Court Opinion

ID: 2759346
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2014-12-10 20:06:15.948872+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T08:49:46.826639
License: Public Domain

[Cite as Ogle v. Hocking Cty., 2014-Ohio-5422.]

                              IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
                                 FOURTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
                                      HOCKING COUNTY

MELANIE A. OGLE, et al.,                              :

        Plaintiffs-Appellants,                        :
                                                                      Case No. 14CA3
        v.                                            :
                                                                      DECISION AND
HOCKING COUNTY, et al.,                               :               JUDGMENT ENTRY

        Defendants-Appellees.                         :               RELEASED 12/8/2014

                                            APPEARANCES:

Melanie A. Ogle and Charles R. Ogle, Rockbridge, Ohio, pro se Appellants.

Randall L. Lambert, Lambert Law Office, Ironton, Ohio, for appellee Lanny North.

Hoover, J.

        {¶ 1} Melanie Ogle and Charles Ogle (collectively the “Ogles”) appeal the judgment of

the Hocking County Common Pleas Court that dismissed their claim of conspiracy to commit

trespass asserted against defendant-appellee, Lanny North, following a bench trial. On appeal,

the Ogles raise several assignments of error pertaining to the trial court’s findings of fact and

conclusions of law. The Ogles also contend that the trial court’s judgment is against the manifest

weight of the evidence. For the following reasons, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

        {¶ 2} On September 10, 2010, Melanie Ogle filed a complaint as “Citizen of Hocking

County.” Several months later, the trial court allowed the Ogles to file an amended complaint. In

the amended complaint, Melanie Ogle and Charles Ogle are listed as the plaintiffs instead of

“Citizen of Hocking County.”
Hocking App. No. 14CA3                                                                                2

       {¶ 3} The Ogles filed the amended complaint against Hocking County and approximately

30 other defendants, including defendant-appellee, North, who is the Hocking County Sheriff.

Other named defendants included various Hocking County elected officials, deputies of the

Hocking County Sheriff’s Office, and members of the Hocking County Prosecutor’s Office. The

amended complaint contained 10 counts in which the Ogles asserted multiple allegations against

the defendants.

       {¶ 4} Initially, some of the defendants were named in both their official and individual

capacities. On June 17, 2011, the trial court held a hearing and expressed concern that there may

be a conflict if one attorney was representing the defendants in both their individual and official

capacities. Eventually, however, the Ogles dismissed the individual-capacity claims against

every defendant, except for North.

       {¶ 5} The defendants filed a motion to dismiss under Civ.R. 12(B)(6). The trial court

granted the defendants’ motion to dismiss because, according to the trial court, the Ogles failed

to state a cause of action in any of the ten counts of their amended complaint. The Ogles,

however, appealed the trial court’s dismissal of their amended complaint, and this Court

determined that the Ogles had pled a viable cause of action for civil conspiracy to commit a

trespass (Count 3 of the amended complaint). See Ogle v. Hocking Cty., 4th Dist. Hocking No.

11CA31, 2013-Ohio-597, ¶¶ 12-16. Thus, this Court affirmed the trial court’s dismissal of the

remaining counts in the amended complaint, but reversed its dismissal with respect to Count 3

and remanded the case to the trial court. Id. at ¶¶ 29, 30, 38.

       {¶ 6} Following remand, the Ogles filed a motion for joinder of additional defendants

and for leave to file an amended complaint. The remaining defendants, meanwhile, filed a

motion for summary judgment. On September 4, 2013, the trial court denied the Ogles’ motion,
Hocking App. No. 14CA3                                                                                             3

granted the defendants’ motion for summary judgment as to the allegations asserted against

Laina Fetherolf1, and denied summary judgment concerning the allegations against North.

        {¶ 7} A bench trial on the Ogles’ remaining cause of action was held on October 15-16,

2013. Specifically at issue before the trial court, under Count 3 of the amended complaint, was

whether North conspired with “Columbia Gas Transmission/Off-Duty Services”, “Ohio

Power/American Electric Power”, and Fetherolf to trespass upon the Ogles’ property.

        {¶ 8} At trial, it was adduced that the Ogles once owned real property in Good Hope

Township, Hocking County, Ohio. On November 5, 2009, the property was transferred by the

Ogles to Ogleshill Farm, LLC. The property is a combination of wooded land and pastured

fields. Donaldson Road, a township road, runs through the property. The property is also subject

to an Oil, Gas & Storage Lease with Columbia Gas Transmission (“Columbia Gas”). The lease

grants Columbia Gas “all the oil and gas in and under the [property], together with the exclusive

right at all times to enter thereon and drill for, produce and market oil and gas, the right to store

gas in all strata underlying said premises, the right to inject and remove gas regardless of the

source thereof in and from all such strata, the right to conduct geophysical tests thereon, [and]

the right to possess, use and occupy so much of said premises as is necessary and convenient for

the purposes herein specified * * *.”

        {¶ 9} In 2008, Columbia Gas contacted the Ogles and informed them that it intended to

construct a new gas storage well on the property, add pipeline on the property, and to construct

an access road connecting the new well site to Donaldson Road. Columbia Gas offered the Ogles

pre-construction damages, but also informed the Ogles that damages could be resolved post-
1
 Count 3 of the amended complaint alleged that North conspired with “Columbia Gas Transmission/Off-Duty
Services”, “Ohio Power/American Electric Power”, and Fetherolf to trespass upon the Ogles’ property. The claim
was asserted against Fetherolf in her official capacity as the Hocking County Prosecuting Attorney. Columbia Gas
Transmission/Off Duty Services and Ohio Power/American Electric Power were not named defendants in the
amended complaint.
Hocking App. No. 14CA3                                                                              4

construction. The Ogles did not accept pre-construction damages. After lengthy negotiations

between the Ogles and Columbia Gas over the location of the well and access road, Columbia

Gas obtained a certificate of public convenience and necessity from the Federal Energy

Regulatory Commission (“FERC”). The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (“ODNR”) also

granted Columbia Gas a permit to proceed with the drilling of the well. The Ogles sought a

temporary and permanent injunction to prevent Columbia Gas from constructing the well, but the

injunction was denied by the Hocking County Common Pleas Court.

       {¶ 10} Columbia Gas entered the property on October 9, 2009, and conducted a survey of

the property. Three days later Columbia Gas entered the property with heavy equipment and

immediately began to construct the access road. The access road was graveled, and Columbia

Gas staked the area around the access road, well site, and pipelines. Columbia Gas also placed a

sign on the property informing all individuals to “stay within [the] staked boundaries of access

road and well location.” Construction of the access road, storage well, and the pipeline was

completed in December 2009.

       {¶ 11} Also in the summer of 2009, American Electric Power, dba Ohio Power, installed

an electric power transmission line along Donaldson Road. Installation of the power line required

that trees be cleared on the Ogles’ property and that seven or eight wooden electric poles be

placed on the property. The tree clearing and power line installation took place from late July

2009 through September 10, 2009. Prior to installation of the power line, Ohio Power had

obtained an easement, via appropriation proceedings, to construct the line over and across the

Ogles’ property.

       {¶ 12} For both utility projects, the Hocking County Sheriff’s Office was hired to provide

special duty security services. Special duty assignments allow members of the sheriff’s office to
Hocking App. No. 14CA3                                                                                             5

earn extra pay during off-duty hours by providing security services for private individuals and

entities. Ohio Power sought security for their personnel and equipment, as well as traffic control

along Donaldson Road. Columbia Gas, meanwhile, requested 24-hour security for their

equipment and personnel, as well as the equipment and personnel of their subcontractors. During

the special duty work for Ohio Power and Columbia Gas, the officers wore their sheriff issued

uniforms and drove their marked sheriff cruisers.

        {¶ 13} Captain Jerrod Alford of the Hocking County Sheriff’s Office testified at trial that

he was in charge of coordinating the special duty assignments with Ohio Power and Columbia

Gas. Alford communicated directly with members of Ohio Power and Off Duty Services2. Alford

discussed the special duty requests with North, and North ultimately gave permission for the

special duty work. However, Alford stated that North had no direct communications with either

Ohio Power or Columbia Gas. In regards to the Ohio Power special duty assignment, Alford

testified that he advised all officers to stay on the township road. Likewise, for the Columbia Gas

assignment, he advised all officers to stay within the access road and staked areas.

        {¶ 14} Several other officers from the sheriff’s office also testified at trial. Each officer

testified that for the Ohio Power assignment, they remained stationed on the township road; and

for the Columbia Gas assignment they remained parked on the access road. They all testified that

they rarely left their cruisers during the special duty assignments and never went outside of the

staked areas. The officers further testified that they were advised by Alford to stay on the access

road during the Columbia Gas detail, and that the access road was easily identifiable because it

had been freshly graveled. Each of the officers stated that they were hired to “keep the peace”

and to provide security for the equipment left at the work sites.

2
 Off Duty Services was apparently hired by Columbia Gas to provide security services at the Ogles’ property. Off
Duty Services in turn entered into a special duty contract with the sheriff’s office.
Hocking App. No. 14CA3                                                                                         6

        {¶ 15} On November 27, 20093, the Ogles sent to the Hocking County Sheriff’s Office,

via certified mail, a document titled “Notice to Leave.” The Notice to Leave ordered all

individuals employed by Off Duty Services, Inc., and the Hocking County Sheriff’s Office “to

cease further occupation” of the Ogles’ property and “to leave said premises immediately[.]” The

Notice to Leave was signed by Charles Ogle individually, and as agent for Ogleshill Farm, LLC.

After receiving the Notice to Leave, the sheriff officers remained on the access road until the

project was completed in December 2009.

        {¶ 16} Charles Ogle testified that he did not believe that Columbia Gas, or its agents, had

a right to enter his property because it had not paid him damages or otherwise settled a damage

award prior to the start of construction of the storage well. He also testified that some of the trees

cleared during the installation of the electric power line extended beyond the scope of Ohio

Power’s easement. He completed a sheriff’s incident report in regards to Ohio Power’s actions,

but alleges that nothing was done by the sheriff’s office. Two photographs were also introduced

during Mr. Ogle’s testimony, which purportedly depict a sheriff cruiser parked outside of the

staked boundaries established by Columbia Gas. The photographs were admitted as evidence. On

cross-examination, however, Mr. Ogle testified that he did not know the dates that the

photographs were taken. He also testified that the access road flared at its junction with

Donaldson Road to allow heavy equipment machinery to turn in and out of the property. He

further testified that the presence of the sheriff officers made him feel aggravated, intimidated,

anxious, and disparaged his character in the community.

        {¶ 17} During Melanie Ogle’s testimony, a video recording was played that allegedly

depicted a sheriff’s cruiser parked partially on Donaldson Road and partially on the Ogle

3
 The Notice to Leave is dated November 27, 2009. The trial testimony established that it was received by the
Hocking County Sheriff’s Office on November 28, 2009.
Hocking App. No. 14CA3                                                                                  7

property. Mrs. Ogle testified that the video was taken in October 2009, and that she “walked off”

and verified that the cruiser was outside of the staked boundaries. The video was not admitted as

evidence and thus is not a part of the appellate record. She also testified that she saw sheriff

officers outside of the staked area several times. The presence of the sheriff officers allegedly

made Mrs. Ogle suffer anxiety, emotional distress, nervousness, fainting, shaking, and

fearfulness of being alone or traveling alone.

           {¶ 18} North also testified at trial. North testified that he authorized his employees to

work the special duty assignments for Ohio Power and Columbia Gas/Off Duty Services after

discussing the assignments with Alford. He also authorized the use of the cruisers for the special

duty assignments. North testified that use of the cruisers was necessary for communication and

safety purposes and is typical of special duty assignments.4 North further testified that he never

worked the special duty assignments himself, and had never been to the Ogles’ property. He also

testified that he had no direct communications with Ohio Power, Columbia Gas, or Off Duty

Services. He acknowledged receipt of the Notice to Leave and indicated that he forwarded the

document to Fetherolf, the county prosecutor, for legal advice. After receiving advice that the

officers could remain on the property, he decided against terminating the special duty

assignment. Finally, he noted that he had no malice or ill-will towards the Ogles and that the

Ohio Power and Columbia Gas special duty assignments were handled no differently than past

special duty assignments conducted by the sheriff’s office.

           {¶ 19} On December 18, 2013, the trial court filed a final judgment entry with findings of

fact and conclusions of law dismissing the conspiracy to commit trespass claim with prejudice.

The trial court noted, inter alia, that the Ogles failed to prove the requisite elements of the cause

of action and that North was entitled to immunity pursuant to R.C. 2744.02.
4
    The county was reimbursed for use of the cruisers.
Hocking App. No. 14CA3                                                                            8

       {¶ 20} Thereafter, the Ogles filed a timely notice of appeal and set forth the following

assignments of error:

First Assignment of Error:

       THE TRIAL COURT ABUSED ITS DISCRETION AND ERRED AS A
       MATTER OF LAW TO THE PREJUDICE OF PLAINTIFFS-APPELLANTS IN
       FINDING THAT, “THERE COULD BE NO CLAIMS BY THE PLAINTIFFS,
       REGARDING CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT TRESPASS, AFTER NOVEMBER 5,
       2009.”
Second Assignment of Error:

       THE TRIAL COURT ERRED AS A MATTER OF RECORD TO THE
       PREJUDICE OF PLAINTIFFS-APPELLANTS IN FINDING THAT, “THE
       PLAINTIFFS HAVE PREVIOUSLY DISMISSED THE CLAIM AGAINST
       DEFENDANT LANNY NORTH IN HIS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY. THUS, THE
       REMAINING CLAIM ONLY CONCERNED THE DEFENDANT REGARDING
       HIS OFFICIAL CAPACITY.”
Third Assignment of Error:

       THE TRIAL COURT ABUSED ITS DISCRETION AND ERRED AS A
       MATTER OF LAW AND TO THE PREJUDICE OF PLAINTIFFS-
       APPELLANTS WHEN IT OMITTED CONSIDERATION OF ORC
       2911.21(A)(3) AND (A)(4) WHICH ALSO CONSTITUTE AND DEFINE A
       TRESPASS, IN ADDITION TO THE STATUTES CITED BY THE TRIAL
       COURT.
Fourth Assignment of Error:

       THE TRIAL COURT ABUSED ITS DISCRETION TO THE PREJUDICE OF
       PLAINTIFFS-APPELLANTS BY INFERRING IN ITS JUDGMENT A LEGAL
       EXISTENCE OF A COLUMBIA GAS EASEMENT ON PLAINTIFFS-
       APPELLANTS’ PROPERTY ON WHICH DEFENDANT-APPELLEE
       NORTH’S DEPUTIES HAD AUTHORITY AND/OR PRIVELEGE TO
       OCCUPY.
Fifth Assignment of Error:

       THE TRIAL COURT’S JUDGMENT IN FAVOR OF DEFENDANT-
       APPELLEE NORTH FOR CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT TRESPASS WAS
       AGAINST THE MANIFEST WEIGHT OF THE EVIDENCE, SINCE THERE
       WAS SUFFICIENT AND COMPETENT, CREDIBLE EVIDENCE TO
       SUPPORT A JUDGMENT IN FAVOR OF PLAINTIFFS-APPELLANTS, AND
       THAT DEFENDANT-APPELLEE NORTH’S AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE OF
Hocking App. No. 14CA3                                                                                 9

       “AUTHORITY AND PRIVILEGE” WAS NOT PROVEN BY A
       PREPONDERANCE OF THE EVIDENCE.
Sixth Assignment of Error:

       THE TRIAL COURT ERRED AS A MATTER OF LAWAND TO THE
       PREJUDICE OF PLAINTIFFS-APPELLANTS IN FINDING THAT
       DEFENDANT-APPELLEE NORTH WAS ENTITLED TO IMMUNITY.
       {¶ 21} “Generally, we will uphold a trial court’s judgment as long as the manifest weight

of the evidence supports it – that is, as long as some competent and credible evidence supports

it.” Bevens v. Wooten Landscaping, Inc., 4th Dist. Pike No. 11CA819, 2012-Ohio-5137, ¶ 12,

citing Eastley v. Volkman, 132 Ohio St. 3d 328, 2012-Ohio-2179, 972 N.E.2d 517, ¶ 17; Shemo v.

Mayfield Hts., 88 Ohio St. 3d 7, 10, 722 N.E.2d 1018 (2000); C.E. Morris Co. v. Foley Constr.

Co., 54 Ohio St. 2d 279, 376 N.E.2d 578 (1978), syllabus. “This standard of review is highly

deferential and even ‘some’ evidence is sufficient to support a court’s judgment and to prevent a

reversal.” Id., citing Barkley v. Barkley, 119 Ohio App. 3d 155, 159, 694 N.E.2d 989 (4th

Dist.1997); William v. Cole, 4th Dist. Adams No. 01CA725, 2002-Ohio-3596, ¶ 24.

       {¶ 22} “Although appellate courts will ordinarily afford great deference to a trial court’s

factual findings, appellate courts do not afford any deference to a trial court’s application of the

law. Instead, appellate courts must independently review whether a trial court properly applied

the law.” Id. at ¶ 13, citing Lovett v. Carlisle, 179 Ohio App. 3d 182, 2008-Ohio-5852, 901
N.E.2d 255, ¶ 16 (4th Dist.); Pottmeyer v. Douglas, 4th Dist. Washington No. 10CA7, 2010-

Ohio-5293, ¶ 21.

       {¶ 23} In their first assignment of error, the Ogles contend that the trial court erred in

determining that they had no viable cause of action after November 5, 2009. Specifically, the

trial court noted in its final judgment entry, that while the Ogles had established ownership of the

property prior to November 5, 2009, the evidence adduced at trial had also established that the
Hocking App. No. 14CA3                                                                               10

property was transferred to Ogleshill Farms, LLC, on November 5, 2009. Thus, the trial court

concluded that, “based upon this transfer, there could be no claims by the Plaintiffs, regarding

conspiracy to commit trespass, after November 5, 2009.”

        {¶ 24} At trial, it was discovered that the Ogles transferred the property to Ogleshill

Farm, LLC, on November 5, 2009; in the midst of the Columbia Gas project and the sheriff

office’s occupation of the property. Both Charles and Melanie Ogle testified that the property

was transferred to the limited liability company. A general warranty deed was also admitted into

evidence establishing the transfer to Ogleshill Farm, LLC, on November 5, 2009. Thus, the trial

court’s conclusion that the property was transferred to Ogleshill Farm, LLC, on November 5,

2009, is supported by competent and credible evidence.

        {¶ 25} Furthermore, the Ogles were not the real parties in interest and lacked standing to

assert any claims after the property was transferred on November 5, 2009. See Adams v. Pitorak

& Coenen Invests., Ltd., 11th Dist. Geauga No. 2011-G-3019, 2012-Ohio-3015, ¶ 42 (finding

that the real party in interest with standing to assert a trespass claim was the titleholder of the real

property). Following transfer of the property, the Ogles were no longer owners of the property.

Rather, Ogleshill Farm, LLC, was the property owner after November 5, 2009. Even if we were

to assume that the Ogles are the sole members of Ogleshill Farm, LLC, they still do not have

standing to sue on its behalf: “A ‘membership interest’ in a limited liability company * * * does

not confer upon the ‘member’ any specific interest in company property, whether personal

property or real property. Such property is, instead, held and owed [sic] solely by the company.”

In re Liber, Bankr.N.D.Ohio No. 08-37046, 2012 WL 1835164, *4 (May 18, 2012); see also

R.C. 1705.34. And, as North points out in his appellate brief, a limited liability company is a

legal entity capable of suing and being sued in Ohio. See R.C. 1705.03(A). Accordingly, the trial
Hocking App. No. 14CA3                                                                                 11

court did not err as a matter of law in determining that the Ogles were precluded from pursuing

their claim of conspiracy to commit trespass against North for any actions taking place after

November 5, 2009. The first assignment of error is overruled.

        {¶ 26} In their second assignment of error, the Ogles contend that the trial court erred in

finding that they had previously dismissed the conspiracy to commit trespass claim against North

in his individual capacity, and that only a claim against North in his official capacity remained

during trial.

        {¶ 27} In the case sub judice, the trial court did find in its final judgment entry that the

Ogles had dismissed their claim against North in his individual capacity. The Ogles are also

correct that the record does not support such a finding. As mentioned above, the Ogles

dismissed the individual-capacity claims against every defendant, except for North. For whatever

reason, however, throughout the proceedings below defense counsel acted as though the

individual-capacity claim against North had also been dismissed. For instance, in the motion for

summary judgment, defense counsel wrote that the Ogles “had dismissed all of the Hocking

County Defendants in their individual capacity.” [Memorandum in Support of Motion for

Summary Judgment, p. 2.] Likewise in its trial memorandum, defense counsel asserted that “the

Plaintiff’s dismissed all of the Hocking County Defendants in their individual capacities, which

included Defendant Lanny North.” [Trial Memorandum in Support of Sovereign Immunity, p. 2.]

And at trial, defense counsel again stated that “all of the individual defendants were dismissed at

some point in this case. Mr. North is here today in his official capacity as sheriff * * *.” [Trial

Tr., p. 401.]

        {¶ 28} Despite being aware of North’s wrongful assumption that all defendants had been

dismissed in their individual capacities, the Ogles never objected to the wrongful assumption or
Hocking App. No. 14CA3                                                                                12

attempted to correct the record. “It is a cardinal rule of appellate procedure that ‘an appellate

court will not consider any error which could have been brought to the trial court's attention, and

hence avoided or otherwise corrected.’ ”Woody v. Woody, 4th Dist. Athens No. 09CA34, 2010–

Ohio–6049, ¶ 26, quoting Schade v. Carnegie Body Co., 70 Ohio St. 2d 207, 210, 436 N.E.2d
1001 (1982). “In the absence of a proper objection, the party waives all but plain error.” Id. “In

the civil context, the plain error doctrine applies only when an error ‘seriously affects the basic

fairness, integrity, or public reputation of the judicial process.’ ” Id., quoting Goldfuss v.

Davidson, 79 Ohio St. 3d 116, 122-123, 679 N.E.2d 1099 (1997).

       {¶ 29} By acquiescing to the representations made to the trial court, the Ogles have

waived the opportunity to raise the issue on appeal. The trial court’s finding also does not

constitute plain error. The evidence adduced at trial did not indicate that North ever acted in his

personal capacity with regards to the special duty assignments at the Ogles’ property. Rather the

evidence established that special duty assignments are not uncommon, that North never

communicated directly with anyone from Ohio Power or Columbia Gas, and he has not even

been to the Ogles’ property. Thus, the error did not seriously affect the fairness or outcome of the

judicial proceedings. Accordingly, we overrule the Ogles’ second assignment of error.

       {¶ 30} In their third assignment of error, the Ogles contend that the trial court “abused its

discretion” and “erred as a matter of law” when it failed to consider whether North and the other

alleged co-conspirators had violated Ohio’s criminal trespass statute.
Hocking App. No. 14CA3                                                                                            13

         {¶ 31} In its final judgment entry, the trial court noted that in order to succeed on their

civil conspiracy claim, the Ogles needed to prove that there was in fact a trespass upon their

property.5 The trial court then defined trespass as follows:

         To constitute a trespass, a plaintiff must prove an unauthorized, intentional act

         and entry upon land in the possession of another. Ohio Revised Code § 2911.21

         defined a criminal trespass as knowingly entering, or remaining on, the land of

         another without privilege to do so or knowingly entering, or remaining on, the

         land of another, when the use of which is lawfully restricted to certain persons,

         purposes, modes, or hours, and the offender knows the offender is in violation of

         any such restriction or is reckless in that regard.

         {¶ 32} On appeal, the Ogles argue that the trial court wrongfully omitted from its

consideration, subsections (A)(3) and (A)(4) of R.C. 2911.21, which state as follows:

         (A) No person, without privilege to do so, shall do any of the following: * * *

         (3) Recklessly enter or remain on the land or premises of another, as to which

         notice against unauthorized access or presence is given by actual communication

         to the offender, or in a manner prescribed by law, or by posting in a manner

         reasonably calculated to come to the attention of potential intruders, or by fencing

         or other enclosure manifestly designed to restrict access;

         (4) Being on the land or premises of another, negligently fail or refuse to leave

         upon being notified by signage posted in a conspicuous place or otherwise being

         notified to do so by the owner or occupant, or the agent or servant of either.

5
  To succeed on a civil conspiracy claim, the plaintiff must prove: (1) a malicious combination; (2) involving two or
more persons; (3) causing injury to persons or property; and (4) the existence of an unlawful act independent from
the conspiracy itself. Ogle, supra, at ¶ 14. Here the alleged unlawful act was the trespass upon the Ogles’ property.
Hocking App. No. 14CA3                                                                              14

The Ogles contend that the trial court’s failure to consider subsections (A)(3) and (A)(4) of the

criminal trespass statute was prejudicial and denied them due process of law.

        {¶ 33} As an initial matter, we note that the definition of trespass used by the trial court

was provided by the Ogles at trial during their final argument to the court. [See Trial Tr., p. 431.]

The Ogles did not request that the trial court consider the criminal trespass statute. Thus, even if

arguably the trial court should have considered the statute in making its ruling, under the invited

error doctrine parties cannot take advantage of errors they invite or induce the trial court to

make. Dolan v. Glouster, 4th Dist. Athens Nos. 11CA18, 12CA1, 11CA19, 12CA6, 11CA33,

2014-Ohio-2017, ¶ 67; see also State ex rel. Kline v. Carroll, 96 Ohio St. 3d 404, 2002-Ohio-

4849, 775 N.E.2d 517, ¶ 27 (Under invited error doctrine, “a party is not entitled to take

advantage of an error that he himself invited or induced the court to make.”); State v. Rohrbaugh,

126 Ohio St. 3d 421, 2010-Ohio-3286, 934 N.E.2d 920, ¶ 10 (even plain error is waived where

party invited the error).

        {¶ 34} Furthermore, as discussed more fully below, the record evidence establishes that

the utility companies and the sheriff officers were authorized to be on the Ogles’ property and

were not “without privilege”. Thus, the Ogles were not prejudiced by the trial court’s failure to

fully consider the criminal trespass statute and we may disregard it as harmless error. See Civ.R.

61. Accordingly, we overrule the Ogles’ third assignment of error.

        {¶ 35} In their fourth assignment of error, the Ogles contend that the trial court erred “by

inferring in its judgment a legal existence of a Columbia Gas easement on [their] property on

which [the sheriff officers] had authority and/or privilege to occupy.” In particular, the Ogles

allege that because they did not agree on construction damages prior to Columbia Gas entering
Hocking App. No. 14CA3                                                                                 15

the property, or agree to wait to settle damages until after construction was complete, Columbia

Gas and its agents had no authority or privilege to occupy the property. We disagree.

           {¶ 36} Rather, the record evidence supports the trial court’s conclusion that Columbia

Gas, and it agents, had a right to enter the Ogles’ property for the purpose of enlarging its natural

gas facilities. For instance, Charles Ogle acknowledged that Columbia Gas had received a

certificate of public convenience and necessity from the FERC and a permit from the ODNR to

proceed with their plan to expand their natural gas facilities. Moreover, the Ogles had sought an

injunction to halt construction of the storage well, which was denied. It was not until after the

injunction was denied that Columbia Gas and the sheriff officers entered the Ogles’ property.

Perhaps most importantly, the Oil, Gas & Storage Lease which encumbers the property, and was

admitted as a trial exhibit, grants Columbia Gas “the right to possess, use and occupy so much of

[the property] as is necessary and convenient for the purposes” stated in the agreement. In light

of the foregoing, competent and credible evidence supports the trial court’s conclusion that

Columbia Gas and its agents were authorized or permitted to enter the property for purposes of

completing the gas operation. Accordingly, the Ogles’ fourth assignment of error is overruled.

           {¶ 37} In their fifth assignment of error, the Ogles contend that the trial court’s final

judgment entry is against the manifest weight of the evidence. In essence, the Ogles contend that

the evidence supports a conclusion that North conspired with Ohio Power, Columbia Gas, and

the Hocking County Prosecutor’s Office to commit a trespass of their property.

           {¶ 38} To succeed on a civil conspiracy claim, the claimant must prove: (1) a malicious

combination; (2) involving two or more persons; (3) causing injury to person or property; and (4)

the existence of an unlawful act independent from the actual conspiracy. Ogle, 2013–Ohio–597,

at ¶ 14.
Hocking App. No. 14CA3                                                                             16

       {¶ 39} “ ‘An underlying tort is necessary to give rise to a cause of action for conspiracy.’

” Cook v. Kudlacz, 2012–Ohio–2999, 974 N.E.2d 706, ¶ 90 (7th Dist.), quoting Ohio Assn. of

Pub. School Emps./AFSCME Local 4, AFL–CIO v. Madison Local School Dist. Bd. of Edn., 190
Ohio App. 3d 254, 2010–Ohio–4942, 941 N.E.2d 834, ¶ 62 (11th Dist.). And, “there must be

actual damages attributable to the conspiracy in addition to those damages caused by the

underlying tort in order for the plaintiff to recover from the conspiracy.” Stiles v. Chrysler

Motors Corp., 89 Ohio App. 3d 256, 266, 624 N.E.2d 238 (6th Dist.1993). Here, the Ogles

contend that the unlawful act underlying their civil conspiracy claim is trespass. “The elements

of civil trespass are (1) an unauthorized intentional act and (2) entry upon land in the possession

of another.” DiPasquale v. Costas, 186 Ohio App. 3d 121, 2010–Ohio–832, 926 N.E.2d 682, ¶

102 (2d Dist.).

       {¶ 40} In the case sub judice, the evidence does not support the conclusion that North,

the sheriff officers, or any of the other alleged co-conspirators committed a trespass upon the

Ogles’ property. Rather, the evidence shows that Ohio Power, Columbia Gas, and the sheriff

officers were authorized and permitted to enter the property. Furthermore, there is no evidence

that anyone from the Hocking County Prosecutor’s Office was ever at the Ogles’ property.

       {¶ 41} As discussed above, Columbia Gas was authorized to enter the property pursuant

to its lease agreement, FERC certificate, and ODNR permit. Columbia Gas also waited to enter

the property until the Hocking County Common Pleas Court ruled on the Ogles’ request for an

injunction. Ohio Power, meanwhile, had obtained an easement via appropriation proceedings

prior to entering the Ogles’ property to install the electric line. The sheriff officers, meanwhile,

were agents of Ohio Power and Columbia Gas/Off Duty Services.

       {¶ 42} While there was conflicting evidence regarding whether the sheriff officers
Hocking App. No. 14CA3                                                                                17

entered portions of the property they were not authorized to access, the trial court was in the best

position to judge the credibility of the evidence. Holiday Haven Members Assn. v. Paulson, 4th

Dist. Hocking No. 13CA13, 2014-Ohio-3902, ¶ 17 (“issues of evidence weight and credibility

are generally left to the trier of fact to decide”). The sheriff officers testified that during the Ohio

Power assignment they always parked their cruisers on Donaldson Road. During the Columbia

Gas assignment, the officers testified that they parked on the access road and rarely left their

cruisers. The Ogles presented two photographs purportedly depicting a cruiser parked outside of

the staked access road, but there is no way to verify whether the photographs were taken before

or after the property had been transferred to the LLC. Furthermore, we note that the video

introduced during Melanie Ogle’s testimony, which purportedly depicts a cruiser parked half

way on Donaldson Road, and half way on the Ogles’ property, does not itself demonstrate a

trespass of the property. Notably, there was no evidence presented to establish that the cruiser

was intentionally parked in a manner so as to encroach upon the property. Simply put, there

exists credible evidence to support the trial court’s conclusion that the utility companies and

sheriff officers were authorized to enter certain portions of the property and that they did not

intentionally enter areas of the property that they were not authorized to enter.

        {¶ 43} In their brief, the Ogles argue that Ohio Power did not comply with township

permitting requirements and that Ohio Power violated the law by blocking Donaldson Road

during installation of the power line. These allegations, however, are not relevant to the case at

hand and offer no indication that the entities conspired to trespass upon their property. The Ogles

assertion that the sheriff’s office was not permitted by law to conduct special duty assignments

for utility companies is also not relevant to their claim for conspiracy to commit trespass.

Furthermore, the utility companies and sheriff officers were not required to leave the property
Hocking App. No. 14CA3                                                                                18

just because the Ogles objected to them being there; rather, the entities were authorized to be on

the property for the reasons discussed above.

        {¶ 44} The evidence presented at trial also does not support the Ogles assertion that

North, Ohio Power, Columbia Gas, and Fetherolf entered into a “malicious combination.” The

“malice” in a “malicious combination” involves a state of mind under which a person commits a

wrongful act on purpose, without reasonable or lawful excuse, to the injury of another.

Merchants Natl. Bank v. Overstake, 4th Dist. Highland No. 11CA18, 2012–Ohio–6309, ¶ 13.

The Ogles presented no evidence to suggest that North acted in concert with any of the other

alleged co-conspirators to purposefully and intentionally cause them injury by trespassing on

their property. In fact, North testified that he never directly communicated with Ohio Power,

Columbia Gas, Off Duty Services, or any of their representatives or agents. His only relevant

communication with Fetherolf was to seek her legal advice upon receiving the Notice to Leave.

At all times the sheriff officers and utility companies entered the property with the authority to

do so. It was also revealed at trial that the sheriff officers were instructed to stay within the

township roadway and the areas surveyed and staked by Columbia Gas. Finally, North testified

that the Ohio Power and Columbia Gas assignments were treated no differently than any other

special duty assignments performed by the sheriff’s office.

        {¶ 45} Upon reviewing the record, we find that the trial court’s dismissal of the Ogles’

conspiracy to commit trespass claim is supported by competent and credible evidence. In other

words, the trial court’s final judgment entry is not against the manifest weight of the evidence.

Accordingly, the Ogles’ fifth assignment of error is overruled.

        {¶ 46} In their sixth and final assignment of error, the Ogles contend that the trial court

erred as a matter of law in finding that North was entitled to immunity. The Ogles’ argument in
Hocking App. No. 14CA3                                                                                19

support of this assignment of error is a single sentence long, cites no authority, and makes no

reference to the record.

        {¶ 47} App.R. 16(A)(7) provides: “The appellant shall include in its brief * * * [a]n

argument containing the contentions of the appellant with respect to each assignment of error

presented for review and the reasons in support of the contentions, with citations to the

authorities, statutes, and parts of the record on which appellant relies.” “ ‘If an argument exists

that can support [an] assignment of error, it is not this court's duty to root it out.’ ” Thomas v.

Harmon, 4th Dist. Lawrence No. 08CA17, 2009–Ohio–3299, ¶ 14, quoting State v. Carman, 8th

Dist. Cuyahoga No. 90512, 2008–Ohio–4368, ¶ 31. “ ‘It is not the function of this court to

construct a foundation for [an appellant's] claims; failure to comply with the rules governing

practice in the appellate courts is a tactic which is ordinarily fatal.’ ” (Alteration sic.) Catanzarite

v. Boswell, 9th Dist. Summit No. 24184, 2009–Ohio–1211, ¶ 16, quoting Kremer v. Cox, 114
Ohio App. 3d 41, 60, 682 N.E.2d 1006 (9th Dist.1996). Therefore, “[w]e may disregard any

assignment of error that fails to present any citations to case law or statutes in support of its

assertions.” Frye v. Holzer Clinic, Inc., 4th Dist. Gallia No. 07CA4, 2008–Ohio–2194, ¶ 12;

accord Oldacre v. Oldacre, 4th Dist. Ross No. 08CA3073, 2010–Ohio–1651, ¶ 35; see also

App.R. 12(A)(2).

        {¶ 48} Here, the Ogles’ argument in support of their sixth assignment of error consists of

a single conclusive statement and is completely devoid of any citations to case law or statutes on

the topic of immunity. Pursuant to App.R. 16(A)(7) we may disregard this assignment of error.

Moreover, having concluded above that the trial court’s judgment was properly granted because

the Ogles failed to prove their conspiracy claim, we may also decline to address this assignment
Hocking App. No. 14CA3                                                                        20

of error due to mootness. App.R. 12(A)(1)(c). Accordingly, the Ogles’ sixth assignment of error

is overruled.

       {¶ 49} Having found no merit in the assignments of error, we hereby affirm the trial

court’s judgment.

                                                                     JUDGMENT AFFIRMED.
Hocking App. No. 14CA3                                                                          21

                                      JUDGMENT ENTRY

         It is ordered that the JUDGMENT IS AFFIRMED. Appellants shall pay the costs herein
taxed.
         The Court finds there were reasonable grounds for this appeal.

     It is ordered that a special mandate issue out of this Court directing the Hocking County
Common Pleas Court to carry this judgment into execution.

       A certified copy of this entry shall constitute the mandate pursuant to Rule 27 of the
Rules of Appellate Procedure.

Abele, P.J. and Harsha, J.: Concur in Judgment and Opinion.

                                                             For the Court

                                                             By:
                                                                   Marie Hoover, Judge

                                    NOTICE TO COUNSEL

       Pursuant to Local Rule No. 14, this document constitutes a final judgment entry and the
time period for further appeal commences from the date of filing with the clerk.