Court Opinion

ID: 2654610
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2014-02-26 01:03:21.307227+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T09:11:46.080477
License: Public Domain

February 25 2014

                                           DA 12-0564

                  IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF MONTANA

                                           2014 MT 47

STATE OF MONTANA,

              Plaintiff and Appellee,

         v.

RICHARD SCHAEFFER,

              Defendant and Appellant.

APPEAL FROM:            District Court of the Eleventh Judicial District,
                        In and For the County of Flathead, Cause No. DC 11-015B
                        Honorable Katherine R. Curtis, Presiding Judge

COUNSEL OF RECORD:

                For Appellant:

                        Wade Zolynski, Chief Appellate Defender, Eileen A. Larkin, Assistant
                        Appellate Defender, Helena, Montana

                For Appellee:

                        Timothy C. Fox, Montana Attorney General, Pamela P. Collins, Assistant
                        Attorney General, Helena, Montana

                        Ed Corrigan, Flathead County Attorney, Kalispell, Montana

                        Brett O’Neil, Special Assistant Attorney General, Helena, Montana

                                                    Submitted on Briefs: January 22, 2014
                                                               Decided: February 25, 2014

Filed:

                        __________________________________________
                                          Clerk
Chief Justice Mike McGrath delivered the Opinion of the Court.

¶1     Richard Schaeffer appeals from his conviction of the crime of felony theft by

insurance fraud in the Eleventh Judicial District Court, Flathead County. We affirm.

¶2     Schaeffer presents the following issues for review:

¶3      Issue One: Whether the District Court erred when it instructed the jury on the
definition of an insurance administrator.

¶4    Issue Two: Whether this Court should conduct plain error review of the State’s
remarks during closing argument.

¶5    Issue Three: Whether the District Court erred by ordering Schaeffer to pay restitution
when the affidavit of loss was prepared by an independent adjuster.

¶6     Issue Four: Whether Schaeffer received ineffective assistance of counsel.

                  PROCEDURAL AND FACTUAL BACKGROUND

¶7     This case arises from an insurance claim filed by Schaeffer for a faulty roof on the

home he was building for his son. Schaeffer purchased materials for the metal roof from

Glacier Steel Roofing, and hired Reese Hindman to install the roof. On August 31, 2007,

Schaeffer submitted an online complaint to the Montana Insurance Department, claiming that

the roof installed by Hindman leaked. He also filed a claim with Glacier Steel Roofing’s

insurance carrier, which sent an independent adjuster, Tom Damon, to investigate the claim.

Damon determined that Hindman had not properly installed the roof, and the insurer settled

the claim. Scheaffer and his wife asked Ken Schweigert to repair the poorly installed roof.

Schweigert replaced some of the roofing panels and installed ice shield and snow breaks in

some areas of the roof, but did not fully replace the roof.

¶8     The following spring, Scheaffer called Schweigert to complain that the roof was

leaking again. Schweigert responded that he was busy with other roofing jobs, but would

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look at the roof when he could. Schweigert did not return to repair the roof, and in

December of 2008, Scheaffer filed a claim with Schweigert’s insurance company, Penn-Star.

Penn-Star hired an independent adjuster, Dave Muzzana, to investigate the claim. Muzzana

interviewed Scheaffer and examined the roof. Scheaffer explained that the roof had

originally been installed by Hindman, but had been redone by Schweigert. Muzzana asked

Scheaffer if the roof had leaked prior to Schweigert’s work, and Scheaffer responded that it

had not. Muzzana recommended that Penn-Star pay Scheaffer’s claim in the amount of

$25,079.97. Penn-Star paid the claim and billed Schweigert for his policy deductible. When

Schweigert learned that Penn-Star had paid Scheaffer’s claim, he informed Penn-Star there

had been problems with the original roof, and that he had not replaced the entire roof, but

only portions. He also submitted a complaint to the Montana Insurance Department.

¶9     Scheaffer was charged with felony theft by insurance fraud on January 12, 2011. He

pled not guilty, and at the omnibus hearing prior to trial, stated he did not intend to rely on a

defense of mental disease or defect, but he did intend to argue that he did not have the

requisite mental state. On October 17, 2011, approximately one week before trial was set to

begin, the defense moved for a continuance and submitted a letter by neurologist Dr. Bret

Lindsay, who stated that Schaeffer was being treated for “sequela of multiple traumatic brain

injuries associated with depression and cognitive and memory disturbance.” The trial date

was continued to February 6, 2012. On January 12, 2012, counsel for Scheaffer submitted a

list of lay witnesses that included Dr. Lindsay. The State moved to exclude Dr. Lindsay on

the grounds that his testimony would likely be used to establish a mental disease or defect, a

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defense that had not been disclosed at the omnibus hearing. The defense then withdrew Dr.

Lindsay as a witness.

¶10    At trial, the State requested the following jury instruction: “An administrator is a

person who adjusts or settles claims in connection with life, disability, property, or casualty

insurance.” The State offered the instruction to show that Muzzana, an adjuster, could be

considered an “insurer, purported insurer, producer, or administrator,” and therefore

encompassed by the insurance fraud statute, § 33-1-1202(1), MCA. The defense objected to

this instruction, arguing that it was both unnecessary, because Muzzana was acting on behalf

of an insurer and therefore clearly within the statute, and inaccurate, because an adjuster is

not an administrator.     The District Court concluded that the statutory definition of

administrator did not exclude independent adjusters, and gave the instruction.

¶11    During closing argument, the State made the following remarks:

       We all know insurance rates are getting higher and getting higher. This type
       of behavior contributes to all our insurance rates escalating. The State feels
       this type of event simply cannot be condoned. The State’s passed laws to do
       that, the State has charged its officers with enforcing the law, that’s where
       we’re at right now.

The defense did not object to the State’s closing argument. Scheaffer was convicted. The

presentencing investigation report (PSI) included an affidavit of loss submitted by Muzzana

on behalf of Penn-Star, stating that Penn-Star had sustained a loss of $25,079.97. Scheaffer

received a six-year deferred sentence and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of

$25,079.97.

                                STANDARD OF REVIEW

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¶12    We review jury instructions in a criminal case to determine whether the district court

abused its discretion. State v. Swann, 2007 MT 126, ¶ 32, 337 Mont. 326, 160 P.3d 511. A

district court has broad discretion when it instructs a jury. Swann, ¶ 32. Reversible error

exists only where the instructions prejudicially affect the defendant’s substantial rights.

State v. Hovey, 2011 MT 3, ¶ 10, 359 Mont. 100, 248 P.3d 303.

¶13    This Court generally does not review claims of prosecutorial misconduct arising from

statements made in closing argument when the statements at issue were not objected to at

trial. State v. Aker, 2013 MT 253, ¶ 21, 371 Mont. 491, 310 P.3d 506. We may do so,

however, pursuant to our discretionary power of plain error review. State v. Finley, 276

Mont. 126, 137, 915 P.2d 208, 215 (1996), rev’d in part on other grounds, State v.

Gallagher, 2001 MT 39, ¶ 21, 304 Mont. 215, 19 P.3d 817.

¶14    A criminal sentence that does not include at least one year of actual incarceration is

reviewed first for legality, and then for abuse of discretion. State v. McMaster, 2008 MT

268, ¶¶ 20-21, 345 Mont. 172, 190 P.3d 302. We review record-based claims of ineffective

assistance of counsel de novo. Aker, ¶ 22.

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                                       DISCUSSION

¶15 Issue One: Whether the District Court erred when it instructed the jury on the
definition of an insurance administrator.

¶16    Scheaffer argues that the instruction defining an administrator as “a person who

adjusts or settles claims in connection with life, disability, property, or casualty insurance”

effectively removed the State’s burden to prove that Muzzana was one of the parties

encompassed by the insurance fraud statute. He argues that an adjuster cannot be an

administrator, because the term “adjuster” is defined separately.

¶17    The purpose of jury instructions is to ensure decisions that are consistent with the law.

Hovey, ¶ 10. A district court must take care to provide instructions that fully and fairly state

the applicable law. Swann, ¶ 32. Instructions should also be as plain, clear, and concise as

possible. Hovey, ¶ 10.

¶18    A person commits the act of insurance fraud when, for the purpose of obtaining

money or benefits, he or she presents false or misleading information to “any insurer,

purported insurer, producer, or administrator, as defined in 33-17-102 . . . .” Section

33-1-1202(1), MCA. An administrator is defined by statute as “a person who collects

charges or premiums from residents of this state in connection with life, disability, property,

or casualty insurance or annuities or who adjusts or settles claims on these coverages.”

Section 33-17-102(3)(a), MCA. An adjuster is defined as “a person who, on behalf of the

insurer, for compensation as an independent contractor or as the employee of an independent

contractor or for a fee or commission investigates and negotiates the settlement of claims

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arising under insurance contracts or otherwise acts on behalf of the insurer.” Section

33-17-102(1)(a), MCA.

¶19    When interpreting a statute, we look first to the plain meaning of the words used by

the Legislature. State v. Ankeny, 2010 MT 224, ¶ 21, 358 Mont. 32, 243 P.3d 391. If the

intent of the Legislature can be determined from the plain language of the statute, no further

means of interpretation may be applied. Ankeny, ¶ 21. The statutory definition of

“administrator” plainly states that an administrator may be a person who collects charges or

premiums from consumers, or a person who adjusts or settles claims.                      Section

33-17-102(3)(a), MCA. The definition does not require an administrator to perform both of

these functions. Section 33-17-102(3)(a), MCA. The definition also excludes twelve

specific categories of persons or entities who are not administrators. Section 33-17-

102(3)(b), MCA. For example, an attorney who adjusts or settles claims, but who does not

collect charges or premiums, is excluded. Section 33-17-102(3)(b)(xi), MCA. Independent

adjusters are not excluded. Section 33-17-102(3)(b), MCA. We cannot reasonably conclude

that the Legislature intended to exclude independent adjusters from a definition that includes

the phrase “a person . . . who adjusts or settles claims,” and fails to list independent adjusters

among an extensive list of specific exclusions.

¶20    The instruction given by the District Court accurately stated the applicable law in a

plain and concise manner. Moreover, Scheaffer cannot show he was prejudiced by the

instruction when he admitted at trial that Muzzana, as an agent of Penn-Star, was

encompassed by the term “insurer.” The District Court did not abuse its discretion when it

instructed the jury that an administrator is a person who adjusts or settles claims.

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¶21 Issue Two: Whether this Court should conduct plain error review of the State’s
remarks during closing argument.

¶22     We exercise plain error review only where the defendant’s constitutional rights are

implicated and failure to review the claimed error “may result in a manifest miscarriage of

justice, may leave unsettled the question of the fundamental fairness of the trial or

proceedings, or may compromise the integrity of the judicial process.” Finley, 276 Mont. at

137, 915 P.2d at 215.

¶23     Prejudice as a result of improper comments made by a prosecutor during closing

argument is not presumed. State v. Gladue, 1999 MT 1, ¶ 27, 293 Mont. 1, 972 P.2d 827.

The defendant must demonstrate that the comments of the prosecutor, when viewed in the

context of the case as a whole, violated his or her right to a fair and impartial trial. Gladue,

¶ 27.

¶24     Schaeffer was convicted following a two-day trial. The evidence against him

included an audio recording of his statements to Muzzana that the roof had not leaked prior

to Schweigert’s repairs, and a copy of his written statement to the Montana Insurance

Department stating that the roof installed by Hindman leaked.               Schaeffer has not

demonstrated that the prosecutor’s reference to rising insurance rates was prejudicial when

viewed in this context. Accordingly, we are not convinced that failure to review his claims

will result in a manifest miscarriage of justice, leave unsettled the fundamental fairness of the

trial, or compromise the integrity of the judicial process. See Finley, 276 Mont. at 137, 915

P.2d at 215. We decline to exercise plain error review.

¶25 Issue Three: Whether the District Court erred by ordering Schaeffer to pay restitution
when the affidavit of loss was prepared by an independent adjuster.

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¶26    The District Court ordered Schaeffer to pay restitution in the amount of $25,079.97,

based on the affidavit of loss, which was signed “Penn Star Ins. Co. by Dave Muzzana.”

Scheaffer argues he cannot be required to pay restitution absent an affidavit by the victim,

and Muzzana’s affidavit on behalf of Penn-Star does not satisfy this requirement.

¶27    If a sentencing court finds that a victim has sustained a pecuniary loss, it must order

the offender to pay full restitution. Section 46-18-241(1), MCA. Pecuniary loss includes

“all special damages . . . substantiated by evidence in the record . . . .” Section 46-18-

243(1)(a), MCA. Although restitution is mandatory, the sentencing court must comply with

“detailed procedures and qualifications” before it is authorized to impose a sentence of

restitution. State v. Pritchett, 2000 MT 261, ¶ 7, 302 Mont. 1, 11 P.3d 539.

¶28    When the court believes a victim may have sustained a pecuniary loss, “the court shall

order the probation officer . . . to include in the [PSI] . . . an affidavit that specifically

describes the victim’s pecuniary loss and the replacement value in dollars of the loss,

submitted by the victim.” Section 46-18-242(1)(b), MCA. We have construed this

requirement strictly, remanding where the victim submitted a written statement of loss that

was not a sworn affidavit. State v. Hunt, 2009 MT 265, ¶¶ 21-22, 352 Mont. 70, 214 P.3d

1234. We have also remanded where the affidavit was not supported by documentation,

under earlier statutes so requiring. Pritchett, ¶ 13.

¶29    While reasonable efforts should be made to confer with the victim when determining

pecuniary loss, the victim is not required to participate in preparation of the PSI. Section

46-18-112(1)(f), MCA. In fact, a sentencing court may order restitution on a victim’s behalf,

even if the victim cannot be located. Section 46-18-250(1), MCA. The affidavit of loss is

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not the only evidence that may be considered when determining the victim’s pecuniary loss.

McMaster, ¶ 35. An order of restitution may also be based upon testimony at the sentencing

hearing. McMaster, ¶ 35. Where a PSI does not meet statutory requirements, the defect may

be remedied by a full evidentiary hearing. State v. Dunkerson, 2003 MT 234, ¶ 18, 317

Mont. 228, 76 P.3d 1085.

¶30    The affidavit submitted by Muzzana on behalf of Penn-Star satisfied the requirement

of a victim-submitted affidavit. Determining the amount of loss related to Scheaffer’s claim

was within the scope of duties delegated to Muzzana by Penn-Star. He was authorized to

investigate and settle the claim on their behalf. The affidavit was properly sworn. It was

also supported by documentation, including Muzzana’s report and recommendation for

payment of Schaeffer’s claim in the amount of $25,097.79. The report included itemized

estimates supporting the amount. The defects which have previously justified our remand of

a restitution order are not present here. See e.g. Hunt, ¶ 22; Pritchett, ¶ 13.

¶31    Moreover, although an affidavit was submitted in this case, Penn-Star was not

obligated to participate directly in preparing the PSI. Section 46-18-112(1)(f), MCA. The

District Court was authorized to accept evidence of Penn-Star’s loss at the time of

sentencing. See McMaster, ¶ 35. At sentencing, Muzzana testified that he recommended

payment of $25,079.97 and that a check was issued by Penn-Star directly to Schaeffer. He

was subject to cross-examination. Documentation substantiating the amount of the claim

was in evidence. Scheaffer introduced evidence challenging the amount. Scheaffer and his

wife testified in his defense. This hearing was sufficient to remedy the alleged lack of a

victim-submitted affidavit. See Dunkerson, ¶ 18.

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¶32    The District Court’s finding that Penn-Star had suffered pecuniary loss in the amount

of $25,079.97 was substantiated by evidence in the record. Based on the finding that

Penn-Star had suffered a pecuniary loss, the District Court was required by statute to order

Schaeffer to pay restitution. Section 46-18-201(5), MCA. The sentence imposed was within

statutory parameters, and the District Court did not abuse its discretion.

¶33    Issue Four: Whether Schaeffer received ineffective assistance of counsel.

¶34    Schaeffer argues that his attorney provided ineffective assistance by disclosing Dr.

Lindsay as a lay witness, rather than as an expert. Scheaffer claims there is no plausible

justification for failing to disclose Dr. Lindsay as an expert. Before reaching the merits of

Scheaffer’s ineffective assistance claim, we must determine whether it is properly before the

Court on direct appeal. State v. Upshaw, 2006 MT 341, ¶ 33, 335 Mont. 162, 153 P.3d 579.

¶35    A claim of ineffective assistance of counsel may be raised on direct appeal where the

record reveals why counsel took, or failed to take, certain actions. Upshaw, ¶ 33. If the

record does not explain the actions of counsel, then the claim should be raised in a

postconviction proceeding before a district court, where an evidentiary record may be

developed. State v. Kougl, 2004 MT 243, ¶ 14, 323 Mont. 6, 97 P.3d 1095. Non-record

based claims may also be raised on direct appeal in those limited circumstances where

counsel either failed to do something that was required, or did something for which there is

no plausible justification. Kougl, ¶ 15. An attorney’s decision not to offer expert medical

testimony may be a reasonable tactical choice. State v. Jay, 2013 MT 79, ¶ 37, 369 Mont.

332, 298 P.3d 396.

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¶36    The record here does not explain why Scheaffer’s attorney chose not to offer Dr.

Lindsay as an expert witness.         There is no evidence in the record indicating what

information, if any, Dr. Lindsay would have been able to offer. We cannot affirmatively say

there is no plausible justification for the actions of counsel. See Jay, ¶ 37. Scheaffer’s claim

of ineffective assistance of counsel is dismissed without prejudice, and may be raised in a

petition for postconviction relief.

¶37    For the reasons stated above, the conviction is affirmed.

                                                   /S/ MIKE McGRATH

We Concur:

/S/ MICHAEL E WHEAT
/S/ PATRICIA COTTER
/S/ BETH BAKER
/S/ LAURIE McKINNON

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