State v. Hayes

[Cite as State v. Hayes, 2023-Ohio-4119.]

COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO

EIGHTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
COUNTY OF CUYAHOGA

STATE OF OHIO :

Plaintiff-Appellee, :
No. 111927
v. :

JAYMARLON HAYES, :

Defendant-Appellant. :

JOURNAL ENTRY AND OPINION

JUDGMENT: MODIFIED AND REMANDED
RELEASED AND JOURNALIZED: November 16, 2023

Criminal Appeal from the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas
Case Nos. CR-21-660865-A, CR-21-665938-A,
CR-22-666541-A, and CR-22-667269-A

Appearances:

Michael C. O’Malley, Cuyahoga County Prosecuting
Attorney, and Eric Collins and Kristen Hatcher, Assistant
Prosecuting Attorneys, for appellee.

James E. Valentine, for appellant.

ANITA LASTER MAYS, A.J.:

Defendant-appellant Jaymarlon Hayes (“Hayes”) appeals the trial

court’s imposition of consecutive sentences for multiple counts arising from several
cases to which he pleaded guilty. We affirm the convictions but remand the cases to

the trial court to issue entries modifying the sentences pursuant to this opinion.

I. Background and Facts

Hayes was 18 years of age when the first act was committed, 19 years

of age when the remaining offenses occurred, and 20 years old at the time of

sentencing. Hayes has an IQ of 72, and a record of untreated mental health

problems. The events underlying the first case took place on June 24, 2021, the

second case on November 29, 2021, and the remaining two cases on December 2,

2021, and December 3, 2021. On June 28, 2022, Hayes pleaded guilty to various

counts in the cases. Four of the counts were qualifying offenses under the Reagan

Tokes Law, and Hayes was advised of that fact at the plea hearing. Defense counsel

objected to the imposition of the Reagan Tokes Law arguing at the plea and

sentencing hearings that the law is unconstitutional. On August 5, 2022, Hayes was

sentenced to an aggregate term of 71 and one-half years. As sentenced, Hayes would

be 91 years of age upon release.

In Cuyahoga C.P. No. CR-21-660865-A, on or about June 24, 2021,

Hayes took his friend to the hospital for a gunshot wound. At some point, drugs

were discovered in Hayes’s car resulting in a ten-count indictment for possession

and trafficking of controlled substances. On June 28, 2022, Hayes pleaded guilty to

trafficking under R.C. 2925.03(A)(2), a low tier third-degree felony as charged in

Count 3. The remaining counts were nolled. On August 5, 2022, Hayes was

sentenced to a 24-month term to be served consecutively to the terms imposed in
the other three cases. Hayes had been released on a $5,000 personal bond in

Cuyahoga C.P. No. CR-21-660865-A when the remaining three cases arose.

In Cuyahoga C.P. No. CR-22-667269-A, at approximately 1:00 a.m.

on November 29, 2021, Jennifer Johnson was sitting in her car waiting for a friend

to come home. Hayes and codefendant Rontell Parks (“Parks”), bearing firearms,

banged on the victim’s car window, pulled her from the car, demanded her wallet,

and departed with the vehicle. Hayes and Parks were charged with aggravated

robbery with one- and three-year firearm specifications, robbery, grand theft, and

two counts of theft. On June 28, 2022, Hayes pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery

R.C. 2911.01(A)(1), a first-degree felony with a one-year firearm specification under

R.C. 2941.141, as amended in Count 1 of the indictment. The remaining counts were

nolled. On August 5, 2022, Hayes was sentenced to a one-year firearm specification

to be served prior and consecutive to the maximum prison term of 11 years on the

base charge, and consecutive to the sentences in the other cases. The first-degree

aggravated robbery count is a qualifying offense under the Reagan Tokes Law.

In Cuyahoga C.P. No. CR-22-666541-A, on the evening of

December 2, 2021, Hayes and Parks approached victim Nazir Clemons (“Clemons”)

who was sitting in his vehicle at 2802 Clark Avenue at approximately 7:00 p.m.

Hayes pointed a gun at Clemons and instructed him to get out of the vehicle.

Clemons exited the vehicle and handed the keys to Parks. Clemons was shot twice,

and the two drove away in Clemons’s vehicle. Hayes and Parks were indicted for

one count of attempted murder, two counts of aggravated robbery, three counts of
robbery, two counts of felonious assault, one count of having weapons while under

disability, and one count of grand theft. Nine of the ten counts carried one- and

three-year firearm specifications.

On June 28, 2022, Hayes pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated

robbery, R.C. 2911.01(A)(1), a first-degree felony, with a three-year firearm

specification, R.C. 2941.145, as amended in Count 2; one count of felonious assault,

R.C. 2903.11(A)(1), a second-degree felony, with a three-year firearm specification,

R.C. 2941.145, as amended in Count 7; having a weapon while under disability,

R.C. 2923.13(A)(3), a third-degree felony, as charged in Count 9; and one count of

grand theft of a motor vehicle, R.C. 2913.02(A)(1), a fourth-degree felony, as

amended in Count 10 of the indictment. The first-degree aggravated robbery and

the second-degree felonious assault are qualifying offenses under the Reagan Tokes

Law. Counts 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 were nolled.

On August 5, 2022, Hayes was sentenced to the maximum term of 11

years for aggravated robbery with a three-year firearm specification, an eight-year

maximum term for felonious assault with a three-year firearm specification, and a

maximum three-year term for having a weapon while under disability. The grand

theft count merged with the aggravated robbery charge. The aggregate 28-year

sentence was to be served consecutively to the sentences in the other cases.

Finally, in Cuyahoga C.P. No. CR-21-665938-A, on the afternoon of

December 3, 2021, Hayes was driving the stolen vehicle to the home of Hayes’s

fiancée to drop off infant formula for their child. Solon police observed the vehicle
proceeding on Solon Road, checked the plates, and discovered the vehicle was

stolen. Hayes pulled into a driveway and successfully evaded police attempts to

block it. Solon and Bentleyville police engaged in a car chase involving vehicle speeds

exceeding 80 miles per hour until Hayes swerved to avoid stop sticks deployed by

police. Hayes lost control of the vehicle and struck two vehicles, one occupied by

Paul Lilley (“Lilley”) and a second vehicle occupied by Sally Schultz (“S. Schultz”)

and Norman Schultz (“N. Schultz”). S. Schultz complained of rib and stomach pain

and died at the hospital later that day.

On June 28, 2022, Hayes pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter,

of S. Schultz, R.C. 2903.04(A), a first-degree felony, with a one-year firearm

specification, R.C. 2941.141, as charged in Count 1; failure to comply with an order

or signal of a police officer, R.C. 2921.331(B), a third-degree felony with a one-year

firearm specification, R.C. 2941.141, as charged in Count 3; aggravated vehicular

assault of N. Schultz and Lilley, R.C. 2903.08(A)(2)(B), a third-degree felony with a

one-year firearm specification, R.C. 2941.141, as charged in Counts 4 and 5 of the

indictment; and carrying concealed weapons, R.C. 2923.12(A)(2), as charged in

Count 6 of the indictment. Count 2 was nolled.

On August 5, 2022, Hayes was sentenced to the maximum term of 11

years for involuntary manslaughter, plus one-year gun specification, the maximum

term of 36 months for failure to comply plus the one-year firearm specification, the

maximum term of 60 months plus one-year firearm specification for each of the two

aggravated vehicular assault counts, and a maximum term of 18 months for carrying
a concealed weapon for a total of 29 and one-half years to run consecutively to the

other cases. The involuntary manslaughter count is a qualifying offense under the

Reagan Tokes Law.

The drug conviction arose from the incident that occurred on

June 24, 2021, the second case on November 28, 2021, the third case on

December 2, 2021, and the fourth on December 3, 2021. The state referred to the

events of June 24, 2021, November 28, 2021, December 2, 2021, and December 3,

2021, as a crime spree. The state argued that Hayes’s conduct was more serious than

conduct normally constituting the offenses and urged the trial court to impose

maximum, consecutive terms that totaled 71 and one-half years because of Hayes’s

heinous conduct. The sum included 11 years of firearm specifications.

The defense requested a reasonable sentence and suggested 15 to 18

years. The defense explained that Hayes’s determination to confess to the crimes

and face the consequences should be considered. Hayes was hospitalized after the

accident and transferred to a nursing home. Defense counsel was unable to visit

because of COVID restrictions, but a guard allowed Hayes to use the guard’s phone

to finally speak with defense counsel. Hayes next contracted COVID and was in

isolation until transferred to county jail without counsel’s knowledge. Hayes

admitted to the charges during an interview by a detective without a Miranda

advisement. Counsel urged Hayes to seek suppression of the statement, but Hayes

insisted on moving forward and taking responsibility for his actions.
 The defense also offered that Hayes possessed an IQ of 72 and

attended seven schools before the eighth grade and six high schools. Hayes’s father

was incarcerated for most of Hayes’s childhood, but his mother was a constant.

Hayes’s special education individualized education program failed to place him in

classrooms where he could experience a degree of success. A referral to the

Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities was never completed so

Hayes could receive needed counseling and medication for several mental health

diagnoses.

The defense produced the increasingly widely known data that

juvenile brain development continues until the ages of 25 to 30 — sometimes

beyond — and that the types of life events and conditions experienced by Hayes

slows juvenile brain development. Finally, the defense stated that Hayes was

remorseful and desired to participate in prison programs, complete his education,

and eventually reunite with his daughter.

The trial court noted the defense suggestion that Hayes had the

potential to do good things and stated, “I hope that is true.” However, “any good

you do for a long time to come will be within the state prison.” (Tr. 125-126.) The

trial court added:

You are going to have a very long time, Mr. Hayes, to carefully consider
everything that you have done, the lives you affected, the life you took.
You could be here on multiple murder charges had your driving been a
little better, or had your driving rather been a little worse, or had your
luck been a little worse.
 You had the good fortune, if it can even be called that, that only one
person died as a result of all of your crimes. There could have been
more.

You must carefully consider all that you have done. You must resolve
to make a better life for yourself in the years ahead of you. You must
resolve to make good on the terrible things that you have done, the lives
you affected, and to know that, although I am doing my best to mete
out justice today, you will someday face judgment before a much higher
court.

(Tr. 131-132.)

As stated above, the imposed aggregate sentence is 71 and one-half

years. The sentences included postrelease control, and recommendations for

mental health counseling and to obtain a GED. Hayes was entitled to 245 days of

jail-time credit at the time of sentencing.

II. Assignment of Error

Hayes poses a single assignment of error arguing that the trial court’s

imposition of consecutive sentences was clearly and convincingly contrary to law

and unsupported by the record.

III. Discussion

It is axiomatic that a trial court may only impose sentences provided

by statute, and R.C. 2929.14(C)(4) is an exception to the R.C. 2929.14(A) directive

that multiple offenses “shall be served concurrently.” State v. Jones, 2022-Ohio-

4202, 201 N.E.3d 1003, ¶ 18-19 (8th Dist.), citing State v. Williams, 148 Ohio St.3d

403, 2016-Ohio-7658, 71 N.E.3d 234, ¶ 22, citing State v. Fischer, 128 Ohio St.3d

92, 2010-Ohio-6238, 942 N.E.2d 332, ¶ 21-22.
 To impose consecutive sentences, the trial court must make the

specific findings set forth in the statute: “consecutive service is necessary to protect

the public from future crime or to punish the offender”; “consecutive sentences are

not disproportionate to the seriousness of the offender’s conduct and to the danger

the offender poses to the public.” R.C. 2929.14(C)(4). At a minimum, one of the

following is required:

(a) The offender committed one or more of the multiple offenses while
the offender was awaiting trial or sentencing, was under a sanction
imposed pursuant to section 2929.16, 2929.17, or 2929.18 of the
Revised Code, or was under post-release control for a prior offense.

(b) At least two of the multiple offenses were committed as part of one
or more courses of conduct, and the harm caused by two or more of the
multiple offenses so committed was so great or unusual that no single
prison term for any of the offenses committed as part of any of the
courses of conduct adequately reflects the seriousness of the offender’s
conduct.

(c) The offender’s history of criminal conduct demonstrates that
consecutive sentences are necessary to protect the public from future
crime by the offender.

Id.

R.C. 2953.08(G)(2)(a) provides the means for appellate challenges of

consecutive sentences under R.C. 2929.14(C)(4). State v. Gwynne, Slip Opinion

No. 2022-Ohio-4607 (“Gwynne IV”).1 The statute provides that “an appellate court

1 This court is cognizant of the recent plurality opinion in State v. Gwynne, Slip

Opinion No. 2023-Ohio-3851 (“Gwynne V”), rejecting on reconsideration the holding of
Gwynne IV regarding appellate review of consecutive sentences under R.C.
2953.08(G)(2) and 2929.14(C)(4). “A plurality opinion is ‘[a]n opinion lacking enough
judges’ votes to constitute a majority but receiving more votes than any other opinion.’
Black’s Law Dictionary 1125 (8th Ed.2004). A plurality opinion from this court has
may increase, reduce, or otherwise modify a sentence” or the court “may vacate and

remand the case for resentencing.” Id. These options are available only if the

appellate court “clearly and convincingly” determines that the sentencing court’s

R.C. 2929.14(C)(4) findings are not supported by the record.

A. Gwynne IV

Gwynne IV recently addressed the standard and scope of appellate

review of consecutive sentences. Gwynne was indicted for stealing items of

monetary or sentimental value from elderly residents of nursing homes and assisted

living facilities while working as a nurse’s aide or posing as one over an eight-year

period. Gwynne was indicted for 86 felony counts and 15 misdemeanors. Id. at ¶ 4.

Gwynne pleaded guilty to 17 counts of second-degree burglary, four

counts of third-degree theft, 10 counts of fourth-degree theft, and 15 misdemeanor

counts of receiving stolen property. Gwynne was sentenced to “three years for each

of the second degree-burglary offenses, 12 months for each of the fourth-degree theft

offenses, and 180 days for each of the misdemeanor receiving-stolen-property

offenses.” Id. at ¶ 5. “The court made the findings required under

R.C. 2929.14(C)(4) for imposing consecutive sentences and ordered the felony

‘questionable precedential value inasmuch as it * * * fail[s] to receive the requisite support
of four justices * * * in order to constitute controlling law.’” Gwynne V at ¶ 68, fn. 6, citing
Kraly v. Vannewkirk, 69 Ohio St.3d 627, 633, 635 N.E.2d 323 (1994). “[A] plurality
opinion is not binding authority.” Nascar Holdings, Inc. v. Testa, 152 Ohio St.3d 405,
2017-Ohio-9118, 97 N.E.3d 414, ¶ 18, citing Hedrick v. Motorists Mut. Ins. Co., 22 Ohio
St.3d 42, 44, 488 N.E.2d 840 (1986), overruled on other grounds, Martin v. Midwestern
Group Ins. Co., 70 Ohio St.3d 478, 639 N.E.2d 438 (1994).
sentences to be served consecutively, making Gwynne’s aggregate sentence 65

years.” Id.

In State v. Gwynne, 5th Dist. Delaware No. 16-CAA-12-0056, 2017-

Ohio-7570 (“Gwynne I”), the court held that, while serious, the sentence did not

“comport with the purposes and principles of felony sentencing” under

“R.C. 2929.11 and 2929.12 and was plainly excessive and shocking for a nonviolent,

first-time offender.” Gwynne IV, Slip Opinion No. 2022-Ohio-4607, ¶ 6, citing id.

at ¶ 22-30. However, the court agreed that consecutive sentences were warranted

in some instances and modified the sentence, resulting in a 15-year aggregate term.

The state appealed in State v. Gwynne, 158 Ohio St.3d 279, 2019-

Ohio-4761, 141 N.E.3d 169 (“Gwynne II”), where the court reversed the appellate

court’s judgment. The court held that R.C. 2953.08(G)(2)(a) does not permit an

appellate court to use an analysis of the R.C. 2929.11(A) and (B) principles and

purposes of felony sentencing, and R.C. 2929.12 seriousness and recidivism factors

to reverse or modify consecutive sentences. Gwynne IV at ¶ 2, citing Gwynne II at

¶ 13-18 (lead opinion) and ¶ 32-43 (Kennedy, J., concurring in judgment only).2 See

Gwynne II at ¶ 2, citing State v. Marcum, 146 Ohio St.3d 516, 2016-Ohio-1002, 59

2 The court also noted that its conclusion in Gwynne II was upheld in State v.
Jones, 163 Ohio St.3d 242, 2020-Ohio-6729, 169 N.E.3d 649. “R.C. 2953.08 (G)(2)(b)
* * * does not provide a basis for an appellate court to modify or vacate a sentence based
on its view that the sentence is not supported by the record under R.C. 2929.11 and
2929.12.” Gwynne III at ¶ 7, fn. 1., quoting id. at ¶ 39.
N.E.2d 1231, “has no application to consecutive-sentencing cases that are governed

by R.C. 2953.08(G)(2).” Gwynne IV at ¶ 2.3

The appellate court was directed to apply the R.C. 2953.08(G)(2)(a)

standard of review that “permits reversal or modification of consecutive sentences

if the reviewing court clearly and convincingly finds that the record does not support

the sentencing court’s R.C. 2929.14(C)(4) findings.” Gwynne IV, citing Gwynne II

at ¶ 20 (lead opinion).

The appellate court did not abandon its belief that the sentence was

“‘wholly excessive * * * for a first-time felony offender’” but “‘reluctantly upheld the

65-year sentence after concluding that ‘no authority exists for this court to vacate

some, but not all of Gwynne’s consecutive sentences.’” Gwynne IV, Slip Opinion

No. 2022-Ohio-4607, at ¶ 8, quoting State v. Gwynne, 2021-Ohio-2378, 173 N.E.3d

603, ¶ 25 (5th Dist.) (“Gwynne III”). The Fifth District determined that the

sentences were not “‘grossly disproportionate or shocking to the community’s sense

of justice’” or ‘“shocking to a reasonable person’” because the sentences were

“‘within the range of penalties authorized by the legislature.’” Id., quoting Gwynne

III at ¶ 30.

3 This court does not construe the court’s instruction to bar consideration of
relevant factors that may overlap the R.C. 2929.11, 2929.12, and 2929.14(C)(4) analyses.
“[T]here may be significant overlap in the factors identified in R.C. 2929.11, 2929.12, and
2929.14(C)(4) respectively.” State v. Moore, 12th Dist. Clermont No. CA2013-06-044,
2014-Ohio-765, ¶ 9, citing State v. Marshall, 12th Dist. Warren No. CA2013-05-042,
2013-Ohio-5092, ¶ 17, 20.
 In Gwynne IV, the Ohio Supreme Court was “asked to determine

whether Gwynne’s 65-year aggregate sentence for numerous nonviolent felonies

violates Ohio’s consecutive-sentencing statute, R.C. 2929.14(C).” Gwynne IV, Slip

Opinion No. 2022-Ohio-4607, at ¶ 1.4 The court recognized that it must first provide

much-needed clarification to Ohio courts on two pivotal issues for consecutive-

sentence imposition and review and apply the solutions to the proposition posed.

The first issue was “whether trial courts must consider the overall

aggregate prison term to be imposed when making the consecutive-sentence

findings under R.C. 2929.14(C)(4).” Id. The court confirmed that a trial court “must

consider the number of sentences that it will impose consecutively along with the

defendant’s aggregate sentence that will result” when making the R.C. 2929.14(C)(4)

findings. Id. at ¶ 12. The findings “must be made in consideration of the aggregate

term to be imposed” and they “are not simply threshold findings that * * * permit

any amount of consecutively stacked individual sentences.” Id.

The second issue addressed by the court was the “scope of an

appellate court’s authority” “under R.C. 2953.08(G)(2) to review [the trial court’s

findings for] consecutive sentences.” Gwynne IV, Slip Opinion No. 2022-Ohio-

4607, at ¶ 1. The court directed that an appellate court’s review of the record to

determine whether the trial court’s R.C. 2929.14(C)(4) findings are clearly and

4 Appellant Gwynne also argued throughout the Gwynne cases that the sentence
violated the Cruel and Unusual Punishment Clause of the Eighth Amendment to the
United States Constitution. That issue was dismissed in Gwynne IV as having been
improvidently accepted. Id. at ¶ 2.
convincingly supported by the record is de novo. Id. The court emphasized that

deference to the trial court’s findings is not appropriate or required.

“R.C. 2953.08(F) explains what the ‘record’ entails for purposes of

appellate review of consecutive sentences.”

Specifically, it entails any of the following that may be applicable:
written presentence, psychiatric, or other investigative reports
submitted to the trial court prior to sentencing; the trial court record in
the case in which the sentence was imposed; any oral or written
statements made to or by the court at sentencing; and any written
findings the court was required to make in connection with a grant of
judicial release. R.C. 2953.08(F)(1)-(4).

Gwynne IV at ¶ 28, fn. 6.

However, it is important for an appellate court to note that even

where the appellate record is not well developed due, for example, to a guilty or no

contest plea, the appellate court’s responsibility does not change. “Regardless of the

size of the record, there must still be enough evidence contained within it in terms

of both quantity and quality, to support the consecutive-sentence findings” “and

satisfy the appellate court that the standard for reversal or modification outlined in

R.C. 2953.08(G)(2) is not met.” Gwynne IV, Slip Opinion No. 2022-Ohio-4607, at

¶ 29, fn. 7.

Gwynne IV did not abandon its definition of the clear-and-

convincing-evidence standard embraced in State v. Marcum, 146 Ohio St.3d 516,

2016-Ohio-1002, 59 N.E.3d 1231, where it stated:

“‘Clear and convincing evidence is that measure or degree of proof
which is more than a mere ‘preponderance of the evidence,’ but not to
the extent of such certainty as is required ‘beyond a reasonable doubt’
 in criminal cases, and which will produce in the mind of the trier of
facts a firm belief or conviction as to the facts sought to be established.’

Gwynne IV at 19, quoting id. at ¶ 22, quoting Cross v. Ledford, 161 Ohio St. 469, 120

N.E.2d 118 (1954), paragraph three of the syllabus.

Gwynne IV illuminated the importance of understanding the

distinction between standards of review and evidentiary standards of proof. The

former, such as an “‘abuse of discretion,’ ‘clearly erroneous,’ and ‘substantial

evidence’ are traditional forms of appellate court deference that are applied to trial

court decisions.” Gwynne IV at ¶ 20. As “standards of review,” they are “screens

through which reviewing courts must view the original factfinder’s decision.” Id.

“‘[P]reponderance,’ ‘clear and convincing,’ and ‘beyond a reasonable doubt’ are

evidentiary standards of proof” that “apply to a fact-finder’s consideration of the

evidence.” Id. at ¶ 20.

Of import here, “R.C. 2953.08(G)(2)’s requirement that appellate

courts apply the clear-and-convincing standard” indicates that the appellate court

essentially functions as a finder of fact “with three key differences.” Id. at ¶ 20-21.

First, the appellate court is limited to “considering only the findings

in R.C. 2929.14(C)(4) that the trial court actually made” and “cannot determine for

itself which of the three permissible findings * * * might apply * * * as the trial court

is permitted to do.” Gwynne IV, Slip Opinion No. 2022-Ohio-4607, at ¶ 21.

Second, the appellate court’s standard of proof is clear and convincing

evidence versus the trial court’s “more likely true, or more probably, than not” when
considered as a whole preponderance-of-the-evidence standard. Id. Third and

inversely as to the second difference, the appellate court must possess a “firm belief

or conviction that the proposition of fact represented by each finding is not true on

consideration of the evidence in the record.” Id.

The court emphasized that the higher evidentiary standard of clear

and convincing “‘does not mean clear and unequivocal.” (Emphasis sic.) Id. at ¶ 23,

citing Ledford, 61 Ohio St. at 477, 120 N.E.2d 118. “[A]gain, it means only a firm

belief or conviction.” Gwynne IV, Slip Opinion No. 2022-Ohio-4607, citing id. and

Marcum, 146 Ohio St.3d 516, 2016-Ohio-1002, 59 N.E.3d 1231, at ¶ 22.

In recognition of the “complex history of R.C. 2929.14(C) and

2953.08(G)(2),” the court also provided “practical guidance” for consecutive-

sentence reviews. Id. at ¶ 24.

1. Step one

The appellate court must verify that each of the R.C. 2929.14(C)(4)

findings have been made. The consecutive-sentence order is contrary to law if the

trial court fails to make all of the findings. The appellate court may modify the

sentence or vacate it and remand for resentencing. Gwynne IV, Slip Opinion

No. 2022-Ohio-4607, at ¶ 25, citing State v. Bonnell, 140 Ohio St.3d 209, 2014-

Ohio-3177, 16 N.E.3d 659, ¶ 36-37; see also State v. Jones, 93 Ohio St.3d 391, 399,

754 N.E.2d 1252 (2001), abrogated on other grounds, State v. Foster, 109 Ohio

St.3d 1, 2006-Ohio-856, 845 N.E.2d 470; R.C. 2953.08(G)(2)(b).
 2. Step Two

“[I]f even one” of the findings is not supported by clear and

convincing evidence in the record under R.C. 2953.08(G)(2), the appellate court

“must” modify or vacate the sentence. Gwynne IV, Slip Opinion No. 2022-Ohio-

4607, at ¶ 25-26. This includes the number of consecutive terms and the aggregate

sentence. Unequivocal certainty that the record does not support the findings is not

required. Vacation or modification is required if the court has a firm belief or

conviction that the findings are unsupported. Id. at ¶ 27. The appellate court must

consider whether there is “some evidentiary support in the record” for the findings,

review the evidence, and determine whether it is supported. The order must be

reversed if the record is “devoid of evidence.” Id. at ¶ 28.

Where some evidence is present, the appellate court considers the

quality and quantity of the evidence contained in the record “that either supports or

contradicts” the findings. Where the appellate record is minimal such as a sentence

arising from a guilty plea, “[a]n appellate court may not * * * presume that because

the record contains some evidence relevant to and not inconsistent with the

consecutive-sentence findings” that the “evidence is enough to fully support the

findings.” Id. at ¶ 29. “R.C. 2953.08(G)(2) explicitly rejects this type of deference

to a trial court’s consecutive-sentence findings.” Id.

The appellate court is authorized to substitute its judgment for that of

the trial court where, after a review of the entire record, it has a “firm conviction or

belief” that the evidence does not support the trial court’s “specific findings
made * * * to impose consecutive sentences.” Id. This includes support for the

“number of consecutive terms and the aggregate sentence that results.” Id. In fact,

an appellate court has the authority to “vacate some — but not all — of the

consecutive sentences” imposed by the trial court. Id. at ¶ 17.

B. Gwynne IV instant case application

1. Step One — R.C. 2929.14(C)(4) findings

“[N]o statute directs a sentencing court to give or state reasons

supporting imposition of consecutive sentences” nor does Crim.R. 32(A)(4) require

a trial court “to give reasons supporting its decision to impose consecutive

sentences.” Bonnell, 140 Ohio St.3d 209, 2014-Ohio-3177, 16 N.E.3d 659, at ¶ 27.

The parties do not dispute that the findings were made on the record

except that one judgment entry requires a nunc pro tunc order where the

consecutive-sentence findings were omitted. We therefore move to step 2 of the

analysis.

2. Step Two — Clear and Convincing Support

This court reviews the record de novo to determine whether there is

clear and convincing evidence in the record to support the trial court’s findings. If

there is no evidence to support the findings, this court must reverse. If any evidence

is found to exist, this court focuses on the “quantity and quality of the evidence * * *

that either supports or contradicts the consecutive-sentence findings.” Gwynne IV,

Slip Opinion No. 2022-Ohio-4607, at ¶ 29. Even where the record is slight as with
a no contest or guilty plea, there must still be quantitative and qualitative evidence

to support the trial court’s findings. Id. at ¶ 29, fn. 7.

Where this court holds “a firm conviction or belief, after reviewing the

entire record, that the evidence does not support the specific findings by the trial

court to impose consecutive sentences,” this court is authorized to substitute its

judgment for that of the trial court. This includes modifying or reversing the

“number of consecutive terms and the aggregate sentence that results.” Id. at ¶ 29.

We keep in mind that R.C. 2953.08(G)(2) does not permit an

appellate court to use the R.C. 2929.11(A) and (B) principles and purposes of felony

sentencing and the R.C. 2929.12 seriousness and recidivism factors to reverse or

modify consecutive sentences. Gwynne IV at ¶ 7, citing Gwynne II at ¶ 13-18. We

also recognize that the factors often overlap. Moore, 12th Dist. Clermont No.

CA2013-06-044, 2014-Ohio-765, ¶ 9, citing Marshall, 12th Dist. Warren No.

CA2013-05-042, 2013-Ohio-5092, ¶ 17, 20.

At the request of the state, the trial court made the

R.C. 2929.14(C)(4) consecutive findings for the record:

I am ordering that the Defendant serve his prison term consecutively
because I find that consecutive service is necessary to protect the public
from future crime and to adequately punish the offender.

I further find consecutive sentences are not disproportionate to the
seriousness of the Defendant’s conduct and to the danger the
Defendant still poses to the public pursuant to Revised
Code 2929.14(C)(4).

Specifically I further find that the Defendant committed at least two of
his multiple offenses as part of one or more courses of conduct. Not as
 spread across all four cases as the defense suggests, but specifically in
case 665938, and the harm caused by two or more of the multiple
offenses thus committed was so great or unusual, no single prison term
for any of the offenses committed as part of any of the courses of
conduct spread across these four cases would adequately reflect the
seriousness of the Defendant’s conduct. [R.C. 2929.14(C)(4)(b)].

I further note the Defendant’s history of criminal conduct
demonstrates that consecutive sentences are necessary to protect the
public from future crimes by the Defendant. [R.C. 2929.14(C)(4)(c)].

(Tr. 133-134.) The trial court also chose to impose consecutive time as to each gun

specification “given [Hayes’s] appalling course of criminal conduct spread across

these four cases spread across five days.” (Tr. 136.)

Consecutive sentences “‘are reserved for the worst offenses and

offenders.’” State v. Glover, 1st Dist. Hamilton No. C-220088, 2023-Ohio-1153,

¶ 75, applying Gwynne IV, quoting State v. Comer, 99 Ohio St.3d 463, 2003-Ohio-

4165, 793 N.E.2d 473. The trial court stated that “consecutive sentences are not

disproportionate to the seriousness of” Hayes’s “conduct and to the danger” Hayes

“still poses to the public.” Based on a thorough review of the record, we disagree

that the evidence supports the proportionality finding for the consecutive sentences

imposed. R.C. 2929.14(C)(4). Further, the sentence is disproportionate to sentences

given by other courts of this state. See Glover, 1st Dist. Hamilton No. C-220088,

2023-Ohio-1153, at ¶ 77, quoted infra at ¶ 56.

“A proportionality analysis considers both the defendant’s current

conduct and the risk of the defendant being a danger in the future.” Glover, 1st Dist.

Hamilton No. C-220088, 2023-Ohio-1153, ¶ 26, citing R.C. 2929.14(C)(4). “To
make that determination, the analysis ‘focuses upon the defendant’s current

conduct and whether this conduct, in conjunction with the defendant’s past conduct,

allows a finding that consecutive service is not disproportionate.’” Id. at ¶ 87,

quoting State v. Crim, 2d Dist. Clark No. 2018-CA-38, 2018-Ohio-4996, ¶ 11; citing

State v. Mathis, 6th Dist. Lucas No. L-21-1249, 2022-Ohio-4020, ¶ 19 (same);

State v. Forsell, 11th Dist. Portage Nos. 2019-P-0116, 2019-P-0117, 2019-P-0118,

2019-P-0119, 2019-P-0120, 2019-P-0121, 2019-P-0122, 2019-P-0123 and 2019-P-

0124, 2020-Ohio-5381, ¶ 26.

This court agrees that Hayes should be punished. However, we do

not agree that the evidence supports Hayes’s permanent removal from society.

In Glover, 1st Dist. Hamilton No. C-220088, 2023-Ohio-1153, the 20-

year-old was convicted of six counts of aggravated robbery and five counts of

kidnapping, all with firearm specifications, for robbing and kidnapping five different

individuals at gunpoint. He was sentenced to seven years plus three-year gun

specifications in each case, for a total of 60 years. Based on Gwynne IV, the

appellate court held that the proportionality factor was not satisfied and modified

the sentence.

The “use of an offender’s juvenile history is generally reserved for

instances where the offender’s history is extensive.” Glover, 1st Dist. Hamilton

No. C-220088, 2023-Ohio-1153, ¶ 88, citing State v. Batiste, 2020-Ohio-3673, 154

N.E.3d 1220, ¶ 20 (8th Dist.), State v. Jones, 2022-Ohio-4202, 201 N.E.3d 1003

¶ 32 (8th Dist.). The Glover Court first considered that Glover had one juvenile
adjudication for Toledo Municipal Code 537.16, “assault upon a teacher; disrupting

school activity” and prohibited a broad area of conduct including “disrupt[ing],

disturb[ing] or interfer[ing] with the class or any activity conducted on the school

grounds or any public place.” No facts regarding the incident were included in the

record, yet the trial court considered it an act of violence.

In the instant case, the trial court stated that Hayes has a juvenile

record. It is true that Hayes has had juvenile delinquency adjudications with the

majority of offenses nolled. There are no facts that explain the grounds for the

adjudications.

Also under the proportionality analysis, the Glover Court listed a

selection of Ohio cases where the offender was convicted of crimes that caused

emotional and physical harm with aggregate sentences shorter than the 60-year

aggregate sentence received by Glover. The sentences are also shorter than that

received by Hayes in the instant case.

Cases included

State v. McRae, 1st Dist. Hamilton No. C-180669, 2020-Ohio-773, ¶ 5
(court sentenced defendant on two counts of attempted murder of
police officers, two counts for having a weapon while under a disability,
one count of carrying a concealed weapon, and assault; his aggregate
sentence was 43.5 years); State v. Patton, 1st Dist. Hamilton No. C-
190694, 2021-Ohio-295, ¶ 2 (defendant convicted of two counts of
murder with specifications; aggregate sentence was 24 years to life);
State v. Prescott, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga Nos. 107784 and 107789, 2019-
Ohio-5114, ¶ 2 (defendant convicted of 14 counts each of aggravated
robbery and kidnapping, all with gun specifications, for eight separate
events; one victim was pistol whipped, causing serious injuries, and
another victim was punched in the face; court imposed aggregate 25-
year sentence); State v Washington, 6th Dist. Lucas No. L-19-1190,
 2021-Ohio-760, ¶ 4, 10, 15 (trial court sentenced defendant who
brutally raped and assaulted two women to aggregate 28-year
sentence); State v Corey, 11th Dist. Geauga No. 2021-G-0029, 2022-
Ohio-4568, ¶ 15 (defendant who shot victim four times was convicted
of attempted murder, firearm specifications, and tampering with
evidence; trial court sentenced him to aggregate term of ten-15 years);
State v. Galinari, 1st Dist. Hamilton No. C-210149, 2022-Ohio-2559,
at ¶ 2, 4 (defendant attacked a teenager and an adult with an aluminum
bat; trial court sentenced him to an aggregate 13-year term); Ohio v.
Jones, 2d Dist. Montgomery No. 28977, 2021-Ohio-3050, ¶ 1
(defendant broke into three women’s homes, raped two of the women
by gunpoint, and forced one to take fentanyl; after jury convicted the
defendant of aggravated burglary with a deadly weapon, aggravated
burglary causing physical harm, two counts of rape, two counts of
kidnapping, and one count of aggravated robbery with a deadly
weapon, the court sentenced him to an aggregate term of 39 years);
* * * State v. Consiglio, 7th Dist. Mahoning No. 21 MA 0066, 2022-
Ohio-2340, ¶ 1-2 (defendant convicted of rape, attempted rape,
aggravated robbery, robbery, theft from a person in a protected class,
and domestic violence against his 79-year-old grandmother, plus
assaulting a police officer; court merged allied offenses and sentenced
him to indefinite term of 19.5 to 25 years’ incarceration); State v. Steele,
5th Dist. Delaware No. 21 CAA 11 0061, 2022-Ohio-712, ¶ 1 (court
sentenced defendant convicted by a jury of five counts of unlawful
sexual conduct with a minor, two counts of rape, and one count of gross
sexual imposition to an aggregate prison term of 22 years).

Glover, 1st Dist. Hamilton No. C-220088, 2023-Ohio-1153, at ¶ 77.

By statute, “penalties for violent crimes are [already] enhanced when

the victim suffered serious physical injury.” Id. at ¶ 76. In this case, the trial court

imposed the maximum sentence on all counts except for trafficking. This court does

not demean the impact on the victims or the loss of a beloved family member that

resulted from the loss of control of Hayes’s vehicle when stop sticks were deployed

on Solon Road during the police pursuit early on a Sunday afternoon.
 However, we do not hold a firm conviction and belief that the

evidence supports the imposition of an aggregate sentence of 71 and one-half years.

Therefore, this court may vacate or modify the trial court’s sentence. Gwynne, Slip

Opinion No. 2022-Ohio-4607, at ¶ 27, Glover at ¶ 103, citing R.C. 2953.08(G)(2).

The court considered that the state and victims in Glover agreed to a

15-year sentence if Glover pleaded guilty, but Glover decided to go to trial. At

sentencing after trial, the state recommended a 20- to 25-year term, and the

appellate court determined that a 25-year term was appropriate. The court also

stated the appeal did not address the consecutive nature of the gun specifications

but determined it was “relevant to our proportionality determination because we

consider the aggregate sentence.” Id. at ¶ 105.

Due to its finding that a 25-year aggregate term was reasonable, the

court “default[ed] to a single seven-year sentence for aggravated robbery” and “six

firearm specifications, three years each” to be served prior to the robbery sentence

and consecutive to each other and the seven-year robbery term for an aggregate term

of 25 years. Id. at ¶ 106.

Hayes’s conviction was pursuant to a plea agreement. Clearly the

parties did not agree on prison terms, but Hayes pleaded guilty to one- and three-

year firearm specifications on some charges. Due to this court’s firm belief that the

record clearly and convincingly does not support the trial court’s proportionality

finding in support of an aggregate sentence of 71 and one-half years, we are
authorized by R.C. 2953.08(G)(2) to increase, reduce, or modify the sentences in

this case. Gwynne IV, Slip Opinion No. 2022-Ohio-4607, at ¶ 29.

As part of the sentence modifications, this court reiterates that the

Reagan Tokes Law advisements were provided during the plea hearing and

addressed during the sentencing hearing. At the sentencing, the trial court

announced that the first-degree felony involuntary manslaughter count would carry

an 11-year term. The state inquired:

State: Just to be clear on each — for an F1, for example, which was
imposed on multiple cases that he has a prison sentence from anywhere
from 11 to 16 and one-half years.

Court: Yes.

State: Because of Reagan Tokes.

Court: That’s true. We discussed [it] at the time of the plea as
well. Sir, do you understand, by nature, Reagan Tokes could result in
additional time in essence being imposed if the prison chooses for the
circumstances for the reasons we earlier discussed to keep you in
prison longer? Do you understand?

Hayes: Yes.

(Tr. 134-135.) The defense objected to the law as unconstitutional at both hearings,

arguments that were recently resolved in favor of constitutionality in State v.

Hacker, Slip Opinion No. 2023-Ohio-2535. This court’s modification of sentences

also includes consideration of the Reagan Tokes Law requirements. Pursuant to

R.C. 2929.144(B)(2) for consecutive sentences, the aggregate maximum term is

determined by the longest minimum term for the most serious felony being

sentenced. Here, that is the involuntary manslaughter count with the 11-year
minimum and 16 and one-half year maximum. The maximum term is determined

solely from the longest minimum term or definite term for the most serious felony

being sentenced.

The evidence supports the modification of Hayes’s aggregate prison

sentence as follows. The asterisks indicate that the offense is a qualifying offense

under the Reagan Tokes Law.5

CR-21-660865-A

Charge Current Sentence Modification Total
Trafficking 24 months served Concurrent 24 months served
consecutively to other concurrently with
cases. other cases.

CR-22-667269-A

Charge Prior Sentence Modification Total
*Aggravated One-year firearm 11 to 16.5 years per One-year firearm
robbery with specification served Reagan Tokes. specification served
one-year prior and prior and
firearm consecutively to consecutively to
specification 11-year maximum 11 to 16.5 year
base sentence served maximum base
consecutively to other sentence served
cases. consecutively to
other cases.

CR 22-666541-A

5 “If the offender is being sentenced for more than one felony, if one or more of the

felonies is a qualifying felony of the first or second degree, and if the court orders that all
of the prison terms imposed are to run concurrently, the maximum term shall be equal to
the longest of the minimum terms imposed on the offender under division (A)(1)(a) or
(2)(a) of section 2929.14 of the Revised Code for a qualifying felony of the first or second
degree for which the sentence is being imposed plus fifty per cent of the longest minimum
term for the most serious qualifying felony being sentenced.” R.C. 2929.144(B)(3). The
most serious offense in this case is the involuntary manslaughter count.
 Charge Prior sentence Modification Total
*Aggravated Three-year firearm 11 to 16.5 years per Three-year firearm
robbery with specification prior and Reagan Tokes. specification served
three-year consecutive to The sentence will prior and
firearm 11-year maximum be served consecutively to
specification base sentence. concurrently with 11-16.5 year
Consecutive to other the other counts in maximum base
cases. this case and sentence.
(Eighteen-month consecutively to
sentence on grand other cases.
theft charge merged
into the aggravated
robbery count.)
*Felonious Three-year firearm 8 to 12 years per Three-year firearm
assault with specification prior and Reagan Tokes. The specification prior
three-year consecutive to 8-to- sentence will be and consecutive to 8
firearm 12-year maximum served to 12-year maximum
specification base sentence. concurrently with base sentence served
Consecutive to other the other counts in concurrently with
cases. this case. the other counts in
this case.
Having a Three-year sentence The sentence will Three years
weapon served consecutively be served concurrent with the
while under to other cases. concurrently with other counts in this
disability the other counts in case.
this case.

CR-21-665938-A

Charge Prior sentence Modification Total
*Involuntary One-year firearm 11-to-16.5-year 11 to 16.5 year term
manslaughter specification prior and term per Reagan served
with one-year consecutive to 11-year Tokes. consecutively to
firearm maximum base One-year firearm other cases.
specification sentence consecutive specification Firearm
to other cases. merges with one- specification
year specification merges with failure
for failure to to comply
specification.
 Charge Prior sentence Modification Total
comply. R.C.
2929.14(B)(1)(b).6
Aggravated One-year firearm One-year firearm 60 months
vehicular specification plus 60- specification concurrent with
assault month base sentence merges with one- other counts.
consecutive to other year firearm Firearm
cases. specification for specification
failure to comply. merges with failure
Sixty-month base to comply
sentence served specification.
concurrently with
other aggravated
assault vehicular
count.
Aggravated One-year firearm One-year firearm 60 months
vehicular specification plus 60 specification concurrent with
assault months base sentence merges with one- other cases.
consecutive to other year firearm Firearm
cases. specification for specification
failure to comply. merges with failure
Sixty-month base to comply
sentence served specification.
concurrently with
other aggravated
assault vehicular
count.
Failure to One-year firearm No change. One-year firearm
comply with specification specification prior
one-year prior and consecutive and consecutive to
firearm to 36-month base 36-month base
specification sentence consecutive term consecutive to
to other cases. other cases.

6 Except as permitted under R.C. 2929.14(B)(1)(g), which does not apply in this

case, R.C. 2929.14(B)(1)(b) prohibits a court from imposing multiple consecutive prison
terms on multiple firearm specifications for “felonies committed as part of the same act
or transaction.” State v. Hardnett, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 107038, 2019-Ohio-3090, ¶ 7.
For purposes of R.C. 2929.14(B)(1)(b), “transaction” has been defined as “‘a series of
continuous acts bound together by time, space and purpose, and directed toward a single
objective.’” State v. Adkins, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga Nos. 109184 and 109185, 2021-Ohio-
1294, ¶ 17, quoting State v. Wills, 69 Ohio St.3d 690, 691, 635 N.E.2d 370 (1994), quoting
State v. Caldwell, 9th Dist. Summit No. 14720, 1991 Ohio App. LEXIS 5879 (Dec. 4, 1991).
 Charge Prior sentence Modification Total
Carrying a 18 months consecutive 18 months 18 months
concealed to other cases. concurrent with concurrent with
weapon other cases. other cases.

Summary

Consecutive
Specifications Terms Total
CR-21-660865-A None None None (24 months
concurrent only)
CR-22-667269-A One year 11 to 16.5 years 12 to 16.5 years
consecutive
CR 22-666541-A Six years 11 to 16.5 years 17 to 22.5 years
consecutive
CR-21-665938-A One year 14 years 15 to 16.5 years
consecutive

Total Term Eight years 36 years 8 years of firearm
specifications
served prior and
consecutively to a
definite prison
term of 36 months
and an indefinite
prison term of 33-
49.5 years.

Thus, we modify Hayes’s prison sentences for an aggregate term of eight years of

firearm specifications served prior and consecutively to a definite prison term of

thirty-six months and an indefinite prison term of 33-49.5 years.

In addition, the trial court informed Hayes during the plea that the

failure to control count in CR-21-665938-A was subject to a Class one lifetime

driver’s license suspension and six points against his license. The trial court failed
to impose the suspension at sentencing, and we remand the case to impose this

suspension.

We sustain Hayes’s assignment of error and remand the case to the

trial court to modify the sentences and impose the driver’s license suspension

consistent with this opinion. We affirm the trial court’s judgment in all other

respects.

IV. Conclusion

The case is modified and remanded to the trial court to impose

sentence pursuant to this opinion.

It is ordered that appellant recover from appellee costs herein taxed.

The court finds there were reasonable grounds for this appeal.

It is ordered that a special mandate issue out of this court directing the

common pleas court to carry this judgment into execution.

A certified copy of this entry shall constitute the mandate pursuant to Rule 27

of the Rules of Appellate Procedure.

ANITA LASTER MAYS, ADMINISTRATIVE JUDGE

EILEEN A. GALLAGHER, J., CONCURS;
EILEEN T. GALLAGHER, J., CONCURS IN JUDGMENT ONLY (WITH
SEPARATE OPINION)
EILEEN T. GALLAGHER, J., CONCURRING IN JUDGMENT ONLY:

I concur in judgment only with the majority opinion and its

determination that the record does not clearly and convincingly support the trial

court’s finding that Hayes’s aggregate prison term is not disproportionate to the

seriousness of his offenses or the danger he poses to the public. I write separately to

address the Ohio Supreme Court’s recent decision in State v. Gwynne, Slip Opinion

No. 2023-Ohio-3851 (“Gwynne V”).

In Gwynne V, the Ohio Supreme Court recently granted the state’s

motion for reconsideration and vacated its prior decision in State v. Gwynne, Slip

Opinion No. 2022-Ohio-4607 (“Gwynne IV”). In doing so, the lead opinion in

Gwynne V found that (1) Gwynne IV’s conclusion that R.C. 2953.08(G)(2) requires

an appellate court to review the record de novo is contrary to the plain language of

the statute, (2) R.C. 2929.14(C)(4) does not require express consideration of the

aggregate prison term that results from the imposition of consecutive sentences, and

(3) the record did not clearly and convincingly fail to support the trial court’s

consecutive-sentence findings. Id. at ¶ 16, 18-24. Accordingly, the lead opinion

granted the state’s motion for reconsideration, vacated the prior decision in Gwynne

IV, and affirmed the appellate court’s judgment upholding the defendant’s 65-year

sentence.

As recognized by Justice Stewart in the dissenting opinion, the lead

opinion in Gwynne V consists of three justices, while the fourth justice determined

that the motion for reconsideration was justified on procedural grounds. Id. at ¶ 47
(Stewart, J., dissenting). In the absence of a majority on the issues of law developed

in the lead opinion, it is unclear what weight appellate courts should afford the lead

opinion’s discussion moving forward. Until further clarity and consensus is reached

by the highest court in this state, I will continue to follow the standard of review set

forth by a majority of the court in Gwynne IV.

In doing so, I note that I do not disagree with Gwynne V’s recognition

that a plain reading of R.C. 2953.08(G) does not support a de novo standard of

review. And yet, consistent with the analysis contained in Gwynne IV, I adamantly

believe that the proportionality finding contained in R.C. 2929.14(C)(4) requires the

trial court to consider the aggregate prison term resulting from the imposition of

multiple, consecutive sentences. See Gwynne V at ¶ 81, 94 (Brunner, J., dissenting).

As articulated by Justice Brunner:

R.C. 2929.14(C)(3) requires a proportionality analysis, meaning that a
sentencing court must consider the aggregate term of imprisonment to
be imposed because, without such consideration, there is no coherent
way to evaluate whether multiple, consecutive sentences are
proportional to an offender’s overall conduct for which the sentences
have been imposed.

Id. at ¶ 81.

Based on the foregoing, I agree that the lead opinion in Gwynne V

adopts a narrow interpretation of the proportionality requirement in R.C.

2929.14(C)(4) that will render it “virtually impossible for any defendant to ever

successfully challenge an aggregate sentence imposed as a result of running multiple

individual sentences consecutively.” Id. at ¶ 48 (Stewart, J., dissenting). The lead
opinion’s objective approach promotes boilerplate recitations above the overarching

purposes and principles of felony sentencing.

Turning to the facts of this case, I do not wish to suggest that Hayes’s

conduct over the course of several days was somehow less serious than similarly

situated offenders. Unfortunately, Hayes’s conduct in this case reflects a growing

pattern of armed violence in this community. Perhaps more tragic, is the common

age these offenders tend to share. Consistent with this trend, there is no dispute that

Hayes, then a teenager, engaged in a heinous pattern of conduct that left a trail of

emotional and physical injuries. He facilitated a firearm to attack innocent

members of this community in their most vulnerable states and recklessly caused

the death of a woman while evading the police. The resulting harm caused by his

crime spree will be lasting, and the trial court was justified in utilizing R.C.

2929.14(C)(4) to severely punish Hayes.

As previously discussed, however, a trial court must consider the

aggregate sentence that inherently results from its application of R.C. 2929.14(C)(4)

when multiple terms of imprisonment are ordered to run consecutively. Thus, while

the stacking of some consecutive sentences was warranted in this case, the trial court

was required to contemplate the significance of a sentence akin to a term of life when

making its proportionality finding for the imposition of consecutive sentences on all

counts — across multiple cases.

In this case, the record reflects that the trial court did not contemplate

the total length of the defendant’s sentence until after the consecutive terms were
imposed and defense counsel sought clarification as to the court’s aggregate-

sentence calculations. At that time, the court sought the parties’ assistance and the

state suggested that its calculation amounted to “71.5 [years].” (Tr. 136-138.) I do

not wish to infer that the trial court did not consider the implications of its lengthy

sentence in this matter. Nevertheless, applying the standard articulated in Gwynne

IV, I agree with the majority’s conclusion that the aggregate sentence exceeded what

is proportionate to the sentence necessary to protect the public and punish Hayes

for his conduct. Under the terms of the sentence imposed by the trial court, Hayes

would be released from prison following his 91st birthday although he committed

most of the underlying offenses when he was just 18 years old. In my view, the

modified sentence imposed by this court carefully balances the relevant mitigating

and aggravating circumstances involved in this case and imposes a prison term that

is both proportionate to the severity of Hayes’s conduct and consistent with

sentences imposed on similarly situated offenders in this state.

As previously mentioned, there is an epidemic of violence taking place

in this county. Continued measures by community leaders, together with public

support, is necessary to address the heightening levels of gun-related violence that

has resulted in tragic outcomes such as those involved in this case. It is my position,

however, that stacking prison terms in order to impose what amounts to a life

sentence on such offenders is not a practical, governmental solution. It neither

addresses the issues underlying the growing violence in this community, serves the
rehabilitative goals of felony sentencing, or promotes the best use of public

resources.