California Court of Appeal Oct 23, 2014 No. E057122Unpublished
Filed 10/23/14 P. v. Wolford CA4/2
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED IN OFFICIAL REPORTS California Rules of Court, rule 8.1115(a), prohibits courts and parties from citing or relying on opinions not certified for publication or ordered published, except as specified by rule 8.1115(b). This opinion has not been certified for publication or ordered published for purposes of rule 8.1115.
IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
FOURTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
DIVISION TWO
THE PEOPLE,
Plaintiff and Respondent, E057122
v. (Super.Ct.No. RIF10005798)
STEPHEN JAMES WOLFORD, OPINION
Defendant and Appellant.
APPEAL from the Superior Court of Riverside County. Eric G. Helgesen, Judge
(retired judge of the Tulare Mun. Ct. assigned by the Chief Justice pursuant to art. VI,
§ 6 of the Cal. Const.) Affirmed.
Boyce & Schaefer and Robert E. Boyce for Defendant and Appellant.
Kamala D. Harris, Attorney General, Dane R. Gillette, Chief Assistant Attorney
General, Julie L. Garland, Assistant Attorney General, Barry J.T. Carlton and William
M. Wood, Deputy Attorneys General, for Plaintiff and Respondent.
1
A jury found defendant and appellant, Stephen James Wolford, guilty of
annoying or molesting a child under 18 years of age.1 (Pen. Code, § 647.6, subd.
(a)(1).)2 The trial court granted defendant summary probation for a period of 36
months, with the conditions defendant serve 120 days in the custody of the county
Sheriff and participate in an electronic monitoring (ankle bracelet) program. Defendant
was also required to register as a sexual offender. (§ 290.)
Defendant raises seven issues on appeal. First, defendant asserts his conviction
is not supported by substantial evidence. Second, defendant contends the trial court
erred by admitting evidence of uncharged prior bad acts. There are four sub-issues
raised within the second contention. Third, defendant asserts the trial court erred by
admitting hearsay evidence. Fourth, defendant contends the prosecutor committed
misconduct during closing argument. Fifth, defendant asserts his trial counsel rendered
ineffective assistance. Sixth, defendant contends the cumulative effect of the alleged
errors requires reversal. Seventh, defendant asserts mandatory sex offender registration
for a section 647.6 conviction violates equal protection. We affirm the judgment.
1 The jury was unable to reach a verdict on Count 1, an allegation of committing a lewd and lascivious act upon the body of a child who is 14 or 15 years old (Former Pen. Code, § 288, subd. (c)). The trial court declared a mistrial as to Count 1 and dismissed the charge in the interests of justice. (Pen. Code, § 1385.) The jury was split 8-4, with the majority voting not guilty.
2 All subsequent statutory references will be to the Penal Code unless otherwise indicated.
2
FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY
A. PROSECUTION’S EVIDENCE
1. BACKGROUND
Defendant was a teacher at Eleanor Roosevelt High School (the high school) in
Eastvale. Defendant taught drafting classes and had two classrooms. The victim, who
is female, was a student at the high school. The victim was 15 years old in May and
June 2010. The victim was not defendant’s student; however, the victim and the
victim’s female friends would sometimes skip their scheduled classes and go to one of
defendant’s classrooms, where they could use the computers. Defendant told the girls
they “should go back to class,” but did not make them leave. The victim began going to
defendant’s classroom sometime between January and June 2010, and she went to his
classroom “regularly.”
2. ASSORTED INTERACTIONS
On one occasion, when defendant observed the victim applying make-up, he said
to her, “[You] can’t fix perfection.” The comment caused the victim to feel
“[e]xtremely uncomfortable.” On other occasions, defendant told the victim, “You’re
not like the rest of the girls,” and told the victim he would give her “an automatic A,” if
she signed-up for his class. Between classes, during “passing periods,” defendant tried
to hug the victim.
The victim told defendant she wanted a yearbook, but her mother would not
purchase one for her. Defendant gave the victim a yearbook. The victim was going to
pay defendant back, but he told her it was a gift. Specifically, defendant said, “You
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don’t have to pay me back because you’re my daughter, and I will take care of you.”
On the yearbook page with photographs of defendant and the student club he
coordinated, defendant placed two poems. When defendant gave the yearbook to the
victim, he pulled her toward his teacher’s desk, while students were on the opposite side
of the classroom, and whispered both poems into her ear. The victim believed the other
students could not hear defendant whispering the poems. The victim felt “very
uncomfortable” when defendant gave her the yearbook. At times, defendant made
comments “to all the girls in the class” saying, “You’re my daughters; I’ll take care of
you.”
In June 2010, the victim wanted to go to lunch at In-N-Out with two of her
friends, Elvira and Areli.3 The victim asked defendant to take her and her friends to the
restaurant. The victim was “in [defendant’s] face” asking “Can you take us? Can you
take us?” Defendant “said no a couple times,” but then agreed to take the victim and
her friends.
Defendant drove the victim and her friends, and paid for the food. Defendant
wanted the victim to sit in the front passenger seat of his car, but she refused. On the
way back to school, defendant “took the long way,” and said he wanted the girls to go
swimming at his house. The girls did not go swimming at defendant’s house. Elvira
believed defendant paid more attention to the victim than the other girls, but that the
victim also sought attention from defendant.
3We use first names (omitting last names) because the people involved were minors at the time these events took place. No disrespect is intended.
4
3. CANDY INCIDENT4, 5
In May or June 2010, the victim’s friend, Ivette wanted candy. Ivette told the
victim to ask defendant for candy, because Ivette believed defendant liked the victim
and would give her candy. Ivette believed defendant did not like Ivette and would not
give her candy if she asked him. While defendant was teaching, the victim asked
defendant for candy. He told her to wait until after class. The victim waited.
After class, the victim again asked defendant for candy. Defendant, the victim,
and Ivette went to his other classroom. The classroom was empty. Defendant and the
victim entered the classroom, while Ivette waited near the doorway, where she could see
defendant and the victim. Defendant opened a storage cabinet that contained candy.
Defendant told the victim to take all the candy she wanted. The victim took candy for
Ivette. After the victim put the candy in her bag, defendant grabbed the victim’s hand,
pulled her toward him, and kissed her on her chest. The kiss fell above the victim’s
right breast, “several inches below her collarbone.” Defendant’s lips touched the
victim’s skin.
Ivette saw defendant hug the victim and “go towards her chest.” Defendant’s
face was approximately three inches from the victim’s chest when Ivette turned away
4 At the trial court, the alleged kissing incident was referred to as “the candy incident.” Defendant, in his briefs for this court, also refers to the alleged incident as “the candy incident.” For the sake of continuity, we will use the same label.
5 The candy incident comprised Count 1. The jury hung on Count 1, with an 8-4 split in favor of innocence. We present this portion of the record for the sake of defendant’s procedural contentions.
5
and said “Let’s go” to the victim. The victim felt “[d]isgusted” after the kiss. The
victim left the classroom. The victim talked with Ivette about the kiss.
The victim continued going to defendant’s classroom after the candy incident.
The victim never had an assigned class with defendant, but continued going to his
classroom “[t]o be with [her] friends.”
4. LAW ENFORCEMENT
Eventually, the victim told her former math teacher about the alleged candy
incident. The victim talked to law enforcement about defendant’s behavior. When
speaking to a deputy, the victim said defendant kissed her shoulder during the candy
incident. At trial, the victim explained “shoulder” was the wrong word to use to
describe the placement of the kiss.
The victim testified that defendant only kissed her once, on a single occasion,
i.e., the foregoing alleged “candy incident.” The prosecutor asked the victim if she
recalled telling an investigator that defendant kissed her twice on the forehead prior to
the candy incident and twice on the forehead after the candy incident. The victim
confirmed she did tell the investigator about four other kisses. The victim said the
forehead kisses did occur and estimated defendant kissed her a total of five times,
including the candy incident. Every time defendant kissed the victim, she felt
uncomfortable.
When Ivette spoke to law enforcement, she said she saw defendant lean in to kiss
the victim’s cheek during the candy incident. At trial, Ivette clarified that she did not
see defendant lean in to kiss the victim’s chest, but she saw him “leaning towards her
6
chest.” Ivette told a law enforcement officer she “never heard [defendant] say anything
to [the victim].” At trial, Ivette said she had overheard defendant offer to buy the victim
lunch and a yearbook, and tell the victim she was beautiful. At trial, Ivette admitted
lying to the law enforcement officer. Prior to the end of the school year, defendant
apologized to the victim for “making [her] feel uncomfortable.”
5. UNCHARGED PRIOR BAD ACTS
a) Comments
John Murray (Murray) was an assistant principal at the high school from 2007
through June 2010. In 2008, a female sophomore6 reported defendant made
inappropriate sexual comments. The comments allegedly occurred when the student
was alone with defendant “during after-school periods.” Murray spoke to the student,
the student’s father, and defendant. Defendant said the student had misunderstood his
use of sarcasm. Murray confirmed defendant had a sarcastic sense of humor, and that
sarcasm in general can be misunderstood. Murray advised defendant to (1) avoid using
sarcasm, and (2) avoid being alone with female students. Murray wrote a report about
the concern with defendant’s behavior, but kept the report for himself, it did not go into
defendant’s file.
Trevor Painton (Painton) was an assistant principal at the high school from 2006
to 2012. In March or April 2010, a student, Christy, told Painton that defendant was
6 A sophomore is typically 15 years old.
7
making “[s]uggestive comments,” with sexual connotations. Christy was a student in
one of defendant’s classes and described three separate incidents.
First, during a test, Christy jokingly said to defendant, “Come do my test for
me.” Defendant responded, “No, I won’t do your test, but I will do you.” The comment
made Christy feel uncomfortable. Second, when Christy was wearing a skirt, defendant
said, “[C]ome closer so I can lift your skirt up.” The comment caused Christy to feel
scared. Third, defendant instructed Christy to “spit [her] gum out.” Christy said she
was not chewing gum. Christy opened her mouth to show defendant. Defendant said,
“Oh, I bet I can find it.” The comment made Christy feel uncomfortable. Christy did
not think defendant was joking because defendant would lean in and whisper the
comments to her.
Christy said another student, Leslie, had comments whispered to her as well.
Christy and Leslie were classmates, but not friends. Christy had seen defendant lean
toward Leslie and whisper to Leslie, but Christy could not hear what defendant said.
Painton spoke to Leslie, who confirmed defendant made inappropriate sexual
comments. On one occasion, defendant told Leslie, in a joking manner, “he liked [her]
back side better than [her] front side.” Leslie asked defendant what he meant, because
she thought he meant she was ugly. Defendant said it was “a compliment as he thought
[she] had a cute butt.” Defendant’s comment made Leslie feel uncomfortable. On
another occasion, when looking at photographs of Leslie’s friends on the cover of her
binder, defendant asked “when [she would be] able to print out some pictures for him to
put up on his wall.” Defendant also commented on whether Leslie’s friends “were cute
8
or not.” Defendant whispered the comments to Leslie. The comments made Leslie feel
uncomfortable.
Painton spoke to defendant. Painton advised defendant not to be alone in his
classroom with a student, although Christy and Leslie were in the classroom together
when defendant allegedly made the sexual comments. Painton also advised defendant
not to make comments that could be misinterpreted. Painton wrote a report about the
concern with defendant’s behavior, and placed the report in defendant’s file.
b) Rape
Angel is female. In early August 1994, Angel turned 15 years old. During that
month, Angel and her stepfather lived in defendant’s house in Corona, while Angel’s
mother and stepfather tried a trial separation. Angel and her stepfather lived at
defendant’s house for “a few months.” Defendant was Angel’s Sunday school teacher
at church. Angel’s stepfather worked until 11:00 p.m., so Angel was often home alone
with defendant. At home, defendant often called Angel to sit with him in “whatever
room he was in.” Defendant frequently wanted to talk to Angel, which Angel found
awkward. Angel described four incidents that occurred over the course of a three or
four week period.
First, Angel walked by defendant while he was at the computer. Defendant
grabbed Angel by her waist, sat her down on his lap, and held her there. Angel “tensed
up” and waited for him to let her go. Second, when Angel was washing dishes,
defendant “came up behind” her, stood “really, really, really close,” so that she could
9
feel his breath on the back of her neck and his lips brush against her neck. Defendant’s
actions caused Angel to feel scared.
Third, Angel was laying on a bed, in the living room; Angel had fallen asleep
watching television. Defendant came into the room, got into the bed, “spoon[ed]”7
Angel, and placed her hand on his erect penis. The contact was skin-to-skin. Angel
remained quiet, kept her eyes closed, and did not move. Defendant “didn’t stay very
long” and then got up and walked away.
Fourth, Angel was walking through a room, when defendant picked her up.
Defendant cradled Angel with one arm behind her back and one arm behind her knees.
Defendant took Angel to her bedroom. Defendant put Angel on her bed. Defendant
removed Angel’s underwear, and moved so he was on top of her. Defendant kissed
Angel’s breasts. Defendant tried to place his penis in Angel’s vagina, while Angel tried
pushing him off of her. Eventually, defendant penetrated Angel’s vagina with his penis.
The penetration was “[v]ery painful” to Angel. Defendant became frustrated because
his penis “wouldn’t fit” entirely in Angel’s vagina, only “a couple inches” could
penetrate. Angel continued trying to push defendant off of her, but did not say
anything. Angel hoped defendant would “walk away or just let [her] walk away.”
Angel felt the penetration lasted approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Angel was unsure if
defendant ejaculated. When the penetration ended, defendant told Angel “to get up and
go take a shower.”
7 Angel was lying on her side, and defendant lay behind her, on his side, with the front of his body against the back of her body.
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Angel was “very scared” by defendant’s actions. Angel told a friend what
defendant had done. In an act of retribution, a few of Angel’s friends broke into
defendant’s house and “smash[ed] up his stuff.” Angel did not immediately speak to
law enforcement following the alleged rape, but did speak to officers approximately one
or two weeks later. Angel submitted to a sexual assault examination. After police
became involved, Angel moved into a female youth leader’s home. Defendant was
arrested for the alleged rape, but was not prosecuted.
B. DEFENSE’S EVIDENCE
Both female and male students would skip their scheduled classes and spend the
class time in defendant’s classrooms. Areli was one of the girls who spent time with the
victim in defendant’s classroom. Areli recalled defendant threatening to call campus
security if the students skipping their classes did not leave, but he only followed through
once. On one occasion defendant said to a group of girls in the classroom, “[Y]ou’re
my daughter[s]. I’m going to take care of you.” Areli did not find the comment odd or
offensive, because defendant said it to a group. Areli saw defendant interact with the
victim, and the victim never appeared uncomfortable around defendant.
Areli recalled the victim insisting defendant take them to a restaurant. Defendant
initially refused. Defendant then offered to pick up food and bring it back, but the
victim again insisted she wanted to leave campus. Defendant relented and took the
victim, Areli, and Elvira to In-N-Out. It appeared to Areli that defendant did not want
to take the three girls to the restaurant. Areli recalled defendant inviting the three girls
to go swimming at his house, so they could meet his family. Defendant told the girls
11
that his wife and children were at his house. Areli did not feel like she was in danger on
the In-N-Out trip. Areli believed the victim was also comfortable on the In-N-Out trip,
because they were “goofing around in the back[seat] finishing [their] meal[s].” Elvira
also believed the victim was comfortable during the trip.
In June 2010, the victim had a “huge reputation of lying.” Areli believed
defendant did not manipulate the victim, but the victim manipulated defendant. For
example, when the victim was late to class she would ask defendant for a pass.
Defendant told the victim, “I’m going to call security if you don’t leave.” The victim
would continue asking for a pass. The victim was “extremely flirtatious with
[defendant],” and the victim “love[d] attention.”
Alexis was a student in defendant’s class during her freshman year, and a
teacher’s assistant (T.A.) for defendant during her junior year of high school. So, she
was in defendant’s class for two years. Alexis recalled male and female students
skipping their scheduled classes and going to defendant’s class. Alexis believed
defendant treated males and females the same. Defendant never said anything
inappropriate to Alexis nor made her feel awkward. The victim and her friends would
sit in front of Alexis, “a few feet across from [her],” when they were in defendant’s
classroom. Alexis never saw or heard defendant do anything inappropriate with other
female students.
Jennifer was in defendant’s homeroom class for three years. Jennifer knew the
victim and the victim’s friends. Defendant commented on Jennifer’s toenails being
nicely painted and said the girls in the class were his daughters and he would take care
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of them; however, the comments did not make Jennifer uncomfortable. Jennifer
understood the “daughters/taking care” comments to mean defendant would help them
with their schoolwork. Defendant helped students with homework for their other
classes, such as history class.
Jennifer saw the victim interact with defendant. The victim flirted with
defendant and went “to his class every day.” The victim always appeared to be
comfortable with defendant. In June 2010, the victim had the reputation of being a liar.
Jennifer “caught [the victim] in lies so many times.”
Shianne was a student in defendant’s class, and was in a student club that he
coordinated. The club members went to a state competition in San Diego for four days.
The club members stayed in a hotel while in San Diego. Shianne also went to
defendant’s classroom during lunch “when it wasn’t nice” outside. Shianne never heard
defendant say anything inappropriate to students. During a club trip to Ontario, Shianne
was alone with defendant for one hour while waiting for her father to arrive. Defendant
did not say anything inappropriate to Shianne while they were alone.
Kassandra went to defendant’s classroom with the victim and her friends when
skipping their scheduled classes. Defendant helped Kassandra with her history project
when she was in his classroom. Defendant never made Kassandra feel uncomfortable.
The victim never appeared uncomfortable around defendant. It appeared the victim was
trying to get extra attention from defendant. The victim told Kassandra defendant
purchased a yearbook on the victim’s behalf, but the victim was supposed to pay him
13
back. The victim wanted defendant to purchase the yearbook because “he would get it
cheaper.”
Kassandra heard defendant make the comment about the girls being his
daughters and taking care of them. Kassandra understood the comment to refer to
defendant helping the girls with schoolwork and giving Kassandra food when she did
not have food. Kassandra explained that she did not have the free breakfast program, so
defendant would sometimes give her muffins.
Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputy Lewis (Lewis) was a school resource officer
for the high school in 2010. A teacher informed Painton, the assistant principal, about
the alleged candy incident, and Painton contacted Lewis. Lewis spoke to the victim on
June 16, 2010. The victim told Lewis defendant kissed her on the shoulder. The victim
did not mention Ivette witnessing the kiss. Lewis told the victim this was a “he said/she
said” case because there were not any witnesses. “[A]t some point,” the victim told
Lewis the kiss was on her chest. The victim told Lewis defendant had given her a
yearbook, because she could not afford one, but did not mention poems appearing in the
yearbook. The victim told Lewis she was uncomfortable around defendant. The victim
continued going to defendant’s classroom after the candy incident.
C. CHARGES, CLOSING ARGUMENT, AND VERDICTS
During closing argument, the prosecutor asserted Count 1 consisted of the
alleged candy incident. The prosecutor argued defendant’s sexual intent in Count 1 was
proven by his comments to the victim, such as, “You can’t fix perfection; you’re not
like the other girls; you’re pretty.” Count 1 concerned an allegation of committing a
14
lewd and lascivious act upon the body of a child who is 14 or 15 years old (Pen. Code, §
288, subd. (c)). The jury was unable to reach a verdict on Count 1, and the court
dismissed the charge. The jury was split 8-4, with the majority voting not guilty.
The jury found defendant guilty on Count 2, which was annoying or molesting a
child under 18 years of age. (§ 647.6, subd. (a)(1).) The information reflected Count 2
was “a further and separate cause of action, being a different offense from but
connected in its commission with the charge set forth in [C]ount 1.” During closing
argument, the prosecutor asserted Count 2 consisted of “all of the conduct, the kisses,
the comments, all of that . . . .” When discussing defendant’s sexual intent, the
prosecutor asserted defendant’s comments, such as, “You are my daughters; I’m going
to take care of you,” proved the intent element.
DISCUSSION
A. SUBSTANTIAL EVIDENCE
Defendant contends his conviction is not supported by substantial evidence.
Specifically, defendant focuses on the first element of the offense, which is the conduct
that comprises the act.
We review the record to determine whether any rational trier of fact could have
found the essential elements of the crime were satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt. We
view the record in the light most favorable to the prosecution; make all reasonable
inferences in favor of the prosecution; and resolve all evidentiary conflicts in favor of
the prosecution. We do not resolve credibility issues. “‘A reversal for insufficient
evidence “is unwarranted unless it appears ‘that upon no hypothesis [whatsoever] is
15
there sufficient substantial evidence to support’” the jury’s verdict. [Citation.]’
[Citations.]” (People v. Mecano (2013) 214 Cal.App.4th 1061, 1068-1069.)
“Section 647.6, subdivision (a) does not require a touching, ‘but does require
(1) conduct a “‘normal person would unhesitatingly be irritated by’” [citations], and
(2) conduct “‘motivated by an unnatural or abnormal sexual interest’” in the victim
[citations].’ The ‘words “annoy” and “molest” [in the statute] . . . are synonymous and
generally refer to conduct designed to disturb, irritate, offend, injure, or at least tend to
injure, another person. [Citations.] . . . . [¶] “Annoy” and “molest” ordinarily relate to
offenses against children, with a connotation of abnormal sexual motivation. The
forbidden annoyance or molestation is not concerned with the child’s state of mind, but
rather refers to the defendant’s objectionable acts that constitute the offense. [Citation.]
[¶] Accordingly, to determine whether the defendant’s conduct would unhesitatingly
irritate or disturb a normal person, we employ an objective test not dependent on
whether the child was in fact irritated or disturbed. [Citations.]’ [Citation.]” (People v.
In regard to the first element—conduct a normal person would unhesitatingly be
irritated by—the victim testified that (1) defendant tried to hug the victim during
passing periods; (2) defendant kissed the victim four times on her forehead; and
(3) defendant pulled the victim to his desk and whispered poems in her ear. A
reasonable person in a student/teacher relationship would not expect romantic
interactions. Therefore, if a teacher kissed, whispered poetry, or attempted to hug the
student at a random moment like a passing period, a reasonable person would be
16
disturbed by the teacher’s actions, because the actions are unexpected and unwanted, as
they fall outside the bounds of the typical student/teacher relationship. Accordingly,
based upon this evidence, the jury could reasonably conclude defendant committed an
act that was unhesitatingly irritating or annoying.
Defendant contends there is not substantial evidence supporting the finding he
committed an irritating or disturbing act because “this was not a ‘course of conduct
crime’”; rather, the jury was instructed to select a particular act before convicting
defendant of violating section 647.6 (CALCRIM No. 3500 [Unanimity]). In our
discussion ante, we list three different possible acts that could have supported a finding
of disturbing or unhesitatingly irritating conduct. We are not concluding that all three
acts or the “course of conduct” are needed to support the conviction. We are concluding
that any one of the three acts, by itself, would be sufficient: (1) trying to hug the victim
during passing periods; (2) kissing the victim on her forehead; or (3) whispering poems
in the victim’s ear.
Defendant contends there is not substantial evidence supporting the finding he
committed an irritating or disturbing act because (1) eight jurors implicitly found the
victim’s testimony to not be credible, based upon the result of Count 1; (2) the victim’s
testimony about the non-candy incident kisses was contradictory and/or inconsistent;
(3) the victim had a reputation for lying; and (4) the victim could not provide details
about the non-candy incident conduct.
Defendant’s argument is unpersuasive because we cannot resolve issues of
credibility. (People v. Lee (2011) 51 Cal.4th 620, 632.) The jury was free to “accept or
17
reject all or any part of [the victim’s] testimony unless the testimony [was] inherently
incredible.” (People v. Dilworth (1969) 274 Cal.App.2d 27, 34.) There is no reason for
concluding the victim’s testimony is inherently incredible. A jury could reasonably
conclude that kisses on the forehead are more believable than a kiss on the chest. Thus,
the jury could reject the alleged candy incident, but find the forehead kisses occurred.
The victim’s reputation for lying does not equate to all of her testimony being false.
The victim’s inconsistent statements and lack of details were explained by the lapse of
time between the incidents and trial. The victim explained that years had passed and
she had difficulty recalling the details of the different incidents. The victim’s
explanation is reasonable given the two-year period between the incidents and trial.
Since the victim’s testimony is not inherently improbable, we conclude it constitutes
substantial evidence.
B. UNCHARGED CRIMES EVIDENCE
1. PROCEDURAL HISTORY
Prior to trial, the court said it had discussed motions with the attorneys in
chambers. On the record, the court remarked that one of the issues discussed in
chambers was whether evidence of the uncharged alleged rape should be admitted, and
a second issue was whether evidence of defendant’s uncharged alleged comments to
Christy and Leslie should be admitted.
Defendant argued the rape evidence was not probative because defendant’s
crimes were not committed in seclusion; rather, there was a witness—Ivette allegedly
witnessed the candy incident. Defendant reasoned that prior crime evidence is usually
18
allowed because there are not witnesses to sex crimes, but since this crime had a
witness, the prior crime evidence was not needed.
Additionally, defendant asserted the rape evidence was “very remote,” because it
was 18 years old.8 Defendant argued that, due to the age of the alleged offense, it
would be difficult “to do any real investigation into the facts and circumstances
surrounding that.”
Defendant argued that the rape evidence was unduly prejudicial, because rape
allegations tend to evoke emotional responses. Defendant asserted he was charged with
kissing the victim on her chest, above her breast, so evidence of rape in a trial about
kissing “would be just so prejudicial that it would be impossible for [defendant] to get a
fair trial.” In regard to the alleged rape and charged crimes involving the same plan or
8 The rape allegedly occurred in 1994. The charged crime in the instant case occurred in 2010. Accordingly, there was a 16-year gap between the charged crimes and the uncharged rape. Defendant’s trial took place in 2012, so there was an 18-year gap between the alleged rape and the trial. At oral argument in this court, the People asserted the relevant amount of time for the “remoteness” factor is 16 years (uncharged crime to charged crime calculation), rather than 18 years (uncharged crime to trial calculation). Both the 16 year and 18 year time periods are relevant. The 16-year gap is relevant to defendant’s propensity to commit the charged crimes because the closer in time the crimes occur, the more probative the evidence is for proving defendant has the propensity to commit sexual offenses. (People v. Branch (2001) 91 Cal.App.4th 274, 285.) However, the 18-year gap is relevant to the prejudice side of the analysis. For example, it is relevant to defendant’s ability to defend himself at trial against an 18- year-old allegation. (See People v. Abilez (2007) 41 Cal.4th 472, 501 [prior crime occurred “more than 20 years before the trial”].) We will use the 18-year calculation for the sake of consistency, since that was the calculation used when discussing the remoteness factor in the trial court.
19
motive (Evid. Code, § 1101, subd. (b)), defendant argued the crimes were dissimilar
because a kiss and rape are not comparable.
In regard to the comments made to Christy and Leslie, defendant argued those
alleged crimes were not similar because they were “just comments . . . . And whether or
not they are even sexual in nature could be argued.” Defendant argued there was no
evidence of Christy or Leslie feeling as though defendant was making a sexual advance
to them. Defendant argued, “there is nothing similar about a kiss on the cheek [and] a
comment.”
The prosecutor argued there is not a time limit on evidence of uncharged sexual
crimes (Evid. Code, § 1108), and therefore the 18 year age of the alleged rape evidence
was “not something that should even bear weight on the Court’s decision in this
instance.” The prosecutor argued the rape evidence was more probative than prejudicial
because Angel would not “just take the stand and say, yeah, he forcibly raped me”;
rather, Angel would provide “extensive testimony” about the “several acts prior to the
rape” in addition to the rape.
In regard to similarity, the prosecutor argued the relationship and the acts prior to
the rape were similar to the charged offenses in the instant case. For example,
defendant was Angel’s Sunday school teacher, and he was a teacher at the victim’s high
school. Additionally, defendant “groomed” Angel by making comments to her and
touching her, similar to the victim. The prosecutor asserted the rape evidence could be
admitted under Evidence Code sections 1108 (prior sex crimes) or 1101, subdivision (b)
(common plan or motive).
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In regard to Christy and Leslie, the prosecutor argued those uncharged comments
were similar to the instant case because defendant had a student/teacher relationship
with Christy, Leslie, and the victim. The prosecutor asserted the uncharged comments
were also similar because they made Christy and Leslie uncomfortable to the point of
reporting the comments, which could reflect the comments were sexual in nature.
When issuing its ruling, the court explained its reasoning. The court said, “The
rape is probably more inflammatory. I mean, clearly it is more inflammatory. But at
the same time, I believe it might be more probative as well.” The court agreed that the
incidents involving Angel, prior to the rape, were similar to the charged crimes
involving the victim. The court then said, “I concur with the People that under the law,
the remoteness doesn’t make a difference.” The court then concluded the rape evidence
could be admitted.
The trial court instructed the jury it could consider the rape evidence and
comments as proof defendant had a propensity to commit sexual offenses (Evid. Code,
§ 1108), and as proof of common intent, motive, or plan (Evid. Code, § 1101, subd. (b)).
2. DISCUSSION
Defendant raises four sub-issues. First, defendant contends the trial court erred
by admitting the rape evidence under Evidence Code section 1101, subdivision (b),
because kissing and rape are not similar. Second, defendant contends the trial court
erred by admitting the rape evidence because the court incorrectly concluded the
remoteness of the offense was not relevant. Third, defendant asserts the trial court erred
by admitting all the uncharged offense evidence, because the evidence was more
21
prejudicial than probative. Fourth, defendant asserts the trial court erred by admitting
all the uncharged offense evidence under Evidence Code section 1108 because it
violated due process.
a) Evidence Code section 1101, subdivision (b)
Defendant contends the trial court erred by admitting the rape evidence under
Evidence Code section 1101, subdivision (b), because kissing and rape are not similar.
Defendant also contends the trial court erred by admitting the evidence of comments
made to Christy and Leslie because kissing and comments are not similar.
“Generally, the prosecution may not use a defendant’s prior criminal act as
evidence of a disposition to commit a charged criminal act. [Citation.] But evidence is
admissible ‘when relevant to prove some fact (such as motive, opportunity, intent,
preparation, plan, knowledge . . .) other than his or her disposition to commit such an
act.’ [Citation.]
“‘To be admissible to show intent, “the prior conduct and the charged offense
need only be sufficiently similar to support the inference that defendant probably
harbored the same intent in each instance.”’ [Citations.] To be admissible to show a
common scheme or plan, a greater degree of similarity is required than to show intent,
and ‘the common features must indicate the existence of a plan rather than a series of
similar spontaneous acts, but the plan thus revealed need not be distinctive or unusual.’
[Citation.]” (People v. Davis (2009) 46 Cal.4th 539, 602.)
In Count 1, defendant was charged with a lewd or lascivious act. (§ 288, subd.
(c)(1).) The crime requires “the intent of arousing, appealing to, or gratifying the lust,
22
passions, or sexual desires of that person or the child.” (§ 288, subds. (a)&(c)(1).)
Accordingly, the prosecution was required to prove intent. As a result, we address the
issue of whether the crimes are sufficiently similar to support the inference that
defendant probably harbored the same intent in each instance. (People v. Johnson
(2013) 221 Cal.App.4th 623, 635.)
As set forth ante, “[t]he least degree of similarity (between the uncharged act and
the charged offense) is required in order to prove intent. [Citation.] ‘[T]he recurrence
of a similar result . . . tends (increasingly with each instance) to negative accident or
inadvertence or self-defense or good faith or other innocent mental state, and tends to
establish (provisionally, at least, though not certainly) the presence of the normal, i.e.,
criminal, intent accompanying such an act . . . .’ [Citation.]” (People v. Ewoldt (1994)
7 Cal.4th 380, 402.) We apply the abuse of discretion standard of review. (People v.
Abilez (2007) 41 Cal.4th 472, 500.)
The victim in the instant case had a student/teacher relationship with defendant.
Angel had a student/teacher relationship with defendant through Sunday school. The
victim and Angel were both female and approximately 15 years old when the respective
incidents occurred or were alleged to have occurred. The victim described comments
defendant made, attempted hugs, kisses on the forehead, and a kiss on the chest. The
acts described by the victim reflect escalating sexual behavior. Angel described being
made to sit on defendant’s lap, defendant’s lips brushing against her neck, defendant
causing Angel to touch defendant’s penis, and defendant raping her. The incidents
involving Angel also reflect escalating sexual behavior. Given the student/teacher
23
relationship similarity, the victims’ similar ages, and the escalating behavior described
by the victim and Angel, the acts were sufficiently similar to support the inference that
defendant probably harbored the same intent in each instance. Accordingly, we
conclude the trial court did not err because it was within the bounds of reason to find the
offenses sufficiently similar.
Next, we address the comments made to Christy and Leslie. Defendant had a
student/teacher relationship with Christy and Leslie. Defendant also had a
student/teacher relationship with the victim. Christy was 15 years old when defendant
whispered comments to her. Leslie was 15 or 16 years old when defendant made
comments to her. The victim was also 15 years old when defendant made comments to
her. The comments to the victim, Christy, and Leslie were made during the same school
year.
Defendant told Christy he would “do” her, told her he would “find” the gum in
her mouth, and said he would lift her skirt. Defendant complimented Leslie’s “cute
butt,” asked for photographs of her friends, and discussed whether her friends were
“cute.” Defendant told the victim she was “perfection,” offered to give her an A if she
took his class, and recited poetry to her. Christy, Leslie, and the victim said defendant
whispered his comments to them.
The offenses are similar because the victim, Christy, and Leslie were
approximately the same age, shared student/teacher relationships with defendant, the
comments were made during the same school year, the comments were whispered, and
all the comments could be understood as having sexual connotations. Given these
24
similarities, the prior offense evidence involving Christy and Leslie helps to support the
inference that defendant probably harbored the same intent in each instance.
Accordingly, we conclude the trial court did not err because the ruling was within the
bounds of reason.
The trial court told the jury it could consider the uncharged misconduct for proof
of a common plan, as well as intent. A higher degree of similarity is needed for
common plan evidence than intent evidence. (People v. Davis, supra, 46 Cal.4th at p.
602.) Based upon the similarities discussed ante, we conclude it was within the bounds
of reason for the evidence to also be used as proof of a common plan. The multiple
commonalities of the ages, student/teacher relationships, sexual comments, and
escalating sexual behavior cause the uncharged offense evidence to meet the higher
level of similarity needed for proof of a common plan.
b) Remoteness
Defendant contends the trial court erred by admitting the rape evidence because
the court incorrectly concluded the remoteness of the offense was not relevant.
When considering whether to admit evidence under Evidence Code section 1108,
a trial court must weigh the probative value of the evidence against the possible undue
prejudice that would arise from such evidence (Evid. Code, § 352). When engaging in
this weighing process, the trial court “must consider such factors as the [uncharged
offense’s] nature, relevance, and possible remoteness, the degree of certainty of its
commission and the likelihood of confusing, misleading, or distracting the jurors from
their main inquiry, its similarity to the charged offense, its likely prejudicial impact on
25
the jurors, the burden on the defendant in defending against the uncharged offense, and
the availability of less prejudicial alternatives to its outright admission, such as
admitting some but not all of the defendant’s other sex offenses, or excluding irrelevant
though inflammatory details surrounding the offense. [Citations.]” (People v. Falsetta
The prosecutor submitted written motions in limine. In a written motion, the
prosecutor noted the alleged rape “occurred 18 years ago.” The prosecutor argued that
the rape was similar to the charged crimes, due to the victim’s and Angel’s ages,
defendant’s position of authority over both girls, and the gradual “grooming” behavior
defendant displayed with both girls. The prosecutor asserted Evidence Code section
1108 does not have a time limit for prior offenses “thus implying that conduct of any
remoteness should be admitted.”
At the motion hearing, the prosecutor said, “Evidence Code Section 1108 doesn’t
have a ten-year time limit restriction as 1109 does. So I—as I argued in my written
motion as well, that is not something that should even bear weight on the Court’s
decision in this instance.” When the trial court issued its ruling, it said, “And I concur
with the People that under the law, the remoteness doesn’t make a difference.”
A trial court “is presumed to have considered all of the relevant factors in the
absence of an affirmative record to the contrary.” (People v. Myers (1999) 69
Cal.App.4th 305, 310.) The trial court’s comments reflect the trial court understood
remoteness was a factor to be considered. For example, the trial court did not say
remoteness was irrelevant. Rather, the trial court said the 18 year age of the alleged
26
rape “doesn’t make a difference.” The court’s comment can be interpreted as
concluding the remoteness of the crime had little impact on the weighing process in
light of the perceived factors favoring admission of the rape evidence, such as the
similarities between the alleged rape and the charged crimes. Since it has not been
affirmatively demonstrated that the trial court ignored the remoteness factor, we
conclude the trial court did not err.
c) Balancing
Defendant contends the trial court erred by admitting all the uncharged offense
evidence, because the evidence was more prejudicial than probative. (Evid. Code,
§ 352.) Specifically, defendant asserts the uncharged offense evidence was unduly
prejudicial because (1) the rape and comments were not similar to the charged offenses;
(2) the rape was remote in time; (3) none of the uncharged incidents resulted in a
conviction; (4) five witnesses testified about the uncharged incidents, which was over
half of the witnesses presented by the prosecution in the case; (5) jury instructions were
given concerning rape;9 and (6) closing arguments were given related to rape.
9 Defendant raises an additional issue concerning the wording of the rape jury instruction. In particular, defendant is concerned with the wording: “‘the People presented evidence that the defendant committed the crimes of rape and annoying or molesting a child that were not charged in this case.’” Defendant asserts the wording gave the jury the impression that defendant did rape Angel and make inappropriate comments to Christy and Leslie. Defendant has raised this alleged instructional error within the Evidence Code section 352 balancing argument and the related harmless error argument. We do not address the alleged instructional error as an independent contention, due to it being combined with another topic. It does not appear defendant intended this to be an independent issue. (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 8.204(a)(1)(B) [separate headings].)
27
Evidence of uncharged misconduct may only be presented to a jury if the
probative value of the evidence outweighs the potential prejudice the evidence may
create. (Evid. Code, § 352; People v. Rocha (2013) 221 Cal.App.4th 1385, 1397.)
As set forth ante, when engaging in the balancing process for Evidence Code
section 352, the trial court “must consider such factors as the [uncharged offense’s]
nature, relevance, and possible remoteness, the degree of certainty of its commission
and the likelihood of confusing, misleading, or distracting the jurors from their main
inquiry, its similarity to the charged offense, its likely prejudicial impact on the jurors,
the burden on the defendant in defending against the uncharged offense, and the
availability of less prejudicial alternatives to its outright admission, such as admitting
some but not all of the defendant’s other sex offenses, or excluding irrelevant though
inflammatory details surrounding the offense. [Citations.]” (Falsetta, supra, 21 Cal.4th
at p. 917.)
We apply the abuse of discretion standard when reviewing the trial court’s
ruling. (People v. Cole (2004) 33 Cal.4th 1158, 1195.) Under this standard, an
appellate court cannot substitute its judgment for the trial court’s judgment. A trial
court only abuses its discretion when “‘its decision is so irrational or arbitrary that no
reasonable person could agree with it.’ [Citations.]” (People v. Philpot (2004) 122
Cal.App.4th 893, 904-905.)
We have explained ante, that three acts of uncharged misconduct were similar to
the charged offenses. We will not repeat that analysis here. However, the fourth act of
misconduct—the student complaint discussed by Murray—also involved a female
28
student, who was approximately 15 years old, and comments with a sexual connotation.
Given the student/teacher relationship, the age of the anonymous student, and the sexual
comments, this incident is also similar to the charged offense of annoying or molesting
a minor because the victim also had a student/teacher relationship with defendant, was
15 years old, and suffered defendant making sexual comments to her. Accordingly, we
conclude, as discussed ante, that the uncharged misconduct was similar to the charged
offenses.
Assuming that the remainder of defendant’s argument is correct (everything
other than the similarity component): the rape was remote in time, the uncharged
misconduct consisted only of allegations (not convictions), and the uncharged
misconduct consumed a significant portion of the trial, a reasonable person could still
conclude the probative value of the evidence outweighed these prejudice factors. In
particular, when the anonymous student complained to Murray, defendant explained the
student had misunderstood defendant’s use of sarcasm. When Assistant Principal
Painton handled Christy’s and Leslie’s complaints, Painton again advised defendant not
to make comments that could be misinterpreted.
The uncharged comment evidence was probative because it helped the jury to
understand that the comments made to the victim about “perfection” and getting “an
automatic A” were not innocent or sarcastic comments that were simply misunderstood.
When taken in isolation, each comment can be explained away. However, when the
uncharged incidents are presented, it becomes more difficult to deny the sexual
motivation in making the comments. The prosecution was required to prove defendant
29
was motivated by a sexual interest in children. (§ 647.6, subd. (a); Brandao, supra, 203
Cal.App.4th at pp. 440-441.) Therefore, the uncharged comment evidence had
probative value because the frequency of the charged and uncharged sexual comments
creates an improbability that the comments were innocent mistakes. (See People v.
Rocha, supra, 221 Cal.App.4th at pp. 1395-1396 [“the intermediate inference justifying
proof of intent by evidence of uncharged misconduct is ‘the objective improbability of
the accused’s innocent involvement in so many similar incidents’”].)
The rape evidence, including the events prior to the rape, had probative value
because it provided proof that defendant was sexually interested in 15-year-old girls.
The comments were frequent and the girls testified that the comments made them
uncomfortable, but the sexual nature of the comments could be explained away by the
evidence that defendant had an “awkward” personality and was often sarcastic, as
testified to by Murray. The rape evidence reflected defendant had a sexual interest in
15-year-old girls, which helped to overcome the evidence of possible innocent
motivation behind the comments, attempted hugs, and kisses. Thus, the rape evidence
had probative value in relation to proving defendant (1) was motivated by a sexual
interest in children (§ 647.6, subd. (a)), and (2) acted “with the intent of arousing,
appealing to, or gratifying the lust, passions, or sexual desires of that person or the
child” (§ 288, subd. (a)&(c)(1)).
Thus, we have assumed defendant’s prejudice arguments are correct (with the
exception of similarity) and we have concluded the evidence also had probative value.
A reasonable person could conclude the probative value of the evidence was stronger
30
than the potential prejudicial effect because the pattern of defendant’s conduct was
strong proof of sexual intent and motivation, thus creating high probative value; while
the 18 year age of the rape allegation tended to blunt the inflammatory effects of the
allegation, e.g. the jury saw Angel as an adult, not a 15 year old, and presumably
defendant had been free of any sexual offense allegations for an 18-year period. In sum,
a reasonable person could weigh the probative value and prejudicial effect and conclude
the probative value outweighed the potential prejudicial effect. Accordingly, we
conclude the trial court did not abuse its discretion.
d) Due Process
Defendant asserts the trial court erred by admitting all the uncharged offense
evidence under Evidence Code section 1108 because it violated due process. Defendant
concedes the California Supreme Court, in Falsetta, concluded the admission of
propensity evidence pursuant to Evidence Code section 1108 does not violate due
process, because of the Evidence Code section 352 balancing process. (Falsetta, supra,
21 Cal.4th at pp. 917, 922.) In Falsetta, the California Supreme Court wrote that its
conclusion was “consistent with prior state and federal case law.” (Id. at p. 922.)
Defendant asserts the United States Supreme Court has yet to issue an opinion on
the due process implications of propensity evidence admitted pursuant to Evidence
Code section 1108. We infer defendant is attempting to preserve this issue for federal
appellate review because we are bound by the California Supreme Court’s opinion in
Falsetta. (Auto Equity Sales, Inc. v. Superior Court of Santa Clara County (1962) 57
31
Cal.2d 450, 455-456.) Since we are bound by the precedent of Falsetta, we conclude
the admission of propensity evidence did not violate defendant’s right of due process.
e) Harmless Error
We have concluded the trial court did not err. However, if any error could be
found in admitting the uncharged rape evidence, we would find the error to be harmless.
We apply the Watson standard, determining if it is reasonably probable a result more
favorable to defendant would have been reached if the rape evidence had not been
admitted. (People v. Watson (1956) 46 Cal.2d 818, 836; People v. Jandres (2014) 226
Cal.App.4th 340, 357 [applying the Watson standard to an Evidence Code section 1108
error].)
Angel, the alleged rape victim, had credibility issues. Angel said she was
“frazzled” and “very tired” while testifying. Angel admitted abusing
methamphetamines in the past. Angel blamed her first failure to appear to testify in the
case on missing her flight due to her seven-year-old child taking and hiding her driver’s
license.10 Angel blamed her second failure to appear to testify in the case on the airline
and/or travel agent. At the end of the cross-examination, defendant’s trial counsel asked
Angel if she was “under the influence of anything.” Angel denied being under the
influence. Defendant’s trial counsel described Angel as “stammer[ing]” and “mumbling
to herself” on the witness stand.
10 Angel twice failed to appear as scheduled to testify in this case. The trial court issued a bench warrant for Angel’s arrest, and she appeared the following day.
32
The victim of the charged offense also had credibility issues. For example, there
was testimony that, in June 2010, the victim had a “huge reputation of lying.” As set
forth ante, the jury was unable to reach a verdict on Count 1, an allegation of
committing a lewd and lascivious act upon the body of a child who is 14 or 15 years
old. (Former Pen. Code, § 288, subd. (c).) The trial court declared a mistrial as to
Count 1 and dismissed the charge in the interests of justice. (Pen. Code, § 1385.) The
jury was split 8-4, with the majority voting not guilty. Defendant was found guilty only
of the misdemeanor offense of annoying or molesting a child under 18 years of age.
(§ 647.6, subd. (a)(1).)
It appears from the verdict and mistrial that the uncharged rape evidence had
little impact on the jury, since the jury did not find defendant guilty of the felony. It can
be inferred from the jury finding defendant guilty only on the misdemeanor that the jury
likely disregarded Angel’s testimony, and credited the repeated testimonies regarding
defendant making inappropriate comments. The jury likely credited the testimony of
the prosecution’s witnesses regarding the alleged inappropriate comments because
defense witnesses corroborated the testimony. Defense witnesses Areli, Jennifer, and
Kassandra recalled defendant telling a group of girls that they were his daughters and he
would take care of them. Jennifer also recalled defendant complimenting her toenail
polish.
When the prosecutor argued that the jury should find defendant guilty of making
inappropriate comments, the prosecutor primarily used the comments themselves to
33
support a finding that defendant was motivated by an unnatural or abnormal sexual
interest in the victim.
The prosecutor argued, “The defendant was motivated by an unnatural or sexual
interest in the child. You are my daughters; I’m going to take care of you. As hard as
defense [counsel] tried to spin it that he said it, you know, in this protective manner and
gave them food, you even heard Kassandra say, oh, well, he gave me food. I don’t
know about anyone else. [¶] And these [school] barbecues and the lunch that was
thrown with another teacher for all of the students, he didn’t say then, You are my
daughters. No. It was to this specific group of girls, these 15-year-olds that excited
him, that he had a sexual interest in.
“The pattern of the 15-year-olds. Again, this is where you get to look at his other
conduct. And who am I talking about again? I’m talking about Christy and Leslie. I
did it wrong. Sorry. Angel, Christy, Leslie, and of course [the victim]. A child under
18 years old. Again, [the victim] is—was 15 at the time.” The rape evidence was not
the primary evidence supporting a finding of sexual intent. The prosecutor mentioned
Angel but did not belabor the rape evidence in proving the motivation factor.
Accordingly, based upon the jury not finding defendant guilty of the felony, the
inference that the jury found the rape evidence lacking credibility, and the prosecutor
relying on other evidence in addition to the rape to support the motivation finding for
the misdemeanor, we conclude that it is not reasonably probable a result more favorable
to defendant would have been reached if the rape evidence had not been admitted.
34
C. HEARSAY
1. PROCEDURAL HISTORY
Prior to trial, defendant raised a hearsay objection to Murray’s testimony.
Defendant objected to Murray testifying about a complaint made by an anonymous
student. The prosecutor said she would not ask Murray about the specifics of the
student’s allegations. Instead, she would “ask if allegations were brought to his
attention and what he did as a result of it and how he counseled the defendant.” The
prosecutor asserted the testimony was relevant to the element of intent. The trial court
said it would “probably need a little more detailed information,” and would need to
consider “the state of the evidence” at the point Murray is called as a witness, before
issuing a ruling.
During trial, outside the presence of the jury, the prosecutor offered to “make the
record [she] made in chambers.” The prosecutor made an offer of proof concerning
Murray. The prosecutor explained it came to “Murray’s attention that a student had a
complaint about the defendant regarding sexual comments being made toward her,”
Murray investigated the complaint, and he counseled defendant.
The court explained that since the student who complained to Murray was not
testifying at trial, the statements the student made to Murray would not be admissible.
The prosecutor agreed and said she did not plan to ask Murray about the student’s
statement. The court said, “So I think it would just be that something came to his
attention and he felt the need to counsel with the defendant.”
35
The prosecutor argued that defendant’s statement about the comments being
sarcastic was an admission that he made the comments. Defendant asserted it was
Murray, not defendant, who first suggested the student misunderstood defendant’s use
of sarcasm. The court ruled Murray could be examined and cross-examined about who
first suggested the comments were sarcastic.
During Murray’s testimony, the following exchange took place:
Prosecutor: “What was the inappropriate conduct that was brought to your
attention? And before you answer, not the exact words but the—in general, what was
the conduct?
“[Murray:] The complaint came from a student, and she mentioned that she felt
uncomfortable about some of the comments that were made to her after school. It was
during after-school periods of time. And she had been in the classroom by herself with
[defendant] and said there was some sexually—sexual comments—or sexual in nature.
And I believe they were in the lines of—
“The Court[:] I would cut you off at that point.
“[Prosecutor:] That’s fine.
“[Murray:] Sorry.”
Later in Murray’s testimony, he explained, “When I presented the allegation to
[defendant], he mentioned that sometimes students misconstrue his use of sarcasm and
they can read some things into what is said that he does not intend.” As a result of that
discussion, Murray counseled defendant to (1) avoid being alone with female students,
and (2) avoid using sarcasm.
36
2. ANALYSIS
Defendant asserts the trial court erred by admitting Murray’s hearsay testimony
regarding the unidentified student’s complaint.
“‘Hearsay evidence’ is evidence of a statement that was made other than by a
witness while testifying at the hearing and that is offered to prove the truth of the matter
stated.” (Evid. Code, § 1200.) The adoptive admission rule is an exception to the
hearsay rule. The adoptive admission rule provides, “Evidence of a statement offered
against a party is not made inadmissible by the hearsay rule if the statement is one of
which the party, with knowledge of the content thereof, has by words or other conduct
manifested his adoption or his belief in its truth.” (Evid. Code, § 1221.)
“For the adoptive admission exception to the hearsay rule to apply, no ‘direct
accusation in so many words’ is necessary. [Citation.] Rather, it is enough that the
evidence showed that the defendant participated in a private conversation in which the
crime was discussed and the circumstances offered him the opportunity to deny
responsibility or otherwise dissociate himself from the crime, but that he did not do so.
[Citation.]” (People v. Davis (2005) 36 Cal.4th 510, 539.)
“In determining whether a statement is admissible as an adoptive admission, a
trial court must first decide whether there is evidence sufficient to sustain a finding that:
(a) the defendant heard and understood the statement under circumstances that normally
would call for a response; and (b) by words or conduct, the defendant adopted the
statement as true. [Citations.]” (People v. Davis, supra, 36 Cal.4th at p. 535.)
37
“We apply the abuse of discretion standard in reviewing the trial court’s
determination to admit or exclude hearsay evidence. That standard applies to questions
about the existence of the elements necessary to satisfy the hearsay exception.
[Citations.]” (People v. Pirwani (2004) 119 Cal.App.4th 770, 787.)
Murray explained that when he spoke to defendant, Murray informed defendant
“it would likely be a summary of the conference,” which means Murray “go[es] through
and outline[s] the concerns that were presented by the student or by whoever it was, and
then as some point [Murray] would also probably provide some recommendations as to
remedy the situation,” then a record of the conversation would be put “on paper.”
Murray testified that he “presented the allegation to [defendant], he mentioned that
sometimes students misconstrue his use of sarcasm and they can read some things into
what is said that he does not intend.”
We begin with the first factor—the defendant heard and understood the statement
under circumstances that normally would call for a response. It can reasonably be
concluded defendant heard and understood the accusation presented by Murray because
defendant responded to it. It can also be reasonably found that the circumstances would
normally call for a response because (1) defendant responded to Murray, and (2) Murray
explained to defendant that the conversation was part of the “conference summary”
procedure, which would result in a record of their interaction. Thus, defendant could
reasonably be expected to respond to the allegations against him. Accordingly, the trial
court could reasonably conclude defendant heard and understood the statement under
circumstances that would normally call for a response.
38
Next, we address whether the trial court reasonably found by words or conduct,
the defendant adopted the statement as true. “The statute contemplates either explicit
acceptance of another’s statement or acquiescence in its truth by silence or equivocal or