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State v. Doyle
Citation: 2011 Ohio 4816Docket: 95957
Court: Ohio Court of Appeals; September 22, 2011; Ohio; State Appellate Court
Original Court Document: View Document
Richard Doyle appeals his convictions for drug trafficking, drug possession, and possession of criminal tools, asserting they lack sufficient evidence and are against the manifest weight of the evidence. The convictions stem from a shooting on February 23, 2010, where a bullet struck a couch occupied by Brijae Journee. Following the incident, Brijae's sister, Brittni, informed police that Doyle might be the shooter based on prior drug transactions and threatening messages from him. The Euclid police executed a search warrant at Doyle's residence, uncovering significant drug-related evidence, including packaged marijuana, a digital scale, cash, and crack cocaine. Doyle was indicted on eleven counts, with charges related to the shooting ultimately leading to his acquittal. He was found guilty on the remaining drug charges and sentenced to concurrent terms. The appellate court affirmed his convictions after reviewing the case. The evidence presented was deemed sufficient to support the appellant Doyle's convictions for drug possession, possession of criminal tools, and drug trafficking, despite his claims to the contrary. The appellate court evaluates claims of insufficient evidence by considering whether a rational trier of fact could find the essential elements of the crime proven beyond a reasonable doubt, and it assesses the manifest weight of the evidence by examining the entire record and weighing the credibility of witnesses. Doyle was convicted based on circumstantial evidence, including testimony from Brittni, who stated she bought marijuana from him. During a search of his home, police found multiple packages of marijuana, packaging materials, and a digital scale, which Detective Carpenter indicated are commonly associated with drug trafficking. Additionally, a significant amount of marijuana and crack cocaine were discovered hidden in the basement. The evidence demonstrated that Doyle exercised dominion and control over the contraband, satisfying the legal definition of constructive possession, as the drugs were found within his residence. Carpenter discovered a cocaine press under the kitchen sink, which allows drug dealers to increase the quantity of cocaine by adding a cutting agent. He estimated the value of the drugs found in Doyle's home at approximately $750 for marijuana and $4,000 for crack cocaine. The jury, viewing the evidence favorably for the prosecution, found sufficient evidence to support Doyle's drug-related convictions. Doyle admitted to using marijuana for leg pain and acknowledged selling a small amount, while denying knowledge of the crack cocaine and claiming ignorance of the cocaine press's purpose. The jury was positioned to assess Doyle's credibility, ultimately convicting him on drug charges despite acquitting him of charges related to a shooting incident. The court upheld the convictions, stating they were not against the manifest weight of the evidence, and overruled Doyle's assignments of error. Costs were taxed to the appellant, and the court found reasonable grounds for appeal. The judgment was directed to be executed by the common pleas court, and Doyle's bail pending appeal was terminated. The case was remanded for sentence execution. A certified copy of the entry serves as the mandate under Rule 27 of the Rules of Appellate Procedure.