State v. Jackson

[Cite as State v. Jackson, 2013-Ohio-2628.]

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

STATE OF OHIO, :
:
Plaintiff-Appellee, : Case No. 12CA16
:
vs. :
: DECISION AND JUDGMENT
JAMES E. JACKSON : ENTRY
:
Defendant-Appellant. : Released: 06/14/13
_____________________________________________________________
APPEARANCES:

George J. Cosenza, Parkersburg, West Virginia, for Appellant.

James Schneider, Washington County Prosecutor, and Alison L. Cauthorn,
Washington County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Marietta, Ohio, for
Appellee.
_____________________________________________________________

McFarland, P. J.

{¶1} James E. Jackson, II, appeals the judgment of the Washington

County Court of Common Pleas. Jackson, (hereinafter “Appellant”) was

convicted of involuntary manslaughter, a violation of R.C. 2903.04(B) and a

felony of the third degree, child endangering, a violation of R.C. 2919.22(A)

and (E)(2)(c) and a felony of the third degree, and misdemeanor child

endangering, a violation of R.C. 2919.22(A) and (E)(2)(A). Appellant

contends the trial court erred by: (1) denying his motion in limine to exclude

evidence that the children involved were left unattended prior to the date of
Washington App. No. 12CA16 2

the incident; and (2) overruling his motion to prohibit the State of Ohio from

calling a rebuttal witness that had not been previously disclosed. Upon

review, we find the trial court did not err and abuse its discretion with regard

to either ruling. As such, we overrule both assignments of error and affirm

the judgment of the trial court.

FACTS

{¶2} On February 25, 2011, Appellant was indicted by the

Washington County Grand Jury on one count of involuntary manslaughter

and two counts of child endangering. These indictments followed a

devastating October 18, 2010 fire, which occurred at vacant property located

on 6th Street in Belpre, Ohio, and was owned by Appellant. At the time of

the fire, Appellant and his significant other, Chrystal Dillon (hereinafter

“Dillon”), resided in a Florence Street property adjoining the fire location

and also owned by Appellant. The properties were connected by a wooden

deck. Appellant stored legal Ohio fireworks in the unoccupied 6th Street

building. He had stripped the drywall off the 6th Street building’s interior

during the process of renovation. Two children, Josh McCollors (hereinafter

“Josh”), age 4, and Bianca Jackson (hereinafter “Bianca”), age 2, resided

with Appellant and Dillon.
Washington App. No. 12CA16 3

{¶3} Josh and Bianca were playing inside the vacant building when

the fire erupted. Appellant and Dillon were in an upstairs room of the

residence, searching for paperwork. 1 Appellant and Dillon were unable to

see or hear the children as they were separated by approximately 75 feet of

hallways and wall.

{¶4} Josh was able to escape when the fire started. The lack of

drywall caused the fire to become very hot and spread quickly. The building

was soon engulfed in flames. Various local agencies responded to the scene

to attempt to control the fire and extinguish it. Neighbors arrived and

canvassed the area in search of Bianca. There became a strong suspicion

that Bianca had been trapped in the building. Eventually, Bianca’s charred

body was found in the basement, surrounded by debris.

{¶5} The State of Ohio argued Appellant and Dillon failed to properly

supervise the children. The State presented testimony from several

witnesses: Belpre Fire Chief Robert Frank; Officer Eric Augenstein;

Leonard Wilfong; Cory McCullors; Mike Stellfox, an investigator for the

Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office; Dr. Russell Uptegrove, a forensic

pathologist; and Belpre Police Chief Ernest Clevenger. Appellant filed a

motion in limine to prevent the State from introducing any evidence

1
Appellant told Investigator Stellfox during an interview that the two had been in the upstairs bedroom
looking for paperwork to take to the Social Security office.
Washington App. No. 12CA16 4

demonstrating that the children were left unattended on dates prior to the

fire. The trial court denied Appellant’s motion.

{¶6} Chief Frank testified he responded to the fire at approximately

2:27 p.m., along with units from Belpre, Parkersburg, and Little Hocking

fire departments. Because Appellant had removed the drywall in the

building which, ordinarily, would serve as a barrier to keep the fire from

spreading, the fire was also very hot. In fact, the heat caused vehicles across

the street and a house to begin melting. Chief Frank testified it took

approximately two hours to get the fire under control. Officer Eric

Augenstein testified he arrived at 2:30 p.m. and found the building engulfed

in flames and the roof falling.

{¶7} Mike Stellfox performed an investigation on behalf of the Ohio

State Fire Marshal’s Office. While investigating the burned area, he noted

the presence of fireworks in the building, along with cans that appeared to

contain flammable liquids. He spoke to Appellant at the scene. Stellfox

testified Appellant told him Josh had started a fire on the deck, a day or two

before October 18th. Stellfox testified the fire was classified as an

incendiary event because there was no known source of ignition, such as

utilities or electric malfunction. It could not be ruled out that human act

occurred to cause the fire.
Washington App. No. 12CA16 5

{¶8} Stellfox also identified a photograph of the back yard of the

buildings. The photo revealed a yellow extension cord which ran from

Appellant’s residence through his yard, to his father’s residence. Stellfox

opined neither the residence nor the vacant building had electrical service at

the time of the fire. Stellfox also testified the distance from the parents’

bedroom to where the fire began was 75 feet or so, with doors and walls in

between.

{¶9} Mike Stellfox also testified when Bianca’s body was discovered,

it could not be determined where she was when she died. The upper floor

had collapsed and she was discovered in the basement. She was mixed in

with debris. Dr. Uptegrove testified the autopsy he performed revealed

Bianca died as a result of the inhalation of products of combustion.

{¶10} Leonard Wilfong, Appellant’s neighbor testified there were

times, at least once a week, when he saw the Josh and Bianca playing near

the street without parental supervision. He testified that just one day before

the fire, he overheard Appellant yelling that Josh had “caught the place on

fire again.”

{¶11} Cory McCullors, Josh’s biological father, testified he lived

nearby and often walked to Appellant’s residence to visit Josh. He testified

there were times when he observed the children unsupervised, playing
Washington App. No. 12CA16 6

outside alone. On the evening of the fire, McCullors took custody of Josh.

He testified Josh was very upset about the fire. McCullors handed Josh a

lighter and he responded by saying “That’s what started the fire. Sissy got

scared and ran for the bedroom.” McCullors testified that both Appellant

and Dillon smoked. He also testified Josh knew how to push the fluid

button on a lighter.

{¶12} Karen Seagraves, a case worker for Children’s Services,

testified she had spoken with Appellant and Dillon numerous times about

issues which included Bianca’s being left unattended in the middle of the

street, provision of a safety barrier on the family’s upper level wooden

decking, and fireworks’ safety. Specifically, she had advised the children

should not have access to fireworks. She had visited the home,

unannounced, at least 20 times. The last time she visited the home, prior to

the fire, Ms. Seagraves still had safety concerns for the children.

{¶13} The defense presented the testimony of Jennifer Koon, a family

friend of Appellant; Lotie Cline, a friend of Appellant’s mother; Beverly

Mason, Appellant’s sister; and Chad Bledsoe, Appellant’s neighbor and

former employee. The substance of the testimony elicited from the defense

witnesses was that none of them ever saw Appellant leave the children

unattended. Specifically, Lotie Cline testified Appellant had a pickup truck
Washington App. No. 12CA16 7

and if the pickup truck was at home, it was “pretty good evidence [Butch]

was home.” 2

{¶14} The State called Dave Ferguson, as on rebuttal. Ferguson was

city service director for the City of Belpre. Appellant objected to Ferguson’s

testimony on the basis that Ferguson’s name was not submitted in discovery.

The proffered testimony was that Ferguson had driven by on a couple of

occasions and had seen the children playing outside without Appellant.

Ferguson recalled on both occasions Appellant’s truck was present. The

State argued they had not anticipated calling Ferguson until defense counsel

elicited the testimony regarding the pickup truck. The trial court denied the

motion.

{¶15} The jury returned a verdict of guilty on all counts. Appellant

was sentenced to a definite prison term of thirty months for involuntary

manslaughter. The trial court found the second count of child endangering

merged with involuntary manslaughter and Appellant would not be

sentenced on the second count. Appellant was also sentenced to a definite

period of six months on count three, misdemeanor child endangering. The

terms were to be served concurrently. This appeal followed.

2
On cross-examination, the Prosecutor posed the question to Ms. Cline: “[I]f the pickup truck was there at
the house, would that be pretty good evidence that [Butch] was home, would you say?” Ms. Cline
responded “Yes.”
Washington App. No. 12CA16 8

ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR

I. “THE COMMON PLEAS COURT ERRED WHEN IT DENIES
(SIC) THE APPELLANT’S MOTION IN LIMINE TO INSTRUCT
COUNSEL FOR THE STATE OF OHIO, AND THROUGH
COUNSEL FOR THE STATE, EACH AND EVERY WITNESS
CALLED BY THE STATE OF OHIO, NOT MENTION, REFER TO,
OR IN ANY MANNER CONVEY TO THE JURY EVIDENCE
THAT THE CHILDREN OF THE APPELLANT WERE LEFT
UNATTENDED PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE INCIDENT
GIVING RISE TO THE INDICTMENT.”

II. “THE COMMON PLEAS COURT ERRED WHEN IT
OVERRULED THE APPELLANT’S MOTION TO PROHIBIT THE
STATE OF OHIO FROM CALLING A REBUTTAL WITNESS
THAT HAD NOT BEEN DISCLOSED TO THE APPELLANT
PRIOR TO THE TIME THE WITNESS WAS CALLED TO
TESTIFY.”

STANDARD OF REVIEW

{¶16} The admission of evidence is within the sound discretion of the

trial court. State v. Dixon, 4th Dist. No. 09CA3312, 2010-Ohio-5032, 2010

WL 4027749, ¶ 33, citing State v. Sage, 31 Ohio St. 3d 173, 510 N.E.2d 343,

(1987), at paragraph two of the syllabus. An abuse of discretion involves

more than an error of judgment; it connotes an attitude on the part of the

court that is unreasonable, unconscionable, or arbitrary. Franklin Cty.

Sheriff’s Dept. v. State Emp. Relations Bd., 63 Ohio St. 3d 498, 506, 589

N.E.2d 24 (1992); Wilmington Steel Products, Inc. V. Cleveland Elec.

Illuminating Co., 60 Ohio St. 3d 120, 122, 573 N.E.2d 622 (1991). When

applying the abuse of discretion standard, a reviewing court is not free to
Washington App. No. 12CA16 9

merely substitute its judgment for that of the trial court. In re Jane Doe 1,

57 Ohio St. 3d 135, 138, 566 N.E.2d 1181 (1991), citing Berk v. Matthews,

53 Ohio St. 3d 161, 169, 559 N.E.2d 1301 (1990). The “abuse of discretion”

standard governs both alleged errors complained of by Appellant.

LEGAL ANALYSIS

The Motion in Limine

{¶17} In his first assignment of error, Appellant contends the trial

court erred when it denied his motion in limine to exclude evidence that on

occasions prior to the fire, the children were left unattended. Specifically,

Appellant requested:

“Defendant requests the Court to instruct counsel for the State,
and through counsel for the state, each and every witness called
by the State, not to mention to, interrogate concerning,
voluntary answer, or attempt to convey before the jury, at any
time during these proceedings, in any manner either directly or
indirectly, evidence that children left in his care were
unattended in the past.”

Appellant argues the evidence of habit, pursuant to Evid. R. 406, was highly

prejudicial to him and did not comport with the evidentiary rules.

{¶18} Appellee points out although Appellant filed a motion in

limine, Appellant failed to renew his objection when the evidence was

actually introduced at trial, through the testimony of Josh McCullors and

Karen Seagraves. In the alternative, Appellee argues Evid.R. 404(B)
Washington App. No. 12CA16 10

applies. Evid.R. 404(B) provides other acts evidence may be admissible

when it is offered for some other purpose, such as proof of motive,

opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, identity, or absence of

mistake or accident.

{¶19} We agree with Appellee’s first argument. “Where a motion in

limine has been denied, an objection to the ruling must be renewed when it

arises at trial in order for the objection to be preserved.” State v. Blazo, 9th

Dist. No. 23054, 2006-Ohio-5418, 2006 WL 2959521, ¶ 5, quoting State v.

Ramos, 9th Dist. No. 05CA008830, 2006-Ohio-4534, 2006 WL 2528583, at

¶ 16, citing State v. Hill, 75 Ohio St. 3d 195, 202-203, 661 N.E.2d 1068

(1996), citing State v. Brown, 38 Ohio St. 3d 305, 528 N.E.2d 523, (1988),

paragraph three of the syllabus. “[W]hen counsel files a motion in limine

which is denied by a court, counsel must renew the object during trial to

preserve the issue for appeal.” State v. Elliott, 4th Dist. No. 94CA836, 1995

WL 89732 (Feb. 27, 1995); Evid.R. 103(A), citing State v. Wilson, 8 Ohio

App.3d 216, 456 N.E.2d 1287,(Dec.16,1982); State v. Daugherty, 6th Dist.

No. L-92-126, 1993 WL 551532, (Dec.30, 1993); State v. Hall, 3rd Dist. No.

14-86-29, 1988 WL 79285, (Sept. 30, 1988).

{¶20} We agree with Appellee, that Appellant failed to properly

renew his objection to the evidence offered concerning prior occasions on
Washington App. No. 12CA16 11

which the children were left unattended. Thus, he has failed to properly

preserve the issue for appeal. A review of the transcript demonstrates that

when this evidence was offered, via the testimony of Cory McCullors and

Karen Seagraves, Appellant failed to voice objections. As such, we find

Appellant has waived any argument on review as to the validity of his

motion in limine. We therefore, overrule Appellant’s first assignment of

error and affirm the judgment of the trial court.

The Motion to Prohibit Testimony from Undisclosed Rebuttal
Witness.

{¶21} Appellant also contends the trial court committed error when it

overruled his motion to prohibit the State from calling an undisclosed

rebuttal witness, Dave Ferguson, city service director for Belpre. Appellant

argues Ferguson was never disclosed and he could have been called in the

State’s case-in-chief, along with the other witnesses who testified to

Appellant’s lack of supervision of the children. Appellant submits he was

surprised by the witness and had no time to prepare for cross-examination of

Ferguson. He acknowledges he was given twenty minutes with the witness.

Appellant further argues because the witness was a Belpre city official, his

testimony likely carried more weight with the jurors and significantly

prejudice Appellant. For these reasons, Appellant argues his conviction

should be reversed.
Washington App. No. 12CA16 12

{¶22} Appellee counters that although Ferguson was not disclosed,

his testimony became relevant after Appellant presented his defense and

elicited testimony that the presence of Appellant’s pickup truck indicated

Appellant was home supervising the children. Appellee further notes after

initially objecting, Appellant’s counsel utilized the twenty minutes given to

prepare for cross-examination, but did not renew the objection or request

sanctions. The control of discovery and sanctions for violations of that

process are generally left to the discretion of the trial court. State v. Craig,

4th Dist. No. 01CA8, 2002-Ohio-1433, 2002 WL 1666225 (Mar. 26, 2002);

State v. Otte, 74 Ohio St. 3d 555, 660 N.E. 2d 711, 719-720 (1996).

{¶23} Crim R. 16 provides for discovery and inspection by either

party in a criminal action. State v. Finnerty, 45 Ohio St. 3d 104, 543 N.E.2d

1233 (1989). Crim.R. 16(B) imposes on the prosecutor a duty to disclose

certain information upon a proper discovery request made by the defendant.

Id. Included in this rule is a provision for discovery of witness’ names,

addresses, and records of felony convictions. Id. Crim.R. 16(B)(1)(e).

{¶24} The duty to disclose information pursuant to a proper discovery

request is continuous. Id. Crim.R. 16(D). Rebuttal witnesses, as well as

witnesses used in the prosecution’s case-in-chief, fall within the scope of

discovery. Id., citing State v. Howard, 56 Ohio St. 2d 328, 333, 383 N.E.2d
Washington App. No. 12CA16 13

912, 915 (1978); State v. Parson, 6 Ohio St. 3d 442, 445, 453 N.E.2d 689,

691 (1983). Thus, if the prosecution does not provide the name of a rebuttal

witness upon a defendant’s request for such information, the trial court may

impose sanctions on the prosecution. Finnerty, supra. Crim.R. 16(E) sets

forth several sanctions when a party fails to comply with a discovery

request:

“* * *[T]he court may order such a party to permit the
discovery or inspection, grant a continuance, or prohibit the
party from introducing in evidence the material not disclosed,
or it may make such other order as it deems just under the
circumstances.”

{¶25} It is well within the trial court’s discretion to decide what

sanction to impose. Finnerty, supra, citing State v. Apanovitch, 33 Ohio St.

3d 19, 26, 514 N.E.2d, 394, 402; Parson, supra, 6 Ohio St. 3d at 445, 453

N.E.2d 691; State v. Edwards, 49 Ohio St. 2d 31, 358 N.E.2d 1051, 1059-

1060 (1976). Exclusion of the rebuttal witness’ testimony is only one

sanction among many that the trial court can impose. Finnerty, supra.

Failure to comply with a discovery request for the names of witnesses does

not automatically result in exclusion of their testimony. Id.

{¶26} In State v. Wamsley, 71 Ohio App.3d 607, 594 N.E.2d 1123,

(4th Dist. 1991), this court considered a similar issue and noted:

“In an analogous fact pattern the Eight Appellate District held
that where a potential prosecution witness is not named by the
Washington App. No. 12CA16 14

state on a witness list pursuant to Crim. R. 16(B)(1)(e), a trial
court does not err in permitting such witness to appear as a
rebuttal witness when the defendant objects to such witness’
appearance, but fails to request a continuance, recess, or an
opportunity to void dire the witness, and the cross-examination
of the witness is vigorous and complete. State v. Abi-Sarkis, 41
Ohio App. 3d 333, 535 N.E.2d 745 (1988). In the absence of a
motion for a continuance, the trial court properly concluded that
defense counsel was prepared to go forward at that time.
Finnerty, supra, 45 Oio St. 3d at 108, 543 N.E.2d at 1237; State
v. Edwards, 49 Ohio St. 2d 31, 43, 358 N.E. 2d 1051, 1060
(1976).

{¶27} The Wamsley court held, based on the citied authorities, and

appellant’s failure to request a continuance, recess, or to conduct voir dire,

the trial court did not abuse its discretion in allowing testimony of an

undisclosed rebuttal witness.

{¶28} We recently addressed a discovery violation in State v.

Stonerock, 4th Dist. No. 11CA15, 2012-Ohio-2290, 2012 WL 1867169.

There, appellant complained the prosecution did not disclose a police chief

as a witness and therefore, the trial court should not have allowed the officer

to testify. We noted:

“ Under Crim R. 16(B)(1), ‘Each party shall provide to
opposing counsel a written witness list, including names and
addresses of any witness it intends to call in its case-in-chief, or
reasonably anticipates call in rebuttal or surrebuttal.’ Here, it is
undisputed that [Chief Hester] was not on the written witness
list. Therefore, the prosecution did indeed violate
Crim.R.16(B)(1). That does not mean, however, that the trial
court had to prohibit [Chief Hester] from testifying. On the
contrary, when imposing a sanction for a discovery-rules
Washington App. No. 12CA16 15

violation, a trial court ‘must impose the least severe sanction
that is consistent with the purpose of the rules of discovery.’
City of Lakewood v. Papadelis, 32 Ohio St. 3d 1, 511 N.E.2d
1138 (1987), paragraph two of the syllabus. Furthermore,
‘[p]rosecutorial violations of Crim.R. 16 are reversible only
when there is a showing that (1) the prosecutions failure to
disclose was a willful violation of the rule, (2) foreknowledge
of the information would have benefited the accused in the
preparation of his defense, and (3) the accused suffered some
prejudicial effect.’ State v. Joseph, 73 Ohio St. 3d 450, 458, 653
N.E.2d 285 (1995). And here, we find that Stonerock suffered
no prejudicial effect from the failure to disclose [Chief Hester]
as a witness.”

{¶29} We acknowledge in Stonerock, the issue centered on a chain-of-

custody witness. However, the same general principles apply. Here,

Appellant has not shown the failure to disclose Ferguson’s name was a

willful violation of the discovery rules. The transcript reveals at sidebar,

after Appellants counsel objected to the use of Ferguson as a witness, the

State represented to the court and defense counselthe decision had been

made not to call Ferguson in the case-in-chief. The relevance of his

testimony had not been known until Lotie Cline’s testimony raised the

significance of the presence of Appellant’s pickup truck. After discussion

with both counsel, the trial court pointed out the purpose of rebuttal was to

address anything the defense brought up and noted Appellant’s objection.

Appellant’s counsel requested twenty minutes to talk with Ferguson, but

failed to request a continuance of trial or any other sanction. When
Washington App. No. 12CA16 16

Ferguson was called to the stand, counsel for Appellant did not renew his

objection.

{¶30} Appellant has not shown Appellee’s failure to disclose was a

willful violation of the discovery rules. Appellant has not shown how prior

knowledge of Ferguson as a potential witness affected his ability to prepare

the defense except for a vague reference in his brief that prior knowledge

might have allowed him to call yet another witness in surrebuttal. And,

Appellant has not shown that he was materially prejudiced by Ferguson’s

testimony, except for his argument that Ferguson’s testimony may have

carried more weight because he is a Belpre city official. This is a speculative

assertion and, without more, we do not find evidence that Appellant was

materially prejudiced by the court’s failure to prohibit Ferguson’s testimony.

Furthermore, we note while Appellant initially objected, he did not move for

a continuance of trial, or any other sanction.

{¶31} For the foregoing reasons, we find the trial court did not abuse

its discretion in allowing Ferguson to testify. As such, we affirm the

judgment of the trial court and overrule Appellant’s second assignment of

error.

JUDGMENT AFFIRMED.
Washington App. No. 12CA16 17

Harsha, J., concurring:

{¶32} I concur in judgment and opinion on the second assignment of

error but concur in judgment only regarding the first assignment of error. In

that context I would use a plain error standard of review and conclude there

was no manifest miscarriage of justice resulting from the admission of

evidence of habit under Evid.R. 406 and Evid.R. 403(A).
Washington App. No. 12CA16 18

JUDGMENT ENTRY

It is ordered that the JUDGMENT BE AFFIRMED and costs herein be taxed to
Appellant.

The Court finds there were reasonable grounds for this appeal.

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

IF A STAY OF EXECUTION OF SENTENCE AND RELEASE UPON BAIL
HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY GRANTED BY THE TRIAL COURT OR THIS COURT, it
is temporarily continued for a period not to exceed sixty days upon the bail previously
posted. The purpose of a continued stay is to allow Appellant to file with the Supreme
Court of Ohio an application for a stay during the pendency of proceedings in that court.
If a stay is continued by this entry, it will terminate at the earlier of the expiration of the
sixty day period, or the failure of the Appellant to file a notice of appeal with the
Supreme Court of Ohio in the forty-five day appeal period pursuant to Rule II, Sec. 2 of
the Rules of Practice of the Supreme Court of Ohio. Additionally, if the Supreme Court
of Ohio dismisses the appeal prior to expiration of sixty days, the stay will terminate as of
the date of such dismissal.

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

Abele, J.: Concurs in Judgment and Opinion.
Harsha, J.: Concurs in Judgment Only with Opinion as to Assignment of Error I;
Concurs in Judgment and Opinion as to Assignment of Error II.

For the Court,

BY: _______________________
Matthew W. McFarland
Presiding 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.