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NON-PRECEDENTIAL DECISION – SEE SUPERIOR COURT I.O.P. 65.37
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA : IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF
: PENNSYLVANIA
v. :
:
ROLAND BROWN, : No. 1348 EDA 2016
:
Appellant :
Appeal from the Judgment of Sentence, April 22, 2016,
in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County
Criminal Division at Nos. CP-51-CR 0013828-2014,
CP-51-CR-0013829-2014, CP-51-CR-0013830-2014,
CP-51-CR-0013831-2014, CP-51-CR-0013834-2014,
CP-51-CR-0013836-2014, CP-51-CR-0013837-2014
BEFORE: BENDER, P.J.E., RANSOM, J., AND FORD ELLIOTT, P.J.E.
MEMORANDUM BY FORD ELLIOTT, P.J.E.: FILED MAY 12, 2017
Roland Brown appeals from the April 22, 2016 aggregate judgment of
sentence of 45 to 90 years’ imprisonment imposed after he was found guilty
of multiple counts of robbery, robbery of a motor vehicle, theft by unlawful
taking or disposition, receiving stolen property, use or possession of an
electronic incapacitation device, criminal conspiracy, possessing an
instrument of crime, simple assault, aggravated assault, recklessly
endangering another person, terroristic threats, and criminal attempt. 1 After
careful review, we affirm.
1
18 Pa.C.S.A. §§ 3701, 3702, 3921, 3925, 908.1, 903, 907, 2701, 2702,
2705, 2706, and 901, respectively.
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The trial court summarized the facts pertinent to the issues appellant
raises on appeal as follows:
On August 11, 2013, at about 1:00 in the
morning, Erin Norton was leaving a 7-Eleven in the
area of 1200 Leopard Street when she encountered
[a]ppellant and a woman. Ms. Norton testified that
she heard footsteps behind her and put her arms in
the air. She said [a]ppellant tased her and grabbed
her pocketbook. She did not see the taser, but knew
what it felt like, and testified that she was tased in
her back. Inside the purse were car keys, $150
worth of cosmetics, social security cards, and a
smaller bag worth $75. On October 3, 2013,
Ms. Norton was shown a photo array of eight men,
and identified [a]ppellant as the individual who had
taken her bag. Ms. Norton was also shown a photo
array of eight women, and she was able to identify
the woman with [a]ppellant. She also identified
[a]ppellant in a six-person lineup approximately one
year later.
....
Mary Jefferies also testified at trial. In August
of 2013 she and [a]ppellant lived at the same
address (along with others) in North Philadelphia.
Ms. Jefferies testified that at that time she was in a
relationship with [a]ppellant. On August 11, 2013,
at about 1:00 in the morning, [a]ppellant and
Ms. Jefferies left their home, at his instigation. She
testified that he asked her to come with him, and
that he was going to go on a robbery spree. When
she refused at first, he burned her upper arm with
the “Dutch” [cigar] he had been smoking. After that
she went with him, and they saw a white woman,
approximately late twenties-early thirties, walking
alone. Ms. Jefferies testified that [a]ppellant ran
toward the woman and grabbed her purse. When
the woman fought him, [a]ppellant tased her, and
was ultimately able to take the purse.
Trial court opinion, 9/21/16 at 2, 6 (citations to notes of testimony omitted).
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Following the robbery of Norton, appellant robbed eight additional
individuals over the course of a four-week span from mid-August until mid-
September 2013. Specifically, on August 13, 2013, appellant robbed
Jennifer Gallo of her purse near the 6600 block of Castor Avenue in
Philadelphia, tasering her repeatedly when she resisted. (Notes of
testimony, 11/23/15 at 132-136.) On August 20, 2013, appellant robbed
Tysheia Parker of her cell phone and money near C and Louden Streets in
Philadelphia. (Id. at 31-32.) Two day later, on August 22, 2013, appellant
stole Richmond Jackson, III’s Nissan Altima from a convenience store
parking lot. That same afternoon, appellant punched Sam Chen six times
while he was standing at a mailbox on 1100 Knorr Street in Philadelphia and
robbed him of his wallet. (Id. at 51-54, 138-142.) On September 2, 2013,
appellant assaulted and robbed Richard Kauffman and Megan Matuzak near
Front Street and Girard Avenue in Philadelphia. (Id. at 71-74.) Matuzak
sustained a knife cut to her thigh that required six stiches to close and
Kauffman sustained multiple cuts and bruises. (Id. at 75-88). Thereafter,
on September 16, 2013, appellant robbed Erin Burke and William Conroy at
knifepoint in the area of 7000 Brous Avenue in Philadelphia. (Notes of
testimony, 11/24/15 at 32-36.) In each instance, appellant was
accompanied by his cousin and then-girlfriend, Mary Jefferies, who actively
participated in the robberies to varying degrees. (See notes of testimony,
11/23/15 at 123-159.)
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Appellant waived his right to a jury and proceeded to a bench trial on
November 23, 2015. Following a two-day trial, appellant was found guilty of
the aforementioned offenses and sentenced to an aggregate term of 45 to
90 years’ imprisonment on April 22, 2016. At the sentencing hearing,
appellant made an oral motion for reconsideration of his sentence, which
was denied by the trial court that same day. (Notes of testimony, 4/22/16
at 31-32.) This timely appeal followed on April 23, 2016. On May 2, 2016,
the trial court directed appellant to file a timely concise statement of errors
complained of on appeal, in accordance with Pa.R.A.P. 1925(b). Appellant
filed his Rule 1925(b) statement on May 6, 2016, and the trial court filed its
Rule 1925(a) opinion on September 21, 2016.
Appellant raises the following issues for our review:
A. DO APPELLANT’S SENTENCES CONSTITUTE AN
ABUSE OF DISCRETION AND SHOULD THE
MATTERS BE REMANDED FOR RESENTENCING?
B. SHOULD APPELLANT’S CONVICTION FOR
CONSPIRACY FOR CASE CP-51-CR-0013836-
2014 BE VACATED BECAUSE IT IS
INSUFFICIENT AS A MATTER OF LAW DUE TO
THE FACT THAT THERE WAS NO CONSPIRACY
SINCE THERE WAS NO AGREEMENT WITH THE
CODEFENDANT, THERE WAS NO MEETING OF
MINDS, AND THE CODEFENDANT DID NOT ACT
AS A COCONSPIRATOR BUT UNDER DURESS?
Appellant’s brief at 4.
We begin by addressing appellant’s claim that his sentence of 45 to
90 years’ imprisonment was manifestly excessive and unreasonable (Id. at
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11-13.) Specifically, appellant contends that the trial court’s imposition of
consecutive sentences on four of the six counts of robbery effectively
constituted a life sentence and “is shocking to the conscience.” (Id.)
Appellant further argues that the trial court failed “to state any adequate
reasons for [his] lengthy sentence” and did not take into consideration his
“individual deterrence, rehabilitation, and retribution” nor the fact he
apologized for his actions and made a “plea for mercy.” (Id. at 11, 13.)
Our standard of review in assessing whether a trial court has erred in
fashioning a sentence is well settled.
Sentencing is a matter vested in the sound discretion
of the sentencing judge, and a sentence will not be
disturbed on appeal absent a manifest abuse of
discretion. In this context, an abuse of discretion is
not shown merely by an error in judgment. Rather,
the appellant must establish, by reference to the
record, that the sentencing court ignored or
misapplied the law, exercised its judgment for
reasons of partiality, prejudice, bias or ill will, or
arrived at a manifestly unreasonable decision.
Commonwealth v. Zirkle, 107 A.3d 127, 132 (Pa.Super. 2014) (citation
omitted), appeal denied, 117 A.3d 297 (Pa. 2015).
Where an appellant challenges the discretionary aspects of his
sentence, as is the case here, the right to appellate review is not absolute.
See Commonwealth v. Allen, 24 A.3d 1058, 1064 (Pa.Super. 2011).
Rather, an appellant challenging the discretionary aspects of his sentence
must invoke this court’s jurisdiction by satisfying the following four-part
test:
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(1) whether the appeal is timely; (2) whether
[a]ppellant preserved his issue; (3) whether
[a]ppellant’s brief includes a concise statement of
the reasons relied upon for allowance of appeal with
respect to the discretionary aspects of sentence; and
(4) whether the concise statement raises a
substantial question that the sentence is appropriate
under the sentencing code.
Commonwealth v. Carrillo-Diaz, 64 A.3d 722, 725 (Pa.Super. 2013)
(citations omitted).
Here, the record reveals that appellant filed a timely notice of appeal
and challenged the discretionary aspects of his sentence in his oral motion
for reconsideration of his sentence. (See notes of testimony, 4/22/16 at
31-32.) Appellant also included a statement in his brief that comports with
the requirements of Pa.R.A.P. 2119(f). (See appellant’s brief at 11-15.)
Accordingly, we must determine whether appellant has raised a substantial
question.
“The determination of what constitutes a substantial question must be
evaluated on a case-by-case basis.” Commonwealth v. Griffin, 65 A.3d
932, 935 (Pa.Super. 2013) (citation omitted), appeal denied, 76 A.3d 538
(Pa. 2013). “A substantial question exists only when the appellant advances
a colorable argument that the sentencing judge’s actions were either:
(1) inconsistent with a specific provision of the Sentencing Code; or
(2) contrary to the fundamental norms which underlie the sentencing
process.” Commonwealth v. Glass, 50 A.3d 720, 727 (Pa.Super. 2012)
(citation omitted), appeal denied, 63 A.3d 774 (Pa. 2013).
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Instantly, appellant has failed, at least in part, to raise a substantial
question for our review. The “[l]ong standing precedent of this [c]ourt
recognizes that 42 Pa.C.S.A. [§] 9721 affords the sentencing court discretion
to impose its sentence concurrently or consecutively to other sentences
being imposed at the same time or to sentences already imposed.”
Commonwealth v. Marts, 889 A.2d 608, 612 (Pa.Super. 2005).
Generally, the imposition of consecutive sentences does not raise a
substantial question. See Commonwealth v. Pass, 914 A.2d 442, 446
(Pa.Super. 2006) (stating that a challenge to the trial court’s discretion to
impose a consecutive sentence does not raise a substantial question). Such
a claim may raise a substantial question “in only the most extreme
circumstances, such as where the aggregate sentence is unduly harsh,
considering the nature of the crimes and the length of imprisonment.”
Commonwealth v. Dodge, 77 A.3d 1263, 1270 (Pa.Super. 2013) (citation
omitted), appeal denied, 91 A.3d 161 (Pa. 2014). This case simply does
not present “extreme circumstances,” and appellant’s sentence is not unduly
harsh considering the extensive criminal conduct that occurred in the case,
the nature of the crimes, and the length of imprisonment. Accordingly, the
trial court’s decision to impose consecutive, rather than concurrent,
sentences on four of appellant’s six robbery convictions does not present a
substantial question for our review.
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However, to the extent appellant argues that the trial court failed to
consider his individual rehabilitative needs or any of the other relevant
factors in Section 9721(b), we find this claim presents a substantial question
for our review. (See appellant’s brief at 11, 13.) This court has recognized
that a “claim that the sentencing court disregarded rehabilitation and the
nature and circumstances of the offense in handing down its sentence
presents a substantial question for our review.” Dodge, 77 A.3d at 1273.
Accordingly, we proceed to consider the merits of these discretionary
aspects of sentencing claims.
Herein, the record reveals that the trial court considered and weighed
numerous factors in fashioning appellant’s sentence, including appellant’s
age, prior criminal history, and mental health; the safety and impact of his
crimes on the community; and the sentencing guidelines. Specifically, the
trial court stated as follows:
Thank you. I’ve considered the fact these are
second strikes; I’ve considered the guidelines; I’ve
considered the presentence mental health reports,
the facts and circumstances of this case, the
argument of counsel, what the witness has said
today, as well as what [appellant] has said today.
[Appellant], I don’t really know what to say to you,
the number of robberies, the way they were
perpetrated the number of victims involved and
everything else. I think the facts -- the trial speaks
for itself[,] which I would also refer to because I sat
through the waiver trial of this case. You obviously
have skills and abilities. I heard from your family,
you’re working, school, etc. but for whatever reason
you chose to go a different route which makes you []
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very dangerous. I think the words [sic] []
summarizes a lot of issues we’re dealing with.
....
And [appellant], you’re 36. I think that should
be sufficient to protect the community.
Notes of testimony, 4/22/16 at 26-28.
The record further reveals that the trial court heard testimony from
appellant’s mother and sister with regard to his character, educational
background, and upbringing. (Id. at 6-8.) Additionally, the trial court heard
testimony from appellant, who apologized to the court, the victims, and his
family and made an extensive plea for leniency. (Id. at 24-26.) Although
the record reflects that the trial court did not specifically state that it
considered appellant’s rehabilitative needs, the trial court was in possession
of a presentence investigation (“PSI”) report and indicated that he
“considered it.” (Id. at 26.) Where the trial court has the benefit of a PSI
report, as is the case here, “we shall . . . presume that the sentencing judge
was aware of relevant information regarding the defendant’s character and
weighed those considerations along with mitigating statutory factors.”
Commonwealth v. Antidormi, 84 A.3d 736, 761 (Pa.Super. 2014)
(citation omitted), appeal denied, 95 A.3d 275 (Pa. 2014). Accordingly, we
find no abuse of the trial court’s discretion, and appellant’s challenge to the
discretionary aspects of his sentence must fail.
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Appellant next argues that there was insufficient evidence to sustain
his conviction for criminal conspiracy with respect to the robbery of Norton
because he “burn[ed] . . . Jefferies[] using a cigar so that she would
accompany him on the [r]obbery” and “[t]here was no meeting of the minds,
only duress.” (Appellant’s brief at 14.) This claim is meritless.
In reviewing the sufficiency of the evidence,
we must determine whether the evidence admitted
at trial and all reasonable inferences drawn
therefrom, viewed in the light most favorable to the
Commonwealth as verdict winner, is sufficient to
prove every element of the offense beyond a
reasonable doubt. As an appellate court, we may
not re-weigh the evidence and substitute our
judgment for that of the fact-finder. Any question of
doubt is for the fact-finder unless the evidence is so
weak and inconclusive that as a matter of law no
probability of fact can be drawn from the combined
circumstances.
Commonwealth v. Thomas, 988 A.2d 669, 670 (Pa.Super. 2009)
(citations omitted), appeal denied, 4 A.3d 1054 (Pa. 2010).
Criminal conspiracy requires the Commonwealth to prove that
appellant “(1) entered into an agreement to commit or aid in an unlawful act
with another person or persons; (2) with a shared criminal intent; and
(3) an overt act was done in furtherance of the conspiracy.”
Commonwealth v. Mitchell, 135 A.3d 1097, 1102 (Pa.Super. 2016),
appeal denied, 145 A.3d 725 (Pa. 2016); see also 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 903(a).
A conspiratorial agreement can be proven by circumstantial evidence and
“inferred from a variety of circumstances including, but not limited to, the
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relation between the parties, knowledge of and participation in the crime,
and the circumstances and conduct of the parties surrounding the criminal
episode.” Commonwealth v. Feliciano, 67 A.3d 19, 26 (Pa.Super. 2013)
(en banc) (citation and internal quotation marks omitted), appeal denied,
81 A.3d 75 (Pa. 2013).
Viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the
Commonwealth, the verdict winner, we find that there was sufficient
evidence to establish that appellant entered into a criminal conspiracy with
Jefferies to rob Norton. As noted, appellant committed a string of robberies
that commenced with the robbery of Norton in the early morning of August
11, 2013, and appellant was accompanied by a woman matching Jefferies’
description in each instance. (Notes of testimony, 11/24/15 at 55-61, 63.)
At trial, Jefferies testified that she was present during each of the robberies
and acknowledged actively participating in them to varying degrees. (Notes
of testimony, 11/23/15 at 123-159.) Contrary to appellant’s contention, we
find there was a tacit agreement between appellant and Jefferies to rob
Norton on the evening in question. The record reflects that Jefferies initially
refused to accompany appellant after he informed her that they were going
on a “robbery spree,” and appellant burned her arm with cigar. (Id. at 125-
130.) Ultimately, however, Jeffries did accompany appellant to the location
of the robbery in question and stood in close proximity to appellant as he
tasered Norton and stole her purse, electing not to withdraw from this
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conspiracy, despite the apparent opportunity to do so. (Id. at 130-31;
notes of testimony, 11/24/15 at 55-57.)
Appellant’s attempt to assert duress on Jefferies’ behalf does not
render the evidence presented in support of his criminal conspiracy charges
insufficient. In Pennsylvania, it is well settled that the defense of duress is
available to a person who was coerced to commit a crime, not the person
alleged to have committed the coercion. See 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 309(a) (stating
that duress “is a defense that the actor engaged in the conduct charged to
constitute an offense because he was coerced to do so by the use of, or a
threat to use, unlawful force against his person or the person of another,
which a person of reasonable firmness in his situation would have been
unable to resist.”). Notably, Jefferies did not even raise this defense herself
and took full responsibility for her participation in the conspiracy at issue,
pleading guilty to all the charges brought against her. (See notes of
testimony, 11/23/15 at 166.) Accordingly, we conclude that appellant’s
claim that there was insufficient evidence to sustain his conviction for
conspiring to rob Norton must fail.
For all the foregoing reasons, we affirm the April 22, 2016 judgment of
sentence of the trial court.
Judgment of sentence affirmed.
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Judgment Entered.
Joseph D. Seletyn, Esq.
Prothonotary
Date: 5/12/2017
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