declining to find waiver for alleged failure of Rule 1925(b
How later courts described this case
- declining to find waiver for alleged failure of Rule 1925(b
- holding 18 Pa.C.S. § 6317 is unconstitutional and non-severable
- holding that Pennsylvania's mandatory minimum sentencing statutes, i.e, 42 Pa. C.S. §9712, was constitutional
- finding that McMillan, supra, was still sound
Written by the judges who cited it.
The opinion
J-S16024-16
NON-PRECEDENTIAL DECISION - SEE SUPERIOR COURT I.O.P. 65.37
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF
PENNSYLVANIA
Appellee
v.
JOHN INGRAM
Appellant No. 605 EDA 2013
Appeal from the Judgment of Sentence January 24, 2013
In the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County
Criminal Division at No(s): CP-51-CR-0001592-2011
BEFORE: OTT, J., DUBOW, J., and JENKINS, J.
MEMORANDUM BY OTT, J.: FILED MARCH 29, 2016
John Ingram appeals from the judgment of sentence imposed on
January 24, 2013.1 The trial court found Ingram guilty of possession of a
controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance
(PWID), and conspiracy.2 Ingram was sentenced to serve a mandatory
minimum sentence of three to six years’ incarceration, pursuant to 18
Pa.C.S. § 7508, and three years’ probation. In this appeal, Ingram presents
____________________________________________
1
We note the unexplained delay in this case, as follows: Ingram filed a
timely notice of appeal on February 25, 2013. On June 5, 2013, the trial
court issued a Pa.R.A.P. 1925(b) order, directing Ingram to file a concise
statement of errors complained of on appeal. Ingram filed the concise
statement on July 28, 2014. The trial court filed its opinion on February 23,
2015. The trial court’s record and opinion were received in this Court on
February 25, 2015.
2
35 P.S. § 780-113(a)(16), (a)(30), and 18 Pa.C.S. § 903, respectively.
J-S16024-16
three issues, namely, the sufficiency of the evidence, the weight of the
evidence, and the legality of his sentence. Based upon the following, we find
merit solely in the sentencing challenge and, therefore, we vacate the
judgment of sentence and remand for resentencing.
As the parties are well acquainted with the facts and procedural history
of this case, which are fully set forth in the trial court’s opinion, we do not
restate them. See Trial Court Opinion, 2/23/2015, at 1–5.
The first issue presented by Ingram is a challenge to the sufficiency of
the evidence.3 “A claim challenging the sufficiency of the evidence is a
question of law.” Commonwealth v. Widmer, 744 A.2d 745, 751 (Pa.
2000).
The standard we apply in reviewing the sufficiency of evidence is
whether, viewing all the evidence admitted at trial in the light
most favorable to the verdict winner, there is sufficient evidence
to enable the fact finder to find every element of the crime
____________________________________________
3
We note the Commonwealth’s argument that Ingram’s sufficiency
challenge is waived for failure to specify in his Pa.R.A.P. 1925(b) statement
the elements for which the evidence was insufficient. See Commonwealth
Brief at 7, citing Commonwealth v. Williams, 959 A.2d 1252, 1257–1258
(Pa. Super. 2008). Ingram’s concise statement stated: “The evidence
submitted at trial was insufficient to convict [Ingram] of Possession with
Intent to Distribute, Conspiracy and Intentional Possession of a Controlled
Substance.” Ingram’s Rule 1925(b) Statement, at ¶5. However, we decline
to find waiver and will review Ingram’s sufficiency issue. See
Commonwealth v. Laboy, 936 A.2d 1058, 1060 (Pa. 2007) (declining to
find waiver for alleged failure of Rule 1925(b) statement to adequately
develop sufficiency of evidence claim where matter was “relatively
straightforward drug case,” evidentiary presentation spanned “mere thirty
pages of transcript,” and trial “court readily apprehended [defendant’s] claim
and addressed it in substantial detail”).
-2-
J-S16024-16
beyond a reasonable doubt. In applying the above test, we may
not weigh the evidence and substitute its judgment for that of
the fact-finder. The facts and circumstances established by the
Commonwealth need not preclude every possibility of innocence.
Any doubts regarding a defendant’s guilt may be resolved by the
fact-finder unless the evidence is so weak and inconclusive that
as a matter of law no probability of fact may be drawn from the
combined circumstances. The Commonwealth may sustain its
burden of proving every element of the crime beyond a
reasonable doubt by means of wholly circumstantial evidence.
The entire record must be evaluated and all evidence actually
received must be considered. The trier of fact while passing upon
the credibility of witnesses and the weight of the evidence
produced, is free to believe all, part or none of the evidence.
Commonwealth v. Ratsamy, 934 A.2d 1235-36, 1237 (Pa. 2007)
(citations and quotation marks omitted).
Based on our review of the record, the arguments presented by
Ingram, and the relevant case law and statutes, we conclude Ingram’s
sufficiency challenge warrants no relief. Furthermore, as the trial court has
thoroughly addressed this issue in its opinion, we adopt the trial court’s
discussion as dispositive of Ingram’s sufficiency claim. See Trial Court
Opinion, 2/27/2015, at 6–11. Accordingly, no relief is due.
The second issue raised by Ingram is a challenge to the weight of the
evidence. The Commonwealth takes the position this issue is waived, and
we find this position to be correct. Our review confirms that Ingram has
waived this claim by failing to raise it in a post-sentence motion, or by a
written or oral motion prior to sentencing, as required by Pa.R.Crim.P.
-3-
J-S16024-16
607(A).4 Furthermore, the fact that the trial court addressed this claim in its
Pa.R.A.P. 1925(a) opinion does not overcome waiver. See Commonwealth
v. Thompson, 93 A.3d 478, 490-491 (Pa. Super. 2014). Accordingly, we
deem Ingram’s weight claim waived.
Finally, Ingram contends his sentence is unconstitutional, based upon
Alleyne v. United States, 133 S.Ct. 2151 (2013). Here, on January 24,
2013, Ingram received a mandatory sentence of three to six years’
incarceration pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. § 7508 (“Drug trafficking sentencing
and penalties.”). See Trial Court Opinion, at 5 and n.14. He filed a timely
notice of appeal on February 25, 2013. While this case was pending before
this Court, the United States Supreme Court, on June 17, 2013, decided
Alleyne, holding that “[a]ny fact that, by law, increases the penalty for a
crime is an ‘element’ that must be submitted to the jury and found beyond a
reasonable doubt.” Alleyne, 133 S. Ct. at 2155.
____________________________________________
4
Rule 607 provides, in pertinent part:
Rule 607. Challenges to the Weight of the Evidence
(A) A claim that the verdict was against the weight of the
evidence shall be raised with the trial judge in a motion for a
new trial:
(1) orally, on the record, at any time before
sentencing;
(2) by written motion at any time before sentencing; or
(3) in a post-sentence motion.
Pa.R.Crim.P. 607(A) (emphasis supplied).
-4-
J-S16024-16
Applying this mandate, this Court, in Commonwealth v. Newman,
99 A.3d 86 (Pa. Super. 2014) (en banc), concluded that Alleyne rendered
the mandatory minimum sentencing provision at 42 Pa.C.S. § 9712.1
unconstitutional and found the unconstitutional provisions of section 9712.1
were not severable from the statute as a whole.5 The Newman Court also
instructed that Alleyne applies to any criminal case still pending on direct
appeal as of June 27, 2013, the date of the Alleyne decision. Newman, 99
A.3d at 90. In light of Alleyne and Newman, a panel of this Court, in
Commonwealth v. Cardwell, 105 A.3d 748 (Pa. Super. 2014), appeal
denied, 121 A.3d 494 (Pa. 2015), held section 7508 to be facially
unconstitutional in its entirety. Cardwell, 105 A.3d at 754–755.
As Ingram’s case was pending on direct review when Alleyne was
decided, Alleyne is applicable. See Newman, supra. In this regard, the
Commonwealth and the trial court have stated that they recognize Alleyne
is applicable, and that the judgment of sentence must be vacated and
remanded for resentencing.6
In sum, we find no merit in Ingram’s sufficiency challenge, and find
waiver with regard to his challenge to the weight of the evidence. However,
____________________________________________
5
See also Commonwealth v. Hopkins, 117 A.3d 247 (Pa. 2015) (holding
18 Pa.C.S. § 6317 is unconstitutional and non-severable).
6
See Commonwealth Brief at 8–9; Trial Court Opinion, 2/23/2015, at 12–
14.
-5-
J-S16024-16
as to Ingram’s sentencing challenge, we grant relief in the form of a new
sentencing hearing, based upon Alleyne.
Judgment of sentence vacated. Case remanded for resentencing.
Jurisdiction relinquished.7
Judgment Entered.
Joseph D. Seletyn, Esq.
Prothonotary
Date: 3/29/2016
____________________________________________
7
In the event of future proceedings, the parties are directed to attach a
copy of the trial court’s February 23, 2015, opinion to this memorandum.
-6-
Circulated 03/16/2016 01:20 PM
IN THE COURT OF COl\'fMON PLEAS FiLE.D
PHILADELPHIA COUNTY FEB 2 3 2015
FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA Ci1m111a
. . I ,;p~Ji;J,:i
11 .• -"1~ t •vt' l;l.
1" ., 1 ·
CRIMINAL TRIAL DIVISION First Judicial District of PA
COM1vION\VEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA CP-Sl-CR-0001592-2011
vs.
JOHN INGR..\M
OPINION
KENNEDY, SEAN F., J. February 2, 2015
John Ingram ("the Defendant") appeals from the judgment of sentence entered in the
Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas, following his conviction for possession of a
controlled substance ("possession"), possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance
("P\VID") and criminal conspiracy (conspiracy).' The relevant facts and procedural history are
as follows.
FINDINGS OF FACT
On December 3, 2010, at approximately 6:00 p.m., Officer Nathan Ramos ("Officer
Ramos") was conducting undercover surveillance on the 1300 block of West Rush Street, in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.' N.T. l 1/26/2012 at 8-10. At that time, a female, subsequently
identified as Trisha Clay ("Ms. Clay"), was standing in front of 1318 West Rush Street and a
1
35 Pa.C.S. §780-1 l 3(a)( l 6), 35 Pa.C.S. §780· l I 3(a)(30) and 18 Pa.C.S. §903, respectively.
2
Officer Ramos has been a police officer for more than 13 years and a member of the Narcotic Strike Force for
more than ·fO years. N.T. 11/26/2012 at 9.
1
male, subsequently identified as the Defendant, was standing on the southwest corner of Park
and Rush Streets, in front of 1330 West Rush Street.3 ld. at JO, 16.
Moments later, an unidentified male approached Ms. Clay. Id. at I 0. Following a brief
conversation, the male handed money to Ms. Clay, who pulled small objects from the front of
her pants and handed the objects to the male. Id. As the unidentified male was leaving the area,"
the Defendant approached Ms. Clay. FoJlowing a brief conversation, Ms. Clay handed money to
the Defendant, who counted the money as he walked eastbound and then out of view. Id. at 11.
Approximately three minutes later, the Defendant came back into view and at that time, he
entered the property located at 1330 West Rush Street ("the Rush Street property"). Id.
Approximately five minutes later, the Defendant exited the property and returned to the
southwest comer of Park and West Rush Streets. Id.
Between 6: 10 and 6:25 p.m., Ms. Clay engaged in seven additional transactions -
unknown individuals would approach Ms. Clay and following brief conversations, the
individuals would hand money to Ms. Clay, who would retrieved small objects from the front of
her pants and hand the objects to the individuals, who would then leave the area. 5 Id. at 11, 13-
14. At the completion of these transactions, the Defendant again approached Ms. Clay. Id. at
17. The Defendant spoke with Ms. Clay and then quickly re-entered the Rush Street property.
Id.
At approximately 6:30 p.m., three additional individuals approached Ms. Clay. Id. at 11-
12. These individuals, who were subsequently identified as Ashby Waters (C!Ms. Waters"), Brad
Brown ("Mr. Brown") and Barry Crosby ("Mr. Crosby"), were standing with Ms. Clay when the
3
The Defendant was standing approximately 40 to 50 feet from Ms. Clay. Id. at 14-15.
4
Officer Ramos notified backup officers of the male's description and direction of travel, but the male was never
located or stopped. Id. at I 0.
~ None of these individuals were stopped. lg. at I I.
2
Defendant exited the Rush Street property. Id. Upon exiting the property, the Defendant
approached the area where Ms. Clay, Ms.Waters, Mr. Brov, 11 and Mr. Crosby were standing and
1
at that time, the Defendant handed small objects to Ms. Clay. Id. at 12, 18-19. After the
Defendant handed the small objects to Ms. Clay, Ms. Clay handed small objects to Ms. Waters,
6Mr.
Brown and Mr. Crosby, in exchange for money. Id. at 12, 18-19. As Ms, Waters, Mr.
Brown and Mr. Crosby began to leave the area, Ms. Clay handed money lo the Defendant, who
counted the money while walking westbound on Rush Street. Id. at 12. Officer Ramos called
for back-up officers to come into the area and stop all of the aforementioned individuals. Id.
At the conclusion of Officer Ramos' testimony, the Commonwealth presented additional
evidence pursuant to stipulations by and between counsels: Ms. Waters was stopped by Officer
Brooks, who recovered one blue-tinted ("blue"), heat-sealed Ziploc packet of crack cocaine
from the highway, which she had observed Ms. Waters discard. Id. at 22. Mr. Brown was
stopped by Sergeant Dutch and then turned over to Officer Brooks, who recovered two blue,
heat-sealed Ziploc packets of crack cocaine'' from the highway, which Sergeant Dutch had
observed Mr. Brown discard. Id. at 23. Mr. Crosby was stopped by Officers Bartle and Santiago
and Officer Santiago recovered one blue, heat-sealed Ziploc packet of crack cocaine from the
9
highway, which he had observed Mr. Crosby discarded. Id. at 23-24. Ms. Clay was stopped by
10
Officer Reilly, who recovered 13 blue, heat-sealed Ziploc packets of crack cocaine, as well as
$25.00, from Ms, Clay's person. Id. at 24-25.
1
£xJ1ibit C-1.
E Exhibit C-2.
s Exhibit C-3.
io Exhibit C-4.
3
The Commonwealth then presented the testimony of Officer Gregory Fagan ("Officer
Fagan"). On December 3, 20 I 0, Officer Fagan, who was in a marked vehicle and in uniform,
was working in a back-up capacity to Officer Ramos, in the area of 1300 West Rush Street.11
N.T. I l/26/2012 at 26. At approximately 6:30 p.m., Officer Ramos put out inforination for the
Defendant. Id. Officer Fagan went to the 2800 block of North l 31h Street, where he observed
and then stopped the Defendant. Id. at 26-27. Officer Fagan recovered$ I 00.00 from the
Defendant's person. Id. at 27. He arrested the Defendant and placed him in the police vehicle.
Id, At that point, Officer Ramos directed Officer Fagan to the Rush Street property. Id. Officer
Fagan went to the Rush Street property and knocked on the door. Id. The door was answered
by a female, who identified herself as Brittany Hayward ("Ms. Hayward"), Id.
Officer Fagan introduced himself to Ms. Hayward and he questioned her about the
Defendant. Id. He gave Ms. Hayward a consent-to-search form. Id. at 28. Officer Fagan
explained the form to Ms. Hayward, who then signed the form. ld. at 28, 30. Based upon his
conversation with Ms. Hayward, Officer Fagan searched the living room closet of the Rush
Street property. Id. at 28, 30-31. He recovered $121.00 and a WD40 can from the closet. Id. at
28, 30-31. The WD40 can had a removable bottom. Id. at 28, 31-32. Upon removing the
bottom of the can, Officer Fagan recovered a clear plastic sandwich bag that contained 60 blue,
heat-sealed Ziploc packets of crack cocaine. 12 Id.
At the conclusion of Officer Fagau's testimony, the Commonwealth rested its case. The
Defendant did not testify or present any witnesses. Rather, he rested on the record created by the
Commonwealth.
11
Officer Fagan has been a member of the Philadelphia Narcotic Strike Force for 13 years. Id. at 31.
12
Exhibit C-6. (The Defendant did not object to this Exhibit.)
4
PROCEDURAL HISTORY
The Defendant was arrested on December 3, 20 I 0. Thereafter, the Defendant was
charged with the crimes of possession, PWID and conspiracy. See, Bill of Infonnatiou. The bill
of information noted that the Commonwealth intended to proceed under 1 S Pa.C.S. §7508
(relating to mandatory sentencing and penalties for drug trafficking). Id. Following a bench trial
held on November 26, 2013, the Trial Court found the Defendant guilty of all of the
aforementioned crimes, relative to all of the seized drugs. N. T. 11/26/20 l 2 at 34. Sentencing
was deferred, pending a pre-sentence investigation ("PSl").13 Id. On January 24, 2013, the Trial
Court sentenced the Defendant to serve the mandatory minimum sentence of three to six years in
prison, in accordance with the 18 Pa.C.S. §7508/1 plus three years of reporting probation.15
N.T. 1/24/2013 at 9. On January 25, 2013, the Defendant filed a timely notice of appeal. On
June 5, 2013, the Trial Cou11 issued a 1925(b) order, directing the Defendant to file a concise
statement of errors complained of on appeal. The Defendant filed the statement on July 28,
2014.
MATTERS CO.MPLAINED OF ON APPEAL
The Defendant's 1925(b) asserts:
1. On November 26) 2012, the Commonwealth proceeded to trial with Bills of
Information that did not state
the exact weight of the drugs it was proceeding
against Petitioner and the mandatory minimum only applicable if the
Commonwealth seeks it by providing notice after conviction and before
sentencing. Notwithstanding Petition was tried and convicted by this Court on
13
The PSI report documents that at the time of sentencing, the Defendant had five prior convictions for PWlD. PSl
Report.
14
IS Pa.C.S. §7508 directs that where a defendant is convicted of P\.VID involving cocaine in an aggregate weight
between two and ten grams, a minimum sentence of one year in prison is to be imposed; however, a minimum
sentence of three years in prison is to be imposed where the defendant has a prior drug trafficking convictions at the
time of sentencing. 18 Pa.C.S. §7508(a)(3)(i). At the time of sentencing, the Defendant's counsel acknowledged
that the weight of the drugs exceeded two grams and that the Defendant had five prior P\VTD convictions. N.T.
1/24/2013 at 4-5.
•~ The crime of simple possession merged with the crime of PWID, for sentencing purposes. Sentencing Order.
5
PWID, Conspiracy and K &I after a waiver trial. On January 24, 2013, this
Court sentenced Petitioner to 3-6 years for the PWID, and the conspiracy after
concluding that the conviction was for narcotics in excess of the mandatory
minimum as required by statute and that Petitioner had been convicted
previously of P\.VID, which increased the sentence. See 18 Pa.C.S 7508
(relating to drug trafficking sentencing and penalties).
2. This Court's conclusion that the amount of the drugs was in excess of the
mandatory minimum as found in the sentencing hearing and that Petitioner had
a previous PWID conviction runs contrary to Alleyne v. US, 133 Supreme
Court 2151 (2013), which requires any mandatory weights must be proven
beyond a reasonable doubt. Alleyne at 2155 ("[a]ny fact that, by law, increases
the penalty for a crime is an 'element' that must be submitted to the jury and
found beyond a reasonable doubt. Mandatory minimum sentences increase the
penalty for a crime. It follow, then, that any fact that increases the mandatory
minimum is an element that must be submitted-to the jury").
3. The section mandating a mandatory minimum is not severable as it would still
require the court to make a special finding or insert a new element that is not
part of the Bills of Information or the Statute as required by the Legislature.
4. Additionally, the conviction cannot stand as it was against the weight of the
evidence. Commonwealth v. Farquharson, 467 Pa. 50 (Pa. I 976) ("Courts in
this jurisdiction have recognized that where the evidence offered to support a
verdict of guilt is so unreliable and/or contradictory as to make any verdict
based thereon pure conjecture, a jury may not be permitted to return such a
finding."); Commonwealth v. Bennett, 224 Pa. Super, 238, 240 (Pa.Super. 1973)
("a case should not go to the jury where the party having the burden offers
testimony of a witness, or of various witnesses, which is so contradictory on the
essential issue that any finding by the jury would be a mere guess.").
5. The evidence submitted at trial was insufficient to convict Petitioner of
Possession with intent to Distribute, Conspiracy, and Intentional Possession of
a Controlled Substance.
l 925(b) Statement, Paragraphs 1-5.
DISCUSSION16
I. Sufficiency Claim -The evidence presented was sufficient to support the
Defendant's convictions for possession, PWID and conspiracy.
16
For case of discussion, the Trial Court's opinion addresses the issues in an order different than that presented by
the Defendant.
6
In a sufficiency claim, the appellate court considers all of the evidence admitted at trial,
and all reasonable inferences drawn from said evidence, in the light most favorable to the verdict
winner. Conunonwealth v. Jones, 87 4 A.2d 108, 120 (Pa. Super. 2005). The court then
determines whether the evidence was sufficient to enable the trier-of-fact to find that all of the
elements of the crime were established beyond a reasonable doubt. Id. The appellate court may
not weigh the evidence or substitute its judgment for that of the trier-of-fact. lcl. Furthermore:
The facts and circumstances established by the Commonwealth need not preclude every
possibility of innocence. Any doubts regarding a defendant's guilt may be resolved by
the fact-finder unless the evidence is so weak and inconclusive that, as a matter of law, no
probability of fact may be drawn from the combined circumstances. The Commonwealth
may sustain its burden of proving every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt
by wholly circumstantial evidence.... [T)he finder of fact while passing upon the
credibility of witnesses and the weight of the evidence produced is free to believe all, part
or note of the evidence.
Id. at 120-21 (quoting Commonwealth v. Bullock, 830 A.2d 998, 1000 (Pa.Super. 2003)).
The Defendant, herein, claims, without elaboration, that the evidence was insufficient to
support his convictions for possession, P\.VID and conspiracy. At trial, the Defendant's counsel
("the defense counsel") challenged the sufficiency of the evidence as it related to the drngs
recovered from the Rush Street property, onJy. Defense counsel argued that the evidence
presented failed to establish that the Defendant had any ties to the property, that he obtained
drugs from the Rush Street property and/or that the drugs recovered from the property were part
of the conspiracy. Supplemental N.T. 11/26/2012 at 3-4.17 The Trial Court rejected these
contentions as meritless and convicted U1e Defendant for the aforementioned crimes, based upon
17
The original transcript from the November 26, 2012 proceedings noted that the parties' closing arguments were
taken but not transcribed. N. T. I I /26/2012 at 33-34. The closing arguments were subsequently transcribed at the
Trial Court's request and rhereafrer provided to the Court in a supplemental transcript referenced herein as
"Supplemental N.T. 11/26/2012."
7
all of the recovered drugs. A review of the evidence presented supports the Trial Court's
determination.
a. Possession and r,:\'ID
To sustain a conviction for the crime of possession, the Commonwealth must prove that
the defendant knowingly or intentionally possessed the seized crack cocaine. 35 Pa.C.S. §780-
1 I 3(a)(l6). To sustain a conviction for PWID~ the Commonwealth must prove an additional
element - that the defendant possessed the seized crack cocaine with the intent to deliver it. See,
35 Pa.C.S. §780-l 13(a)(30); Commonwealth v. Bmwn, 4~ A.3d 426, 430 (Pa.Super. 2012). ·
"The intent to deliver can be inferred from the surrounding facts and circumstances."
Commonwealth v. Perez, 931 A.2d 703, 708 (Pa.Super. 2007) (citing Commonwealth v.
Kirkland, 831 A.2d 607, 611 (Pa.Super. 2003), appeal denied, 847 A.2d 1280 (Pa. 2004)).
"Factors to consider in determining whether the drugs were possessed with the intent to deliver
include the particular method of packaging, the form of the drug, and the behavior of the
defendant." Id. (quoting Kirkland, supra at 611 ).
Where no drugs are found on the defendant's person, the Commonwealth must prove
beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant constructively possessed the drugs seized by the
police. Brown, supra at 430 (citing Kirkland, snpra at 611).
Constructive possession is an inference arising from a set of facts that possession of the
contraband was more likely than not. We have defined constructive possession as
'conscious dominion.' \Ve subsequently defined 'conscious dominion' as 'the power to
control the contraband and the intent to exercise that control.' To aid application, we
have held that constructive possession may be established by the totality of
circumstances.
Id. (quoting Commomvealtb v. Parker, 847 A.2d 745, 750 (Pa.Super. 2004)) (internal citations
omitted).
8
In the instant case, the evidence presented, as summarized above, left no doubt that the
Defendant constructively possessed all of the seized drugs and further, that he did so with the
intent to deliver. Significantly, the Defendant was the only person observed entering and exiting
the Rush Street property. He was observed entering and then exiting the property immediately
before he handed small objects to Ms. Clay, who then handed small objects to Ms. Waters, Mr.
Brown and Mr. Crosby approached Ms. Clay. The drugs recovered from Ms. Clay, Ms, Waters,
Mr, Brown, Mr. Crosby and the Rush Street property were identical in packaging and type, i.e.
blue, heat-sealed Ziploc packets of crack cocaine.
Moreover, as detailed below, the Commonwealth established beyond a reasonable doubt
that the Defendant conspired with Ms. Clay to possess with intent to deliver all of the seized
drugs. "Successful proof of a conspiracy makes each co-conspirator fully liable for all of the
drugs recovered, without the necessity of proving constructive possession." Perez, supra at 709
(citing Commomvealth v. Holt, 711 A.2d IO 11, ] 017 (Pa.Super. 1998), appeal denied, 781 A.2d
l 45 (Pa. 2001).
When viewed in the light most favorable lo the Commonwealth, there can be no question
that the evidence presented was sufficient to support the Defendant's convictions for possession
and PWID.
b. Conspiracy
To sustain a conviction for criminal conspiracy, the Commonwealth is required to prove
that the defendant entered into an agreement to commit or aid in an unlawful act with another
person or persons, with a shared criminal intent and further, that an overt act was done in
furtherance of the conspiracy. 18 Pa.C.S. §903; Commonwealth v. Henni~m1_. 753 A.2d 245, 253
(Pa.Super. 2000) (quoting Commonwealth v. Rios, 684 A.1025, 1030 (Pa. l 996), cert. denied,
9
520 U.S. 1231 (1997)). "This overt act need not be committed by the defendant; it need only be
committed by a co-conspirator." Id. (citing Commonwealth v. Johnson, 791 A.2d 778, 784
(Pa.Super. 1998) (en bane), appeal denied, 739 A.2d 1056 (Pa. 1999). AdditionalJy, proof of an
express or written agreement is not required; rather, an agreement may be inferred from a variety
of circumstances. Conunonwealth v. Perez, 931 A.2d 703, 708 (Pa.Super. 2007) (citing Jones,
supra at 121-122).
Circumstances which are relevant, but not sufficient themselves, to establish a corrupt
confederation include: an association between the alleged co-conspirators; knowledge of the
commission of a crime; presence at the scene of the crime; and/or participation in the object of
the conspiracy. Id. at 708-09 (citing Commonwealth v. Swerdlow, 636 A.2d 1173, 1177
(Pa.Super. 1994). "The presence of these circumstances may furnish a 'web of evidence' linking
the accused to an alleged conspiracy beyond a reasonable doubt when vie-wed in conjunction
with each other and in the context in which they occurred." Swerdlow. supra.
The summary of evidence in this case reveals facts and circumstances that clearly link the
Defendant to a conspiratorial confederation with Ms. Clay for the pm-pose of trafficking crack
cocaine. On December 3, 2010, between the hours of approximately 6:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.,
Officer Ramos observed Ms. Clay engaging in numerous transactions characteristic of drug
trafficking. During this same time period, the Defendant was seen interacting with Ms. Clay, on
three occasions - The Defendant spoke lo Ms. Clay; he received money from Ms. Clay; and, he
handed small objects to Ms. Clay, which she then handed to Ms. Waters, Mr, Brown and Mr.
Crosby. During th.is same time period, the Defendant was seen entering and exiting the Rush
Street properly on two occasions - As noted above, the Defendant entered and exited the Rush
Street property immediately before he approached Ms. Clay and handed her the small objects
10
which she, in turn, handed to Ms. Waters, Mr. Brown and Mr, Crosby. As noted above, drugs
were recovered from Ms. Clay, Ms. Waters, Mr. Brown and Mr. Crosby that were identical in
packaging and type to those recovered from the Rush Street property.
When viewed in the light most favorable to the Commonwealth, there can be no question
that the evidence presented was sufficient to support the Defendant's conviction for conspiracy.
U. Weight of the Evidence - The Trial Court's verdict was not against the
weight of the evidence.
The Defendant also claims that the verdict was against the weight of the evidence. A
weight of the evidence claim concedes the sufficiency of the evidence. Commonwealth v.
Widmer, 744 A.2d 745, 751 (Pa. 2000). A weight claim addresses the discretion of the trial
court. Id. at 752 (citing Commonwealth v. Brown, 648 A.2d 1177, 1189 (Pa. 1994)). On review,
the appellate court decides whether the trial court abused its discretion when ruling on the weight
claim; it does not consider U1e underlying question of whether the verdict was against the weight
of the evidence. Id. at 753. An abuse of discretion will only be found where the verdict is so
contrary to the evidence as to shock one's sense of justice. Commonwealth v. Diges, 949 A.2d
873 (Pa. 2008).
Instantly, the Defendant contends that the Commonwealth's evidence was so unreliable
and/or contradictory as to make any verdict based thereon pure conjecture. Relying on the
defense counsel's closing argument at trial, the Trial Court assumes that this claim pertains to the
alleged inconsistency between Officer Ramos' preliminary hearing testimony and his trial
testimony. At trial, the defense attorney questioned Officer Ramos about his preliminary hearing
testimony.
Q: Now, rm going to read you some lines.
11
Line 17: Okay. Did [the Defendant] go into 1330 before or after [Ms. Water, Mr.
Brown and Mr. Crosby] started talking to Ms. Clay?
A: He was in there before.
Q: Okay. So when (the Defendant] came out was there any exchange or signs of
talk between Ms. Clay and [the Defendant] at that time for all those three?
A: None that I know of.
Q: Do you remember testifying to that?
A: Yes, he never spoke to any one of those three.
Q: So the question was: Did he speak to Ms. Clay? Your understanding of the
question was, did he speak to the three?
A. Yes.
N.T. 11/26/2014 at 18-19.
Notwithstanding the defense counsel's challenge, the · Trial Judge accepted the
Commonwealth's evidence, including the testimony of Officer Ramos, as credible. Officer
Ramos' trial testimony was clear, detailed and consistent. The. Trial Court found that the Officer
Ramos' preliminary hearing testimony, as outlined above, was proffered in response to a
compound and convoluted question. Officer Ramos reasonably explained that said testimony
was proffered based upon a misunderstanding of the questioned asked. Moreover, the record
contains overwhelmingly support for the Trial Court's conclusion that the Defendanl
constructively possessed all of the seized drugs.
Given the evidence of record, which was essentially uncontroverted, the verdict rendered
in this case would not shock one's sense of justice. Rather, the record supports the conclusion
that the verdict rendered is overwhelmingly supported by the weight of the evidence.
Accordingly, the Defendant's weight of the evidence claim must fail.
III. Legality of Sentence - The sentence imposed on January 24, 2013 was illegal
and accordingly, the sentence most be vacated and the matter remanded for
resentencing without consideration of the mandatory minimum sentencing
provisions at 18 Pa.C.S. §7508.
The Defendant also asserts that the Trial Court's imposition of the mandatory minimum
12
mandatory minimum sentence under 18 Pa.C.S. § 7508. Issues regarding the legality of a
sentence are questions of law and accordingly, the reviewing court's standard of review is de
nova. Commonwealth v. Akbar, 91 A.3d 227, 238 (Pa.Super. 2014) (citation omitted). "A
challenge to the legality of a sentence may be entertained so long as the reviewing court has
jurisdiction." Commonwealth v. Borovichka, 18 A.3d 1242, 1254 n.4 (Pa.Super. 2014).
Instantly, at the time of the Defendant's sentencing hearing, there was no dispute that the
mandatory minimum sentence-provisions under §7508 were applicable to the Defendant's casc.18
Moreover, at the time of sentencing, the sentencing scheme set forth at Section 7508 was deemed
constitutional. See, McMillan v. Pennsvlvania, 477 U.S. 79 (1986) (holding that Pennsylvania's
mandatory minimum sentencing statutes, i.e, 42 Pa. C.S. §9712, was constitutional); See also,
Ha!1'is v. U.S., 536 U.S. 545, 568 (2002) (finding that McMillan, supra, was still sound).
On June 17, 2013, the United States Supreme Court announced its decision in AlJevne v.
U.S, _U.S._, 133 S.Ct. 2151 (2013 ). The Allevne Court held:
Any fact that, by law, increases the penalty for a crime is an "element" that must be
submitted to the jury and found beyond a reasonable doubt. Mandatory minimum
sentences increase the penalty for a crime. lt follows, then, that any fact that increases
the mandatory minimum is an element that must be submitted to the jury.
Alleyne, 133 S.Ct. at 2155.
At the time that Alleyne was announced, the Defendant's appeal was pending before the
Superior Court. In Commomvealth v. Newman, 99 A.3d 86 (Pa.Super. 2014), the Superior Court
held that a challenge to a sentence premised upon Allevne implicates the legality of the sentence
and cannot be waived on appeal. Id. at 89. The Court further held that subsections of mandatory
18
As noted above, the Commonwealth issued an information notifying the Defendant that it intended to proceed
under 18 Pa.C.S. §7508. At sentencing, Defendant's counsel stated that the Defendant's conviction for PWTD
involved cocaine in an aggregate weight over two grams, that the Defendant bad five prior PWlD convictions and
chat a mandatory minimum sentence oftb.ree to six years was applicable. N.T. 1/24/2013 at 4-5.
13
minimum statutes, that permit a trial court to impose a mandatory minimum sentence based on
the court's finding, by a preponderance of the evidence, rather than under the reasonable doubt
standard, as required by the Constitution, was not severable from the remainder of the statute and
therefore, the statute was unconstitutional iJ.1 its entirety. Id. at 98, 101-103.19
In view of the above, the Trial Court agrees that the sentence imposed on January 24,
2013 was illegal and accordingly, the sentence should be vacated and the matter remanded for re-
sentencing.
CONCLUSION
WHEREFORE, the Trial Cou11 respectfully requests that the Defendant's convictions for
possession, PWID and conspiracy be affirmed on appeal; and further, that the matter be
remanded for resentencing, without consideration to the mandatory minimum sentencing
provisions at 18 Pa.C.S. §7508.
BY THE COURT:
C'_.. _.---~·---
SEAN F. KENNEDY, J.
19
See also, Commonwealth v. Ferguson. 20 I 5 WL 49438 (Pa.Super. I/5/20 I 5 ); Commonwealth v. Var!!as. 20 J 4
WL 744678 (Pa.Super. 12/31/2014); Commonwealth v. Fennell, 2014 WL 650579l(Pa.Super. 11/21/2014);
Commonwealth v. Lawrence, 99 A.3d 116, 123 (Pa.Super. 2014); Commonwealth v. Valentine, IOI A.3d 801
(Pa.Super.2014); Commonwealth v. Watlev, SI A.3d 108, I 17· I I 8 (Pa.Super 2013).
14