# Com. v. Rugg, P. > Superior Court of Pennsylvania · February 19, 2015 URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/cases/2780700 ## Case - **Court:** Superior Court of Pennsylvania - **Decided:** February 19, 2015 - **Precedential status:** Unpublished - **Opinion:** Opinion - **Cited by:** 0 later opinions in the Frix Law Library ## Citator (automated) - No negative treatment found by the automated citator. That is not the same as a confirmation that the case is good law; read the citing cases. - Full citator and citing cases: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/cases/2780700 ## How later opinions describe it (automated extraction) - finding that the statute does not require a psychiatrist or psychologist to perform a sexually violent predator assessment - stating that “[d]uring the hearing[,] the party alleging taint bears the burden of production of evidence of taint and the burden of persuasion to show taint by clear and convincing evidence.” - holding that “[a]ny issues not raised in a 1925(b) statement will be deemed waived.” - holding that the appellant did not present evidence of taint, as the minor witness continually stated that she remembered the critical events independently - describing pedophilia as a "mental abnormality in the most decisive sense of the term" ## Opinion text J-S01011-15 NON-PRECEDENTIAL DECISION - SEE SUPERIOR COURT I.O.P. 65.37 COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, : IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF : PENNSYLVANIA Appellee : : v. : : PATRICK LEROY RUGG, : : Appellant : No. 458 WDA 2014 Appeal from the Judgment of Sentence entered on July 30, 2013 in the Court of Common Pleas of Cambria County, Criminal Division, No. CP-11-CR-0001342-2010 BEFORE: GANTMAN, P.J., JENKINS and MUSMANNO, JJ. MEMORANDUM BY MUSMANNO, J.: FILED FEBRUARY 19, 2015 Patrick Leroy Rugg (“Rugg”) appeals from the judgment of sentence imposed after a jury convicted him of four counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child (“IDSI”), and one count each of trafficking of persons, indecent assault, endangering the welfare of a child, and corruption of minors.1 We affirm the convictions, vacate the judgment of sentence, and remand for resentencing. 1 See 18 Pa.C.S.A. §§ 3123(b), 3002(a), 3126(a)(7), 4304(a)(1), 6301(a)(1). Regarding Rugg’s conviction of trafficking of persons in June 2012, effective on September 2, 2014, the former Chapter of the Crimes Code concerning this offense was repealed and replaced with a new Chapter. See id. § 3001 et seq.; see also id. § 3011(b) (codifying the new offense of trafficking in minors). J-S01011-15 The trial court has set forth the relevant history underlying this appeal in its Pa.R.A.P. 1925(a) Opinion, which we incorporate herein by reference. See Trial Court Opinion, 5/20/14, at 1-2.2 On appeal, Rugg presents the following issues for our review: 1. Whether the trial court abused its discretion by conducting the competency hearing of the child victim-witness in the presence of the jury[,] and by summarily precluding the production of evidence to expand such competency hearing to investigate taint? 2. Whether the trial court abused its discretion in denying [Rugg’s] Motion for a new trial based on the weight of the evidence inasmuch as the trial court deprived [Rugg] of full and effective cross- examination of the victim[,] whose evidence had been shaped? 3. Whether the trial court erred by denying [Rugg’s Motion for] judgment of acquittal on the count … of trafficking of persons inasmuch as the evidence did not suffice to prove all of the elements of the offense? 4. Whether the trial court erred by the “sexually violent predator” [hereinafter “SVP”] determination inasmuch as the evidence presented by the Commonwealth did not suffice to prove all of the elements of [SVP] status by clear and convincing evidence? 5. Whether the sentencing court erred by imposing 10- year mandatory minimum terms[,] pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S. § 9718(a)(1)[,] for every conviction of [IDSI,] in contravention of the constitutionally-protected right to a jury trial and due process, resulting in an illegal sentence? 2 Following the trial court’s reinstatement of Rugg’s appeal rights, nunc pro tunc, on March 11, 2014, Rugg timely filed his Notice of Appeal. -2- J-S01011-15 6. Whether the sentencing court abused its discretion in imposing sentence by running all of the terms for [IDSI] consecutively, resulting in a non-individualized, de facto life sentence[,] contrary to the Sentencing Code? Brief for Appellant at 10-11 (emphasis and capitalization omitted, issues re- numbered for ease of disposition). Rugg first argues that the trial court erred and deprived him of a fair trial by conducting the competency hearing of “the thirteen-year-old victim … in the jury’s presence[,3] and [by] preclud[ing] [] Rugg from meeting the threshold to expand the competency hearing to investigate taint[,]” i.e., whether the victim’s testimony was unduly influenced by third parties who interviewed the victim during the investigation. Id. at 22 (footnote added). Rugg points out that the trial court concedes in its Pa.R.A.P. 1925(a) Opinion that it should have conducted the competency hearing of the minor victim outside of the presence of the jury. Brief for Appellant at 23; see also Trial Court Opinion, 5/20/14, at 9; Commonwealth v. Moore, 980 A.2d 647, 653 (Pa. Super. 2009) (holding that because the victim “was only thirteen years old when she testified at trial[,”] “the trial court should have held a competency hearing outside of the presence of the jury.”). Rugg further argues that the trial court erred, and violated the dictates of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in Commonwealth v. Delbridge, 855 A.2d 27 (Pa. 2003), “by [] ruling[,] prior to the competency hearing[,] that [] Rugg 3 Prior to the victim’s testimony at trial, the trial court asked him questions pertaining to whether he understood the difference between a truth and a lie, and his obligation to tell the truth. See N.T., 6/25/12, at 82-83. -3- J-S01011-15 had not presented some evidence of taint to allow an expanded inquiry into taint ….” Brief for Appellant at 24 (citing Delbridge, 855 A.2d at 40 (stating that “[d]uring the hearing[,] the party alleging taint bears the burden of production of evidence of taint and the burden of persuasion to show taint by clear and convincing evidence.”) (emphasis supplied by Rugg)). The determination of a witness’s competency rests within the sound discretion of the trial court. The decision of the trial court will not be disturbed absent a clear abuse of that discretion; consequently[,] our standard of review of rulings on the competency of witnesses is very limited indeed. In Pennsylvania, the general rule is that every witness is presumed to be competent to be a witness. However, young children must be examined for competency pursuant to the following test: (1) The witness must be capable of expressing intelligent answers to questions; (2) The witness must have been capable of observing the event to be testified about and have the ability to remember it; and, (3) An awareness of the duty to tell the truth. An allegation of taint centers on the second element of the above test. Where an allegation of taint is made before trial[,] the appropriate venue for investigation into such a claim is a competency hearing. A competency hearing is centered on the inquiry into the minimal capacity of the witness to communicate, to observe an event and accurately recall that observation, and to understand the necessity to speak the truth. Commonwealth v. Davis, 939 A.2d 905, 906-07 (Pa. Super. 2007) (citations, quotation marks and ellipses omitted); see also Delbridge, 855 A.2d at 39-40. “In order to trigger an investigation of competency on the issue of taint, the moving party must show some evidence of taint. Once some evidence of taint is presented, the competency hearing must be expanded to -4- J-S01011-15 explore this specific question.” Delbridge, 855 A.2d at 40. This Court has explained that [w]hen determining whether a defendant has presented “some evidence” of taint, the court must consider the totality of the circumstances surrounding the child’s allegations. Some of the factors that courts have deemed relevant in this analysis include the age of the child, whether the child has been subject to repeated interviews by adults in positions of authority, and the existence of independent evidence regarding the interview techniques utilized. Moore, 980 A.2d at 652 (citations and some quotation marks omitted). In its Pa.R.A.P. 1925(a) Opinion, the trial court thoroughly addressed Rugg’s claim and explained its reasons for determining that it does not entitle him to relief. See Trial Court Opinion, 5/20/14, at 8-11. The trial court’s analysis is supported by the law and the record; therefore, we affirm on this basis with regard to Rugg’s first issue. See id.4 Next, Rugg contends that the trial court abused its discretion by denying his Motion for a new trial based on the weight of the evidence. See 4 As an addendum, we observe that there is no merit to Rugg’s claim that the trial court “precluded [him] from meeting the threshold to expand the competency hearing to investigate taint[.]” Brief for Appellant at 22. Rather, the trial court found, and the record supports that Rugg had failed to meet his burden of production under Delbridge to overcome the presumption of the victim’s competency, so as to trigger an expanded competency hearing on the issue of taint. See Trial Court Opinion, 5/20/14, at 10-11; see also Commonwealth v. Cesar, 911 A.2d 978, 985-86 (Pa. Super. 2006) (holding that the appellant did not present evidence of taint, as the minor witness continually stated that she remembered the critical events independently). Additionally, we determine that the trial court’s minor procedural error in conducting the competency hearing in the presence of the jury does not constitute reversible error, as there is no indication that same prejudiced Rugg or deprived him of a fair trial. See Moore, 980 A.2d at 658. -5- J-S01011-15 Brief for Appellant at 19-22. Specifically, Rugg asserts, he “was deprived of full and effective cross-examination of the child-victim, [] whose testimony had been shaped by the police, social workers and other professionals who interviewed him after [] Rugg’s arrest” (hereinafter collectively referred to as “the interviewing professionals”). Id. at 19; see also id. at 21-22 (listing the interviewing professionals who allegedly “shaped” the victim’s testimony). Our standard in reviewing a weight of the evidence claim is well- settled: Appellate review of a weight claim is a review of the exercise of discretion, not of the underlying question of whether the verdict is against the weight of the evidence. Because the trial judge has had the opportunity to hear and see the evidence presented, an appellate court will give the gravest consideration to the findings and reasons advanced by the trial judge when reviewing a trial court’s determination that the verdict is against the weight of the evidence. One of the least assailable reasons for granting or denying a new trial is the lower court’s conviction that the verdict was or was not against the weight of the evidence and that a new trial should be granted in the interest of justice. Commonwealth v. Clay, 64 A.3d 1049, 1055 (Pa. 2013) (emphasis and citations omitted); see also Commonwealth v. Sanchez, 36 A.3d 24, 27 (Pa. 2011) (stating that “[r]elief on a weight of the evidence claim is reserved for extraordinary circumstances, when the jury’s verdict is so contrary to the evidence as to shock one’s sense of justice and the award of a new trial is imperative so that right may be given another opportunity to prevail.” (citation omitted)). -6- J-S01011-15 Initially, as addressed above concerning Rugg’s first issue, Rugg failed to demonstrate that the victim’s testimony was unduly tainted by the interviewing professionals. Further, Rugg’s defense counsel did, in fact, cross-examine the victim concerning matters that allegedly showed that the interviewing professionals had “shaped” the victim’s testimony, including, inter alia, (a) the victim’s use of the word “defendant” when referring to Rugg; (b) the victim’s psychological and behavioral issues; (c) the victim’s truthfulness; and (d) the discussion between the victim and the prosecutor prior to trial. See N.T., 6/25/12, at 104-09, 114, 117. In connection with his weight claim, Rugg also challenges the trial court’s pretrial ruling that the defense was precluded from discovery of the following information because it was privileged: (1) the Assistant District Attorney’s interview notes prepared while speaking with one of the interviewing professionals; and (2) the victim’s medical/psychiatric records. See Brief for Appellant at 20-21. This distinct claim is not a challenge to the weight of the evidence, and Rugg has waived it by failing to preserve it in his Rule 1925(b) Concise Statement. See Commonwealth v. Lord, 719 A.2d 306, 309 (Pa. 1998) (holding that “[a]ny issues not raised in a 1925(b) statement will be deemed waived.”); see also Pa.R.A.P. 1925(b)(4)(vii) (providing that “[i]ssues not included in the Statement … are waived.”). Based upon the foregoing, the jury’s verdict is not so contrary to the evidence as to shock our sense of justice, and we discern no abuse of -7- J-S01011-15 discretion by the trial court in rejecting Rugg’s challenge to the weight of the evidence. In his third issue, Rugg asserts that the trial court erred by failing to grant his Motion for judgment of acquittal on the charge of trafficking of persons because the evidence did not establish that he “did traffic or knowingly attempt to traffic another person (as the term ‘traffics’ is defined by [former Crimes Code section] 3001)[,] and that he knew that the other person would be subjected to forced labor or services (as the term ‘forced labor or services’ is defined by [former section] 3001).” Brief for Appellant at 25. Rugg points out that the victim testified that he was “uncomfortable” and scared” during Rugg’s repeated sexual assaults. Id. at 26 (quoting N.T., 6/25/14, at 96, 99). According to Rugg, “[f]eelings of discomfort and fear do not … suffice to prove subjection to forced labor or services for purposes of a conviction of 18 Pa.C.S. § 3002(a).” Brief for Appellant at 26. In its Pa.R.A.P. 1925(a) Opinion, the trial court set forth the standard of review and statutory provisions, and determined that the Commonwealth had established all of the elements of trafficking of persons beyond a reasonable doubt. See Trial Court Opinion, 5/20/14, at 5-7. We affirm based on the trial court’s sound rationale with regard to this issue. See id. Next, Rugg argues that the trial court erred in determining that he is an SVP, since the Commonwealth had failed to present sufficient evidence to support this designation. See Brief for Appellant at 27-33. -8- J-S01011-15 In reviewing a claim that the evidence was insufficient to support an SVP designation, we utilize the following standard of review: A challenge to the sufficiency of the evidence is a question of law requiring a plenary scope of review. The appropriate standard of review regarding the sufficiency of the evidence is whether the evidence admitted at trial and all reasonable inferences drawn therefrom, when viewed in the light most favorable to the Commonwealth as the verdict winner, is sufficient to support all the elements of the offenses. As a reviewing court, we may not weigh the evidence and substitute our judgment for that of the fact-finder. Furthermore, a fact- finder is free to believe all, part or none of the evidence presented. At the [SVP] hearing[,] … the court shall determine whether the Commonwealth has proved by clear and convincing evidence that the individual is a [SVP]. Accordingly, in reviewing the sufficiency of the evidence regarding the determination of SVP status, we will reverse the trial court only if the Commonwealth has not presented clear and convincing evidence sufficient to enable the trial court to determine that each element required by the statute has been satisfied. Commonwealth v. Brooks, 7 A.3d 852, 860 (Pa. Super. 2010) (citation omitted). Rugg argues as follows: Paramount among the indicia of clear and convincing evidence[, to support an SVP classification,] is that it be direct. See Commonwealth v. Plucinski, 868 A.2d 20, 25 (Pa. Super. 2005) [(overruled on other grounds by Commonwealth v. Morgan, 16 A.3d 1165, 1173 (Pa. Super. 2011)).] Distinguishing the expert testimony of [the defense’s witness,] Scott J. Scotilla, Ph.D. [“Dr. Scotilla”], the psychologist who examined [] Rugg and testified for him at the SVP determination hearing, from that of [the Sexual Offender Assessment Board (“SOAB”) member who evaluated Rugg, Herbert E. Hays (“Hays”)], is that Dr. Scotilla employed recognized, objective psychological testing, such as the [Minnesota Multiphasic -9- J-S01011-15 Personality Inventory (“MMPI”)5], in rendering his conclusions[,] which would qualify as direct. In contrast, [] Hays relied on the conviction[s], which, because [Hays] was not present [at trial] and had no transcripts, was the opposite of direct. The SVP court’s determination that [] Rugg was an SVP was not supported by clear and convincing evidence. [] Hays … offered only conclusions based on the conviction[s], not the examination, of [] Rugg[,] while … Dr. Scotilla offered an expert opinion based on testing and examination. Brief for Appellant at 32-33 (footnote added, some citations omitted). The trial court issued a separate Opinion on the matter of Rugg’s SVP classification, thoroughly set forth the applicable law, and determined that the evidence, including Hays’s testimony and assessment, established that Rugg met the requirements of an SVP. See Trial Court Opinion, 6/21/13, at 7-11. Our review confirms that the trial court’s rationale is supported by the record and the law. We additionally observe that the trial court stated as follows in a separate part of its Opinion concerning his challenge to Hays’s SVP assessment: [Rugg] cites no case law or statutory authority for the assertion that a [SOAB] member performing an SVP assessment is required to rely on transcripts. The SVP assessment at bar sets forth that [] Hays relied on, inter alia, an interview with [Rugg], Pennsylvania Childline Records, the [criminal] information, the verdicts, the affidavit of probable cause, the incident investigation report, and a transcript of witness testimony. Accordingly, the [trial c]ourt finds that [] Hays relied on sufficient facts and data … in preparing his SVP assessment. … [Regarding Rugg’s] claim that [Hays’s] SVP assessment was improper because [Rugg] was determined to be an [SVP] based solely on his conviction of a crime fitting the definition of 5 The MMPI is the most widely used standardized psychometric test of adult personality and psychopathology. - 10 - J-S01011-15 pedophilia[,] … th[e trial c]ourt determined that the SVP assessment was supported by sufficient foundation. … [] Hays’[s] SVP assessment clearly considers the fourteen factors outlined by the [Megan’s Law] statute. 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 9795.4(b) (current version 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 9799.24(b)). Id. at 4-5 (citations to record omitted). Because we determine that the trial court’s rationale is sound, and the court properly found that the Commonwealth had proved by clear and convincing evidence that Rugg meets the requirements of an SVP, we affirm on this basis. See id. at 4-5, 7-11. In his fifth issue, Rugg argues that the sentencing court imposed an illegal sentence when it sentenced him to a mandatory minimum prison term of ten years, pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 9718(a)(1),6 on each of his four IDSI convictions. See Brief for Appellant at 34-35. Specifically, Rugg argues as follows: The application of section 9718(a)(1)’s 10-year mandatory minimum term to each of [Rugg’s IDSI convictions] … implicated Alleyne v. United States, 133 S. Ct. 2151 ([] 2013), requiring submission of the fact triggering a mandate[, i.e., in the instant case, whether the victim was under 16 years of age,] to the jury as an element of “a new, aggravated crime[.]” Id. at 2161. … Because [] Rugg’s sentence imposed a mandatory minimum term as a sentencing factor[,] rather than as an element of the crime proved to the jury beyond a reasonable doubt, such sentence was illegal, as set forth in Alleyne. 6 Section 9718(a)(1) provides, in relevant part, as follows: “(1) A person convicted of the following offenses when the victim is less than 16 years of age shall be sentenced to a mandatory term of imprisonment as follows: … 18 Pa.C.S. 3123 (relating to involuntary deviate sexual intercourse) -- not less than ten years.” 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 9718(a)(1). - 11 - J-S01011-15 Brief for Appellant at 34-35 (ellipses, capitalization and paragraph break omitted). Upon review of recent case law, we must agree that the sentencing court imposed an illegal sentence. In Commonwealth v. Wolfe, 2014 PA Super 288 (Pa. Super. 2014), a panel of this Court held that the same IDSI statutory subsection under which Rugg was sentenced, 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 9718(a)(1), is unconstitutional under Alleyne and its progeny. Wolfe, 2014 PA Super 288 at **12, 16 (collecting cases and holding that although “the additional fact triggering the mandatory sentence[, i.e., the victim being less than 16 years of age,] is also contained as an element within [] subsection [3123(b),] the IDSI statute under which Appellant was convicted[,]” the panel was bound to conclude that subsection 9718(a)(1) is void based on the prior decision of the en banc Court in Commonwealth v. Newman, 2014 PA Super 178 (Pa. Super. 2014), and observing that “Newman stands for the proposition that mandatory minimum sentence statutes in Pennsylvania of this format are void in their entirety.”). Accordingly, we must vacate Rugg’s illegal judgment of sentence and remand for resentencing. Concerning Rugg’s final issue, wherein he raises a challenge to the discretionary aspects of his sentence, we will not address this issue, since we are remanding for resentencing. Convictions affirmed. Judgment of sentence vacated. Case remanded for resentencing consistent with this Memorandum. Superior Court jurisdiction relinquished. - 12 - J-S01011-15 Judgment Entered. Joseph D. Seletyn, Esq. Prothonotary Date: 2/19/2015 - 13 - ,/ / , 'q ( IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CAMBRIA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA CRIMINAL DIVISION C) ,....., ..,-: COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA : No. 1342 - 2010 -,...-- , . => ,.)-.- .c:- o -.... ~-. .-.'"i- f'1 F .• - -'~ 'I.J.:' 0 :'..1 - :::><> v. .,' -, ITEl'vi(S);OR VEHICLE(S) TO 13E SEARCHED: ~//V.,: c/\/0 (:, 57) () iT (2) IlTt"HS') TO Bt:. SEARCHED FOR AND SEIZED,IF fOUt"-.'D: ~ft14()~&.·1 .!I':;crTCJv-,..z:tf/' j.(,' Vcr-:::-O£Gi's g ie-. 0 / /.. rr/VY £Lc-·(c; G-/f L f,,\,/[.,A;Q t./2.A-;P!r/Y (3) I, (2.. ·Q..1~ L, 12d~ CO·NS·E'N·TOR SHALL" INT FULL NAME ' IIAVE DEENREQUESTEl) BySC"rC S/c> '. ..'r'e.... {f"RTNT"NAMEI OF:: i'4c0~~V'£.Cr-- .\T I DO NOT (lAVE '1~():bIVE ,\IY CONSENT. I· UNDERSTA:'W TiltH I. IIt\VE TIIl~ fW,iliT TO IU'::I:USE TillS (tEl)UI~ST. AND THAT l'f-IE;J)dUCE ;\11\ Y NOT I3E AI3LE TO CO:\l)UCT Tlil5 SEt\RCIl Wl,THUUT /\ SEARCIl IYARRANT UNLESS I. GIVE;v.fYiCONSENT. NONETIIELESS, I VOLUNTt\RILY GIVG ,\I~'. CO,'lSENT TO THE POLICE TO CONDUCT TH[SSEARCH. . :.;::" . (~~" N (~ ~.) O-rj ::0 ~Cj -0 -"" PATRICK L. RUGG, 7- :::~ :x f"li -4'- - ************** APPEARANCES: For the Commonwealth: TAMARA R. BERNSTEIN, ESQUIRE Assistant District Attorney For the Defendant: THOMAS W. DICKEY, ESQUIRE ************** OPINION FLEMING, J., June 21, 2013. This Court is called upon to decide two issues: (1) the admissibility of expert reports introduced at a February 26, 2013 Sexually Violent Predator Determination Hearing; and (2) whether the Commonwealth met its burden qf proving by clear and convincing evidence that Defendant, Patrick L. Rugg, is a Sexually Violent Predator. The parties were directed to submit briefs addressing the ad.missibility of the expert reports. N.T. (February 26, 2013), pp. 77-78. On March 26, 2013, Defendant filed a "Brief on SVP Determination Hearing." On March 28, 2013, the Commonwealth filed its "Memorandum Regarding SVP Hearing." FACTUAL BACKGROUND On June 27,2012, ajury found Defendant guilty of four counts of Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse with a Child, one count of Trafficking of Person, one count of Indecent Assault, one count of Endangering the Welfare of Children, and one count of Corruption of Circulated 01/27/2015 11 :43 AM I \ Minors. This Court required Defendant to undergo a sexually violent predator assessment in accordance with 42 Pa.C.S.A. §979S.4(a) (May 29, 2007) (current version at 42 Pa.C.S.A. §9799.24 (Dec. 20, 2012)).1 ORDER DATED July 20,2012. Herbert Hays, a member of the Sexual Offender Assessment Board ["SOAB"], performed the assessment of Defendant on September 13, 2012. N.T. (February 26, 2013), Comm. Ex. 1. Mr. Hays concluded that Defendant meets the criteria to be classified as a sexually violent predator. Id., p. 7. On September 20, 2012, the Commonwealth requested a hearing pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S. §979S.4(e)(1) (current version at 42 Pa.C.S.A. §9799.24(e)(1)). On September 24,2012, the Court granted the Commonwealth's request for a hearing. ORDER DATED SEPTEMBER 24, 2012. On October 19, 2012, Defendant filed a Motion Requesting Assessment Expert. Following a hearing, the Court.determined Defendant to be indigent and appointed Dr. Scott Scotilla to be the defepse expert. ORDER DATED DECEMBER 7,2012. This Court conducted the sexually violent predator hearing on February 26,2013. LEGAL DISCUSSION Admissibility of the Sexually Violent Predator Assessment prepared by Mr. Hays Defendant argues against admission of the Sexually Violent Predator ["SVP"] Assessment and admission of Mr. Hays as an expert. DEFENDANT'S BRIEF, pp. 7-9. Specifically, Defendant argues that (1) the Commonwealth offered Defendant as "an expert in the field of fotensic examination, specifically whether an individual meets the criteria as a sexually violent predator," which is at odds with statutory language; (2) Mr. Hays lacked a foundation by relying on the guilty verdicts without transcripts of the proceedings; (3) the process employed by Mr. Hays was "tautological" in that "the convictions equaled pedophilia; I The Court references the applicable version of the statute at the time of the proceeding. 2 Circ~lated 01/27/2015 11 :43 AM ( ( pedophilia equaled mental abnormality; pedophilia equaled no cure; no cure equaled re- offense; and the sum equaled sexually violent predator." DEFENDANT'S BRIEF, pp. 7-9. The Commonwealth asserts that the SVP Assessment was properly admitted, as Mr. Hays considered all fourteen factors mandated by 42 Pa.C.S.A. §9795.4(b) (current version 42 Pa.C.S.A. 9799.24(b)). COMMW. BRIEF, p. 1. Furthermore, the Commonwyalth argues that a sexually violent predator designation is not based on a finding that a specific number of the factors are relevant. COMMW. BRIEF, pp. 1-2 (citing C;ommw. v. Meals, 912 A.2d 213 (Pa. 2005); Commw v. Brooks, 7 A.3d 852 (Pa. Super. 2010)). Therefore, the Commonwealth asserts the SVP Assessment is proper as Mr. Hays reviewed and addressed all fourteen factors. COMMW. BRIEF, pp. 1-2. The Court turns to the first of Defendant's arguments, i.e., that the Commonwealth's acceptance of Mr. Hays as an expert is at odds with the statute. DEFENDANT'S BRIEF, p. 7. Mr. Hays is a current member of the Sexual Offender Assessment Board. N.T. (February 26, 2013), p. 5. Mr. Hays has conducted 976 sexually violent predator assessments for the courts. N.T. (February 26, 2013), p. 4. Mr. Hays has testified as an expert in the field of forensic examination of sexually violent predators in 24 Pennsylvania counties. N.T. (February 26, 2013), pp. 5-6. By statute, Mr. Hays is an expert in"the behavior and treatment of sexual offenders." 42 Pa.C.S.A. §9799.3(a) (current version 42 Pa.C.S.A. §9799.35(a)). Additionally, through his extensive experience, Mr. Hays qualifies as an expert in "forensic examination, specifically regarding assessment of sexual offenders." N.T. (February 26,2013), pp. 10-11; P A.R.E. 702. Accordingly, Mr. Hays possesses the knowledge, skill, trcUning, and" experience 3 Circulated 01/27/2015 11 :43 AM ! necessary to opine whether Defendant meets the criteria of a sexually violent ·predator. PA.R.E. Next, Defendant argues that the Syp Assessment lacked the proper foundation, as Mr. Hays relied on Defendant's conviction without reviewing transcripts from the criminal proceedings. DEFENDANT'S BRIEF, p. 7. Pennsylvania Rule of Evidence 703 provides as follows: The facts or data in the particular case upon which an expert bas~s an opinion or inference may be those perceived by or made known to the expert at or before the hearing. If of a type reasonably relied upon by experts in the particular field in forming opinions or inferences upon the subject, the facts or data need not be admissible in evidence Defendant cites no case law or statutory authority for the assertion that a Board member performing an SVP Assessment is required to rely on transcripts. The SVP Assessment at bar sets forth that Mr. Hays relied on, inter alia, an· interview with Defendant, Pennsylvania Childline Records, the information, the verdicts, the affidavit of probable cause, the incident investigation report, and a transcript of witness testimony. N.T. (February 26, 2013), Ex. 1, p. 1. Accordingly, the Court finds that Mr. Hays relied on sufficient facts and data to satisfy the requirements of Pennsylvania Rule of Evidence 703 in preparing his SVP Assessment. Finally, the Court addresses Defendant's claim that the SVP Assessment was improper because Defendant was determined to be a sexually violent predator based solely on his conviction of a crime fitting the definition of pedophilia. DEFENDANT'S BRIEF, pp. 7_8.3 Defendant ostensibly relies on Rule of Evidence 703; however, this Court d~termined that the 2 The Court finds no relevance in Defendant's statement that Mr. Hays did not use his background in psychology when assessing Defendant. Commw. v. Conklin, 897 A.2d 1168, 1176 (Pa. 2006) (finding that the statute does not require a psychiatrist or psychologist to perform a sexually violent predator assessment). 3 The Court will address this argument in terms of the weight the Court should afford to the Assessment in the Court's SVP determination below. 4 Circylated 01/27/2015 11 :43 AM (>, SVP Assessment was supported by a sufficient foundation. See supra, pp. 4-5. Moreover, the Board member performing the assessment is not required to find all fourteen factors relevant, nor is the member required to give weight to all fourteen factors. Comm}li. v. Meals, 912 A.2d 213 (Pa. 2005); Commw v. Brooks, 7 A.3d 852 (Pa. Super. 2010). Mr. Hays' SVP Assessment clearly considers the fourteen factors outlined by the statute. 42 Pa.C.S.A. §9795.4(b) (current version 42 Pa.C.S.A. §9799.24(b». The Court concludes that the Commonw~aIth established a sufficient foundation for admitting the SVP Assessment and, further, that the SVP Assessment complied with the relevant statutory criteria. For the reasons set forth above, the Court AFFIRMS admission of the SVP Assessment into evidence. Admissibility ofDr. Scott Scotilla 's Report We tum next to the admissibility of Dr. Scott Scotilla's report. Dr. Scotilla was qualified by the Court as an expert in the field of psychology. N.T. (February 26, 2013), p. 49. The Commonwealth argues that Dr. Scotilla's report is irrelevant because (1) Dr. Scotilla does not possess the necessary education, training, or experience regarding sex offenders and assessments; (2) Dr. Scotilla did not rely on the fourt~en statutory factors in performing the assessment; (3) Dr. ScotiIla did not accept Defendant's conviction as a conclusive detemlination of his guilt; and (4) Dr. Scotilla testified that the diagnosis of pedophilia hinged on whether Defendant's appeal is won or lost.. COMMW. BRIEF, pp. 2-4. Defendant counters that the testimony of Dr. Scotilla is admissible because it focuses on negating the diagnosis of pedophilia and the likelihood ofre-offense. DEFENDANT'S BRIEF, pp. 9-ll. 5 Circul~ted 01/27/2015 11 :43 AM ( The Commonwealth proved by clear and convincing evidence that Defendant is a Sexually Violent Predator. The Commonwealth has the burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that Defendant meets the criteria to be classified as a sexually violent predator. 42 Pa.C.S.A. §9799.24(a). The clear and convincing evidence standard is described as an "intermediate test," i. e., more exacting than a preponderance of the evidence standard, but1ess exacting than proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Meals, 912 A.2d at 219. Pursuant to the SVP statute, the Commonwealth must first show that Defendant has been convicted of a sexually violent offense as set forth in 42 Pa.C.S.A. §9799.14. Next, the Commonwealth must prove that Defendant has a mental abnormality or personality disorder that makes him likely to engage in predatory sexually violent offenses. 42 Pa.C.S.A. §9799.l2; Commw. v. Whanger, 30 A.3d 1212, 1214 (Pa. Super. 2011). "Mental a~normalityl' is defined as "a congenital or acquired condition of a person that affects the emotional or volitional capacity of the person in a manner that predisposes that person to the commission of criminal sexual acts to· a degree that makes the person a menace to the health and safety of other persons." 42 Pa.C.S.A. §9799.l2. "Predatory" is defined as "an act directed at a stranger or at a person with whom a relationship has been initiated; established, maintained or promoted, in whole or in part, in order to facilitate or support victimization." 42 Pa.C.S.A. §9799.12. In a sexually violent predator determination, the following factors should be considered: (1) Facts of the current offense, including: (i) Whether the offense involved multiple victims. (ii) Whether the individual exceeded the means necessary to achieve the offense. 7 Circulated 01/27/2015 11 :43 AM (iii) The nature of the sexual contact with the victim. (iv) Relationship of the individual to the victim. (v) Age of the victim. (vi) Whether the offense included a display of unusual cruelty by ~he individual during the commission of the crime. (vii) The mental capacity of the victim. (2) Prior offense history, including: (i) The individual's prior criminal record. (ii) Whether the individual completed any prior sentences. (iii) Whether the individual participated in available programs for sexual offenders. . (3) Characteristics of the individual, including: (i) Age. . (ii) Use of illegal drugs. (iii) Any mental illness, mental disability or mental abnormality. (iv) Behavioral characteristics that contribute to the individual's conduct. (4) Factors that are suppOlied in a se~ual offender assessment field as criteria reasonably related to the risk ofreoffense. 42 Pa.C.S.A. §9799.24(a). Defendant's conviction on, inter alia, Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse qualifies him for SVP assessment under the statute. Defendant was convicted prior to the effective date of the current version of the Registration of Sexual Offenders Statute, i.e., December 20, 2012. 42 Pa.C.S.A. §§9799.10-9799.41. The Court notes that Defendant would be subject to assessment under a reading of both the current and former versions of the statute. 42 Pa.C.S.A. §9799.24(a) (current version); 42 Pa.C.S.A. §9795.4 (former version). Under the current version, Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse is a Tier III sexual offense that falls under the definition of "sexually violent offense." 42 Pa.C.S.A. §9799.12 (defining "sexually violent offense" as a Tier I, II or III offense as listed in §9799.14); 42 Pa.C.S.A. §9799.14(d)(4) (listing Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse as a Tier III offense). Likewise, under the prior version 8 Cjrculated 01/27/2015 11 :43 AM ( . of the statute, an individual convicted of Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse is also subject to assessment. 42 Pa.C.S.A. §9795.4; 42 Pa.C.S.A. §9795.1(b)(2)(i). Next, the Court concludes the Commonwealth met its burden of proving that Defendant suffers fro1ll a mental abnormality or personality disorder. Mr. Hays testified that pedophilia meets the definition of a mental abnormality. N.T. (February 26, 2013), pp. 32-33; see also Commw v. L eddington , 908 A.2d 328, 335 (Pa. Super. 2006) (describing pedophilia as a "mental abnormality in the most decisive sense of the term"). At the SVP Hearing, Mr. Hays described a diagnosis of pedophilia as involving the following: (l) a person 16 years of age or older; (2) who has a sexual attraction (fantasies, urges or behaviors) towards a child; (3) where the child is more than five years younger than the individual in question; (4) and where the behavior persists over a period of at least six months. N.T. (February 26, :2013), pp. 17-18. 5 Mr. Hays testified that offenders who have male victims are twice as likely to reoffend as offenders who have female victims. N.T. (February 26, 2013), p. 18. Further, Mr. Hays testified that, according to professional literature and the DSM-IV, pedophilia is a lifetime condition with no cure. N.T. (February 26, 2013), p. 20. 6 The following factors weigh in favor of qualifying Defendant as a sexually violent predator: First, Defendant engaged in a sexual relationship with the victim for a period of fourteen months. ASSESSMENT, p. 4, ~ 3. The victim was between 10 and 11 years old at the time of the sexual contact. Id, p. 4, ~ 5. At the time of the sexual contact, Defendant was between 30 arid 31 years of age. Id, p. 5, ~ 1. Defendant gained access to the victim by gaining the trust of his mother, who allowed Defendant to provide child care. Id, p. 5, ~ 4. 5Dr. Scotilla did not dispute this description of a pedophilia diagno~is. N.T. (February 26,2013), pp. 61-62. 6Defendant offered no evidence to rebut these statements. In fact, Dr. Scotilla agreed with Mr. Hays's definition a of pedophilia and his conclusion that pedophilia is mental abnormality. N.T. (February 26, 2013), p. 67. 9 Circulated 01/27/201511 :43 AM I Additionally, Defendant "groomed" the victim to participate in sex acts. N.T. (February 26, 2013), p. 21. The following factors weigh against qualifying Defendant as a sexually violent predator: First, Defendant did not have multiple victims. ASSESSMENT, p. 3, 4J 1. Defendant did not exceed the means necessary to achieve the offense. Id., p. 3, 4J 2. Defendant did not display unusual cruelty during the commission of the crime. Id., p. 4, 4J 6. Defendant does not have any prior offenses, nor has Defendant completed .any prior sentences. Id., p. 4, 4J4J 1-2. Defendant did not use any illegal drugs in the commission of the crime. Id., p. 5, 4J 2. Defendant does not have a record of a mental health diagnosis. Id., p. 5, 4J 3. Defendant was convicted of engaging in oral and anal intercourse with the victim, who was then a prepubescent child, over a period of six months. N.T. (February 26,2013), pp. 17- 18. Mr. Hays testified to a reasonable degree of professional certainty that Defendant suffers from the mental abnormality of pedophilia and meets the criteria to be classified as a sexually violent predator. N.T. (February 26, 2013), pp. 18-21. Dr. Scotilla agreed that the facts, as the jury found them to exist, support a pedophilia diagnosis and that Defendant meets the definition of a pedophile per the verdict. N.T. (February 26, 2013), pp. 61-62. However, after performing objective tests and evaluating Defendant, . Dr. Scotilla concluded that no other evidence ~ aside from the conviction - supports a pedophilia diagnosis. N.T. (February 26, 2013), 59. Dr. Scotilla relies on Defendant's protestations of iImocence in concluding that Defendant's diagnosis "hinged entirely oli whether his appeal was lost or won." N.T. (February 26,2013), p. 54. 10 Circulated ! 01/27/2015 11 :43 AM Based on the evidence submitted at the Sexually Violent Predator Hearing and the statutory factors, this Court finds that Defendant meet.s the criteria for Pedophilia, Sexually Attracted to Males. ASSESSMENT, p. 6, ~ 1. Because pedophilia qualifies as a mental ab.n0rmality, this Court concludes the Commonwealth has met its burden of proving that Defendant suffers from a mental abnormality. Leddington, 908 A.2d at 335. Further, Mr. Hays testified without opposition that pedophilia is an incurable lifetime condition. N.~. (February 26,2013), p. 18. Because Defendant meets the criteria of pedophilia and because he repeatedly assaulted the victim with no intention of stopping, the Court finds there is a likelihood of re- offense. ASSESSMENT, p. 6, ~ 4. Finally, the Court finds that Defendant's actions meet the definition of predatory behavior. Defendant groomed the victim and maintained a relationship with the victim's mother by providing child care, thereby affording Defendant the opportunity to sexually abuse victim. Id., p. 5, ~ 4; N.T. (February 26,2013), p. 20. F Of the aforementioned reasons, this Court finds that the Commonwealth has sustained its' burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that Defendant is a sexually violent predator within the meaning of the statute. ACCORDINGL Y THE FOLLOWING ORDER IS ENTERED: 11 Circulated 01/27/2015 11 :43 AM IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CAMBRIA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA CRIMINAL DIVISION COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA: No. 1342 - 2010 CJ :Po '3:i corn -c: ~ c ;,o.) C- -n r rn c ;o~ ;z: """"'l v. - -~.:;: J:>.-' .~ 0 0 ::xl (/"""\") PATRICK L. RUGG, °c Co -0 :r: ;0 en Defendant. Xc: -i?J ; ************** APPEARANCES: For the Commonwealth: TAMARA R. BERNSTEIN, ESQUIRE Assistant District Attorney For the Defendant: THOMAS W. DICKEY, ESQUIRE *******.******* ORDER st AND NOW, this 21 day of June, 2013, it is hereby ORDERED and DECREED as follows: 1. The Sexually Violent Predator Assessment prepared by Herbert Hays, member of the Sexual Offender Assessment Board, is ADMITTED. 2. The report prepared by defense expert, Dr. Scott ScotiIla, is ADMITTED. 3. The Commonwealth met its burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that Defendant is a Sexually Violent Predator within the meaning of 42 Pa.C.S.A. §§ 9799.24(a), 9799.12. BY THE COURT: --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/cases/2780700. Public record. Not legal advice.