J-S21006-18
NON-PRECEDENTIAL DECISION - SEE SUPERIOR COURT I.O.P. 65.37
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA : IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF
: PENNSYLVANIA
:
v. :
:
:
JULIA ANN CALIPO :
:
Appellant : No. 1929 WDA 2016
Appeal from the Judgment of Sentence November 3, 2016
In the Court of Common Pleas of Erie County Criminal Division at No(s):
CP-25-CR-0000990-2016
BEFORE: OLSON, J., MURRAY, J., and FORD ELLIOTT, P.J.E.
MEMORANDUM BY OLSON, J.: FILED MAY 31, 2018
Appellant, Julia Ann Calipo, appeals, pro se,1 from the judgment of
sentence entered on November 3, 2016 in the Criminal Division of the Court
of Common Pleas of Erie County. We affirm.
Appellant’s conviction in this case arose from an intentional fire that
destroyed her residence at 235 East 32nd Street in Erie, Pennsylvania on
February 18, 2015 and a related insurance claim that Appellant submitted to
Allstate Insurance Company (Allstate) for loss of dwelling and contents. Prior
to these events, Appellant and her children resided at the East 32 nd Street
residence when a fire damaged the structure in October 2011. At this time,
____________________________________________
1 The record reflects that following a November 3, 2017 hearing pursuant to
Commonwealth v. Grazier, 713 A.2d 81 (Pa. 1998) (requiring on-the-record
determination of whether waiver of right to appellate counsel is knowing,
intelligent, and voluntary), the trial court granted Appellant’s request to
proceed pro se.
J-S21006-18
Appellant collected insurance proceeds from Farmers Insurance for losses
incurred in the 2011 fire. After the 2011 fire, Appellant and her children
relocated to another home but returned to the East 32 nd Street residence in
July 2014. Approximately four months later, on November 20, 2014,
Appellant applied to Allstate for homeowners’ insurance coverage. Based
upon information provided by Appellant, Allstate issued a policy that became
effective on December 3, 2014.
Allstate commissioned a home inspection that was scheduled for
December 1, 2014. The inspection revealed material misrepresentations by
Appellant regarding the condition of the property and the age of improvements
to the structure. Based upon the findings of the inspection, Allstate cancelled
its policy on the residence effective February 26, 2015.
On February 18, 2015, eight days before the scheduled termination of
Appellant’s homeowners’ coverage, a fire broke out at the East 32 nd Street
residence. The evidence at trial showed that Appellant, and possibly an adult
child, were the only individuals who had keys or access to the premises and
that Appellant was the last person to leave the residence that evening.
Allstate hired a private investigator, Robert Rice, to determine the cause of
the fire. Rice determined that the fire was set intentionally and that it was
caused by the ignition of a stove that contained an aerosol can and clothing.
Guy Santone, Fire Chief for the City of Erie Fire Department, also investigated
the fire and agreed with Rice that the fire at the East 32nd Street residence
was set intentionally.
-2-
J-S21006-18
Appellant submitted an insurance claim to Allstate on February 18,
2015. The claim was referred to Allstate’s Special Investigative Unit given its
suspicious circumstances, including the 2011 fire and the fact that the fire
occurred while Appellant’s homeowners’ policy was in cancellation status.
While the investigation was ongoing, Allstate paid certain sums to Appellant.
On November 17, 2015, however, Allstate denied coverage for Appellant’s
claimed losses due to Appellant’s failure to cooperate, misrepresentations in
Appellant’s list of contents and her statement under oath, and Allstate’s
determination that the fire was set intentionally.
The Commonwealth filed an amended criminal information on
September 13, 2016 charging Appellant with arson - endangering persons (18
Pa.C.S.A. § 3301(a)(1)(i)), arson - endangering property (18 Pa.C.S.A.
§ 3301(c)(3)), risking catastrophe (18 Pa.C.S.A. § 3302(b)), three counts of
recklessly endangering another person (18 Pa.C.S.A. § 2705), and two counts
of insurance fraud (18 Pa.C.S.A. § 4117(a)(2) and (b)(4)). Following a
three-day trial that concluded on September 21, 2016, a jury found Appellant
guilty of all charges.2 On November 3, 2016, Appellant received an aggregate
sentence of 20 to 40 months’ incarceration, followed by seven years’ state
probation.
____________________________________________
2 Without notifying the court or her attorney, Appellant failed to appear on the
third day of trial. Despite Appellant’s absence, trial proceeded over the
objection of counsel.
-3-
J-S21006-18
On November 10, 2016, Appellant moved for post-sentence relief, which
the court denied on November 28, 2016. A timely notice of appeal followed
on December 20, 2016. Pursuant to Pa.R.A.P. 1925(b), the trial court directed
Appellant to file and serve a concise statement of errors complained of on
appeal. Appellant timely complied on January 6, 2017. The trial court issued
its Rule 1925(a) opinion on April 13, 2017.
In her brief to this Court, Appellant lists 25 issues for our review. See
Appellant’s Brief at 7-9. Many of Appellant’s claims were not included within
her January 6, 2017 concise statement, others are repetitive, several assert
the ineffectiveness of trial counsel, and still others incoherently allege
corruption and misconduct on the part of the trial judge and prosecuting
attorneys. For these reasons, we have confined our review of this appeal to
the issues addressed in the trial court’s April 13, 2013 opinion.
After careful review of the parties’ submissions, the opinion of the trial
court, the certified record, and pertinent case law, we conclude that Appellant
is not entitled to relief. Moreover, in light of our determination that the trial
court’s opinion adequately and accurately addresses the issues that were
properly raised and preserved in this appeal, we adopt the court’s April 13,
2017 opinion as our own. The parties are directed to attach a copy of the
court’s opinion to all future filings that relate to our disposition in this appeal.
Judgment of sentence affirmed.
-4-
J-S21006-18
Judgment Entered.
Joseph D. Seletyn, Esq.
Prothonotary
Date: 5/31/2018
-5-
Circulated 05/10/2018 08:28 AM
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA IN THE COURT OF COM3V101PLEAS
raS rta
'771
OF ERIE COUNTY, PENN
-rrIzF7o
.-
''.
v. CRIMINAL DIVISION -o .Q n co
JULIA ANN CALIPO, DEFENDANT
NO. 990 of 2016 0-, c).7.--, - c--)
t.,.,- ,---, C,
cj:1-7-( r-0 --,,,-3
_.I
1-.
OPINION
This matter is before the Court on
Appellant's, Julia Ann Caliph's; 1925(h) Concise
Statement of Matters Complained of on Appeal. Fox
the reasons set forth below, the judgment of
sentence must be affirmed.
FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND
Appellant's convictions stem from the application for
homeowner's insurance on
Appellant's residence at 235 East 32nd Street, Erie,
Pennsylvania, in November of 2014; the
intentionally set fire at the residence on February
18, 2015; and the insurance claim Appellant
submitted to. Allstate Insurance. Company for loss of
dwelling and contents due to the fire.
Previously, in October of 2011, a house fire
occurred at the residence. Appellant
collected insurance proceeds from Farmer's Insurance
for losses she claimed from the 2011 fire.
After the 2011 fire, Appellant and her children
moved to another residence which.
Appellant owned, located on Liberty Street in Erie. In
July, 2014, Appellant and the children
returned to the residence at 235 East 32"d Street. The
move back to 235 East 32'1 Street was
only intended to be temporary, as Appellant wanted
to relocate to Florida.
Approximately four months later, on. November 20, 2014,
Appellant applied to Allstate
Insurance Company for homeowner's insurance on the
residence at 235 East 32rmi Street. Based
APR 7 7
COMMONWEALTH'S
1
2
0
upon information supplied by Appellant, Allstate
bound over a policy of homeowner's insurance
to become effective on December 3,2014.
In underwriting the policy, Allstate
contracted with Mueller Insurance Services to
conduct a home inspection. The home inspection
occurred on December 1, 2014. The home
inspection revealed, inter alia, material misrepresentations
Appellant made to Allstate reganding
the condition of the property and the age of
improvements to the property. Based upon the
findings of the home, inspection, Allstate cancelled the
insurance on the residence effective
February 26, 2015. Allstate, removed Appellant: from the easy
payment plan whereby the
monthly insurance premiums were to 'be
automatically debited: from Appellant's checking
account. After this occurred, Appellant on her own
initiative paid the homeowner's insurance:
premiums through. the effective date of cancellation.
On February 18, 2015, eight days before the:
homeowner's insurance 'coverage on the
residence at 235 East 32nd Sheet was to terminate, an
early evening flue broke out at the
residence which rapidly consumed the house and
contents. Appellant and possibly an adult child
were the only persons who had keys or access to
the residence. Appellant was the last person to
leave the residence that evening. Appellant
estimated she left the residence approximately one
hour before the fire, when a mobile therapist left the
residence. The mobile therapist testified he
left the residence at 5:20 p.m. that evening. When
Appellant left, she locked the door behind her.
The fire was discovered by a neighbor, Jacob
Vallimont, who spotted a small flame
through a large window at the back of Appellant's
residence, in the kitchen area. The flame
grew quickly and the residence caught on fire.
Vallimont immediately called 911. As he spoke
with the 911 operator, the house became engulfed
inflames.
.2
The City of Brie Fire Department was the first responder on the scene,
arriving within
minutes of dispatch. Also responding and assisting were Emergycare
paramedics, City of Erie
Police, Penelec Electric Company and National Fuel Gas. Despite the prompt response by the
fire department, the nature of the fire was such that the residence
could not be saved.
The fire' placed neighboring residences, neighbors and
responding personnel at risk of
serious harm. It was frigid and snowing; temperatures were falling;
there was an accumulation
of snow on the ground; and it was icy. These conditions presented safety
hazards and difficulties
in accessing the residence with vehicles, equipment
andpersonnel. The fire grew exceptionally
fast. Extreme heat from, the fire' threatened responding
personnel and neighboring structures.
The firefighters were at risk of hypothermia. A partial
building collapse of Appellant's residence
placed responders at further risk of hann. An electrical power line to
the structure fell on a fire
rig. It took responding personnel an exceptionally long time,
over one hour, to get control of the
fire. The last fire 'crews left at approximately 10:00 p.m., but
returned to the residence
periodically throughout the night to extinguish hot spots that erupted.
The next day, the residence"was,,razed,'beca'use1 it was
structurally unsafe. Guy Santone,
Fire Chief, investigated the fire. Santone determined the fire
originated in the southwest comer
of the residence, the' area of heaviest damage.
Allstate Insurance hired a private investigator, Robert
Rice, of Maltase Fire
Investigations, to, investigate the cause of the fire. During his
investigation, Rice uncovered an
oven from beneath the rubble of Appellant's residence. The
glass in the oven door was ruptured.
Inside the oven, an aerosol can was found jammed beneath an oven
rack. Material, like clothing
material, was found next to 'the can inside the oven. Rice concluded
the aerosol can and the
clothing, were deliberately placed inside the oven. Rice, ultimately
concluded the fire originated
3
inside the stove in the kitchen, and the cause of the fire was human interaction by placing an
aerosol can and clothing, inside of the, stove and turning on the, stove.
Santone" determined the cause of the 2015 fire was aerosol '-'incendiary..Santone
concurred with Rice the fire was intentionally set.
On February 18, 2015, Appellant submitted, 'to Allstate a claim for the loss of the
dwelling and its contents. The claim was assigned to Allstate's Special Investigative Unit due
to
the suspicious circumstances, including the 2011 fire and the fact this fire occurred
while the
policy was in cancellation status.
While the investigation was ongoing, Allstate paid Appellant approximately
$11,000.00
toward loss of contents, plus approximately $20,000.00 for living, expenses.
Appellant submitted
to Allstate a. two -page list of the contents of the house. During Appellant's Examination Under
Oath on April 17, 2015, Appellant testified to. the contents of the house,
on February 18, 2015.
Though the two-page list was not .a complete listing of contents, Appellant
fitiled to supplement
the list or provide a complete list of contents to support the claim.
On November 17, 2015, Allstate denied coverage for the claimed
losses, due to
Appellant's failure to cooperate, misrepresentation of material facts in the
partial contents list
and/or Appellant's Examination Under Oath, and Allstate's belief the fire
was intentionally set.
Pursuant to the Amended Criminal Information filed September 13, 2016,
Appellant was
charged with Arson and Related Offenses';' Arson and Related Offenses,
Arson Endangering
I 18Pa.C.S.A. §3301(a)(10.
4
Property2; Risking. Catastrophe3; three counts of Recklessly
Endangering Another Person4; and
two counts of Insurance Frauds.
On September 21,2016, following the three-day jury
trial, Appellant was convicted of all
charges. On September 21,.2016, the third day of trial,
Appellant, failed to appear. Appellant
had previously been released on her own
recognizance, and did not notify the'
Court or her attorney she was not going to appear on the
third day of trial. The trial continued in
absentia over the objection, of Appellant's counsel.
On November 3, 2016, Appellant was sentenced th an
'aggregate'. of 20 month to 40
months of incarceration, followed by seven years' of state
-supervised probation, as follows:
Count One: Arson and. Related Offenses - 12 to 24
months of incarceration
followed by three years of state supervised probation.
Cqunt Two: Arson and Related Offenses, Arson
Endangering Property -Three
months to six months of incarceration, consecutive to Count
One.
Count Three: Risking Catastroplae (Merged with Count Two).
Count Four: Recklessly Endangering Another Person -
One month to two months
of incarceration, followed by one year of state-supervised
probation, consecutive
to Count Two.
Count Five: Recklessly Endangering Another Person
-(Merged).'
-
Count Six: Recldessly Endangering Another Person (Merged).
Count Seven: Insurance Fraud (statement) - Three months' to six months 'of
incarceration, followed by two years of state-supervised probation,
Count Four. consecutive to
Count Eight: Insurance Fraud (application) - One month, to two months of
incarceration, followed by one year of state-supervised probation,
Count Seven. consecutive to
2 I8 Pa.C.S.A. §3301(c)(3),
3 18 Pa.C.S.A. §3302(b).
4 18 Pa.C.S.A, §2705 (three counts).
5 18 Pa.C.S.A. §§4117(a)(2) and 4117(13)(11),
respectively,
5
A Motion for Post-Sentence Relief was filed on November 10,
2016. On November 28,
2016, the. Court denied the motion. A Notice of Appeal was timely
filed on December 20, 2016.
On December 30, 2016, the court issued a 1925(b) Order.
On January 6, 2017, Appellant filed a:
Statement of Matters Complained of 011 Appeal.
Condensed and re -ordered for clarity, Appellant raises the
following issues for appellate
review:
1. Appellant challenges the sufficiency of the
evidence of all the charges;.
2. Appellant challenges the weight of the evidence of all
the charges;
3. Appellant claims evidentiary error occurred
when evidence relating to a fire at
Appellant's, residence in 201.1 was admitted pursuant to Pa.R.E.
404(b);
4. Appellant claims evidentiary error occurred
when a. witness testified concerning'
Appellant's statements during Appellant's Examination Under Oath;
5. Appellant claims it was error to continue the trial
in absentia, when Appellant failed
to appear on the third day of trial;
6. Appellant raises three sentencing issues
concerning merger of charges.
DISCUSSION
I. The Sufficiency of the Evidence Claims
In the 1925(b) Statement, Appellant generically
asserts in boilerplate fashion, the
evidence was insufficient to support his convictions at
Counts One through Six because
Appellant claims there was no evidence Appellant placed an aerosol can
in 1117 oven. Appellant
generically alleges the evidence was insufficient 'to support the
verdicts at Counts Seven, and
Eight because there was insufficient evidence Appellant
lied and/or made fraudulent claims, to
Allstate Insurance Company (Allstate). See 1925(b) Statement,
Ill -2.
6
A. Waiver
Appellant's sufficiency claims are waived as they do not comport with the requirements
of Pa.R.A.P. 1925(6).
If Appellant wants to preserve: a. claim that the evidence was insufficient, then the
1925(b) statement needs to specify the element or elements upon which the evidence was
insufficient. This Court' can then analyze the element or elements on appeal. [Where a]
1925(b) statement ] does not specify the allegedly unproven elements[J ... the
sufficiency issue is waived [on appeal]. Commonwealth v. Williams, 959 A.2d 1252,
1257 (Pa. Super. 2008), quoting Commonwealth v. Flores, 921 A.2d 517,
522-523 (Pa.
Super. 2007).
Commonwealth v. Tyaelc, 128 A.3d 254, 260 (Pa. Super. 2015). Such specificity is
particularly
important in cases where an Appellant has been convicted of multiple crimes, each of
which.
contains numerous elements the Commonwealth was required to prove
beyond a reasonable
doubt. See Commonwealth v. Freeman, 128 Aid 1231, 1248 (Pa. Super. 2015).
In the instant case, Appellant was convicted of multiple crimes. Appellant's
1925(b)
Statement fails to specify which element or elements of any of the crimes at Counts One
through
Bight the Commonwealth fthled to prove beyond a re.asonable doubt. Appellant's
bald ass cations
regarding sufficiency of the evidence are far too vague to identify the pertinent issue(s) for the
Trial Court to address. Appellant, failed to point to any element of any crime at
Counts One
through Six where the evidence was arguably insufficient to support the verdict. Thus,
Appellant
has waived, her challenges to the sufficiency of the evidence to convict at Counts one
through
Six.
B. Sufficiency of the Evidence Standard
Assuming, arguendo, Appellant's challenges to the, sufficiency of, the evidence are not
waived, the Trial Court will address the claims ad seriatim:
7
When evaluating a challenge to the sufficiency of the evidence, the 'Couttmust
determine
whether, viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the Commonwealth as
the verdict.
winner, together with all reasonable inferences from that evidence, the
trier of fact could have
found each element of the crime charged was established beyond .a reasonable doubt.
Commonwealth v. Hargrave, 745 Aid 20,, 22 (Pa. Super. 2000), appeal denied, 760 A.2d 851
(Pa. 2000)(intemal citations omitted); Commonwealth v. Brunson, 938 A.2d 1057, 1058 (Pa.
Super. 2007); CornmonweaIth v. Chambers, 599 A.2d 630,633 (Pa. ii991).
The Commonwealth
may sustain its burden of proof by means of wholly circumstantial
evidence. Commonwealth v.
Hopkins, 747'A.24 910,,9l3 (Pa. Super. 2000). The facts and
circumstances established by the
Commonwealth need not preclude every possibility of innocence, and
any questions 'or doubts
are to be resolved by, the fact -finder, unless the evidence is so weak
and inconclusive that, as a
matter of law, no probability of fact pan be drawn from the
combined circumstances.
ComMonwealth v. Hopkins, supra át913-1'4.
Viewing the evidence against this standard, Appellant's contentions are
without merit
C. Factual Basis and Elements of the Crimes
1. Count One: ATS011 and Related Offenses
The factual basis for the charge, of Arson and Related Offenses (Count
One) is Appellant
intentionally started a fire to destroy and/or damage her residence at 235
East 3211d Street in Erie,
and in so doing, recklessly placed responding firefighters, police or
others actively engaged in
fighting the fire in danger of death or bodily injury. Amended
Criminal Information filed
September 13, 2016 (Amended hformcrtion).
Arson and Related Offenses'is defined as follows:
(a) Arson endangering persons.
8
(I) A person commits a felony of the first degree if he
intentionally starts a
fire or causes an explosion, or ,,whether on his own property or on that
of another,, and if:
(i) he thereby recklessly places another person in danger of death or
bodily injury, including but not limited to a firefighter, police
officer or other person actively engaged in fighting the fire; ...
18 Pa.C.S.A. §3301(a)(1)(i).
A person "intentionally" starts a fire when it is his
"conscious object to engage in conduct
of that nature or to cause such a result." 18 Pa.C.S.A.
§302(b)(1). A person recklessly places
another in danger of death or bodily injury when he
"consciously disregards a substantial and
unjustifiable risk the [danger of death or bodily injury] exists or
will result from 'his "conduct"
and disregard of that risk is grossly unreasonable. 18
Pa.CS.A. §302(b)(3).
2. Count Two: Arson and Related Offenses,
Arson Endangering Property
The factual basis for Arson and Related Offenses,
Arson Endangering Property (Count
Two) is Appellant intentionally started a fire to
destroy and/or damage her residence, to collect,
insurance for the loss. See Amended Information.
The crime, of Arson and Related Offenses, Arson
Endangering Property is defined as
follows:
(c) Arson endangering property. --A person
commits a felony ofthe second degree
if 'he intentionally starts a fire' or causes an explosion, whether on his own
property or that of another, or if he aids, counsels, pays or agrees
to pay another to
cause a fire or explosion, and if:
(3) he commits the act with intent of destroying or
damaging any property,
whether his own or of another, to collect insurance for such loss.
18 Pa.CS.A. §3301(c)(3).
As indicated previously, a person "intentionally" starts a fire
when it is his "conscious
9
object to engage in conduct of that nature or to cause such a
result." 18 Pa.C.S.A. §302(b)(1).
3. Count Three: Risking Catastrophe
The basis for the charge of Risking Catastrophe (Count Three) is the fire started by
Appellant created the risk of spreading to surrounding houses. See
Amended Information.
The crime of Risking Catastrophe is clefmed as follows:
()Risldng catastrophe.-A person is guilty of a felony of the third. degree if he
recklessly creates a risk of catastrophe in the employment of
fire, explosives or
other dangerous means listed in subsection (a) of this section.
18 Pa.CS.A. §3302(b).6
A "catastrophe" is a situation capable of causing
"widespread injury or damage".
Commonwealth v. Hughes, 364 A.2d 306, 312 (Pa. 1976). A person
acts "recklessly" in creating
a risk of catastrophe ifhe consciously disregards a substantial
and unjustifiable risk a catastrophe
exists or will result from his conduct, and disregard of that risk
involves a gross deviation from
the standard of conduct a reasonable person would observe
in the person's situation. See 18
Pa.CS.A. §302(b)(3); Commonwealth v. Hughes, 364 A.2d at 311.
4. Counts Four, Five and Six: Recklessly Endangering
Another Person
The basis for the charges of Recklessly. Endangering
Mother Person is Appellant's
reckless conduct placed the: following in danger of death or serious bodily
injury: occupants in
neighboring houses (Count Four), responding fire fighters (Count Five)
and responding police
officers (Count Six). See Amended Information.
A person is guilty of Recklessly Endangering Another Person "if he
recldessly engages in
conduct which places or may place another person in danger of
death or serious bodily injury."
18 Pa,C.S.A. §2705.
6 The "other :dangerous wane .listed at subsection (a) of *Section
3302 are not relevant here.. .See 18 Pa:C&A..
§3302(a).
10
A person acts "recklessly" if he consciously ignores a substantial and -unjustifiable risk
that death or serious bodily injury will result from his conduct, and further, the risk is so, serious
that, considering the actor's conduct and circumstances known to him, the
actor's conduct
involves a gross deviation from the standard of conduct a reasonable person world
observe in the
situation. See 18 PaC.S.A. §302(b)(3).
5. Count Seven: Insurance Fraud (statement)
The factual basis for the charge of Insurance Fraud (Count Seven) is
Appellant
knowingly and with the, intent to defraud the. Allstate Insurance Company,
submitted claims for
the loss of personal property and real estate. The claims for loss
contained false, incomplete or
misleading information. See Amended Infirmatian.
Pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S.A. §4117(a)(2), a perion commits Insurance.
Fraud if he or she
"Lk]nowingly and with. the intent to defraud any insurer or self-insured,
presents or causes to be:
presented to any insurer or self-insured any statement forming a pail of, or in
support of, .a claim
that contains any false, incomplete or misleading information
concerning 'any fact or thing
material to the claim." 18 Pa.C.S.A. §4117(a)(2).
By its plain, language,, this subsection of the insurance
fraud statute requires the
Commonwealth to establish 1.) Appellant presented a statement to the insurance
company
fomiing 'a part of or in support of an insurance claim, 2.) the statement contained
false,
incomplete or misleading information concerning any fact or thing material to the
claim, and 3'.)
Appellant acted knowingly' and with the intent to defraud the insurance
company. See 18
Pa.CSA §4117(a)(2).
A "statement" is: [ably oral or written presentation or other evidence of
loss, injury or expense, including, but not limited to, any notice, statement,
proof of loss, bill of lading, receipt for payment, invoice, account, estimate
1:1
of property damages, bill for services, diagnosis, prescription, hospital or
doctor records, X-ray, test result or computer-generated documents.
18 Pa.C.S.A. §4711.
A fact is material "if it concerns a subject relevant and germane: to
the insurer's
investigation as it was then proceeding, or if a reasonable insurance company, in
determining its
course of action, would attach' importance to the fact: misrepresented."
Church Mut. Ins. Co. v.
All. .Adjustment Grp., 1'02,F. Supp. 3d 719, 727 (E.D. Pa.
2015), quoting Wezorek v. Allstate Ins.
Co., No. 06-1031, 2007 WL 2264096, at *15 (E.D.Pa. Aug.
7, 2007) (citations and quotation
marks omitted).
6. Count Eight: Insurance Fraud (application)
The factual basis for the charge of Insurance Fraud (Count
Eight) is Appellant knowingly
and with the intent to defraud Allstate Insurance dompany, filed a
fraudulent or misleading
application for insurance. See Amended Infirmation.
Pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S.A. §4117(b)(4), la] person may not knowingly and with intent to
defraud any insurance company, self-insured or other person file an
application for insurance
containing any false information or conceal for the purpose of
misleading information
concerning any fact material thereto." 18 PaC.S.A. §4117(b)(4).
By its plain language, this subsection of the' statute requires
the Commonwealth to
establish: 1.) Appellant knowingly filed an application for insurance, and
2.) knowingly and with
the intent to defraud, provided false, misleading or inaccurate information
material to the
application. See 18 Pa.C.S.A. §4.117(b)(4).
A person acts "knowingly' when a person is aware that it is practically
certain that his
conduct will cause such a result. 18 Pa.CS.A §302(b)(2).
12
A fact is material "if it concerns a subject relevant and germane to the insurer's
investigation as it was then proceeding, or if a reasonable insurance company, in determining its
course of action, would attach importance to the fact misrepresented." Church Mut. Ins. Co. v.
Adjustment Grp, 102 F. Supp;. 3d 719, 727 (El). Pa. 2015), quoting Firezorek v. Allstate Ins.
Co., No. 06-1031, 2007 WL 2264096, at *15 (E.D.Pa. Aug. 7, 2007) (citations
and quotation
marks omitted).
D. Evidentiary Review
The pertinent evidence, as it pertains to the sufficiency and weight of the evidence
claims, is summarized as follows.
1. Brian O'Connor, Sales Agent, Buhl Ageney
The Commonwealth presented the testimony of Brian O'Connor, sales agent for the Buhl
Agency, an agency of Allstate Insurance Company. Transcript of Proceedings, September 19,
2016 (Tr. 1), pp. 20-37. O'Connor responded to Appellant's request for quotes
for homeowner's
insurance on the residence at 235 East 32nd Street, Erie, Pennsylvania, and for auto
insurance.
Tr. 1, pp. 21-22, Commonwealth Ex. No. 1.
On November 20, 2014, O'Connor telephoned Appellant to obtain infonnation
to prepare the
insurance application and to supply Appellant with the insurance quotes. Among other
things,
Appellant advised O'Connor there were two: residents and no dogs in the household;
Appellant
had lived there since December 1993; the roof was replaced in 2014 and was one
year old; the
residence had central heating and no air conditioning; Appellant had property
insurance through
Farmer's insurance; and the residence was not in the course of construction. Tr. 1, pp.
24-27;
31-32. O'Connor used the, information supplied by Appellant to complete the insurance
application, and to supply Appellant with quotes to purchase the insurance.
13
A few days later, on November 26, 2014, Appellant, notified O'Connor she wanted to
purchase the insurance. At O'Connor's xequest, Appellant supplied additional infomsation.
O'Connor reviewed a few additional matters with Appellant, and e-mailed her the application.
Allstate subsequently bound over a. policy 'of homeowner's insurance, 'which was to become
effective December 3, 2014. Appellant was placed on an easy payment plan" whereby
scheduled monthly insurance premiums were to be automatically debited from
Appellant's
checking account Tr. 1, pp. 21-28, 30; Commonwealth Ex. No. L
As part of the, underwriting process, Allstate scheduled a home inspection of Appellant's
residence. The home inspection revealed severe problems with the
condition of the residence,
including, trash and debris' in the yard or porch, dry rot and holes on the
front porch or deck, roof
damage, siding/frame exterior damage, boarded up windows with
broken glass; and damaged
fencing.
As a result, on January 16, 2015, Allstate issued a notice of
cancellation, effective
February 26, 2015. The notice of cancellation identified defects in the property as revealed by
the home: inspection. Tr. 1, p. 29; Commonwealth Ex.. 2. Allstate automatically removed
Appellant from the easy' payment plan. Tr. 1, p. 30. However, Appellant
contacted O'Connor's
office and arranged to pay the insurance premiums on the policy up to
the' effective date of
cancellation, February 26, 2015. Tr. 1, pp. 30-31. This was unusual, in
O'Connor's experience,
as most people in the situation purchase coverage somewhere else. Tr. 1, p. 31.
2. Daryl Pfadt, Field bispector, Mueller Insurance Services
The Commonwealth presented the testimony of Daryl Pfadt, field
inspector for Mueller
Insurance Services. On December 1, 2014, Pfadt performed the home inspection of Appellant's
residence requested by Allstate. Tr. 1, pp. 37-53. Appellant told Pfadt she bad no
dogs. Tr. 1,
p. 49. Pfadt observed poor roof condition, boarded and broken windows,
missing or damaged
1,4
siding, dry rot and a hole on the front porch decking,, and trip hazards in the yard. Tr. I,
pp. 43-
44; Commonwealth Ex. 3. Pfacit testified concerning the fiaclings in his report, and
Commonwealth Ddibits 4-25, the photographs he took of Appellant's residence. Tr. 1, pp. 40-
51.
3, Carl Richard Hannah.
The Comraonwealth presented the testimony of Carl Richard Hannah. Tr. 1, pp.
53-83.
Hannah has known Appellant fox approximately 15 or 16 years, during which time he
and
Appellant lived together on and off. Tr. 1, pp. 54-55. They have one child together, Jackson,
age 14. Tr. I, pp. 54-55. Appellant has four other children: Janet, an adult child;
Jaden, age 17;
Lily, age six or seven; and Violet, the youngest. Tr. 1, pp. 54, 57.
Hannah was uncertain when Appellant first began living at 235 East 32nd Street. Hannah
spent tirae at the residence, including overnights. Tr. I, pp. 55-56. There was
a house fire at 235
East 32nd Street in October, 2011. Following the 2011 fire, Appellant and the
children moved to
a residence on Liberty Street which Appellant owned. Tr. 1, p. 56. Appellant and the children
remained at the Liberty Street residence until July of 2014, when Appellant and the
children
returned to the residence at 235. East 3rd Street. Hamiah assisted with the move back to the
3rd
Street residence. In February of 2015, approximately seven months later, the second home
fire
occurred at 235 East 3rd Street. Tr. I, pp. 58-59, 61.
The East 32nd Street residence remained vacant while Appellant and the children resided
at the Liberty Street'residence. Appellant sold the residence on Liberty Street shortly
before,
returning to 235 East 3rd Street. m .1, pp. 61, 73. After' Appellant returned to the 32nd Street
address, Hannah assisted with some home maintenance issues, including making repairs to the
top, flat portion roof and installing, a shower in the basement. Tr. 1, pp. 66-67.
15
Hannah testified concerning the items which remained behind, at the 32nd Street address
after the first fire. See Tr. 1, pp. 60, 63, 64; 67. Hannah also testified
concerning the items of
personal property left behind at the Liberty Street address, when Appellant returned
to the 32nd
Street address. See. Tr. 1, pp. 59-60, 62-63, 65-66. Hannah assisted Appellant in moving the
following items from Liberty Street to the 32" Street address when Appellant returned there in
July of 2014: a flat screen TV from Appellant's bedroom, a. couple of older TVs, two computers,
and a couple of beds.. Tr. 1, pp. 61-62. At some. point, Hannah helped move an "industrial
refrigerator" to 3rei Street., 'Tr. 1, pp. 59-60. He testified there was no dishwasher at
32nd Street.
Tr. 1, pp. 60-61. There were two used couches at 32" street Tr. 1, p. 61.
On February 18, 2015, Hanna was caring for Appellant's, dogs. Appellant had
told him
her pipes broke; she had to go to a hotel; and she wasn't allowed to take
the pets to the hotel. Tr.
1, pp. 70-71. This was the first time Hannah had ever watched Appellant's dogs. Tr. 1, p. 74.
Hannah testified Appellant was to pick up the dogs the night the fire occurred.
Tr. 1, p.
70. The arrangements to pick up the dogs were made a few days to one week before, the fire.
Hannah was to take two of the children, Jackson and Jayden, shopping the
evening of February
186, while Appellant prepared dinner. Tr. 1; pp. 69-70.
The evening of February 18th, while Hannah was shopping with the children,
th.e child,
Jackson, received a telephone call' advising 'his house just exploded." Tr. 1, p.. 71. Hannah
dropped off the children, picked up Appellant, and proceeded to Appellant's
residence where
they found Appellant's residence engulfed, in flames. Appellant spoke with the
fire in.spector at
the scene. Tr. 1, p. 72.
4. Jeremiah Wodarski
The Commonwealth presented the testimony of Jeremiah Wodarski.
Transcript of
Proceeding,, September 20, 2016 (Tr. 2), pp. 4-31. Wodarski has known Appellant: for
16
approximately 30 years, and has been in a relationship with Appellant for the past six to, eight
years. Wadarski resided with Appellant ,and her children at the 32nd Street address in 2011. 7'r.
2, pp. 5-6. Wodarswki testified to the, contents of the residence in 2011, which included normal
household appliances, numerous TVs, desk' top computers, a large desk and large kitchen table.
Tr. 2, pp. 6-7.
Appellant received insurance proceeds from the fire in 2011. Tr. 2, p. 8. Following the
fire, Appellant 'moved 'to the Liberty Street residence with the children. Tr. 2, p. 9.
Appellant
obtained new appliances, electronic devices and furniture. Wodarski had regular contact with
Appellant at the Liberty Street address from April, 2013 to June, 2013. Tr. 2, pp 10-11.
Appellant frequently spoke with Wodarski about wanting to: relocate 'to a different state,
preferably Florida. His understanding was that Appellant's return to the 32'1 Street residence
following the 2011 fire was only intended to be a temporary 'stepping stone to relocation, out-of-
state. Th, 2, pp 10-11.
In February, 2015, Appellant telephoned Wodarski and requested assistance
with broken
pipes in the, basement of the residence. Tr. 2, pp, 11-12. Appellant had shut the water
off, and
went to a motel. Tr. 2, pp. 13-14; 17. Wodarsld performed the repairs approximately three
days
later. At that time, he observed at the 32nd Street address some of the same furnishings,
etc., as
he, had seen in the residence on Liberty Street, including TVs; the desk, and kitchen table. Tr. 2,
p 15. The second fire at the 32nd Street Address occurred approximately one week to ten days
after Wodarsld repaired the broken pipes. Tr. 2, p. 17.
5. Val Leone, Children's Behavioral Health
The Commonwealth preSented the testimony of Val Leone, an employee of
Children's
Behavioral Health. Leone had a scheduled two-hour appointment with one of Appellant's
children on February 18, 2015. Tr. 2,p". 31-36 Appellant was present at Appellant's residence
17
when Leone picked up the child at 3:20 p.m., and when Leone returned the child at 5:20 p.m.
When Leone returned the child, Leone did not enter the residence. He watched the child walk
into the house, and immediately left. Tr. 2. pp. 31-33.
6. Jacob Vallimont, Neighbor
The Commonwealth presented the testimony of Jacob Vallimont, Appellant's neighbor
who resided at 233 East 3314 Street in Erie. Vallimont made observations which assisted in
determining the origin and cause of the fire at Appellant's residence on February 18, 20:15. Tr.
2, pp. 3641.
After work on February 18, 2015, Vallimont turned into his driveway and observed a
small flame in a large window at the back of Appellant's residence. Thinking the
flame might
have been a candle, he wasn't: initially alarmed. He walked to his door, turned around,
and saw
the flame was bigger and growing quickly, catching the house on fire. Vallimont
immediately
called 911. Tr. 2, pp. 37-38.
While Vallhxnontspoke with the 911 operator, the fire continued to: grow rapidly. After
the 91.1 call ended, Vallimont remained outside and watched as the house became
engulfed in
flames and police and firefighters arrived. Tr. 2, p. 39.
7. Martin Held, Deputy Chief, City of Erie Fire Department
The Commonwealth presented the testimony of MartInI Heid, Deputy Chief, City
of Erie
Fire Department. Tr. 2, pp. 41-56. Reid is a 30-year veteran with the fire' department,
and has
been Deputy Chief for 12 years. Members of the fire department were the first to respond to this
fire. Tr 2, p. 44.
Held was en route to another call when a fire dispatch came across -at 547 p.m. for the
structure fire at Appellant's residence. Reid rerouted fire rigs, and, arrived at Appellant's
residence six minutes, after the dispatch came in. Already, heavy flames were coming from all
18
downstairs windows, standing approximately ten feet out of the windows. Fire
was' also coming
out of the second floor windows. Tr. '2, pp. 42-43. All four sides of the house were fully
engulfed. Tr 2,p 44.
Due to the extent of the fire, there was no means to access the
interior to address the
safety of anyone inside. Heid's next concern was to ensure
neighboring, residences didn't also
become engulfed in flames. R. 2, pp. 44. The house to the
east was close, approximately 12
feet away. To the west, there was a hoU.se 50 feet away,
across from a vacant lot. Tr. 2, pp. 44-
45..
The frigid weather presented particular hazards for the
firemen. The temperature was
dropping into the teens; there was snowy accumulation of eight to ten
inches; it was snowing out;:
the roads were slick; and the rigs were using chains to reach
the residence. The firefighters faced
the: risk of hypothermia. Due, to the severity of the fire and weather
cOnditions, two extra rigs
were brought in so the firefighters could cycle through
rehab and get checked out by Emergyeare
paramedics. Tr. 2, pp. 45-46.
More firefighters than usual were placed at risk in fighting this fire.
Most fires average
20 to 124 fire department personnel on the scene. In this
instance, 36 to 40 members of the fire
department responded. Tr. 2, p.' 46. Also'responding to the fire were:
Emergycare paramedics,
City of Erie Police, Penelec Electric Company and National
Fuel Gas. Mechanics also came to
the 'scene. Tr. Z p. 46.
The large quantity of fire coming from Appellant's residence was highly unusual for a
daytime fire. Usually, during the daytime, a fire would be detected
before it became so large.
Tr. 2, p. 48.
19.
The intensity of the fire was particularly unusual. The heat from this fire caused the
I
siding on the house to the east to begin to melt, and, also, the siding on the house to
the west,
which was 50 feet away, to begin to melt Firefighters set up a water curtain between
Appellant's
residence and the house to the east, and a tower, was set up on the west side, to protect the
neighboring residences. The tower on the west 'had to be backed up 20 to 30' feet from where
it
would normally be positioned, to protect the rig from the' heat and fire. Tr. 2, pp. 48-49.
Approximately 20 minutes, into the fire, the power line from the house to the pole burnt
through, and fell across the tower, putting' the tower out of: commission for
approximately 45
minutes until Penelec: crew arrived and disconnected the power to the line.
Though people were
nearby, fortunately no one was on the rig 'at the time and no one was injured from
this. Tr. 2, p.
49.
Approximately 30 minutes into the fire there was 'a partial building collapse: the second
floor in the back collapsed into the first floor. Fire became trapped inside. Rigs
remained there,
and firefighters went back and forth all night until 8:30 a.m. the next
morning, to extinguish hot
spots that erupted in the areas of collapse. Tr. 2, pp. 50-51.
For a shorrtinre, as all six fire rigs in the City were called to respond
to this fire, there were no
fire rigs left to protect the City. Had another fire occurred during this time, the
Fire Department
would have had to call in aid from another county. Tr. 2, p. 51
It took longer than usual.- one hour and 11 minutes for the, firefighters to get this fire
unda control. Most fires the City of Erie Fire Department has under control in 10 or 15 minutes,
Heil testified. Tr. Z pp. 51-5Z
Footage of the fire taken by media who arrived on the scene was played for the jury and
admitted
as Commonwealth Ex. 28. Tr. 2, p. 53.
20
8. Guy Santone Fire Chief, City of Erie Fire Department
The Commonwealth presented the testimony of Guy Santone, Fire Chief, City of Erie
Fire Department Tr. 2, pp. 56-89. Santone, a 29 -year veteran with the fire department, has
served as Fire Chief since June, 2016. Santone served as Chief Fire Inspector for approximately
eight and one-half years. Tr, 2, p. 57. Santone was qualified as an expert in fire investigations.
Tr. 2, pp. 57-58.
Santone arrived at the scene at. 6:13 p.m., and remained there until approximately 9:00
p.m. Tr. 2, pp. 6a 64. He conducted interviews. Appellant was in a patrol car when Santone
arrived. Tr. 2, p 61. Appellant told Santone she was not at home; that she had gone to the store;
and she had been gone approximately one hour. Tr. 2, p. 62. Santone asked Appellant if there
was anything in the home that could have ignited a fire. Appellant advised she had space heaters
in the upstairs bedrooms and downstairs in the living room which were turned on. Tr. 2, p, 62.
Appellant confirmed the dogs had been removed from the home. Tr. 2,p. 63.
Santone also spoke with Carl Hatmah. Tr. 2, p. 64.
Santone testified the intense radiant heat from this fire presented the risks that the homes
to the east and west of Appellant's residence would catch fire, as evidenced by the buckled
siding on those homes. Tr. 2, pp. 69, 71; Commonwealth Exs. 38-41 (photographs). Although
the house to the west of Appellant's residence was approximately 70 feet away, the siding to that
residence buckled from the extreme heat which emanated from the southwest corner of
Appellant's residence. Had the firefighters not put water on both residences to cool them down,
they would have caught fire. Tr. 2, pp. 70-72.
Due to the low temperature, and the icy conditions which caused firemen to fall, extra
firemen were brought in to relieve the "first -in companies" Tr. 2, p. 72. Further, the house was
21
unstable, and presented the risk of collapse, onto firefighters. Tr. 2, p.
69. The police were also
in danger as they did not have the same protective gear as
the firefighters. Tr. 2, p. 72.
Santone called Andy Zimmerman, Code Enforcement Officer
and head of the Building
Inspection Division, for his opinion whether the house was
structurally unsafe and needed to be
razed. Tr. 2, p. 65. Zimmerman determined the structure
needed to be taken down as soon as
possible. Tr. 2,p. 65. The following day, Zirnmeman hirexl
someone to raze the house. Tr. 2,
p. 65. Santone estimated the temperature was close to zero
degrees. Tr. 2, p. 65.
Santone returned the next day to continue the investigation. 7'r.
Z pp. 65-66. He found
the entire residence encapsulated in ice from the water
used to fight the fire. As it was
impossible for: Santone to enter the residence, at that time he
was unable to determine the: cause
of the fire. Tr. 2, p. 66. However, SaMone was able to
determine the origin Of the fire. Based
upon his experience, the interviews be conducted, the
video of the fire, the fire patterns on the
remaining structure, and the assessment the heaviest area of
damage was to the southwest corner
of the house, Santone opined the fire originated in the
southwest corner of the residence. Tr. 2,
p. 66. Generally, the area of heaviest damage indicates
where the fire started. Tr. 2, pp. 66-69;
COMMOYIlvealth Exs. 32-37 61hotographs).
After Appellant's residence was razed, Santone
recommended that Allstate fire a private
investigator to investigate this fire, since the fire department did not
have the resources, to search
through the rubble to conduct an, appropriate
investigation regarding causation. At that time,
Santone left the cause of the fire as undetermined. Tr. 2, p. 76.
Allstate subsequently hired a private investigator. On April 9,
2015, Saritone received a
telephone call from Robert Rice, Maltase Fire Investigations. Rice
asked Santone to meet him at
Appellant's residence. Rice showed Santone a stove, where, inside the
oven there was an aerosol
22
can. From the position of the can and the oven rack, it appeared the can had been placed in the
oven. While the police photographed the aerosol can, material, like clothing material, was also
found inside the oven.. The police took the can and the material into evidence. Santone
removed
the stove and secured it in an evidence locker. Th 2, pp. 77-79; Commonwealth Exs. 47.49
(photographs ofcan and material).
Santone subsequently determined the cause of the 2015 fire was "aerosol - incendiary".
Santone Concluded the fire was set intentionally by placing the aerosol can in the oven to act a
as'
tinting device, to allow whoever placed the can in the oven to get away before it, erupted.. Tr.
2,
pp 81-82. Santone outniled a space beater as the cause of the fire. There was no report: of a
space heater in the kitchen, and no space heater was recovered in the kitchen.
Some of the space
heaters recovered elsewhere still had some sheathing on the wires, suggesting space
heaters were
notthe cause of the fire. Tr. 2, pp 8546.
Santone also responded to the 2011 fire at Appellant's, same residence. That fire
originated in a dresser' on the south wall in the front bedroom on, the second floor,
and was
mostly contained to that room.. Tr 2, pp 72-75; Commonwealth Exs. 43, 46. During that fire
investigation, Appellant told Santone she had, left for the store; she was pretty sure she
had lit a
candle upstairs; and she was unsure whether the candle was still burning when she left. Santone
was unable to locate the ren3nants of a candle. Tr. 2, p. 75. Santone discovered a burnt aerosol
can in, a dresser drawer, and was immediately concerned. Santone ruled the cause of that fire
as
undetermined, because he was unable to, 'locate an ignition source. Tr. 2, pp 74, 76;
Commonwealth Exs. 43; 44.
23
9. Robert Rice, Maltase Fire Investigation
Robert Ric; owner of Maltase Fire investigation, testified on behalf of the
Commonwealth. Tr. Z pp. 89-133. Rice was qualified as an expert in fire investigation, origin
and cause detexmination. Tr. 2, pp. 89-93.
At the request of Allstate, Rice conducted an investigation to determine the origin and
cause of the fire to Appellant's residence on February 18,:201'5. Tr. 2, p. 94.
Rice received the
assignment on February 20, 2015. At Rice's request, the site was secured. Due to the
condition
of the scene and the weather, the investigation commenced on April 9, 2015. Tr. 2, pp. 98.. Rice
utilized .a backhoe, a loader and two, dumpsters to "de-layer the rubble and
examine the
contents. Tr. 2, pp. 96.
The demolished state of Appellant's residence did not impact the
investigation. Th 2, p.
99. Rice photographed the area. Rice located the oven under debris,
where the kitchen was
located. The debris covering the overt protected it from weather conditions
and tampering by
thixd persons. There were no signs .a backhoe, the only means to
reach the oven under the debris
(other than the backhoe used during Rice's investigation), had been to
the scene. Tr. 2, pp. 102-
103.
The oven was brought: out, and Rice examined it. Tr. 2, pp: 102-103, 124;
Commonwealth Et 57. The oven was, found with its door closed, and there was no glass in the
cloot Rice opened the oven door and Observed :an aerosol container on the
bottom with ,,a rack
"sMashed doWn on top" of the container to hold it: in place, and a very small amount of
Clothing,
Tr. Z pp: 103-104,107; Commonwealth:Ex 59. At the top of the can, the plunger was missing,
which would have allowed the aerosol to come out violently, like "an
explosion-type of a
fireball," after the oven was turned on and the contents of the can under 'pressure had been
24
sufficiently heated. Tr.. 2, pp. 105-106. Ruptured glass, in the ,oven door would Edlow flarne and
combustion to come out of the stove. Tr. Z p. 10:7. The visible damage to the interior of the
oven, an appliance made to withstand high tetnpemtures, was a sign of extreme heat. Tr. 2, p.
108.
Rice concluded the, aerosol can and small amount of clothing were deliberately placed
inside the oven. Had the items arrived there by happenstance, a significant amount of additional
debris would also have also been found in the oven. Tr. 2, pp. 108-109. Also, the can would
not have been found in the same position. Tr. 2, p.109.
After inspection of the microwave and the three or four space heaters which were
recovered, those items were out-ruled as possible causes of the fire. TV.. 2, pp. 113-114. The
electrical transformer, the electrical meter socket, the electrical breaker panel in the
basement,
the hot water heater and the gas meter were also out -ruled as a possible cause of the fire. Tr. 2,.
pp. 114-.117. Rice opined the fin did not originate in the basement. Tr. 2, p.
117-119.
Based upon the times in the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) report, which provided call
and response times, the fire grew quickly and to a high magnitude, and was an accelerated,
fire.
Tr. 2, p. 12o. Rice ultimately concluded the fire originated inside the stove in the kitchen, and
the, cause of the fire was "human interaction by placing an aerosol can and Class A combustibles,
clothing, inside of the, stove and turning on the stove." Tr. 2, p. 121.
"There was nothing -I can say with certainty there was nothing in this investigation that
was tampered with that would have altered the outcome of my conclusion. Everything that 'I
looked at was covered up and had to be removed with heavy equipment ...." Tr. 2, p. 124.
25
It Rally Kelly, Special Investigative Unit, Allstate Insurance Company
Holly Kelly, a 17 -year veteran of the Special Investigative Unit (81U) at Allgtate
Insurance Company, testified on behalf of the Commonwealth. Tr 2, pp. 137-168. Kelly was
called by the Commonwealth to testify concerning prior bad acts of the Appellant,
Appellant's
misrepresentations to procure insurance for the 32nd Street residence; misrepresentations
regarding the, contents of the residence at the, time of the 2015 fire; and the facts
and
circumstances surrounding the fire.
Allstate investigated Appellant's insurance claim for the 2015 house due to prior fires at
the residence, and the policy was in cancellation status when the subject fire
occurred. Ti. 2; p.
139. On February 25, 2015, Kelly requested a recorded statement from
Appellant. Appellant
declined, due to her pregnancy. Tr. 2, p. 139. Allstate scheduled Appellant's
Examination
Under Oath for April 17, 2015 to learn facts and circumstances surrounding
the fire. Kelly
testified Examinations Under Oath are routinely conducted in Mvestigations. The
transcript of
Appellant's Examination Under Oath became part of the investigative file of
Allstate. Appellant
was represented by counsel at the Examination Under Oath. Kelly did not attend the
Examination Under Oath. Tr. 2, pp. 141-143, 161; Commonwealth Ex. 102,
Examination Under
Oath of April 17,2015 (Tr. EUO), p.4.
As testified to by Kelly, Appellant related the following during the
Examination Under
Oath.
Only Appellant and possibly Janet had access to the residence. Appellant testified
the
children,. Jaden, Jackson and Lily, and "two little tiny dogs" raided with her at the time of the
fire. She testified about the contents of the residence at the time of the
fire.
26
The following items were in the basement: a TV, a weight set, a new
washer and dryer,
an uninstalled dishwasher purchased from Best Buy, a chain saw, new
carpentry tools and new,
bicycles. Tr. 2, pp. 143-146.
The following items were on the first floor: pots and parts, silverware, a stove, a
refrigerator and a freezer, all purchased with cash; couches and recliners
purchased in 2014 from
Arthur F. Schultz; two flat screened TV's purchased at HliGregg and
Wal-Mart; a mattress and
box spring purchased two months ago at Arthur Schultz and American
Freight; an entertainment
center purchased in 2014; and computers purchased at Best Buy. Tr.
2, pp. 146-148.
The, following items were present on the second floor: new
bedroom furniture including
a double bed, a bedside table, and two dressers she purchased from John
V. Schultz; and abed
and dresser purchased from American Freight Tr. 2, pp. 148-149.
Appellant was insured by Farmers when the 2011 fire
occurred at the 32'1 Street
residence. Farmers paid Appellant "maybe like 25" for the claim for loss
of contents from the
fire. Tr. 2, p. 149.
When Appellant applied for homeowner's insurance on the 32nd
Street residence in
November of 2014, Appellant falsely advised she was 'already' insured
by Farmers. Had
Allstate's representative, Mr. O'Connor, known Appellant had not been
insured for over one
year, the representative may not have written the policy. Tr. 2, pp.
156-157
Appellant purchased a residence at 4017 Liberty Street in Erie.
Appellant let her
insurance on the, residence lapse because she didn't believe insurance
was, needed due to the age
of the house. Appellant sold the residence in May, 2014. When Appellant returned ,to the
residence on 32nd Street, she purchased insurance from Allstate. Tr. 2, pp.
143-144, 149-151.
27
On Monday, February 16, 2015, two days before the fire, Appellant had problems with
frozen pipes in the basement, over the shower.. Appellant denied the pipes burst- they only,
froze.
Appellant, stayed overnight at a hotel. Jeremiah Woda.rski replaced the elbow on the piping.
Appellant went to her residence on Tuesday, because Carl was at work and Appellant didn't have
the keys to his residence to get the dogs. Appellant went to Carl's house on Wednesday,
February 18th. After Carl took Jackson shopping, they were going to get the dogs and 'return to
Appellant's residence. Tr. 2, p.. 152-154.
Appellant related she had':three space heaters at the residence on February 18, 2015: one
in the living room, one in the downstairs bedroom and one in the upstairs bedroom.
Appellant was present at the residence one hour before the fire on February 18th. After
a mobile,
therapist left, Appellant left, and locked the door behind her. Tr. Z pp. 154-155.
Appellant submitted to Allstate a 'two-page list of the, contents of the house. Appellant
was given opportunity to' supplement the list, and indicated she had
items to add to the 'list.
However, the list was never updated. Tr. 2, p. 157; Commonwealth Ex. 103. Appellant failed
to
supply a written list of the items she testified 'to during the Examination Under Oath. Tr., 2, p.
159. While Allstate's investigation continued, Allstate paid Appellant approximately
$11,000.00, plus approximately $20,000.00 for living expenses. Tr. 2,p. 158.
Appellant continued to contact Allstate requesting additional payments. Despite
Allstate's repeated requests for Appellant to supply a complete contents list, Appellant failed to
comply. Tr. 2, p. 167
By letter dated November 17, 20.15, Allstate denied coverage for the claimed losses.
Coverage was denied for Appellant's failure to cooperate, material, misrepresentation of
facts,
28
and. Allstate's belief the fire was intentionally set. 'Ti. 2, pp.
159-160; Commonwealth Ex. 104
(Allstate Notice ofDenial/Coverage Determination ofNovember 17, 2015)..
II. Retail Store Representatives
a. Alice Barto, John V. Schultz Furniture
The Commonwealth presented the testimony of Alice Barto, Customer
Service Manager
for John V. Schultz. At John V. Schultz, a customer's name, address and
telephone number is
recorded with every purchase A. search of the store's business records
under Appellant's name,
address and phone number revealed no record of purchase by
Appellant. Tr. 2, pp. 170-173.
b. Dan Schultz, Arthur F. Schultz Company
The Commonwealth presented the testimony of Dan Schultz, Chairman
of the Arthur F.
Schultz Company. 'The store has no records of purchases by Appellant.
Transcript of
Proceedings, September 21, 2016 (Tr. 3), pp. 9-10.
c. Nathan Fladry, Best Buy
The Commonwealth presented the' testimony of Nathan Fladry, who works in asset
protection at Best Buy. Best Buy maintains no record of cash purchases
where a Rewards Zone
Account is not used.
Best Buy has records of the following purchases by Appellant: On January
31, 2012,
Appellant purchased a GE Stars refrigerator, an over -the-range
microwave, an electric
convection oven and a built-in dishwasher.
On October 1,2014,, Appellant exchanged one child's tablet for
another, and ,purchased
refreshments. Tr. 3, pp. 11-15.
29
d. Layette Dean, American Freight
The Commonwealth presented the, testimony of Layette Dean, Assistant
Manager of
American Freight.
On October 21,2011, Appellant purchased a love seat, a sofa and a recliner.
On November 23, 2011, Appellant purchased a sofa and a love seat
On February 12, 2012, Appellant purchased two sofas.
On December 4, 2014, Appellant purchased a mattress and foundation.
Tr. 3, pp. 1548.
E. Discussion - TheSufficiency Of The Evidence
Appellant's claims of sufficiency of the evidence are nieritless and must be
dismissed.
1. Count One: Arson and Related Offenses and Count Two:
Arson and Related
Offenses, Arson Endangering Property
As described in the evidentiary review section above, the evidence
viewed in the light'
most favorable to the Commonwealth, together with all reasonable
inferences from the evidence,
established beyond a reasonable doubt the elements of the arson crimes. It,
is obvious from the
foregoing testimony Appellant, was the person who intentionally started
the "fire at her residence
and in so doing, recklessly placed others in danger of death or
bodily injury, including the
fuefighters, police and responding personnel actively engaged in fighting the
fire.
The record amply established the extreme heat and quantity of fire,
combined with the
weather conditions, placed others, including firefighters, police and
all responders, at a
substantial and unjustifiable risk of danger of death or bodily injury from
the fire. 'Responders
faced serious risk of injury or death from consequences of
hypothermia; falls due to icy
conditions; structural instability; the fallen power line; and exposure to
the fire itself, among
other things. See testimony of Jacob Vallimont, Tr. 2, pp. 36-41; Martin Held, Deputy' Fire
30
Chief Tr. 2, pp. 41-56; Guy Santone, Fire chief Tr. 2, pp. 56-89 and Robert Rice, Tr. 2, Pp. 89-
91.
The record also, amply established Appellant intentionally started 'the fire to collect
insurance for the loss. The jury found the evidence was sufficient to establish the fire was
intentionally set. See testimony of Santone, Fire chief Tr. Z pp. 56-89 and Robert Rice, 7'r.
2, pp. 8943. It is obvious from the evidence, including. the evidence of misrepresentations in
procurement of in.surance, Appellant's payment of the premiums while the policy 'was in
cancellation status, Appellant's presence in the residence one hour before the fire and actions in
locking the door as she left, the lack of other persons' access to the'residence, and the lack of
cooperation with the investigation, that Appellant was the person who set the fire, and Appellant
did so to collect insurance proceeds. See, inter alio; testimony ofBrian O'Connor, Tr.
1, pp. 20-
37; Darl Pfadt, Tr. 1, pp. 37 53; Val Leone, Tr. 2, pp. 31-36; and Holly Kelly, Tr. 2,
pp. 137-
168.
2. Count Three: Risking Catastrophe
The jury appropriately found each element of Risking Catastrophe was
established
beyond a reasonable doubt. Appellant consciously disregarded a substantial and
unjustifiable
risk a situation or fire capable of causing widespread injury or damage would result
from her
conduct, and "this involved a gross deviation from the standard of behavior a reasonable
person
would have observed. It is obvious from the foregoing testimony the fire caused actual
widespread damage, including the destruction of Appellant's residence and contents, and
significant damage to the exteriors of neighboring residences; the fire was capable of
causing
widespread injury to larger than usual number of firefighters and responders called upon to battle
the fire, and to occupants of the nearby residences. See testimony of Martin Held, Deputy Fire
31
Chief Tr. -2, pp. 41-56; Guy Santone, Fire chief; Tr. 2, pp. 56-89 and 'Rob Rice, Tr. 2, pp. 89-
93.
3. Counts Four, Five and Six: Recklessly Endangering Another Person
The jury determined the elements of Counts Four, Five and Six were established beyond
a reasonable doubt. It is obvious from the foregoing testimony Appellant in setting fire to the,
residence, engaged in reckless conduct by consciously ignoring the substantial and unjustifiable
risk that death or serious -injury would result ftvin her, conduct, and the risk was so serious that
her conduct involved a gross deviation from conduct '.a reasonable person would observe in the
situation. 'It is obvious from the testimony as summarized herein the elements of Recklessly
EndangeringAnother Person as to the occupants in the neighboring residences (Count Four), the
responding firefighters (Count Five) and the responding police officers (Count Six) were met.
See testimony of Jacob Valmont, Tr. 2, pp. 36-41; Martin Reid, Deputy Fire Chief Tr. 2,
pp.
41-56; 'Guy Santone, Fire chief; Tr. 2, pp. 56-89 and. Robert Rice, Tr. 2, pp. 89-93. See also
testimony ofSee testimony of Brian O'Connor, Tr, 1, pp. 20-37; Daryl Pfadt, Tr. 1, pp. 37-53;
Carl Hannah, Tr. 1, pp. 53-58; Jeremiah Wodarski, Tr. Z pp. 4-31; Val Leone, Tr. 2, pp. 31-36;
Holly Kelly, Tr. 2, pp. 137-168.
4. Count Seven: Insurance Fraud (statement) and Count Eight: Insurance
Fraud
(application)
The basis for the charge of basurance Fraud at Count Seven is that Appellant knowingly
and with the intent to defraud Allstate, submitted claims for loss of personal property and real
estate which contained false, incomplete or misleading information. The record amply
established Appellant presented statements to Allstate in support of her insurance claim, for loss;
the statements contained false, incomplete or misleading information about facts or things
material to Appellant's claim, and Appellant did sa laiowingly and 'with the intent to defraud.
32
Appellant's "statements" included the two-page written contents list. See testimony of
Holly Kelly, Tr. Z p. 157, Commonwealth Ex. 103. Appellant also appeared for an Examination
Under Oath, scheduled by Allstate, See testimony of Holly Kelly, Tr. 2, pp. 137-168.
Commonwealth Ex, 102, Examination Under Oath ofApril 17, 2015.
The record, established these statements contained false, incomplete or misleading
information. The record is devoid of supporting documentation for items listed in in the two -
page contents list See testimony of Holly Kelly, Tr. 2. pp. 137-138; Commonwealth Ex. 104,
Allstate coverage decision letter ofNovember 17, 2015.
During the Examination Under. Oath, Appellant testified about items of personal property
located in the residence on the date of the fire. As, examples, Appellant represented she had new
bedroom furniture on, the second floor, including a double bed, a bedside table and two,
dressers
which she purchased from John V. Schultz. See Tr. 2, pp. 148-149. At trial, a
representative of
John V. Schultz testified a search of the store's business 'records under Appellant's name, address
and phone number revealed, no record of purchase by Appellant. See testimony of Alice Barto,
Tr. 2, pp. 170-1 73.
Also, during the Examination Under Oath, Appellant testified couches and recliners
purchased in 2014 from Arthur F. Schultz:, and 'a mattress and/or box spring purchased
two
months earlier at Arthur F. Schultz were located on the first floor, See Tr. 2, pp. 146-148. At
trial, a representative of Arthur F. Schultz testified the store has no records of purchase by
Appellant. See te.sfintony ofDan Schultz, Tr, 3, pp. 9-10.
During the Examination Under Oath, Appellant represented she purchased computers at.
Best Buy. Tr. 2, pp. 146-148. At trial, a representative from Best Buy had no record of purchase
of computers by Appellant. See testimony of Nathan Fladry, Tr. 3, pp, 11-15.
33
During the Examination Under Oath, Appellant: testified a dresser purchased from
American Freight was on the second floor of the residence. Tr. 2, pp. 148-149. American
Freight has no record of purchase by Appellant of a dresser. See, testimony ofLayette Dean, Tr.
3, pp. 15-18.
Statements by Appellant concerning items of personal property claimed as lost in the fire
were material to the insurance claim because Allstate, in determining whether to issue payment
on the claim, would have attached importance to whether or not the property was lost in the fire.
Insurance carriers generally only want to issue payment on legitimate claims
The, basis for: the charge of Insurance Fraud at Count Eight is that Appellant knowingly
and with the intent to defraud Allstate filed a fraudulent or misleading application fox insurance.
It is obvious, from the evidence Appellant, knowingly and with the intent to defraud
Allstate, filed an application for insurance which contained false information about a material
fact. The following examples illustrate. In assisting Brian O'Connor complete Appellant's
application for homeowner's insurance, Appellant told O'Connor, only two persons lived in the
household, and there were no pets; the roof was one year old and had been replaced in 2014; and
the residence was not in the course of construction. See testimony ofBrian O'Connor, Tr. 1, pp.
24-27; 31-32. Yet during the Examination Under Oath, Appellant admitted she resided in the
house with three children and two dogs. See testimony of Holly Kelly, Tr. 2, pp. 143-146. The
home inspection by Daryl Pfadt revealed the roof was in poor condition and clearly had not been
replaced within one year.. See testimony of Dairy! Pfadt, Tr, I, pp. 43-44; Commonwealth EX, 3.
From the condition of the exterior, which included multiple boarded-up windows, missing or
damaged siding, and missing pieces of facie, one could reasonably conclude construction on the
residence was' underway. See testimony ofDaryl Pfadt, Tr, 1, pp, 43-44; Commonwealth a 3.
34
Viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the Commonwealth as the verdict
winner, together with all reasonable inferences from that evidence, the trier of fact could have
found each element of the crimes charged was established beyond a reasonable doubt.
Appellant's sufficiency of the evidence claims are meritless, and must be dismissed.
II. The Weight of the Evidence Claims
In the 1925(b) Statement, Appellant claims the weight of the evidence was inadequate to
establish Appellanes guilt for the crimes at Counts One through Six because there was no
evidence Appellant placed an aerosol can in her' oven. Appellant also asserts the weight of the
evidence was inadequate to establish Appellant's guilt for the offenses at Counts Seven and
Eight due to the lack of sufficient evidence Appellant lied and/or made fraudulent claims to
Allstate Insurance Company. See 1925(b) Statement, ¶J 15-16. The weight of the evidence
claims are wholly without merit.
A. Weight of the Evidence Standard.
A verdict is against the weight of the evidence "only when the jury's verdict is so
contrary to the evidence as to shock one's sense of justice." Commonwealth v. Blakeney, 1946
A.2d 645, 652 (Pa. 2008). See also, Commonwecrlth. v, Thompson, 648 A.2d 315, 324 (Pa.1994).
A true weight of the evidence challenge "concedes that sufficient evidence exists to sustain the
verdict but contends that the verdict was against the weight of the evidence." Armbruster v.
Horowitz, 744 A.2d 285, 286 (Pa. Super. 1999)(citations omitted). An allegation the verdict is
against the weight of the evidence is addressed to the discretion of the trial court.
Commonwealth. v. Brown, 648 A.2d 1177, 1189 (Pa. 1994).
35
"Appellate review, therefore, is a review of the exercise of discretion, not the underlying
question whether the verdict, is against the weight of the' evidence." Id. "A trial court's decision
to .grant or deny a new laid is aided by an on-the-scene evaluation of. the evidence."
Commonwealth. v Brown, 648 A.2d at 1190.
According to the Supreme Court: "[W]hen the record adequately supports the trial court,
the' trial court has acted within the limits of its judicial discretion." Commonwealth. v. Brown,
648: A.2d at 1189, quoting Thompson v. City of Philadelphia, 493 A.2d 669, 673 (Pa. 1985).
"Needless to say, .... a trial court' s refusal to 'award a new trial because the verdict is claimed to
he against the weight of the evidence is one of the least assailable of the trial court's rulings."
Commonwealth v. Thompson, 648 A.2d 315, 324 (Pa.I994).
Credibility determinations are within the province of the jury. Commonwealth. v. Smith,
861 A.2d 892, 896 (Pa. 2004), citing Commorrwealth. v. Fisher, 796 A.2d 1116, 1123 (Pa. 2001).
The trier of fact while passing, on the credibility of vvitnesses and the weight of the evidence
produced, is free to accept all, part or none of the evidence. Commonwealth. v. Pappas, 845 A.2d
829, 836 (Pa:Super. 2004). Credibility detenninations a.re solely within the jury's judgment and
cannot be changed as a matter of law.
B. Discussion - The Weight Of The Evidence
Viewing the evidence against this standard, Appellant's weight of the evidence claims
are without merit. The Court did not abuse' its: discretion in denying Appellant's post-sentence
motion for a new trial based upon Appellant's assertions at paragraph nos. 21 and 22 of the post-
sentence motion the weight of the evidence was insufficient to prove the elements of the charges
at Counts One through Eight. The jury's verdicts do, not shock one's sense of justice. The
36
verdicts were amply supported by the evidence, as summarized herein. Appellant's weight ofthe
evidence claims must be dismissed.
DI. Evidentiary Claims: Evidence Relating to the 2011 Fire
Appellant claims it was error to admit evidence concerning the fire at: Appellant's
residence in 2011. In the 1925(b) Statement, Appellant claims evidentiary error occurred
pursuant to Pa.R.E. 404(b) for the following reasons:
1. The cause of the: 2011 fire was undetermined 'and Appellant was not held
criminally responsible for, the fire.
2. The: circumstances of 2011 fire were not substantially similar to the 2014 fire
to indicate either a common scheme, plan or design; intent; or motive because
the cause of the 20.1.1 fire was undetermined and. Appellant was not held
criminally responsible for the fire.
3. The probative value of evidence of the 2011 fire was outweighed by prejudice:
to Appellant;
4. Evidence of the 2011 fire was inadmissible propensity evidence.
See 1925(b) Statement, 11113-8.
A. Legal Standards
In pertinent part, Pennsylvania Rule' of Evidence 404(b) provides:
Rule 404. Character Evidence; Crimes or Other Acts
(b) Crimes, Wrongs or Other Acts
(1) Prohibited Uses. Evidence of a crime, wrong, or other act is not
admissible to prove a person's character in order to show that on a
particular occasion the person acted in accordance with the
character.
(2) Permitted Uses. [Evidence of a crime, wrong, or other act] may be
admissible for another purpose, such ::as proving motive,
opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, identity, absence
of mistake, or lack of accident. hi a criminal case this evidence is
37
admissible only if the probative value of the evidence outweighs its
potential for unfair prejudice.
Pa. R. E. 404 (b) (2).
Relevant, evidence is that which has any tendency to make a: fact more or less, probable
than it would be without the evidence, and the fact is of consequence in determining, the action.
See Pa.R.E 401. "` Mnfair prejudice' means 'a tendency to suggest decision on an improper
basis or to dived the jury's attention away from its duty of weighing the evidence
impartially.'"
Castellani v. Scranton Times, L.P., 124 A.3d 1229, 1245. (Pa. 2015). See also, Pa.R.E. 403
(comment).
Because all relevant Commonwealth evidence is meant to prejudice a defendant,
exclusion is limited to evidence so prejudicial that it would inflame the jury to
make a decision based upon something other than the legal propositions relevant
to the case. As this Court has noted, a trial court is not required to sanitize the trial
to eliminate all unpleasant facts from the jury's consideration where those facts
form part of the history and natural development of the events and offenses with
which jai defendant is charged.
Commonwealth. v. Gonzalez,112 A.3d 1232, 1238 n.6 (Pa. Super 2015), citing Commonivealth
Owens; 929 A.2d 1187, 1191 (Pa. Super. 2007)(citations omitted) (emphasis added).
B. Discussion
On September 1 2016, Appellant filed a Motion in Liroine to exclude evidence of the
2011 fire. On September 8,2014, the Commonwealth filed a "Motion to Introduce Evidence of
Other Crimes, Wrongs :or Bad Acts Pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Evidence 404(b)",
specifically:. 1.) evidence of the 2011 fire; '2.) evidence of the June of 20,12 cancellation by
Farmer's Insurance of Appellant's homeowner's insurance on the residence; 3.) Appellant's
return to the residence in July of 2014; and 4.) Appellant's efforts in November of 2014 to
secure homeovvner's insurance through Allstate Insurance Company.
38.
On September 9, 2016, following a hearing, the Court denied Appellant's Motion, in
Limine, and granted the Commonwealth's Motion.
At the hearing, the Commonwealth asserted the evidence was relevant to furnish the
complete story or context of events, culminating in the 2015 fire and fraudulent insurance claims.
The Commonwealth asserted the complete story included the above -referenced events. The
Commonwealth further asserted evidence was relevant to the res gestae of the case, e.g.,
Appellant returned to the residence after. the 201.1 fire; she allegedly Made repairs to the property
and purchased appliances and furnishings which Appellant claimed were lost in the fire in 201:5;
and Appellant went without homeowner's insurance on the residence during the period of time in
between the two fires, until just before the second fire, when Appellant misrepresented facts to
Allstate to procure homeowner's insurance. The. Commonwealth also asserted evidence of the
2011 fire was relevant to show common plan or scheme, knowledge or absence of
mistake,
because Appellant: gained experiehce in filing a' homeowner's insurance claim.
Appellant's claims as set forth in the 1925(b) Statement are meritless. Appellant's
contentions the evidence was' inadmissible because a.) the cause of the 2011 fire was
undetermined, and b.) because Appellant was not convicted of a crime for 2011 fire, are
meritless. By its wording, Rule 404(b) does not require criminal: culpability of a prior act, for
evidence of the prior act to be admissible. See Pa.R.E. 404(i)(2).
Appellant's: next, claim the probative: value of evidence was outweighed by the
prejudicial effect of the evidence is without merit. The Court correctly determined 'the evidence
was admissible.
Evidence of the 2011 fire and subsequent insurance claims and Appellant's actions
leading up to the 2015 fire were relevant to show knowledge and absence 'of mistake. The
39
evidence was also relevant in that it supplied historical context of Appellant's actions which,
resulted in the criminal convictions. The evidence was particularly 'important for the jury 'to
understand the events which cuhninated in the insurance fraud charges.
Appellant's last allegation the, evidence constituted inadmissible propensity evidence is
disingenuous. The evidence was not admitted for the purpose of demonstrating Appellant's
propensity to serially set fire to her residences to collect insurance proceeds. The evidence was
relevant and admitted to prove "the history and natural development of the events and offenses
with which Appellant was charged, in particular,, the insurance fraud offense& See
Commonwealth. v. Gonzalez, 112 A.3 d at 1238 n.6.
There was no, abuse of discretion in the Court's evidentiary ruling. The evidence was
admissible pursuant to Pa.R.E. 404(b). The evidence was relevant with regard to the fraud
crimes because it supplied background information of the 'events which led to the charges, of
insurance fraud. The evidence formed part of the history and natural development of Appellant's
actions, and its probative value outweighed any prejudice to Appellant. Appellant is not entitled
to any relief concerning this issue.
XV. Evidentiary Claims: Anuellant's Sworn Examination Under Oath
A. Background
As set, forth above, Allstate's investigation of the claims for loss from the 2015 house fire
included the taking of Appellant's Examination Under Oath. Allstate scheduled the Examination
Under Oath' to learn of facts and circumstances, surrounding the fire.: Allstate routinely requests
Examinations Under Oath in investigations. Appellant's sworn testimony for the Examination.
Under Oath was taken on. April 17, 2015. Both Appellant and Allstate were represented by'
40
counsel at the Examination. The transcript of Appellant's testimony at the Examination Under
Oath became part of Allstate's investigative file. Tr. 2, pp. 141-143, 161; Commonwealth a.
1 OZ Examination Under Oath ofApril 17, 2015 (Tr. EUO), p. 4.
By letter :dated Novembea. 17, 2015, Kelly notified Appellant of Allstate's decision to
deny coverage for any damage to the residence or contents, due to, inter alia, Appellant's
statements during tlie Examination Under Oath. Tr. 2, pp. 159-160; Commonwealth Et 104.
At trial, the Commonwealth presented Kelly's testimony concerning Allstate's
investigation and Appellant's statements, including those made during the Examination Under
Oath.7 Tr. 2, pp. 137-168. The 'Commonwealth asserted Kelly's testimony regarding the
Examination Under Oath was admissible, as a business record, ordered and kept in Allstate's
regular course of business. Tr. 2, pp. 136-143. The Court permitted Kelly to testify concerning
Appellant's testimony during the Examination Under Oath.
B. Discussion
Distilled, in the 1925(b) Statement, Appellant claims error occurred at trial in admitting
Appellant's statements during' the Examination Under Oath as a prior inconsistent statement,
which in this case Appellant contends was a contemporaneously recorded statement pursuant to
Pa.R.E. 803.1(1)(C). See I 925(b) Statement, 9-11. See also FaR.E. 803.1(1)(C). The cases,
cited. by Appellant in, the 1925(b) Statement concern use: of prior inconsistent statements to'
impeach a witness' nial testimony. Two of three cases cited by Appellant also concern the claim
7 With the Court's permission, Holly Kelley to testified at trial via video conferencing. See Order of Court,
September 9, 2016.
41
the prior inconsistent statement was a "contemporaneous verbatim recording." See 1925(b)
Statement, 11119-11 and cases cited therein.8
Appellant's arguments that statements during the Examination Under Oath were admitted
under the prior inconsistent statement, exception to, the hearsay rule lack 'a fact al basis, and are
belied by the record. The hearsay exception at Pa.R.E. 803.1(1XC), and the cases' cited
by'
Appellant, do not apply, as Appellant did not te.stify before she absented he.rself from trial. The
Commonwealth did not argue argument the, statements were admissible as a prior inconsistent
statement. There, was no ruling by the. Court the statements were admitted as. such. See Tr. 2,
pp.
135-136. Appellant's claims in the I925(b) Statement regarding admissibility of statements
during the Examination Under Oath lack a factual basis and are meritless.
Appellant's claims
must be dismissed.
The Commonwealth offered Appellant's sworn statements during, the Examination
Under
Oath under the business records exception to the hearsay rule at Pa.R.E. 803(6). See Tr. 2, pp.
135-136. The testimony of Kelly, as previously referenced herein, together
with, the record,
demonstrate the, transcription of the Examination Under Oath was prepared by'
a Registered
Professional Court Reporter on April 20, 2015, three days after the Examination Under
Oath9;
the statement was requested and transcription of the staternentiExarnination Under
Oath was kept,
and maintained the regular course of Allstate's business activity; and the making of
the record
was part of Allstate's regular protocol. See Tr. 2, pp. 139-143;
Commonwealth Ex. 102. To the
extent a particular statement of Appellant during Appellant's Examination
Under Oath
constituted hearsay, the requirements of Pa.R.E. 803(6) were therefore met. As no other claim of
B
Comtnomvealth v. Brady, 507 A.2d 66 (Pa. 1986); Commoinvealth v. Johnson, 707 A.2d 1114 (Pa.
1998) and
Commonwealth v. Halsted, 666 A2d 655 (Pa. 1995).
9 see the Court *porter's Cirtification ofActura0, COmmilnsvealth 102:.
'42
error was raised in the 1925(b) Statement concerning, the. Court's ruling on this issue, any further
claims of error regarding the admissibility at trial of Appellant's sworn statements during the
Examination Under Oath are deemed waived, See Pa.R.A.P. 1925 (b)(4).
Additionally, to the extent a particular statement of Appellant during Appellant's
Examination Under Oath constituted hearsay at trial, the Court notes Appellant's sworn
statements during the Examination Under Oath were admissible under Pa.RE. 803(25) as
statements of a party opponent.. See Pa.R..E 803(25). There was no abuse of discretion in
admitting Appellant's sworn statements during the Examination Under Oath.
V. Continuation of Trial: Anuellant in absentia
A. Legal Standards
Appellant claims it was error to continue the trial in absentia, when Appellant failed to
appear on the third day of trial. See 1925(b) Statement,111 1244. Appellant argues she was not
absent "without cause" under Pa.R.Crim.P. 602(A), and continuation of the trial in absentia
violated her rights to confront witnesses and due, process
Pursuant to Pa.R.Crim.P. 602(A), "[t]he defendant's absence without cause at the time
scheduled, for the start of trial, or during trial shall not preclude proceeding with the trial,
including the return of the verdict and the imposition of sentence." Pa.R.Crim.P. 602(A). The
burden of proving the defendant's absence is without cause is upon, the Commonwealth by a.
preponderance of the 'evidence'. See Commonwealth v. Scarborough, 421 A.2d 147, 153 (Pa.
1980); Comments, Pa.R.Crim.P, 602,
In non-capital cases, a defendant may, by his actions, expressly or implicitly waive the
right to be present at trial. Commonwealth v. Wilson, 712 A.2d 735, 737 (Pa 1998);
Commonwealth v. Sullens, 619 A.2d 1349, 1351( Pa, 1992). The waiver must be knowing and
43
voluntary. Commonwealth v. Wilson, 712 A.2d at 737. "When a defendant is initially present at
the time the: trial commences, then flees or fails to attend firrther proceedings, he or she is
deemed to have knowingly and voluntarily waived his or her right to be present, and the trial
court, has the full authority to continue with that trial. Commonwealth v. Wilson, 7121 A.2d at
737; Commonwealth v. Johnson, 764 A.2d 1094, 1098.
A defendant who is released on bail before trial gives the court his or her
assurance that he or she will stand trial and submit to sentencing of found
guilty. Unless the defendant is prevented from attending the proceedings
beyond his or hex control, then the defendant is expected to be present at
all stages of the trial. A defendant owes the court an affirmative duty to
advise it if he or she will be absent. If a defendant has a valid reason for
failing to appear, for example, if he or she has a medical emergency or is
called to leave because of a family emergency, then the defendant can
alert the court personally or through counsel of the problem. When,
however, the defendant leaves the trial abruptly, without an explanation to
either his lawyer or the court, this may be regarded as, an, absence without
cause.
Commonwealth v. Wilson, 712 A.2d at 737 (internal citations omitted).
Before exercising its discretion to proceed in absentia, the trial court, must weigh specific
circumstances of the case such as 'the probability the defendant will return awl the difficulty of
rescheduling the trial. Commonwealth v. Hillburn, 746 A.2d 1146, 1150 (Pa. Super. 2000)
B. Discussion
Upon motion, on August 15, 2016, Appellant: was released from prison on nominal bail.
Appellant posted bail that day, and agreed to appear at' all subsequent proceedings. On August
25, 2016, the Commonwealth filed, a Motion to Reconsider. Release on Nominal Bond.. On
September 9, 2016, following a heating, the Court denied the Commonwealth's motion to
reconsider. Trial commenced on September 19, 2016. Appellant attended the first two days of
trial.
44.
On September 20, 2016, the second day of trial, when the Court recessed for lunch at
11:49 a.m., the Court reminded trial participants not, to discuss the case with anyone. Tr. Z p.
89. Proceedings resumed at 1:05 p.m. Tr. 2, p. 89. An initial mid -afternoon recess
occurred
from 2:26 p.m. to 2:42 p.m. Tr. 2, p. 133. The Court was apprised Appellant spoke' with the
media at some point during the interval between the beginning of the luncheon recess anti the
conclusion of the initial mid-afternoon recess. Tr. 2, pp. 133-134. When proceedings
reconvened at 2:42 p.m., outside the presence of the jury the Court confronted Appellant about
speaking with the media during the' trial, and directed her to refrain from
doing: so. Tr. 2, pp.
134-135. During the exchange between the Court and Appellant, there were no outward signs
there was anything vvrong with Appellant; Appellant participated in the exchange;
and she, was
responsive to the Court's inquiries. Tr. 2, pp. 134-135. Following the initial mid-aftemoon
break, the proceedings resumed without incident. At approximately 4:00 p.m., the Court
recessed until 9:30 am. the following morning Tr. 2, p. 173.
The next. morning, Wedne,sda.y, September 21, 2016, Appellant failed to appear
for trial
by 9:30 a.m. A delay in the proceedings ensued while the Commonwealth and counsel for
Appellant attempted to ascertain Appellant's whereabouts. Neither Appellant nor a
representative of Appellant had, advised the Court that Appellant would, be delayed
or absent, or'
provided the Court with any explanation as to Appellant's Whereabouts. At. 11:33
a.m., with the
jury in waiting in the jury' room, 'the Court went on the record to receive any update from
counsel. The Commonwealth advised detectives had learned that, late the previous
evening,.
Appellant had requested transport to a local hospital under an assumed
name, and was
subsequently admitted. Counsel for Appellant advised Appellant left a voicemail for bim at the
office at 7:00 am., which Appellant's counsel did not receive until later in the
morning when
45
Counsel returned to the office during the delay: in proceedings due to Appellant's absence.
Counsel for Appellant had nothing further to report. Tr 2, pp. 3-5.
The Court placed the following on the record:
The Court: Okay. Well, here's what we're going to do then. A person
accused of a crime, of course, does have a constitutional right to be
present at every stage of a criminal trial, that's, of course, the Sixth
Amendment of the United States Constitution as well as Article 1
Section 9 of the Pennsylvania Constitution. In this instance, when
she fails to attend the proceedings, she is deemed to have
knowingly and voluntarily waived her right to be present. Now,
the courts in this Commonwealth have consistently held that the
trial court may, in its disczetion, it's my discretion, conduct the
trial in absentia when the defendant absconds without cause: after
the trial commences.
Now, I graciously allowedl her to be released on nominal bail, that
-
was under the assurance, her assurance you 'two may be seated,
by the way -that was under her assurance that she would be
standing trial and submit to sentencing if she is found guilty. And
unless she has been prevented from attending these proceedings for
something that was beyond her control, then she's expected to be
present at all stages of this trial.
Now, Ms. Calipo, the defendant, owes the Court 'ant affirmative
duty to advise whether or not she will be absent. And if she has a
valid reason for failing to appear, supposing there is some medical
emergency or family emergency, what she cart do is alert the Court
personally or through counsel of the problem.. That was not done.
And when she leaves this trial abruptly or fails to show on the third
day without a true explanation to her lawyer or to the Court, this
will be regarded as an absence without cause, so we will proceed.
The flow of this trial has already been disrupted, and if we
continued this any futther, an unnecessary hardship would be
placed on the Court, on the jury, on the witnesses, who would be
held in limbo, like the jury is be.ing held in limbo now while we're
awaiting if and when the' defendant will return. So I believe we've
covered our bases all well and we'll continue at this time.
Tr. 2, pp. 5-7.
46.
When proceedings resumed on the third day of ttial, the Court cautioned the jurors they
should not concern themselves with the fact the defendant was not present, and should not
consider her absence for 'any reason. Tr. 3, p. 8. In the final charges to the jury, the Court
instructed the jurors against drawing any adverse inferences from the' defendant's absence, or the
fact she did not testify. Tr. 3, p 56.
The Court properly exercised its discretion in continuing the trial in absentia. Appellant
displayed manipulative behaviors during the case including the submission of multiple hybrid
filings, and speaking with representatives of the media. She spoke with the media during trial
after the Court reminded her not to do so. Appellant made no effort 'to notify the Court of the
reason for her absence. The Court had no, information about whether Appellant would be
returning for trial, or when. The jurors had already been selected and sworn, and numerous
witnesses had testified over the, preceding two days of trial. It would have been impractical to
have suspended proceedings further on the chance Appellant might notify her
counsel or the
Court of the reason for her absence, or reappear. The Court: did not, abuse its
discretion in
determining Appellant knowingly and voluntarily waived hex right to be present at trial and in
resuming the trial in absentia. Appellant's claims that error occurred in continuing with the
trial
in Appellant's absence on the final day of trial are wholly without merit.
VI. Sentencing Claims
A, Legal Standards
Appellant raises three sentencing issues concerning merger of offenses. First, Appellant
claims it was error to sentence Appellant at Count Two, Arson and Related Offenses, Arson
Endangering. Property, on the basis Count Two should have, merged with Count One, Arson and
Related Offenses. Appellant asserts, the statutory elements of Count Two are included in the
47
elements of Count One. See 1925(b) Statement, ¶17. Second, Appellant argues it was error to
sentence Appellant at Count Four, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, on the basis Count
Four should have merged with Count One, Arson and Related Offenses. Appellant claims the
statutory elements of Count Four are included in the elements of Count One. See 1925(b)
Statement, 11/8. Third, Appellant 'asserts' it was: error to: sentence Appellant at Count Eight,
Insurance Fraud (application),, because Count Eight should have merged. with Count Seven,
Insurance Fraud (statement). Appellant claims the statutory elements of Count Seven, are
included in the elements of Count Eight. See 1925(b) Statement, ¶19.
42 Pa.C.S.A. §9765 provides follows:
No crimes shall merge for Sentencing purposes unless the crimes arise
from a single criminal act and all of the statutory elements of one offense
are included in the statutory elements of the other offense. Where crimes
merge for sentencing purpose, the court may sentence the defendant only
on the higher graded offense.
42 Pa.C.S.A, §976.5.
Thus, merger of offenses for sentencing ,purposes. is appropriate only when two distinct
criteria are satisfied: first, the crimes arise "from a single criminal act; and second, all of the
statutory elements of one of the offenses are included in the statutory elements of the other
offense. Commonwealth, v. Baldwin, 985 A.2d 830, 833 (Pa. 2009); Commonwealth v. Kimmel,
125 A.3d 1272, 1276 (Pa. Super. 2015); Commonwealth v. Tanner, 61 A.3d 1043, 1046. (Pa.
Super. 2013).
The question in determining whether criminal offenses arising from a single transaction
merge, is not simply whether a criminal committed one act or many; rather, the important
question is whether each offense requires proof of a fact which the other does not, and if this test
is satisfied, there is no merger. Commonwealth v. Pajme, 868 A.2d 1257, 1263. (Pa. Super.
2005).
48
B. Discussion
L The two arson offenses did not merge for sentencing purposes.
Respectively, the crimes. of Arson and Related Offenses, Arson Endangering
Property
(Count Two), 18 §3301(c)(3), and Arson and Related Offenses (Count One), Is
Pa.C.S.A. §3301(a)(1)(i), are defmed as follows.
§3301. Arson and related offenses
(c) Arson endangering property.--A person commits a felony
of the
second degree if he intentionally starts a fire or causes an explosion,
whether on his own property or that of another, or if he aids, counsels,
pays or agrees to pay mother to cause a fire or explosion, and if:
!
(3) he commits the act with, intent of destroying or damaging
any property,
Whether his own or of another, to collect insurance for such loss.
18 Pa.C.S.A. §3301('c)(3).
§3301. Arson and related offenses
(a) Arson endangeringpersons.--
(1) A person commits a felony of the first degree if he
intentionally starts a
fire or causes an explosion, or if he aids, counsels, pays Or
agrees to pay,
another to cause a fire or explosion, whether on his own property
or on
that of another, and if:
(i) he thereby recklessly places another person in danger of death
or bodily
injury, including but not limited to a firefighter, police officer or other
person actively engaged in fighting the fut;
18 Pa.C.S.A. §3301(a)(1)(9.
As previously set forth herein, the factual basis for Count
Two, Arson and Related
Offenses, Arson Endangering Property, 'was. Appellant
intentionally started a fire to destroy
and/or damage her residence, to collect insurance for the loss.
See Amended Information.
Section 3301(c)(3) required the Commonvvealth to prove.
Appellant started the fire with the
intent of destroying or damaging property to collect
insurance for the loss. 18 Pa.C.S.A.
49
§3301(c)(3). This is not an element of Count one; Arson and Related Offenses, See 18
§3301(a)(1)(i).
The factual, basis 'for Count One, Arson and Related Offenses, was the fire which
Appellant intentionally started at her' residence recklessly placed responding firefighters, police
or others actively engaged in fighting the fire in danger 'of death or bodily injury. See Amended
Information. Section 3301(a)(1)(i) required the Commonwealth to prove Appellant' recklessly
placed another person in danger of death or bodily injury, including but 'not limited to a
firefighter, police' officer or other person actively' engaged, in fighting the fire. 18 Pa.C.S.A.
§3301(a)(1)(1). This is not an element of Count. Two, Arson and Related Offenses, Arson
Endangering Property. See 18 Pa.C.S.A. §3301(c)(3).
Each arson offense, required proof of facts which the other did not. Therefore, the
offenses do not merge. See ComMonwedth v. Payne, 868: A..2d 1257, 1263 (Pa. Super. 2005).
Further, though there was only one act, the setting of one fire, the two counts of arson protect
distinctly different interests of the Commonwealth. The offense at Count One, Arson and.
Related Offenses, concerns the protection of persons. The offense at Count Two, Arson and.
Related Offenses, Arson Endangering Property, protects against, insurance fraud. Thus, there
was no merger of the offenses for sentencing purposes. See Commonwealth v. Colpo, 532 A,2d
870, 873 (Pa. Super. 1987).
2. Recklessly Endangering 'Another Person (Count Four) and Arson and Related
Offenses "(Count One) did not merge for sentencing purposes.
The: crimes' of Recklessly Endangering Another Person (Count Four), 18 Pa.C.S.A.
§2705, and Arson and Related Offenses (Count One), 18 Pa.C.S.A. §3301(a)(1)(1), are defined as
follows.
50
A person commits the crime of Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Count Four,
misdemeanor of the second degree, "if he recklessly engages in conduct which places or may
place another person in danger of death or serious bodily injury." 18 Pa.CS.A §2705.
Count One, Arson and Related Offenses, is defined as follows:
§3301. Arson and related offenses
(a) Arson endangering persons: -
(1) A person commits a felony of the first degree if he intentionally starts a
fire or causes an explosion, or if he aids, counsels, pays or agrees to pay
another to cause a tire or explosion, whether on his own property or on
that of another, and if:
(i) he thereby recklessly places another person in danger of death or bodily
injury, including but not limited to a firefighter, police officer or other
person actively engaged infighting:the fire;
18 Pa.CS.A. §3301 (O(7O).
The factual basis for the charge of Recklessly Endangering Another Person at
Count. Four
was, that Appellant's reckless conduct placed occupants in neighboring
houses in danger of death
or serious bodily injury. See Amended Infinnation. Thus, 18 Pa.C.S.A. §2705,
as charged,
pertained to the occupants of neighboring houses, and required the
Commonwealth to prove
Appellant's reckless conduct placed that specific group of persons in danger of death. or
serious
bodily injury. See 18 Pa.CS:A. §2705. This was not an element of Arson and
Related Offenses
at 18 Pa.C.S.A. §3301(a)(1Xi).
The factual basis for Count One, Arson and Related Offenses, was the fire which
Appellant intentionally started at her, residence recklessly placed responding
firefighters, police
or others actively engaged in, fighting the fire in danger of death or bodily
injury. See Amended
Information. Section 3301(a)(1)(i) required the Common.wealth to prove Appellant
recklessly
placed another person in danger of death or bodily injury, including but not limited to,
a.
firefighter, police officer or other .person actively engaged in fighting the fire. .18 Pa.CS.A.
51
§33.01(a)(1)(i). This was not an element of the offense as charged at REAP, Gaunt Four, whose
focus was the occupants of neighboring houses. See .18 Pa.C.S.A. §2705.
Since the offense at Count Four, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, and the offense
at Count One, Arson and Related Offenses, required proof of facts which the other did not, the
two offenses, do not merge. See Commonwealth v. Payne, 868 A.2d 1257, 1263 (Pa. Super. .
2005). The offenses as charged were distinct and separate. It was entirely possible the
Commonwealth could have met its burden of proof as to REAP at Count Four (concerning
occupants of neighboring, houses), but not as to arson at Count One (concerning
responding
public safety personnel), or vice versa.
Moreover, it is apparent: charges were aimed at the protection of distinctly different
Commonwealth interests. REAP at Count Four concerned, protection of occupants of
neighboring houses. Count One, Arson and Related Offenses at 18 Pa.C.S.A.
§3301(a)(1)(i),
concerned the protection of responding firefighters, police or others actively engaged
in fighting
the fire. There was no merger of these two offenses for sentencing purposes. See
Commonwealth, v. Colpo, 532 A.2d 870, 873 (Pa. Super. 1987). Pennsylvania courts 'have
recognized REAP 'is an offense defined "with respect to an individual person
being placed in
danger of death or serious bodily injury, and that a separate offense is
committed for each
individual personplaced in such danger." Commonwealth v Glass,50 A.3d 720, 731 (Pa.
Super.
2012), citing Commonwealth v. Frisbie, 485 A.2d 1098, 1100 (Pa. 1984). Each of the REAP
convictions' at Counts Four through Six concerned different classes of individuals. Separate,
offenses were committed for each class of person placed in such danger. See Commonwealth, v.
Glass, 50 A.3d at 731.
52
At sentencing, the: Court recognized Appellant's two other convictions, for REAP
(Count
Five-responding firefighters and Count 'S ..responding' police officers), merged
with the arson
conviction at Count One (responding firefighters, police or others actively engaged in
fighting
the fire). However, since the Commonwealth's burden of proof in establishing REAP at
Count
Four (occupants of neighboring houses), was completely different than its bunion in
establishing
Arson at: Count One (risk to public safety personnel), no error occurred in
sentencing Appellant
at Count Four, Recklessly Endangering Another 'Person,
3. The two insurance fraud offenses did not merge for
sentencing purposes.
The crime of Insurance Fraud, 18 Pa.C.S.A. §4117(b)(4), charged at
Count' Eight
(application), is, defined as follows.
A person may not knowingly and with intent to defraud, any
insurance
company, self-insured or other person file an application for insurance
containing any false information or conceal for the purpose of misleading
information concerning any fact material thereto.
18 Pa.C.S.A. 54117(b)(4)(emphasis added).
The crime of Insurance Fraud, 18 Pa.C.S.A. §4117(a)(2), charged
at Count Seven
(statement) is defined as follows. A person commits insurance fraud if he or she
"jkinowingly and with the, intent to defraud any insurer or self-insured,
presents or causes to be presented to any insurer or self-insured any
statement firming a part of or in support of a claim that contains any
false, incomplete or misleading information concerning any fact or
thing
material to the claim."
18 Pa.C.S.A. a4117(a)(2)(emphasis added).
The factual basis for the charge of Insurance Fraud (Count Eight) is Appellant
knowingly
and with the intent to defraud Allstate. Insurance Company, filed a
fraudulent or misleading
application for insurance. See Amended. Information. In establishing the elements, 'of this
offense, the Commonwealth was required to prove Appellant filed a
fraudulent or misleading
53
insurance application. This is 'not an element. of the 'Offense of Insurance Fraud
(statement),
Count 'Seven, 18. Pa.C.S.A. §411.7(a)P. See 18.Pcr.C.S..4..§41 17(a)(2).
I
The -actual basis for the. .Charge* of Insurance Fraud (Count Seven) is. Appellant
knowingly and with the intent to defraud..Allatate, submitted claims for loss of pertonal,
property
and real :estate which* contained false, incomplete or misleading
information. See itmencied.
Information. This is not:an element.of Insurance .Fratid (Connt Eight),I8
Pa.C.$.A..§4117(b)(4).
See 18 ?a..C.S.A. §4117(b)(4).
Since each arson offense required proofof facts whitlithe other. did not,
the offenses do.
not Merge:. See Commonwealth. v. Payne, "868 A:2d *1257,1203 (Pa.
Super: 2005).
Further, the arsonorimes arose :from separate and diatinct..acti. Count
Eight arose from
Appellant's false. and misleading,statements in applying for
homeoWner's insurance in
November,. 2014.., Count Seven aroselrom Appellant's 'fraudulent
daim.for loss of real estate,
and contents..afterthe.Febnuiry. of 201.5 fire. The crimes
nattier& for sentencingpurposes..
Appellant's sentencing claims are wholly without merit, and unist.be
dismissed.
54
CONCLUSION
For the above reasons, the judgment of sentence should be affinned. The Clerk of Courts
is bereby directed to transmit the record to the Superior Court.
BY THECOURTi
Date
0045 Daniel J. B ender, Jr., Jiidge
cc:. Elizabeth Ai Hirz,-Esq., District Attorney's Office
Michael W. Harmon, Esq., 305 West Sixth Street, Erie, PA 16507
Julia Ann Calipo, County inmate No. 16449, Pod "A", Erie County Prison, 1618 Ash
Street, Erie, PA 16503 LEGAL MAIL
55,
Com. v. Calipo, J.
Combined Opinion