J-S45021-19
NON-PRECEDENTIAL DECISION - SEE SUPERIOR COURT I.O.P. 65.37
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA : IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF
: PENNSYLVANIA
:
v. :
:
:
JOMAR ERIC RODRIGUEZ :
:
Appellant : No. 404 EDA 2019
Appeal from the Judgment of Sentence Entered May 31, 2017
In the Court of Common Pleas of Bucks County Criminal Division at
No(s): CP-09-CR-0005981-2016
BEFORE: BENDER, P.J.E., MURRAY, J., and PELLEGRINI, J.*
MEMORANDUM BY MURRAY, J.: FILED AUGUST 23, 2019
Jomar Eric Rodriguez (Appellant) appeals from the judgment of sentence
imposed after the trial court found him guilty of four counts each of possession
with the intent to deliver heroin (PWID) and possession of a controlled
substance; the court also convicted Appellant of one count each of criminal
use of a communication facility, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, and
criminal conspiracy.1 Upon review, we vacate Appellant’s sentence only as to
Appellant’s eligibility for a reduced sentence under the Recidivism Risk
Reduction Incentive (RRRI) Act, 61 Pa.C.S.A. §§ 4501-4512. In all other
respects, the judgment of sentence is affirmed.
____________________________________________
* Retired Senior Judge assigned to the Superior Court.
135 P.S. §§ 780-113(a)(30), (a)(16); 18 Pa.C.S.A. §§ 7512(a), (5111)(a)(1),
and 903.
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The underlying charges arose after Appellant was involved in distributing
heroin to a police informant, and law enforcement executed a search warrant
on his residence. Trial Court Opinion, 4/24/19, at 1-2. Upon executing the
warrant, police found 13 bundles of heroin and a handgun. N.T., 5/17/17, at
102-14. A subsequent search of Appellant revealed he had over $1,000 on
his person. Id. at 141.
Appellant was charged with and convicted of the above crimes.2 On May
31, 2017, the trial court sentenced Appellant to an aggregate 6 to 20 years of
incarceration. On June 6, 2017, Appellant filed a timely post-sentence motion.
The trial court never ruled on Appellant’s post-sentence motion. On December
12, 2017, Appellant filed a pro se petition pursuant to the Post Conviction
Relief Act (PCRA), 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 9541-9546. After appointing PCRA counsel
and postponing several hearings, the court dismissed Appellant’s petition,
stating that the petition was “premature” because of the outstanding post-
sentence motion. Order, 1/10/19, at 1. The court also ordered the clerk of
____________________________________________
2 The trial court found Appellant not guilty of drug delivery resulting in death,
18 Pa.C.S.A. § 2506(a). It appears from the record that the Commonwealth
charged Appellant with violating Section 2506(a) under a theory that the
heroin Appellant distributed to the police informant was then sold to an
individual who subsequently died from an overdose. See Trial Court Opinion,
4/24/19, at 1-2.
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courts to “enter a judgment DENYING [Appellant’s] post-sentence motion for
reconsideration of sentence, filed June 6, 2017, by operation of law.”3 Id.
On January 31, 2019, Appellant filed this appeal. Both Appellant and
the trial court have complied with Pennsylvania Rule of Appellate Procedure
1925. Appellant presents two issues for review:
[1.] Did the lower court err in not imposing a RRRI minimum
sentence at the time of sentencing, or appropriately thereafter,
given that Appellant was entitled to the imposition of a RRRI
minimum pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S. § 9756 and 61 Pa.C.S. § 4501,
thus rendering the sentence illegal?
[2.] Did the lower court abuse its discretion in rendering the
sentence imposed because:
a. The lower court relied upon uncharged and
unproven conduct in rendering a sentence that
departed upwards from the Sentencing Guidelines,
specifically, alleged evidence that Appellant had been
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3 A trial court has 120 days to decide a post-sentence motion; if it fails to
decide it in that period, the motion is deemed denied by operation of law. See
Pa.R.Crim.P. 720(B)(3)(a). At that time, “the clerk of courts shall forthwith
enter an order on behalf of the court [denying the post-sentence motion by
operation of law], and . . . forthwith shall serve a copy of the order on the
attorney for the Commonwealth, the defendant’s attorney, or the defendant if
unrepresented, that the post-sentence motion is deemed denied.”
Pa.R.Crim.P. 720(B)(3)(c). Here, the 120-day period to decide Appellant’s
post-sentence motion expired on October 4, 2017, but the clerk of courts
failed to enter an order to that effect. Thus, technically, Appellant’s notice of
appeal, filed on January 31, 2019, is untimely. However, “[t]his Court has
previously held that, where the clerk of courts does not enter an order
indicating that the post-sentence motion is denied by operation of law and
notify the defendant of same, a breakdown in the court system has occurred
and we will not find an appeal untimely under these circumstances.”
Commonwealth v. Perry, 820 A.2d 734, 735 (Pa. Super. 2003). As
Appellant filed his notice of appeal within 30 days of the trial court’s order
dated January 10, 2019—the date his post-sentence motion was denied—we
decline to find that Appellant’s appeal is untimely.
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selling heroin for a “long time” and for about three
years, where the crimes charged reflected that
Appellant made three drug sales within a very short
period of time;
b. The lower court failed to appropriately weigh that
Appellant essentially pled guilty to the charges upon
which he was sentenced;
c. The lower court, in departing upwards from the
aggravated range of the guidelines, for a defendant
who had no prior record, failed to appropriately
consider Appellant’s lack of a prior record and treated
Appellant disproportionately as compared to other
similarly situated individuals convicted of the same
type of conduct as Appellant, suggesting that the
court relied, in part, on the fact that Appellant was
originally charged with drug delivery resulting in
death, despite the fact that the court acquitted
Appellant of that charge.
Appellant’s Brief at vi.
RRRI
Appellant first argues that the trial court erred by failing to impose an
RRRI minimum sentence. Appellant’s Brief at 6-7. The Commonwealth
agrees, stating, “remand for a hearing is appropriate on the sole issue of
determining whether Appellant, is in fact, eligible for a RRRI minimum
sentence.” Commonwealth Brief at 17. The Commonwealth acknowledges
Appellant “may be eligible under the RRRI Act.” Id.
Likewise, the trial court requests remand. The trial court states:
The RRRI eligibility of Appellant was briefly discussed during
his verdict and sentencing on June 1, 2017. Whether Appellant
was eligible for RRRI was called into question by the
Commonwealth because one issue involved a firearm. However,
none of the crimes charged had a firearm component, so this
[c]ourt gave leave to the Commonwealth and [d]efense counsel
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to research the issue and file an agreed order within ten days. On
the record, this [c]ourt informed Appellant that with Appellant’s
aggregate sentence, Appellant’s minimum sentence would be
sixty months. On June 6, 2017, [d]efense [c]ounsel did file a
motion for reconsideration of sentence, however, [d]efense
counsel only raised issues relating to the discretionary aspects of
sentencing and did not raise the issue of RRRI eligibility. On
January 9, 2019, a judgment denying Appellant’s post-sentence
[m]otion for [r]econsideration of [s]entence by [o]peration of
[l]aw was entered. Therefore, this [c]ourt respectfully requests
the Superior Court [r]emand this matter so as to sentence
Appellant according to his appropriate RRRI [m]inimum.
Trial Court Opinion, 4/24/19, at 4-5 (citations to notes of testimony omitted).
Appellant’s “challenge relative to the failure to apply a RRRI minimum
[is] a non-waivable illegal sentencing claim.” Commonwealth v. Tobin, 89
A.3d 663, 670 (Pa. Super. 2014) (citation omitted). “Issues relating to the
legality of a sentence are questions of law.” Commonwealth v. Wolfe, 106
A.3d 800, 802 (Pa. Super. 2014) (citation omitted). “Our standard of review
over such questions is de novo and our scope of review is plenary.” Id.
We agree that remand is warranted. The relevant statute provides:
(a) Generally.--At the time of sentencing, the court shall make
a determination whether the defendant is an eligible offender.
* * *
(c) Recidivism risk reduction incentive minimum
sentence.--If the court determines that the defendant is an
eligible offender or the prosecuting attorney has waived the
eligibility requirements under subsection (b), the court shall enter
a sentencing order that does all of the following:
(1) Imposes the minimum and maximum sentences
as required under 42 Pa.C.S.[A.] § 9752 (relating to
sentencing proceeding generally).
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(2) Imposes the recidivism risk reduction incentive
minimum sentence. The recidivism risk reduction
incentive minimum shall be equal to five-sixths of the
minimum sentence if the minimum sentence is greater
than three years. . . .
61 Pa.C.S.A. § 4505.
The Sentencing Code states that a sentencing court “shall determine if
the defendant is eligible for a recidivism risk reduction incentive minimum
sentence under 61 Pa.C.S. Ch. 45 (relating to recidivism risk reduction
incentive).” 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 9756(b.1). “If the defendant is eligible, the court
shall impose a recidivism risk reduction incentive minimum sentence in
addition to a minimum sentence and maximum sentence[.]” Id.
In accordance with statutory law, we have repeatedly held that “where
the trial court fails to make a statutorily required determination regarding a
defendant’s eligibility for an RRRI minimum sentence as required, the
sentence is illegal.” Commonwealth v. Robinson, 7 A.3d 868, 871 (Pa.
Super. 2010); see also Commonwealth v. Tobin, 89 A.3d 663, 670 (Pa.
Super. 2014) (citation omitted).
As the trial court and Commonwealth concede, the issue of Appellant’s
RRRI eligibility was addressed but not resolved. See Trial Court Opinion,
4/24/19, at 4-5; Commonwealth’s Brief at 17; see also N.T., 6/1/17, at 28-
30 (trial court discussing Appellant’s RRRI eligibility with parties but failing to
make a determination). Therefore, Appellant received an illegal sentence,
such that remand is appropriate for the trial court to determine Appellant’s
RRRI eligibility. If the trial court concludes that Appellant is RRRI eligible, it
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shall impose an RRRI minimum sentence in accordance with Section 4505(c).
If the court concludes that Appellant does not meet the criteria for eligibility,
it shall enter that finding on the record.
Discretionary Aspects of Sentence
In Appellant’s second issue, he challenges the discretionary aspects of
his sentence. Appellant alleges the trial court 1) imposed a sentence that was
disproportionate to those received by similarly situated individuals convicted
of the same type of conduct;4 2) failed to appropriately consider that Appellant
“essentially plead guilty to the charges”; 3) impermissibly relied upon
uncharged and unproven conduct in rendering a sentence above the
guidelines; and 4) failed to adequately consider numerous mitigating factors
in imposing a sentence above the guidelines. Appellant’s Brief at 6.
Preliminarily, “[t]he right to appellate review of the discretionary
aspects of a sentence is not absolute, and must be considered a petition for
permission to appeal.” Commonwealth v. Buterbaugh, 91 A.3d 1247, 1265
(Pa. Super. 2014). “An appellant must satisfy a four-part test to invoke this
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4 In his brief, Appellant fails to further develop, nor does he provide any
citation to relevant legal authority in support of his claim that the trial court
“imposed a sentence that was disproportionate to those received by similarly
situated individuals convicted of the same type of conduct.” See Appellant’s
Brief at 9-13. Appellant also fails to provide any examples of sentences
imposed by the trial court on similarly situated defendants. See id. This
claim is therefore waived. See Commonwealth v. Johnson, 985 A.2d 915,
924 (Pa. 2009) (“[W]here an appellate brief fails to provide any discussion of
a claim with citation to relevant authority or fails to develop the issue in any
other meaningful fashion capable of review, that claim is waived.”) (citations
omitted).
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Court’s jurisdiction when challenging the discretionary aspects of a sentence.”
Id. We conduct this four-part test to determine whether:
(1) the appellant preserved the issue either by raising it at the
time of sentencing or in a post[-]sentence motion; (2) the
appellant filed a timely notice of appeal; (3) the appellant set forth
a concise statement of reasons relied upon for the allowance of
appeal pursuant to Pa.R.A.P. 2119(f); and (4) the appellant raises
a substantial question for our review.
Commonwealth v. Baker, 72 A.3d 652, 662 (Pa. Super. 2013) (citation
omitted). “A defendant presents a substantial question when he sets forth a
plausible argument that the sentence violates a provision of the sentencing
code or is contrary to the fundamental norms of the sentencing process.”
Commonwealth v. Dodge, 77 A.3d 1263, 1268 (Pa. Super. 2013) (citations
omitted).
Here, Appellant has complied with the first three prongs of the test by
raising his discretionary sentencing claims in a timely post-sentence motion,
filing a timely notice of appeal, and including in his brief a Rule 2119(f) concise
statement. See Appellant’s Brief at 7-9. We therefore examine whether
Appellant presents substantial questions for review.
As noted above, Appellant’s first sentencing claim is waived.
In his second sentencing claim, Appellant argues that “[t]he lower court
failed to appropriately weigh that Appellant essentially pled guilty to the
charges upon which he was sentenced.” Appellant’s Brief at 6. This does not
present a substantial question. See Commonwealth v. Disalvo, 70 A.3d
900, 903 (Pa. Super. 2013) (“[A] claim of inadequate consideration of
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mitigating factors does not raise a substantial question for our review.”)
(citation omitted).
In his two remaining claims, Appellant asserts that the trial court relied
upon an impermissible factor in fashioning his sentence, specifically that
“Appellant had been selling heroin for a ‘long time,’’’ and that the trial court
imposed an excessive sentence while also failing to consider multiple
mitigating factors. Appellant’s Brief at 6. These claims raise substantial
questions. See Commonwealth v. Edwards, 194 A.3d 625, 637 (Pa. Super.
2018) (a claim that the sentencing court considered an impermissible factor
raises a substantial question) (citation omitted); Commonwealth v. Swope,
123 A.3d 333, 340 (Pa. Super. 2015) (“This Court has also held that an
excessive sentence claim—in conjunction with an assertion that the court
failed to consider mitigating factors—raises a substantial question.”) (citations
omitted).
Presented with two substantial questions, we recognize:
Sentencing is a matter vested in the sound discretion of the
sentencing judge. The standard employed when reviewing the
discretionary aspects of sentencing is very narrow. We may
reverse only if the sentencing court abused its discretion or
committed an error of law. A sentence will not be disturbed on
appeal absent a manifest abuse of discretion. In this context, an
abuse of discretion is not shown merely by an error in judgment.
Rather, the appellant must establish, by reference to the record,
that the sentencing court ignored or misapplied the law, exercised
its judgment for reasons of partiality, prejudice, bias or ill will, or
arrived at a manifestly unreasonable decision. We must accord
the sentencing court’s decision great weight because it was in the
best position to review the defendant’s character, defiance or
indifference, and the overall effect and nature of the crime.
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Commonwealth v. Cook, 941 A.2d 7, 11-12 (Pa. Super. 2007) (citations
omitted).
Further:
A sentencing judge has broad discretion in determining a
reasonable penalty, and appellate courts afford the sentencing
court great deference, as it is the sentencing court that is in the
best position to “view the defendant’s character, displays of
remorse, defiance, or indifference, and the overall effect and
nature of the crime.” Commonwealth v. Walls, [] 926 A.2d 957,
961 ([Pa.] 2007) (citation omitted). When imposing a sentence,
the sentencing court must consider “the protection of the public,
the gravity of the offense as it relates to the impact on the life of
the victim and on the community, and the rehabilitative needs of
the defendant.” 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 9721(b). As we have stated, “[A]
court is required to consider the particular circumstances of the
offense and the character of the defendant.” Commonwealth v.
Griffin, 804 A.2d 1, 10 (Pa. Super. 2002). In particular, the
sentencing court should refer to the defendant’s prior criminal
record, his age, personal characteristics, and his potential for
rehabilitation. Id.
Moreover, it is well settled that sentencing courts are not
bound by the Sentencing Guidelines; the Guidelines are merely
advisory. Commonwealth v. Sheller, 961 A.2d 187, 190 (Pa.
Super. 2008) (citation omitted). The sentencing court may
deviate from the Sentencing Guidelines, because they are one
factor among many that the court must consider when imposing
a sentence. Id. (citation omitted). The sentencing court “may
depart from the [G]uidelines if necessary, to fashion a sentence
which takes into account the protection of the public, the
rehabilitative needs of the defendant, and the gravity of the
particular offense as it relates to the impact on the life of the
victim and the community.” Id. ([] citations omitted).
Commonwealth v. Edwards, 194 A.3d 625, 637 (Pa. Super. 2018).
When a trial court imposes an aggravated range sentence, “it shall state
the reasons on the record.” 204 Pa. Code § 303.13.
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The [trial] court is not required to parrot the words of the
Sentencing Code, stating every factor that must be considered
under Section 9721(b). However, the record as a whole must
reflect due consideration by the court of the statutory
considerations enunciated in that section.
Commonwealth v. Coulverson, 34 A.3d 135, 145-46 (Pa. Super. 2011)
(citations omitted).
At sentencing, Appellant waived the production of a pre-sentence
investigation report, as well as a mental health evaluation. See N.T., 6/1/17,
at 3. Prior to imposing Appellant’s sentence, the trial court commented at
length:
All right. . . . the case is, as I indicated earlier, a difficult
case because what brings us all here together is that a young man
died well before his time, and it was from the use of heroin. So
we know what heroin does to people. And as the Superior Court
pointed out, as [the Commonwealth] has highlighted, it’s like
playing Russian roulette.
On the other hand, I’m not certain that the heroin
[Appellant] sold on that day is the cause of this man’s death. I
am certain, however, that his parents and the Commonwealth
disagree with that on whether I believe that; and just not beyond
a reasonable doubt is of no moment, because I really can’t
consider those things.
What I can consider are the facts of the case, which are
quite clear. And I’m obligated to consider and, [Appellant], you
should understand that I have to take into account a lot of things.
And I’ll go through those with you so that you understand why I’m
going to impose the sentence that I’m going to talk about in a few
minutes.
First of all, I have to consider the facts of the case. And the
facts are quite simple when you take out the unfortunate death of
[James] Leupold. You sold drugs on -- you sold heroin on the
19th, the 24th of May, and the first of June, and to the same person.
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I suspect you could sell the heroin to that person every day if
she’d called you. That’s really not the issue.
The issue is that you’re a person engaged in the distribution
and sale of heroin. As we know what heroin can do, it’s -- you
can pick up a paper, you watch the news, you come to this
courthouse, you’ll -- I suspect you go to any courthouse you’re
going to find the same problem. There is a heroin epidemic. And
it’s a drug that is exceptionally dangerous, addictive and it ruins
the lives of almost anybody who uses it.
And you are a participant and perhaps a contributor to that
epidemic when you sell heroin, especially when you sell it in the
quantity and quality that you were selling.
The testimony in the case was, as I indicated, you made
three deliveries to [April] Mertz. The statements are that you
were perhaps getting [10] to 15 bundles per day and delivering
those. And I already heard some testimony, or saw the tape,
where you said you’re not really making that much money.
So I suspect in your mind it’s, well, I’m not making a lot of
money. I’m not a big-time dealer. But when you have that many
people you’re selling to, you’re having an impact upon the lives in
the community as a whole. You’re impacting those lives
individually and you’re affecting the community as a whole, and
so it’s a very serious offense.
You were engaged in this conduct for an appreciable period
of time. And I dare say, and I’m not going to give it a lot of
weight, but I just want to point out something that while you
appear to be someone who has said, I’ve learned from the last
year in jail, I want to get home to my family and I’m sorry for
what happened, I dare say that had you not been arrested you’d
probably still be doing this. Because I believe that the facts of
this case, putting aside the unfortunate death of Mr. Leupold, are
quite serious because they very simply demonstrate that you were
engaged in the distribution of heroin for a long period of time.
So I’ve taken the facts into account. Another factor I have
to consider is your background, your character. I don’t know
much about you. I know that your counsel has pointed out that
your family members have been here throughout. And for what
it’s worth, they’ve been very respectful, very appropriate. We
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don’t always see that in court. Sometimes people come in and
they resent the fact that they have to be here. In your case
they’ve been very respectful and appropriate.
And I think that speaks well of you. You have, too. You sat
there and let the lawyers do their job. You’ve shown no emotion,
which, again, is something that I credit to you because sometimes
the defendants will get upset and they’ll make faces and they’ll try
to distract the lawyer. But you seem to be very appropriate in
your behavior. So I know that about you.
The guidelines in this case recommend on each of the drug
counts, the delivery and the intent to deliver, [6] to 14 months for
the delivery, [3] to 12 for the intent to deliver, and for Count 7,
dealing in unlawful proceeds, [9] to 16 months. So that’s in the
standard range.
The aggravated -- or the mitigated range, of course, is
probation. And the aggravated range for the dealing in proceeds
would be 25 months for the delivery. So it would be 20 months,
and the intent to deliver would be 20 months as well.
So the sentencing guidelines for each one contemplate a
sentence -- for each delivery -- contemplate a sentence in that
standard range. Now, whether that sentence is to be concurrent,
consecutive, or something that is not to be considered is
something that I’ll talk to you about in a few minutes. But those
are the guidelines.
And I’ve touched upon the impact this has had upon the
community. When you introduce heroin into the community it has
an adverse impact upon the community, as had been pointed out.
I’ve already referred to it. It’s a serious crime. It’s a serious drug
and it’s Russian roulette.
You may -- you may not have a drug problem. You may
have never used it. I don’t know that. You may, you may not. I
suspect that after a year in jail it’s fair to say you haven’t been
using the drug. But you were selling it. And so the impact it’s
had upon the community is, quite frankly, immeasurable given the
numbers that I’ve been presented and the things I’ve heard during
the trial.
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The need to protect the community from you and others
engaged in this type of conduct is also something I must take into
account. And I guess that there’s an argument to be made every
time the police arrest a drug dealer and take them off [the] street:
There’s someone else to fill in for them. And so we try not to
make it too personal or try not to single you out.
But in your case there is a need that I think to protect the
community that falls into your case as well. You had 13 bundles.
You had packaging. You had a gun. And you had a stamp for
another type of, I think it’s a fair inference, another type of heroin.
So we know from Ms. Mertz that you were selling High Low,
Slow Motion[.] . . . And Godfather is the third one. So we know
that those are the tools of the drug dealer’s trade.
And as has been pointed out, again, the amount, 13 bundles
and a large amount of packaging and the statement that it was
[10] to 15 bundles per day and that Ms. Mertz has been dealing
with you for some period of time, are all things that, at least in
my mind, suggest that you were not a casual dealer but you were
someone who was much more involved in the heroin trade.
And, lastly, we have the need for your rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation, as I’m sure your counsel has told you, can take
many forms. Some people need drug and alcohol treatment for
rehabilitation. Some need perhaps mental health treatment.
Others need some time in jail. And while you may think you’ve
been in long enough and you want to get home, you’ve been
rehabilitated, you know, that to me means that you need to
understand the nature and gravity of the offense as well. . . .
What I have to go on is your age, the nature of the offense,
the number of deliveries over a short period of time, the amount
of drugs that were involved, the paraphernalia and packaging, and
all of the things that we’ve discussed.
So in my opinion my belief is that you need some period of
incarceration. You need to be in the state correctional institution
for some period of time, because to do otherwise would depreciate
the seriousness of the offense.
And so rather than run them consecutively, because I do
believe that every delivery in this case would or should have an
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impact upon what he did since it is a continued course of conduct,
I want to make sure that if I impose a sentence outside the
standard range he understands why.
I could impose a number of consecutive sentences in the
standard range for each of these and we’d end up in the same
place. I don’t really want to do that. I don’t think that helps you
in the institution to have to perhaps apply for parole one after the
other.
I think it’s better for you to be able to not try and assess
that when you’re in custody. I think it’s always better to have --
to consolidate them for purposes of sentencing, so I don’t want
you to get the wrong impression.
N.T., 6/1/17, at 17- 26.
Consistent with the foregoing, we discern no abuse of discretion by the
trial court. Appellant’s claim that the trial court relied upon an impermissible
sentencing factor by considering that he had been selling drugs for years is
without merit. This Court has repeatedly held that unprosecuted prior criminal
conduct “has long been an acceptable sentencing consideration . . . when
there is evidentiary proof linking the defendant to the conduct.”
Commonwealth v. P.L.S., 894 A.2d 120, 130 (Pa. Super. 2006); see also
Commonwealth v. Schrader, 141 A.3d 558, 564 (Pa. Super. 2016).
The trial court stated that it “believe[d] that the facts of this case . . .
are quite serious because they very simply demonstrate that you were
engaged in the distribution of heroin for a long period of time.” N.T., 6/1/17,
at 20. The trial court explained, “[f]rom the evidence presented at trial such
as the amount of heroin found, the amount of packaging material found, and
the amount of heroin dealt to Ms. [Mertz], this [c]ourt could surmise that
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Appellant was a dealer and had been a dealer for a long time and dealt in large
quantities.” Trial Court Opinion, 4/24/19, at 8. The court’s findings are
supported by the record, including, inter alia, Ms. Mertz’s testimony that
Appellant had been her heroin dealer for 3 years. N.T., 5/17/17, at 42.
Further, there is no merit to Appellant’s claim that the trial court
imposed an excessive sentence while failing to consider mitigating factors.
The court’s detailed remarks refute this claim. The court clearly considered
numerous appropriate factors such as Appellant’s age, background, and
character, his appropriate behavior during the pendency of the proceedings,
and his rehabilitative needs. However, the court noted the applicable standard
range sentences, and discussed the facts attendant to Appellant’s convictions
and the serious nature of Appellant’s crimes, concluding that Appellant posed
a danger to the community. Accordingly, the record reflects that the court
weighed the appropriate factors and provided adequate reasons for
Appellant’s sentence.
In sum, with the exception of Appellant’s RRRI eligibility, we affirm the
judgment of sentence, noting that remand for a determination of RRRI
eligibility will not disturb the overall sentencing scheme.
Judgment of sentence affirmed in part and vacated in part. Case
remanded only for proceedings regarding Appellant’s RRRI eligibility.
Jurisdiction relinquished.
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Judgment Entered.
Joseph D. Seletyn, Esq.
Prothonotary
Date: 8/23/2019
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Com. v. Rodriguez, J.
Combined Opinion