2004 Unpublished Court of Appeals Opinions Index

Table of Cases
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Mack V Com, 2003-CA-001676--Not To Be Published; Affirming -- PDF

William A. Mack appeals a judgment of the Fayette Circuit Court from a jury verdict convicting him of trafficking in a controlled substance first degree, misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia and persistent felony offender first degree and sentencing him to fourteen years’ imprisonment. We affirm.

Major v Com., 2003-CA-000694-MR -- Not Published; Affirming --- PDF

Billy Jack Major brings this appeal from an April 7, 2003, judgment of the Fayette Circuit Court imposing a prison sentence. We affirm. The facts are these: On September 13, 2002, Lexington Police Officer Tony Risen observed a vehicle swerving upon the road. Officer Risen’s pursuit of the vehicle ended in what turned out to be appellant’s driveway.

Manning v. Com., 1999-CA-000441 Not Published; Affirming -- PDF

Appellant, Alan David Manning (Manning), appeals his probation revocation for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Manning pleaded guilty to the charge of possession of a firearm in 1995. Manning was charged with manslaughter in 1998, at which time his probation was revoked.

Marsch v. Com., 2003-CA-000221-- Not Published; Affirming -- PDF

Robert Marsch (hereinafter “Marsch”) appeals from an order of the Butler Circuit Court1 denying him leave to file a successive RCr 11.42 motion. We affirm.

Marsh v. Com., 2003-CA-000281-- Not Published; Affirming -- PDF

Leonard Marsh appeals pro se from an order of the Jefferson Circuit Court denying his motion for postconviction relief pursuant to RCr1 11.42 and CR2 60.02. Marsh alleges that, for various reasons, he received ineffective assistance of counsel in his prosecution under a multi-count indictment, and that the trial court erred by denying his motion without holding an evidentiary hearing. For the reasons stated below, we affirm.

Marsh v Com., 2003-CA-000474-MR -- Not Published; Affirming -- PDF

Stacy Marsh (“Marsh”) appeals from an order of the Jefferson Circuit Court overruling his motion to correct sentence pursuant to RCr 1 11.42. After reviewing the record and applicable law, we have found no error in the decision of the trial court. Thus, we affirm.

Marshall v Com, 2003-CA-000249 -- Not To Be Published; Affirming-- PDF

Tyrone Marshall appeals from a January 14, 2003, order of the Oldham Circuit Court. We affirm. On April 19, 1996, appellant was indicted by a Trimble County Grand Jury upon the offenses of murder, attempted murder and first-degree burglary. Pursuant to appellant’s motion for change of venue, the case was subsequently transferred to the Oldham Circuit Court.

Martin v. Com., 2002-CA-002529-- Not Published; Affirming -- PDF

Troy Martin appeals from the circuit court’s denial of his motion for relief under Kentucky Rules of Criminal Procedure (RCr) 11.42 alleging ineffective assistance of counsel. Specifically, he alleged that his trial counsel’s failure to adequately preserve issues of prosecutorial misconduct amounted to ineffective assistance.

Martin v. Com., 2003-CA-001328 --Not Published; Affirming -- PDF

Milford Martin appeals pro se from an order of the Kenton Circuit Court, denying his motions made pursuant to CR 60.02 and RCr 10.26 for post-conviction relief, an evidentiary hearing and appointment of counsel. Because the issues raised by Martin do not entitle him to relief under CR 60.02, we affirm.

Martin V Com, 2003-CA-001533-MR-- Not Published; 2003-CA-000855-MR Affirming -MR -- PDF

Odell Kinte Martin (“Martin”) appeals from an order of the Hopkins Circuit Court denying his RCr 11.42 motion to vacate his criminal sentence. We affirm. On February 13, 2001, the Hopkins County Grand Jury indicted Martin on charges of first degree trafficking in a controlled substance (cocaine), trafficking in marijuana within 1000 yards of a school, possession of drug paraphernalia, second-degree unlawful transaction with a minor, kidnapping, and first-degree persistent felony offender (“PFO”).

Martin v. Com, 2003-CA-000001 -- Not Published; Affirming -- PDF

Robert Lee Martin (Martin), pro se, has appealed from an opinion entered by the Jefferson Circuit Court on November 7, 2002, that denied his motion for relief pursuant to Ky. R. Civ. P. (CR) 60.02. Martin argues that upon enhancing the trial court videotape sound, he overheard a conversation at the bench where his defense counsel, the prosecutor and the judge had a discussion about the prosecutor’s having instructed

Martin V Com, 2003-CA-002612--Not To Be Published; Affirming -- PDF

Edward Earl Martin appeals from an order of the Jefferson Circuit Court of March 17, 2003, which denied his motion pursuant to CR2 60.02 to modify his sentence. We affirm.

Martin v Com, 2003-CA-000721-MR -- Not To Be Published; Reversed and Remanded -- PDF

In this appeal Appellant, Frederick Alexander Martin (Martin), challenges his conviction and sentence for one count of kidnapping, two counts of misdemeanor assault, and one count of terroristic threatening on the grounds that the admission of videotape proceedings from a prior domestic violence proceeding were improperly admitted and certain comments made by the prosecutor in closing argument were improper. Each ground urged for reversal is founded upon palpable error because no objections were made to the evidence at trial. We believe that Martin’s conviction and sentence must be reversed for the reasons that follow.

Martinez V Com, 2003-CA-002125--Not To Be Published; Affirming -- PDF

Carmelo Jose Martinez brings this appeal from a September 16, 2003, judgment of the Fayette Circuit Court. We affirm.

Matheney V Com, 2002-CA-002258-MR-- Not Published; 2003-CA-000855-MR Reversing -- PDF

Angela Matheney (Matheney), appeals her conviction for manufacturing methamphetamine. We reverse the conviction below. Matheney was indicted on one count of manufacturing methamphetamine, a Class B felony pursuant to KRS 218A.1432. Her husband was also indicted for the same offense. The record shows that Mr. Matheney went to a variety of stores and bought two boxes of cold medicine at each store. Ms. Matheney did not enter most of the stores, and just purchased two boxes of cold pills.

McBride v. Com, 2002-CA-002157-MR -- Not Published; Affirming -- PDF

Kenneth McBride (hereinafter appellant) appeals his conviction in the Montgomery Circuit Court for one count of theft by unlawful taking and one count of being a persistent felony offender in the first degree. We affirm.

McCall v. Com., 2003-CA-000833-MR &2003-CA-001112 Not Published; Affirming -- PDF

Terry McCall appeals from a final judgment of conviction entered by the Jefferson Circuit Court sentencing him to ten years’ imprisonment. McCall contends that the sentence imposed by the Jefferson Circuit Court was in violation of his sentencing agreement with the Commonwealth, which provided that he would be sentenced to six years’ imprisonment if he reported for his sentencing hearing.

McCarty v. Com, /2003-CA-001689--Not To Be Published; Affirming -- PDF

Eugene McCarty, Jr., appeals from a jury verdict finding him guilty of three counts of drug possession. McCarty argues that his conviction should be overturned because the discovery of drugs in his car by police was the result of a stop that was not supported by reasonable suspicion. He also argues that a self-incriminating statement that he made to the police after he allegedly had invoked his right to remain silent should have been suppressed. We affirm.

McCauley v. Com., 2002-CA-001902 -- Not Published; Affirming -- PDF

Dariece McCauley (hereinafter “McCauley”) is appealing from the Jefferson Circuit Court’s Judgment of Conviction and Sentence entered August 21, 2002, following a jury trial. McCauley was sentenced to fifteen months in prison for her conviction of Illegal Possession of a Controlled Substance (cocaine).

McClain v Com, 2002-CA-001251-MR Not To Be Published; Affirming -- PDF

After Jeffrey McClain entered an Alford plea to felony charges, he filed a motion to withdraw his guilty plea with the Mason Circuit Court. Because the totality of the circumstances surrounding the guilty plea indicate that McClain voluntarily and intelligently waived his constitutional rights, we hold that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in denying McClain’s motion to set aside the guilty plea.

McClease v Com, 2003-CA-000577--Not To Be Published; Affirming-- PDF

This is an appeal from an amended judgment entered by the Franklin Circuit Court after appellant Brigitte1 McClease entered a guilty plea to the amended charge of first-degree manslaughter. Appellant contends that the trial court erred by finding that she was ineligible for probation even though she was a victim of domestic violence. We affirm.

McConnell V Com, 2003-CA-001475-MR--Not To Be Published; 2003-CA-000855-MR Affirming -MR -- PDF

Appellant, James Earl McConnell, appeals the judgment of the Fayette County Circuit Court sentencing him to five (5) years enhanced to ten (10) years imprisonment. On June 24, 2003, the jury returned a verdict finding appellant guilty of second degree assault. Appellant waived jury sentencing and in agreement with the Commonwealth, entered a plea of guilty to second degree persistent felony offender (“PFO”). For the reasons stated hereafter, we affirm.

McCormick v. Com., 2003-CA-001024-MR &2003-CA-001112 Not To Be Published; Affirming -- PDF

Damon McCormick appeals from an order of the trial court denying his motion to withdraw his guilty plea without holding an evidentiary hearing. We affirm. On January 29, 2003, pursuant to a plea agreement, McCormick appeared with counsel and entered a plea of guilty to first-degree unlawful transaction with a minor and to harassment.

McCormick v. Com., 2002-CA-000582 Not Published; Reversing and Remanding -- PDF

Damon McCormick (hereinafter “McCormick”) appeals the trial order and jury verdict entered by the Henderson Circuit Court on February 7, 2002, adjudicating him guilty of the offense of failure to register as a sex offender (KRS 17.510) and enhancing his sentence of one year to fifteen years based upon a finding that he is a persistent felony offender, first degree (KRS 532.070).

McElrath v. Com, 2002-CA-001732 -- Not Published; Affirming -- PDF

Treon McElrath appeals from an order of the Hickman Circuit Court denying his motion for post-conviction relief pursuant to Kentucky Rules of Criminal Procedure (RCr) 11.42. McElrath contends that he received ineffective assistance of counsel in connection with his trial on charges of assistance of counsel in connection with his trial on charges of conspiracy to commit murder and six counts of wanton endangerment, and in his direct appeal following his conviction of the charges. For the reasons stated below we affirm.

McGinnis v Com, 2004-CA-000770 -- Not To Be Published; Affirming -- PDF

Dante McGinnis appeals from a judgment of the Jefferson Circuit Court entered upon a jury verdict convicting him of, among other things, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon as set forth in Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) 527.040, and sentencing him to seven years in prison. McGinnis contends that the trial court erred by permitting the Commonwealth to introduce evidence concerning the testing of the firearm to determine whether it was capable of being fired. We affirm.

McGinnis v Com, 2004-CA-000783 -- Not To Be Published; Affirming -- PDF

On April 17, 1996, Robert Anthony Miller entered an Alford 2 plea of guilty to charges of first degree murder, first degree robbery,4 and tampering with physical evidence.5 In exchange for the plea of guilty, the Commonwealth agreed not to present evidence of aggravating factors which would render Miller eligible for the death penalty. Otherwise, the plea was "open" in that it left sentencing on the murder charge up to the trial court. The Commonwealth recommended sentences for the robbery and tampering charges of twenty and five years, respectively. After accepting the guilty plea and considering the pre-sentence investigation, arguments of counsel, and statements offered by the victim’s family, the trial court sentenced Miller to life in prison.

Mckenzie v. Com., 2002-CA-001098- To Be Published; Reversing and Remanding -- PDF

Patrick D. McKenzie was convicted of thirddegree burglary as an accomplice, enhanced by a finding that he is a persistent felony offender in the first degree. He appeals, arguing that the Commonwealth should not have been permitted at the end of trial to amend the indictment to add a complicity theory after he was indicted only as being the principal who committed the robbery.

Meade v. Com, 2003-CA-001870 -- Not Published; Affirming -- PDF

Bruce Meade has appealed from a final judgment and sentence of ten years’ imprisonment entered by the Pike Circuit Court on August 19, 2003, following a jury’s verdict finding Meade guilty on one count of trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree.1 Having concluded that the prosecutor’s closing arguments in the guilt and penalty phases of the trial were not improper, we affirm.

Meese V Com, 2003-CA-001683--Not To Be Published; Affirming -- PDF

William Henry Meece was convicted of conspiracy to commit murder and sentenced to twelve years’ imprisonment. He alleges that the trial court erred when it denied his motion in limine to exclude evidence regarding a conspiracy to murder a fictitious person. He also alleges that the indictment should have been amended to state the actual name of the intended victim and the evidence was insufficient to support a conspiracy conviction.

Meghoo v Com, 2003-CA-001074-MR-- To Be Published; Affirming -- PDF

This is an appeal from a judgment pursuant to a conditional guilty plea convicting a truck driver of trafficking in marijuana after being stopped by a Department of Transportation Vehicle Enforcement Officer (“VEO”) and his trailer being searched without a warrant. We adjudge that the VEOs had legal authority to arrest appellant for trafficking inmarijuana in this case, although it is a non-vehicle-related offense. And we also hold that the warrantless search of the trailer was a valid probable cause search under the automobile exception to the warrant requirement. Hence, we affirm.

Mendoza v. Com., 2002-CA-002303-- Not Published; Affirming -- PDF

Juan De Dios Mendoza appeals from a judgment of the Fayette Circuit Court sentencing him to five years in prison. The issue in this case involves whether the circuit court erred in denying his motion to force the Commonwealth to reveal the identity of a confidential informant. We affirm.

Mercer V Com, 2003-CA-001801-MR-- Not Published; 2003-CA-000855-MR Vacating and Remanding -MR -- PDF

Dana Mercer appeals from a judgment of the Grayson Circuit Court, entered August 11, 2003, convicting her pursuant to her guilty plea of manufacturing methamphetamine,2 possession of anhydrous ammonia in an unapproved container and for the purpose of manufacturing methamphetamine,3 wanton endangerment in the first degree,4 possession of marijuana,5 and possession of a controlled substance in the first degree (methamphetamine).6 She was sentenced to concurrent terms of imprisonment totaling ten years.

Merriman v Com, 2003-CA-000647 -- Not Published; Affirming-- PDF

James Oscar Merriman appeals from a final judgment of the Fayette Circuit Court wherein he was convicted of first-degree assault and sentenced to twelve years in prison following a jury trial. We affirm. On August 23, 2002, Merriman, age sixteen at the time, shot Chad Hager in the face with a .357 magnum handgun, with the result that Hager lost his right eye.

Metts v. Com., 2003-CA-000316-- Not Published; Affirming -- PDF

This an appeal from an order entered by the Franklin Circuit Court denying Claude T. Metts’ RCr 11.42 motion to vacate his conviction for first degree manslaughter. Metts claims that he was denied the right to effective assistance of counsel because his trial counsel neither preserved evidence for appellate review by taking avowal testimony, nor investigated and called potential defense witnesses.

Miles v Com., 2003-CA-000401-MR -- Not Published; Affirming -- PDF

Appellant, Billy Miles, appeals from two orders of the Montgomery Circuit Court, denying his motions made pursuant to RCr 11.42 and CR 60.02. The two appeals have been consolidated because the issues and arguments presented in the motions are similar. Appellant argues that one of the jurors at his trial was biased, which constituted grounds for an evidentiary hearing, and that his trial counsel was ineffective for failing to interview and subpoena potential defense witnesses. For the reasons stated hereafter, we affirm.

MIller v. Com., 2002-CA-000727 Not To Be Published; Affirming -- PDF

Appellant, Renee Miller (Miller), appeals her convictions for third degree assault, first degree wanton endangerment, and various misdemeanors stemming from an altercation with the sheriff. We affirm Miller’s conviction.

Miller v Com, 2003-CA-000785--Not To Be Published; Affirming-- PDF

Jonathan Miller appeals from an order of the Boone Circuit Court denying his request for an additional 173 days custody credit for time spent on home incarceration prior to his conviction. Miller argues that he is entitled to the credit because Kentucky Revised Statute (KRS) 532.120(3) requires the sentencing court to credit pretrial time spent in custody toward a defendant's final sentence.

Miller v. Com., 2003-CA-000964-- Not Published; Affirming -- PDF

Dewayne Andy Miller has appealed from an order of the Jefferson Circuit Court entered on April 7, 2003, which denied his motion to expunge the record of his conviction for assault in the fourth degree1 that had been entered on August 3, 1995.

Mills v. Com., 2003-CA-000790 & 2003-CA-001025-- Not Published; Affirming -- PDF

Terry Mills appeals pro se from an order of the McCracken Circuit Court, entered April 24, 2003, denying his motion for relief from two criminal convictions. Mills contends that a biased grand juror tainted the indictments in the two cases. We agree with the circuit court that Mills has failed to allege facts that would entitle him to relief.

Mitchell V Com, 2003-CA-000808--Not To Be Published; Affirming -- PDF

This is a direct appeal brought by Charles Mitchell after a judgment was entered convicting him of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and sentencing him to the maximum term of ten years’ imprisonment. He raises six issues on appeal: (1) that the conviction was not supported by sufficient evidence; (2) that the trial court erred when it did not consider probation; (3) his rights to due

Moffitt v. Com., 2002-CA-002143-- Not Published; Affirming -- PDF

Appellant Brian Moffitt was convicted in Livingston Circuit Court of kidnapping an eleven-year-old girl, B.C., and sentenced to fifteen years’ imprisonment.

Mohammad v Com, 2003-CA-000034-- To Be Published; Reversing -- PDF

Fadi Mohammad was charged with carrying a concealed deadly weapon1 for carrying a firearm in the console of his car. The district court ruled that the glove compartment exception of KRS 527.020(5) (now subsection 8) included consoles and the circuit court affirmed. On discretionary review, we reverse2 because we opine the statute is clear and unambiguous, and refers to “glove compartments” only.

Morgan v Com., 2003-CA-000743-MR -- Not Published; Affirming -- PDF

Appellant, Richard Morgan, brings this appeal from the trial court’s denial of his motion for free videotapes or transcripts of his November, 1992 trial. We have considered the record and conclude that Appellant is not entitled to prevail. Therefore, we affirm the trial court’s order of March 21, 2003.

Morgan v. Com, 2003-CA-000467-MR -- Not Published; Affirming -- PDF

In February 2000, a Leslie County grand jury returned an indictment charging Charles Morgan with one count of rape in the first degree,1 two counts of sodomy in the first degree,2 and one count of unlawful transaction with a minor in the first degree.3 The indictment charged that, in April of 1995, Morgan had raped his six-year old daughter, J.M.,4 that Morgan had sexual contact with J.M. and with C.M., his nine-year

Morris v. Com, 2002-CA-000488-MR -- Not Published; Vacating And Remanding -- PDF

Mark Morris (Morris) appeals from a conviction in the Boyle Circuit Court of one count of indecent exposure, a misdemeanor, for which he received a sentence of 90 days in jail and a $250 fine. Morris claims numerous errors at trial resulting in a deprivation of his right to a fair trial. Among his claims, Morris did not raise the issue of the circuit court’s power to hear this misdemeanor case.

Morris v. Com, 2002-CA-001945 -- Not Published; Affirming -- PDF

This is an appeal from a judgment convicting appellant of trafficking in marijuana within 1,000 yards of a school and being a persistent felony offender in the second degree (“PFO II”). Appellant argues that evidence that he had sold marijuana to the informant in the past was improperly admitted in violation of KRE 404(b) and that there was insufficient credible evidence to support the conviction.

Morrison V Com, 2003-CA-001145-MR-- Not Published; 2003-CA-000855-MR Vacating and Remanding -MR -- PDF

Jesse Morrison (hereinafter “Morrison”) has appealed from the Boyd Circuit Court’s May 13, 2003, Order denying his motion to withdraw his guilty plea and from the May 23, 2003, Final Judgment and Sentence of Imprisonment, sentencing him to eight ten-year concurrent sentences for First-Degree Rape.1 Having considered the parties’ brief, the record and the applicable case law, we must vacate the trial court’s order and judgment and remand the matter for further proceedings.

Morrow v. Com., 2002-CA-002052 & 2002-CA-002075-- Not Published; Affirming -- PDF

Roy Scott Morrow appeals from a Fulton Circuit Court judgment convicting him of the crimes of escape in the second degree and of being a persistent felony offender in the second degree (PFO). He argues that the trial court erred during the guilt phase of his trial in allowing the Commonwealth to introduce evidence of other bad acts.

Morrow v. Com, 2003-CA-001356 -- Not Published; Affirming -- PDF

James L. Morrow appeals from orders of the Jefferson Circuit Court denying his motions made pursuant to RCr 1 11.42 and CR 2 59.05. The sole claim raised by Morrow that is not barred from our consideration on procedural grounds is whether his plea of guilty was involuntary as a result of ineffective assistance of counsel. As we have determined that it was not, we affirm.

Morton V Com, 2003-CA-000914-MR-- Not Published; 2003-CA-000855-MR Affirming-MR -- PDF

Alphonzo Morton (hereinafter “Morton”), proceeding pro se,1 has appealed from the Fayette Circuit Court’s April 14, 2003, order denying his Motion to Vacate and Set Aside Sentence of Conviction pursuant to RCr 11.42 without an evidentiary hearing. Following a jury trial, Morton was convicted of four counts of second-degree sexual abuse, two counts of second-degree sodomy, and twenty counts of use of a

Moseley V Com, 2003-CA-000930-MR-- Not Published; 2003-CA-000855-MR Affirming-MR -- PDF

Forrest Alan Moseley appeals from an order of the Daviess Circuit Court denying his petition for post-conviction relief pursuant to RCr 1 11.42. We affirm. On January 31, 1995, Moseley shot and killed Mary Yvett Fuqua Norris, with whom he was cohabitating. Immediately following the shooting, Moseley admitted that he had shot Norris but told responding emergency personnel and police that the shooting was accidental.

Mosely v. Com., 2002-CA-000780-MR-- Not Published; Affirming -- PDF

In February 1994 Shawn Mosley entered pleas of guilty to five counts of wanton endangerment in the first degree. His sentences of two years on each count were ordered to run concurrently with each other for a total of two years’ imprisonment. However, that sentence was run consecutively with another six year sentence received in another division of Jefferson Circuit Court.

Murphy v Com, 2002-CA-002453 -- Not To Be Published; Affirming-- PDF

Appellant, Stephen R. Murphy, appeals the judgment of the Boyd County Circuit Court sentencing him to ten (10) years in prison. On September 25, 2002, the jury returned a verdict finding appellant guilty of second degree manslaughter for the death of Michael Shawn Johnson (“Johnson”). For the reasons stated hereafter, we affirm.

Murphey v Com, 2002-CA-002458 -- Not Published; Affirming-- PDF

Glen Franklin Murphey had appealed from an order of the Hopkins Circuit Court entered on October 29, 2002, that denied his petition for post-conviction relief pursuant to RCr 2 11.42, challenging his guilty plea to murder,3 robbery in the first degree,4 and burglary in the first degree.5 Having concluded that the trial court properly determined that Murphey received effective assistance of trial counsel during the proceedings which resulted in his guilty plea, we affirm.

Muquit V Com, 2003-CA-000759-MR-- Not Published; 2003-CA-000855-MR Affirming -- PDF

Shamil Muquit, pro se, appeals from two orders of the Kenton Circuit Court, entered on December 11, 2002, and March 10, 2003. Muquit challenged his conviction for first-degree rape, claiming that the victim had committed perjury. The first order denied Muquit’s motions and

Murrell V Com, 2003-CA-000436 --To Be Published; Affirming -- PDF

The appellants, Marvin Murrell and Gambo Oba, appeal the separate judgments entered upon their conditional guilty pleas to trafficking in a controlled substance pursuant to RCr 1 8.09. Both were sentenced to serve five years in prison. As part of their plea agreements, the appellants preserved their right to appeal the order of the trial court which denied their motion to suppress evidence of drugs seized from them at the time of their arrest.

Musard v. Com., 2002-CA-000910-- Not Published; Affirming -- PDF

Matthew Musard has appealed from the final judgment and sentence of imprisonment entered by the Kenton Circuit Court on April 17, 2002, which convicted him of assault in the second degree 1 and wanton endangerment in the first degree.2 Having concluded that the sole claim of error raised by Musard on appeal was not properly preserved for appellate review, we affirm.
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