin spent the day playing with G.B. At some point during the day,

G.B. unprovoked mentioned that her vaginal area burned and that Tebelman hurt

her. Not knowing the circumstances, Robin did not respond to G.B.’s statements

and continued to watch G.B. until Kim arrived home.

       {¶10} Unable to stay composed, Kim left work early and came home to

gather some clothes for G.B. As they planned, she called G.B.’s father who then

met her at the hospital. They arrived at St. Rita’s hospital in Lima around 5:30

p.m. They were informed a few hours later that the hospital did not have anyone

to perform a Sexual Assault Nurse Examination (“SANE”) and directed them to

the Toledo Hospital where a SANE nurse was on duty.

       {¶11} After midnight on November 6, 2008 Kim, Chris, and G.B. arrived

at the Toledo Hospital where Kelly Michael, a SANE nurse, examined G.B.

During the examination, G.B. expressed discomfort in her vagina and stated that

Tebelman hurt her. She also told the SANE nurse that Tebelman played the

                                         -6-
Case No. 12-09-01

porcupine game with her and inserted a book into her rectum. The examination

revealed a small tear in her vagina and two lacerations on her anus. The anal

lacerations and the description of the games G.B said she and Tebelman played

prompted Michael to call Dr. Robert Wood to further examine G.B. Dr. Wood

confirmed the SANE findings.

       {¶12} On November 10, 2008, Robert Tebelman was indicted on one count

rape in violation of R.C. 2907.02(A)(1)(b), a felony in the first degree, with three

additional specifications: 1) G.B. was less than ten years old at the time of the

offense, 2) Tebelman did purposely compel the G.B. to submit by force or threat

of force, and 3) Tebelman caused serious physical harm to G.B. On March 23,

2009, the trial court found G.B. competent to testify against Tebelman. A jury

trial was held on April 6, 7, 8, 2009, where several witnesses testified including

G.B. At the close of the evidence, the jury found Tebelman guilty of rape and the

three specifications. On April 13, 2009, the trial court sentenced Tebelman to life

imprisonment with no parole pursuant to R.C. 2907.02(B).

       {¶13} Tebelman now appeals, asserting four assignments of error.

                       ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NO. 1

       THE TRIAL COURT ERRED WHEN IT FOUND THE
       ALLEGED VICTIM WAS COMPETENT TO TESTIFY IN
       VIOLATION OF TEBELMAN’S RIGHTS TO DUE PROCESS
       AND A FAIR TRIAL PURSUANT TO EVID. R. 601(A), THE
       FIFTH, SIXTH AND FOURTEENTH AMENDMENTS TO

                                        -7-
Case No. 12-09-01

       THE UNITED STATES CONSITUTION, AND ARTICLE 1,
       SECTION 10 OF THE OHIO CONSTITUTION.

                       ASSIGMENT OF ERROR NO. 2

       THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN PERMITTING THE
       INTRODUCTION OF INADMISSIBLE HEARSAY IN
       VIOLATION OF THE FIFTH, SIXTH AND FOURTEENTH
       AMENDMENTS      TO   THE      UNITED    STATES
       CONSTITUTION, AND ARTICLE 1, SECTION 10 OF THE
       OHIO CONSTITUTION.

                       ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NO. 3

       THE TRIAL COURT VIOLATED TEBELMAN’S RIGHT TO
       DUE PROCESS UNDER THE FIFTH, SIXTH AND
       FOURTEENTH AMENDMENTS TO THE UNITED STATES
       CONSTITUTION, AND ARTICLE 1, SECTION 10 OF THE
       OHIO CONSTITUTION WHEN IT UPHELD THE JURY
       VERDICT AS IT WAS NOT SUPPORTED BY THE
       SUFFICIENCY OF THE EVIDENCE AND WAS AGAINST
       THE MANIFEST WEIGHT OF THE EVIDENCE.

                       ASSIGNMENT OF ERROR NO. 4

       THE TRIAL COURT FAILED TO CONSIDER THE
       SENTENCING STATUTES IN R.C. § 2929.11-2929.14 AND
       ABUSED ITS DISCRETION IN SENTENCING TEBELMAN
       TO THE MAXIMUM SENTENCE.

                          The First Assignment of Error

       {¶14} In his first assignment of error, Tebelman argues that the trial court

erred in determining that G.B., who was five years old at the time of the trial, was

competent to testify against him.

                                        -8-
Case No. 12-09-01

       {¶15} As an initial matter, we note that the State, in its brief, asserts that

this Court should review this issue for plain error rather than as an abuse of

discretion because Tebelman failed to object to the competency finding at the trial

court level. See In re Williams (1997), 116 Ohio App.3d 237, 241, 687 N.E.2d

507. Generally, in order to prevail under the plain error standard, an appellant

must demonstrate that the outcome of his case would clearly have been different

but for the error that he alleges. State v. Waddell (1996), 75 Ohio St.3d 163, 166,

661 N.E.2d 1043. Whereas, an abuse of discretion implies that the court's attitude

is unreasonable, arbitrary or unconscionable. State v. Adams (1980), 62 Ohio

St.2d 151, 157, 404 N.E.2d 144.

       {¶16} The competency of a witness to testify at trial is governed by Evid.

R. 601 which states in pertinent part:

       Every person is competent to be a witness except:

       (A) Those of unsound mind, and children under ten years of
       age, who appear incapable of receiving just impressions of the
       facts and transactions respecting which they are examined, or
       of relating them truly.

       {¶17} The Ohio Supreme Court specifically addressed the competency

requirements of Evid. R. 601(A) as they relate to a child under the age of ten in

State v. Frazier (1991), 61 Ohio St.3d 247, 250-51, 574 N.E.2d 483. The court

outlined the responsibility of the trial court in determining whether a child is

competent to testify:

                                         -9-
Case No. 12-09-01

      It is the duty of the trial judge to conduct a voir dire
      examination of a child under ten years of age to determine the
      child’s competency to testify.          Such determination of
      competency is within the sound discretion of the trial judge.
      The trial judge has the opportunity to observe the child’s
      appearance, his or her manner of responding to the questions,
      general demeanor and any indicia of ability to relate the facts
      accurately and truthfully. Thus, the responsibility of the trial
      judge is to determine through questioning whether the child of
      tender years is capable of receiving just impressions of facts and
      events and to accurately relate them. See State v. Wilson (1952),
      156 Ohio St. 525, 46 O.O. 437, 103 N.E.2d 552.

Frazier, 61 Ohio St.3d at 250-251.

      {¶18} Moreover, the court articulated five factors a trial court is to consider

in determining the competency of a child under ten years of age which include:

      (1) the child’s ability to receive accurate impressions of fact or
      to observe acts about which he or she will testify, (2) the child’s
      ability to recollect those impressions or observations, (3) the
      child’s ability to communicate what was observed, (4) the child’s
      understanding of truth and falsity and (5) the child’s
      appreciation of his or her responsibility to be truthful.

Id.

On March 23, 2009, the trial court held a hearing to determine whether G.B.

satisfied the above standards. As prescribed by the Frazier Court, the trial judge

conducted a voir dire examination of G.B. in which he asked her specific

questions relevant to establishing her competency to testify. The following are

excerpts from the competency hearing transcript as they relate to the above

considerations.

                                       -10-
Case No. 12-09-01

       {¶19} G.B. testified that she understood the concepts of truth and falsity

and the consequences for telling a lie.

       Q: If somebody came in here and said right now it’s raining
       really hard, is that a truth or a lie?
       A: Lie, lie.
       Q: You think that’s a lie?
       A: (Witness nods head.)
       Q: Okay. Why do you think that’s a lie?
       A: Because it’s not raining right now.
       Q: Right, it’s not raining, is it? I see some sun out there. And
       so if somebody came in here and said it’s snowing really hard, is
       that the truth or is that a lie?
       A: A lie.

(Trans. of Competency Hrg., p. 98, lines 11-24).

       Q: Okay. What would happen if somebody told you a lie, do
       you think, [G.B.]?
       A: They would get in trouble.
       Q: Okay. And what kind of trouble do you think would
       happen if you told a lie?
       A: Then you would get in trouble.
       Q: And if you told a lie to your mom, —
       A: Then I would get in trouble.
       Q: —or to your dad—let’s say you told a lie to your dad or
       your grandpa and grandma, let’s say you went home and you
       told a lie to your grandpa or grandma, what would happen if
       you told a lie?
       A: Spanking or corner or a timeout.
       Q: Timeout or a spanking or sit in the corner? You said the
       corner, is that, what do you mean by that?
       A: That means if you stand in the corner like that corner over
       there.
       Q: Okay. You think you would have to go stand in the corner?
       A: (Witness nods head.)
       Q: Okay. And so if you tell a lie, you think that might happen,
       that you would get into trouble?
       A: Yeah. No, if you tell a lie, you’ll get in trouble.

                                          -11-
Case No. 12-09-01

       Q:    Okay. And what happens if you tell the truth?
       A:    Then if you tell the truth, that means you’re really good.
       Q:    If you tell the truth, that means you’re going to what?
       A:    Be good.

(Id., p. 99, line 22-p. 101, line 6).

       {¶20} G.B.’s testimony revealed that she appreciated her responsibility to

be truthful at the hearing.

       Q: Okay. [G.B.], I wanted to ask you some questions about
       why we’re here. Is that okay?
       A: (Witness nods head.)
       Q: Do you know why we’re here?
       A: To talk to the truth.
       Q: To talk to the truth? Why do you think that’s why we’re
       here?
       A: Because of him. (Indicating).
       Q: Because of him? And when you’re pointing and you say to
       “him,” who are you pointing to?
       A: To Rob.

(Trans. of Competency Hrg., p. 96, lines 5-15).

       Q: Why do you think it’s because of him?
       A: Because he hurt.
       Q: Okay. Because he hurt you; is that what you are saying?
       A: (Witness nods head.)
       Q: All right. Let’s back up a little bit, [G.B.]. Can I ask you a
       couple of other questions? Do you know what this room is or
       what this building is, what that’s called.
       A: I know what this building is. It’s the courtroom.
       Q: Yeah, that’s right. Very good. It’s called a courtroom.
       And do you know what a courtroom is for?
       A: To tell the truth in it.
       Q: Okay to tell the truth.
       A: Yes. If you close the doors, then other people won’t hear it.
       Q: Okay. And let’s talk about telling the truth. It’s important
       here to tell the truth.

                                        -12-
Case No. 12-09-01

       A:    I know the truth.

(Id., p. 96, line, 22-p.97, line 17).

       {¶21} As to the remaining three factors, G.B. extensively demonstrated her

ability to receive accurate impressions of fact and to observe acts relating to the

incident about which she was to testify. Moreover, G.B. clearly showed her

ability to recollect and effectively communicate those impressions and

observations.

       Q: Okay. [G.B], we’re going to talk about some things today.
       Is that okay?
       A: Okay.
       Q: And one of the things that I’m going to ask is that you
       always tell the truth. Do you think you can do that?
       A: (Witness nods head.)
       Q: Can you promise that you’ll do that?
       A: Yeah.
       Q: All right. And when I’m talking to you it’s important that
       you keep your promise. Is that okay?
       A: Yeah
       Q: All right. Good. [G.B.], one of the things that we’re going
       to be talking about is why we are here and why you’ve come to
       court today, okay?
       A: Okay.
       Q: All right. Tell me, tell me again why you think we are
       here?
       A: Because of him.
       Q: Okay.
       A: He hurt.
       Q: Tell me about that, [G.B.].
       A: He hurt me right here. (Indicating)
       Q: Okay. He hurt you, and how did he hurt you, [G.B.]?
       A: (Indicating)
       Q: And what does that mean?
       A: Fingers.

                                        -13-
Case No. 12-09-01

      Q: With his finger?
      A: Um-hum. (Witness nods head.)
      Q: And what did he do?
      A: He sticked it in something.
      Q: Okay. And where did he, where did he put his finger?
      A: Right here. (Indicating)
      Q: Okay. And where is that, [G.B.].
      A: Right here. (Indicating)
      Q: Can you tell me what that means?
      A: It’s all the way down here. (Indicating)
      Q: Okay, all the way down in like your private area?
      A: Yes.
      Q: Okay. Do you have a name for that? What do you call that
      when you talk about it with people?
      A: Who-whos.
      Q: Your who-whos? Okay. And when you said, [G.B.], that he
      put his finger, can you tell me what he did?
      A: He put it in my who-who.
      Q: He put his finger in your who-who?
      A: Yes.

(Trans. of Competency Hrg., p. 101, line 10-p.103, line14)

      Q: Where were you living when that happened at, [G.B.]?
      A: I was living with my mommy. She was in her bedroom
      sleeping and I was in my bedroom and I closed the door behind
      Robbie.
      Q: [G.B.], let’s go back for a minute. When said you were
      living with your mommy, do you remember the house you were
      living at?
      A: Yeah, Columbus Grove house.
      Q: And tell me about the house.
      A: I lived in Columbus Grove, Ohio.
      Q: Columbus Grove?
      A: Ohio.
      Q: Ohio, okay. And who lived in the same house you were
      living in?
      A: My mommy and my Robbie when he was nice.
      Q: Okay, your mom and Robbie.
      A: When Robbie was nice.

                                       -14-
Case No. 12-09-01

(Id., p. 104, line 4-25).

       Q: So let’s go back, [G.B.]. You were in your bedroom, right?
       A: Right.
       Q: And Robbie came in?
       A: Yep.
       Q: And what happened after that?
       A: He hurted my who-who.
       Q: And where were you at when that happened? Where in
       your bedroom?
       A: My bedroom.
       Q: Where on the floor or on the bed or in a chair? Where were
       you at?
       A: I was on my computer playing some games and Robbie
       came in.
       Q: And so you were in a chair?
       A: Um-hum. Playing one of my games.
       Q: And tell me what he did.
       A: He hurted my who-who.

(Id., p. 109, line 25-p. 110 line 16).

       {¶22} In addition to the testimony excerpted above, G.B. demonstrated that

she knew her full name, birth date, and age; the city she lived in at the time of the

incident and where she resided thereafter and who she lived with in both cities

including the names of the pets. G.B. clearly articulated that she was sitting in a

courtroom for the sole reason to tell the truth. She described the surroundings

where the incident with the defendant occurred and the manner in which he

touched her and that the first person she told about the incident was her Grandma

Kim.

                                         -15-
Case No. 12-09-01

       {¶23} Tebelman contends that this testimony does not establish G.B.’s

competency because she made references to porcupines, blueberry bushes, and

Dora the Explorer. He argues that the trial court should have inquired whether she

could discern fiction from reality. In reviewing the entire transcript, we find that

these references are rare and are used only to place adult actions into a child’s

context. Thus, they are not pertinent enough to detract from the trial court’s

overall competency determination.

       {¶24} G.B.’s testimony clearly established that she satisfied the standards

in Frazier and as such we cannot find that the trial court abused its discretion.

Moreover, even assuming, arguendo, that the trial court erred in finding G.B.

competent to testify, we find no plain error. In addition to G.B.’s testimony, there

was medical testimony introduced which corroborated G.B.’s statements admitted

at trial. Thus, we find that there was substantial evidence warranting the jury to

convict Tebelman of rape and therefore we cannot say that the outcome of the trial

would have been different if the court had not permitted G.B. to testify at trial. In

sum, the testimony elicited from G.B. at her competency hearing so clearly

established her competency under the Frazier standards that we cannot find the

trial court erred in finding her competent to testify under either standard of review.

Tebelman’s first assignment of error is, therefore, overruled.

                                        -16-
Case No. 12-09-01

                                 The Second Assignment of Error

         {¶25} In his second assignment of error, Tebelman maintains that the trial

court erred in permitting the introduction of inadmissible hearsay. Specifically,

Tebelman asserts that the statements G.B. made to Kim Fletcher, Robin Priest,

Jess Stokeland1 and the medical professionals constituted hearsay and were

improperly admitted at trial.

         {¶26} The State argues G.B.’s statements to Fletcher and Priest were

properly admitted under the excited utterance exception to the rule against

hearsay. An excited utterance is defined as “[a] statement relating to a startling

event or condition made while the declarant was under the stress of excitement

caused by the event or condition.” Evid.R. 803(2).

         {¶27} The admission of a statement as an excited utterance under Evid.R.

803(2) is generally within the sound discretion of the trial court. State v. Smith

(1986), 34 Ohio App.3d 180, 190-91, 517 N.E.2d 933. An appellate court will not

reverse the trial court’s decision absent an abuse of discretion. State v. Brown

(1996), 112 Ohio App.3d 583, 601, 679 N.E.2d 361. Moreover, the trial court has

1
  In his brief, Tebelman asserts that the admission of G.B.’s statements to Jess Stokeland was improper as
inadmissible hearsay. However, upon review of the record, we note that G.B. never made any statements
to Jess Stokeland. In fact, Stokeland’s testimony focused on the mental state of Kim Fletcher upon learning
of G.B.’s alleged sexual abuse. Because Stokeland did not testify to G.B.’s statements, we will not review
her testimony under this assignment of error. In addition, in his reply brief, Tebelman first makes mention
of his complaint about the admissibility of Misty Bates’ testimony wherein she testifies to statements G.B.
made to her about Tebelman sexually abusing her. The testimony of Misty Bates was not raised in his
Appellant's brief or the brief of the appellee, and so is not a proper matter presented in a reply brief filed
pursuant to App.R. 16(C).

                                                    -17-
Case No. 12-09-01

broad discretion to determine whether a declaration should be admissible as a

hearsay exception. State v. Dever (1992), 64 Ohio St.3d 401, 410, 596 N.E.2d

436, 444. For an alleged excited utterance to be admissible, four prerequisites

must be satisfied: (1) the event must be startling enough to produce a nervous

excitement in the declarant, (2) the statement must have been made while the

declarant was still under the stress of excitement caused by the event, (3) the

statement must relate to the startling event, and (4) the declarant must have

personally observed the startling event. State v. Taylor (1993), 66 Ohio St.3d 295,

300-301, 612 N.E.2d 316.

      {¶28} The trial court initially found that statements G.B. made to Kim

Fletcher were admissible as excited utterances when it overruled Tebelman’s

motion in limine. Kim testified that she took G.B. into the bathroom when G.B.

began to complain of “peeing hot pee.” Kim originally thought a yeast infection,

for which G.B had previously been diagnosed and treated with a prescription

cream, caused her discomfort. When Kim examined G.B.’s vaginal area to apply

the topical cream, she noticed irritation and redness from G.B.’s vagina to her

rectum.   Kim also testified that she noticed dried blood in that area.       This

prompted Kim to ask G.B. what happened. G.B. continued to complain of “hot

pee.” Kim testified that it was when she asked G.B. if anyone had touched her

“down there” that G.B.’s demeanor noticeably changed. She held her head down,

                                       -18-
Case No. 12-09-01

looked embarrassed, and showed a reluctance to answer that specific question.

Kim asked G.B again and G.B. answered, “Robbie did.” Kim asked G.B. what

Tebelman did to her and in response G.B. disclosed in detail the “games” that she

and Tebelman played.     These games consisted of a “porcupine game” which

involved Tebelman sticking a “spike” in her “bottom.” She also disclosed that

Tebelman put a small “book” in her “bottom.” Kim testified that she asked G.B. if

there was any other incident. In response, G.B. showed Kim her finger and

disclosed that Tebelman put his finger in her vagina when he was giving her a

bath. She further disclosed that Tebelman apologized for hurting her and she did

not want to tell anyone because Tebelman had told her that if she did, he would be

taken away from her.

      {¶29} In analyzing whether a statement is an excited utterance, the Ohio

Supreme Court noted that, “[t]he controlling factor is whether the declaration was

made under such circumstances as would reasonably show that it resulted from

impulse rather than reason and reflection.” State v. Humphries (1992), 79 Ohio

App.3d 589, 598, 607 N.E.2d 921. Additionally, we note that the above test has

been liberally applied to out-of-court statements made by child declarants who are

alleged victims of sexual abuse. In re D.M., 158 Ohio App.3d 780, 793, 2004-

Ohio-5858, 822 N.E.2d 433. The reason for liberalizing the scrutiny of this test is

                                       -19-
Case No. 12-09-01

in recognition that young children are more trustworthy than adult declarants

because of their limited reflection powers. See Taylor, 66 Ohio St.3d at 304.

      {¶30} In the instant case, G.B. clearly exhibited distress while she

disclosed to Kim the circumstances surrounding the rape.        G.B. experienced

physical discomfort directly related to the injuries she sustained from the rape at

the time she made the statements to Kim. G.B.’s initial reluctance to disclose the

rape to Kim stemmed not from a motive to fabricate but from a fear that

Tebelman, her primary caretaker, would be taken away from her if she told anyone

what he did to her. G.B., barely five years old, demonstrated her inability to

understand the serious nature of the rape and its implications by couching

Tebelman’s actions in terms of games they played.         G.B’s limited reflective

powers and her inability to appreciate the ramifications of what had happened to

her demonstrate the trustworthiness of her statements.      See State v. Wagner

(1986), 30 App.3d 261, 264, 508 N.E.2d 164 (stating that the limited power of

reflection coupled with an inability to comprehend “the enormity or ramifications

of the attack upon him sustain the trustworthiness of these communications”).

      {¶31} Tebelman argues, however, that the fact that G.B. made these

statements in response to Kim’s questions deprive them of being spontaneous and

therefore exclude them as being excited utterances. In State v. Wallace, the Ohio

Supreme Court noted the contrary:

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Case No. 12-09-01

       [T]he admission of a declaration as an excited utterance is not
       precluded by questioning which: (1) is neither coercive nor
       leading, (2) facilitates the declarant’s expression of what is
       already the natural focus of the declarant’s thoughts, (3) and
       does not destroy the domination of the nervous excitement over
       the declarant’s reflective facilities.

State v. Wallace, 37 Ohio St.3d 87, 93, 524 N.E.2d 466.

       {¶32} As noted above, at the time G.B. made the statements to Kim, she

had already expressed physical discomfort from the injuries caused by the rape. It

is only after Kim noticed redness and dried blood around G.B.’s vaginal and

rectum areas that she asked G.B. what happened.          Kim’s questioning of G.B.

simply served to facilitate G.B.’s expression rather than to cause reflection.

       {¶33} G.B. made similar disclosures to Robin Priest the next day. Kim

asked Robin to babysit G.B. while she went to work. Robin testified that she and

G.B. were at the park when G.B. exhibited discomfort in her genital region and

unprompted, stated that she hurt and it burned and that Robbie did it. Robin

testified that she did not comment on G.B.’s statement and that the conversation

ended. G.B. experienced the same physical burning and discomfort she had when

she made the initial disclosures to Kim. Clearly, G.B. was still under the stress of

excitement when she made these comments to Robin.

       {¶34} Furthermore, even if G.B.’s statements to Kim and Robin did not

qualify as excited utterances, the admission of this evidence constituted harmless

error. G.B.’s testimony describing the sexual abuse by Tebelman, in conjunction

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Case No. 12-09-01

with the medical testimony corroborating that G.B. sustained injuries consistent

with the described abuse, could have sustained a guilty verdict absent any

improper admission these statements.

       {¶35} Tebelman also summarily asserts that the trial court erred by

admitting the statements G.B. made to “medical professionals.” In total, five

medical professionals testified at trial, four on behalf of the State and one for the

defense. Dr. Megan McGraw, a witness for the State, conducted a follow up

examination of G.B. McGraw performed a physical examination and did not re-

interview G.B. Thus, she did not testify to any statements G.B. made to her. The

remaining medical professionals who testified to statements made by G.B. were

Kelly Michael, Dr. Robert Wood, Dr. Randall Schlievert, and Diane Gable.

       {¶36} The State argues that the statements G.B. made to these witnesses

were properly admitted under Evid. R. 803(4) which states in part:

       Statements made for purposes of medical diagnosis or treatment
       and describing medical history, or past or present symptoms,
       pain, or sensations, or the inception or general character of the
       cause or external source thereof insofar as reasonably pertinent
       to diagnosis or treatment.

       {¶37} When analyzing the admissibility of a statement under this exception

to the hearsay rule, the primary inquiry is whether the statements were made for

purpose of diagnosis and treatment rather than for some other purpose. The trial

court’s consideration of the purpose of these statements depends on the facts of a

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Case No. 12-09-01

particular case. This is especially true when assessing a child’s statements made

to medical professionals. The trial court should consider factors such as the

child’s age, the child’s motive to fabricate, the consistency of the child’s

declarations, and whether the child appreciated the need to be truthful to medical

personnel.2 See State v. Muttart, 116 Ohio St.3d 5, 2007-Ohio-5267, 875 N.E.2d

944. Additionally, the trial court should consider the manner in which the medical

professional elicited a disclosure of abuse from the child. Id. We address each of

the medical professionals in turn.

         {¶38} When G.B. arrived at the Toledo Hospital on November 6, 2008,

Kelly Michael, a SANE nurse, was the first to examine her. Michael testified that

she worked at the hospital for nine years and in that time performed approximately

80 adult and 50 child SANE cases. Michael testified that G.B. was aware she was

in a hospital because she was “sick” and she understood that Michael, as a nurse,

was there to help her. Michael asked G.B. where she hurt. G.B. answered, “my

who-who” and pointed to her vaginal area. Michael then asked G.B. why it hurt.

G.B. replied stating that Tebelman played a porcupine game with her. Michael

testified that she does not like to interrupt the patient, whether a child or an adult,

so she permitted G.B. to continue to talk about the porcupine game.                                  G.B.

described the game as one involving a stick, blueberries, a flower and a leaf and

2
 It should be noted that statements made to a social worker or therapist may also be admitted under this
rule if found to have been made for purpose of diagnosis or treatment. Muttart, 116 Ohio St.3d at 15.

                                                   -23-
Case No. 12-09-01

stated that Tebelman stuck the leaf up her “who-who.” Michael further testified

that she examined G.B.’s vagina and rectum.         As Michael examined G.B.’s

rectum, G.B. told her that Robbie had put a book inside her “butt” and she pointed

to where he touched her.

         {¶39} G.B.’s disclosure about the games she and Tebelman played and the

injuries to G.B.’s vagina and anus prompted Michael to ask Dr. Wood, the

Emergency Room doctor on duty, to examine G.B. Dr. Wood testified that he

introduced himself to G.B. and asked if she was feeling any discomfort and how

her injuries occurred. Dr. Wood testified that G.B. told him the injuries occurred

from her mother’s boyfriend.

         {¶40} Diane Gable also testified on behalf of the State. As a licensed

social worker, Gable testified that she engaged in play therapy with G.B. to assist

her in coping with her abuse. Gable testified that she explained to G.B. her role as

a counselor and G.B. acknowledged that her father wanted her to see Gable “to get

better.” During the therapy sessions, G.B. made disclosures to Gable about the

abuse.     In one such instance, Gable testified that she worked with G.B. to

distinguish between safe and unsafe touching and used a picture of a girl in a

swimsuit as a demonstrative aid. Gable testified that G.B. pointed to the area

between the girl’s legs and stated that Tebelman touched her “who-who” with a

porcupine.     Gable further testified that when G.B. discussed the abuse she

                                       -24-
Case No. 12-09-01

oscillated between stating that Tebelman used a porcupine and his finger. Gable

testified that throughout the several therapy sessions she conducted, G.B.

consistently indentified Tebelman as the perpetrator and continued to state that he

put his finger in her who-who and that they played the porcupine game in which

he inappropriately touched her “butt.”

      {¶41} Dr. Schlievert testified for the defense. He performed a follow up

examination of G.B. to assess her physical injuries and also stated that he did not

re-interview G.B. Like Dr. Wood, his conversation with G.B. was limited to

introductions and asking her if she understood why she was at his office. Dr.

Schlievert testified that G.B. did not disclose any statements about the abuse. He

testified that G.B. was conversational until he asked her if anything happened to

her “butt.” He testified that G.B. became very emotional and yelled “no” and then

stated that “I don’t live with Robbie any more because I don’t like him.” Dr.

Schlievert further testified that he did not conduct any type of interview because

G.B.’s emotional state was not conducive to participate in a discussion.

      {¶42} In reviewing the record it is clear that the primary purpose for the

medical professionals’ interaction with G.B. was to provide medical treatment. In

each of these instances the trial court properly admitted G.B.’s statements as an

exception to the hearsay rule under Evid.R. 803(4). There is no indication that any

of the medical professionals solicited G.B.’s disclosures in a leading manner. In

                                         -25-
Case No. 12-09-01

most cases, G.B. voluntarily disclosed the details of the abuse. There was no

indication G.B. had a motive to fabricate her statements. At the time G.B. made

these statements, she understood that she was receiving some type of assistance to

make her “better.” Additionally, G.B. consistently told the same version of events

to each medical professional over a six month period. All of these factors are

indicia of reliability that demonstrate the trial court did not abuse its discretion in

finding G.B.’s statements were made for the purposes of medical diagnosis and

treatment. Tebelman’s second assignment of error is therefore overruled.

                       The Third Assignment of Error

       {¶43} In his third assignment of error, Tebelman argues that his conviction

was not supported by sufficient evidence and was against the manifest weight of

the evidence.

       {¶44} In the former, the court must determine whether the evidence

submitted is legally sufficient to support all of the elements of the offense charged.

State v. Thompkins (1997), 78 Ohio St.3d 380, 386-87, 678 N.E.2d 541. In the

latter, the appeals court acts as a “thirteenth juror” to determine whether the trier

of fact lost its way and created such a manifest miscarriage of justice that the

conviction must be overturned and a new trial ordered. Id. at 387. Specifically,

we must determine whether the State has presented evidence which, if believed,

would convince the average mind of the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable

                                         -26-
Case No. 12-09-01

doubt.     The test is, viewing the evidence in a light most favorable to the

prosecution, could any rational trier of fact have found the essential elements of

the crime proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Id. at 390; State v. Jenks (1991), 61

Ohio St.3d 259, paragraph two of the syllabus, 574 N.E.2d 492. See also, State v.

Eley (1978), 56 Ohio St.2d 169, 383 N.E.2d 132; State v. Barns (1986), 25 Ohio

St.3d 203, 492 N.E.2d 192.

         {¶45} Tebelman was convicted of one count of rape in violation of R.C.

2907.02(A)(1)(b). The relevant elements are as follows:

         No person shall engage in sexual conduct with another who is
         not the spouse of the offender or who is the spouse of the
         offender but is living separate and apart from the offender,
         when any of the following applies:
         ***
         [T]he other person is less than thirteen years of age, whether or
         not the offender knows the age of the other person.

In addition to the elements above, the prosecution had to prove the following three

specifications. G.B. was under ten years of age, Tebelman compelled her to

submit by force or threat of force, and Tebelman caused G.B. to suffer serious

physical harm.

         {¶46} Several facts emerge from the record which are undisputed on

appeal. G.B. had just turned five years old when the incident occurred, and was

thereby well under ten years of age.      Tebelman and G.B had a very close

relationship. Tebelman lived with G.B. and her mother for two and a half years

                                       -27-
Case No. 12-09-01

and they all lived together in Columbus Grove at the time the incident occurred.

Tebelman testified that he played a large role as G.B.’s caretaker. Although G.B.

never referred to Tebelman as a father figure, by all accounts G.B. adored him

affectionately calling him her Robbie.

       {¶47} The medical testimony from both the State and the defense witnesses

was overwhelmingly indicative of anal rape. Pictures of G.B.’s injuries were

admitted at trial showing two lacerations on her anus. Dr. Schlievert, a witness for

the defense, testified that had those injuries been inflicted on any other part of the

body, such as the arm, leg, or face, they would have required stitches. In addition,

G.B. independently complained of pain and discomfort in her genital area over a

three day period, from November 4 to November 6, 2008, to Kim and Mark

Fletcher, Robin Priest and Kelly Michael. Michael testified that, during the SANE

examination, G.B. pointed to her rectum where she claimed Robbie touched her

and where the lacerations were also present. Michael testified that this area was

still very tender and continued to cause G.B. to experience pain. Furthermore, Dr.

McGraw conducted a follow up examination of G.B. on November 19, 2008, and

testified that one of the lacerations on G.B.’s anus remained significant and

noticeably deeper than a superficial tear despite the passing of a two week period.

Dr. McGraw also testified the area where the laceration was located was still “very

tender” to the touch when she examined G.B.

                                         -28-
Case No. 12-09-01

       {¶48} In sum, the testimony of these witnesses demonstrated that the

injuries to five-year old G.B. were significant and that she suffered prolonged pain

over a period of at least two weeks. Accordingly, in our view, there is no question

that the evidence was sufficient to establish that G.B.’s injuries constituted serious

physical harm.

       {¶49} On appeal, the only issue Tebelman contests is whether the

prosecution offered sufficient evidence to identify and convict him as the

perpetrator.     The majority of Tebelman’s argument hinges on trial court’s

determination of G.B.’s competency to testify and the admissibility of G.B.’s

statements to people around her and medical professionals as to his identity.

Tebelman asserts that there were many people with the opportunity to commit the

rape. On the other hand, in G.B.’s testimony and in the numerous times she retold

the story to other witnesses, Tebelman was consistently identified as the person

who raped her.

       {¶50} Thus, after viewing all the evidence in a light most favorable to the

prosecution, the evidence was sufficient for a rational trier of fact to find beyond a

reasonable doubt that Tebelman committed the offense of rape. Moreover, given

the overwhelming evidence presented at trial in support of a guilty verdict, this

Court cannot find that the jury lost its way in convicting Tebelman of this offense.

Accordingly, Tebelman’s third assignment of error is overruled.

                                        -29-
Case No. 12-09-01

                          The Fourth Assignment of Error

       {¶51} In his final assignment of error, Tebelman argues that the trial court

abused its discretion because it failed to consider the sentencing statutes in R.C.

2929.11-2929.14 when it sentenced Tebelman to the maximum sentence, life

imprisonment with no parole.

       {¶52} Trial courts have full discretion to impose a prison sentence within

the statutory range. State v. Mathis, 109 Ohio St.3d 54, 62, 846, 2006-Ohio-855,

N.E.2d 1. Although a trial court is no longer required to make findings or give

their reasons for imposing a maximum sentence, it is still required to consider the

principles of sentencing set forth in R.C. 2929.11. However, as this Court has

noted, “the trial court is not required to discuss the factors on the record or even to

state on the record that it has considered the statutory language.” State v. Scott,

2008-Ohio-86, ¶ 49.

       {¶53} R.C. 2907.02(B) provides that if the offender during or immediately

after the commission of the offense caused serious physical harm to the victim or

if the victim is under the age of ten, the offender is subject to life imprisonment

without parole. The sentencing judge is therefore permitted to sentence Tebelman

to life without parole upon finding either that the child was under the age of ten at

the time of the offense or that the victim suffered serious physical harm as a result

of the offense. In this case, the sentencing judge and the jury found both factors

                                         -30-
Case No. 12-09-01

present.3 As such, by acting clearly within its statutory authority, the trial court

did not abuse its discretion in sentencing Tebelman to life imprisonment with no

parole. Tebelman fourth assignment of error is overruled.

        {¶54} Based on the foregoing, the April 13, 2009 Judgment of the Court of

Common Pleas of Putnam County, Ohio sentencing Tebelman to life

imprisonment without parole for his conviction for rape is affirmed.

                                                                             Judgment Affirmed

PRESTON, P.J., concurs.

/jlr

ROGERS, J., concurring separately.

        {¶54} While I concur with the result reached by the majority, I feel it

necessary to make two observations.

        {¶55} First, the hearsay exceptions defined in Evid.R. 803(4) are limited to

statements made for the purpose of medical diagnosis or treatment. The original

theory and purpose of the exception contained in Evid.R. 803(4) were to promote

accurate diagnosis and treatment of physical injuries and/or disease by physicians.

3
  Both the jury and the judge found Tebelman guilty of all three specifications including that Tebelman
compelled G.B to submit by force or threat of force, in addition to G.B. being under the age of ten and
Tebelman causing her serious physical harm.

                                                -31-
Case No. 12-09-01

Nowhere in this portion of Evid.R. 803(4) is there an exception included for social

workers or therapists. Unless and until the proper method of amendment to the

Rules of Evidence has been followed, this Court and the Ohio Supreme Court

should avoid any attempt to include such persons or professions within the stated

exception. If an extension of the rule is desired, let it proceed in the required

manner for amendments to the Rules of Evidence.

       {¶56} It appears that some of the discussion between licensed social

worker Diane Gable and G.B. was simply sex education, but it led to statements

about the abuse which the majority accepts as proper exception under Evid.R.

803(4). Although I think that these statements provided to the social worker

should have been excluded in this case, I find any such error to be harmless due to

the amount of properly admitted evidence.

       {¶57} Second, the majority opinion takes the term “serious physical harm”

too lightly.

       {¶58} R.C. 2901.01(A) contains the following definition for serious

physical harm.

       (5) "Serious physical harm to persons" means any of the
       following:
       (a) Any mental illness or condition of such gravity as would
       normally require hospitalization or prolonged psychiatric
       treatment;
       (b) Any physical harm that carries a substantial risk of death;

                                       -32-
Case No. 12-09-01

       (c) Any physical harm that involves some permanent
       incapacity, whether partial or total, or that involves some
       temporary, substantial incapacity;
       (d) Any physical harm that involves some permanent
       disfigurement or that involves some temporary, serious
       disfigurement;
       (e) Any physical harm that involves acute pain of such
       duration as to result in substantial suffering or that involves any
       degree of prolonged or intractable pain.

R.C. 2901.01(A)(5)(a)-(e).

       {¶59} Only R.C. 2901.01(A)(5)(e) could possibly apply in this case.

Although the majority discusses lacerations, and pain and discomfort that may

have lasted for two weeks, I do not find that these constitute serious physical harm

as defined by the statute.

       {¶60} However, R.C. 2907.02(B) provides that, when the victim is less

then ten years of age, the trial court may impose a sentence of life imprisonment

without parole. Therefore, I find no error in the sentence imposed in this case.

/jlr

                                        -33-