United States v. Amoroso

UNITED STATES COAST GUARD COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS Washington, DC UNITED STATES v. Sean A. STROMAN Seaman Apprentice (E-2), United States Coast Guard CGCMS 24391 Docket No. 1302 May 12, 2009 Special Court-Martial convened by Commander, Coast Guard Sector Corpus Christi. Tried at Corpus Christi, Texas, on 13 December 2007. Military Judge: CDR Stephen P. McCleary, USCG Trial Counsel: LT Marc A. Zlomek, USCG Assistant Trial Counsel LCDR Curtis E. Borland, USCG Defense Counsel: LT Tyquili R. Booker, JAGC, USN Appellate Defense Counsel: LT Robert M. Pirone, USCGR Appellate Government Counsel: LT Paul R. Casey, USCG LCDR Brian K. Koshulsky, USCG BEFORE MCCLELLAND, KANTOR & MCGUIRE Appellate Military Judges Per Curiam: Appellant was tried by special court-martial, military judge alone. Pursuant to his pleas of guilty, entered in accordance with a pretrial agreement, Appellant was convicted of one specification each of wrongfully introducing cocaine onto an installation used by the armed forces and of wrongfully distributing cocaine, and three specifications of wrongfully using cocaine, all in violation of Article 112a, Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). The military judge sentenced Appellant to confinement for ten months, reduction to E-1, and a bad-conduct discharge. The Convening Authority approved the sentence as adjudged except for confinement in excess of 120 days, which was disapproved, pursuant to the pretrial agreement.  United States v. Sean A. STROMAN, No. 1302 (C.G.Ct.Crim.App. 2009) Before this Court, without admitting that the findings and sentence are correct in law and fact, Appellant has submitted this case on its merits as to any and all errors. We note an apparent misstatement by the military judge after sentencing, concerning the effective date of a reduction in grade. After announcing sentence, when discussing the effect of the pretrial agreement on the sentence, the military judge said, “And then finally the reduction I adjudged may be approved as adjudged. So that will go into effect – that won’t go into effect until the Convening Authority acts on your sentence.” (R. at 92.) This is contrary to Article 57(a)(1), UCMJ, which provides that a reduction in grade, as well as a forfeiture of pay, takes effect on the earlier of fourteen days after the sentence is adjudged or the date the sentence is approved by the Convening Authority. We do not discern any prejudice to Appellant from this misstatement. We have reviewed the record in accordance with Article 66, UCMJ. Upon such review, the findings and sentence are determined to be correct in law and fact and, on the basis of the entire record, should be approved. Accordingly, the findings of guilty and the sentence, as approved below, are affirmed. For the Court, Ryan M. Gray Clerk of the Court

UNITED STATES COAST GUARD COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS Washington, D.C. UNITED STATES v. William E. DANIEL, Fireman Apprentice (E-2), U.S. Coast Guard CGCMG 0241 Docket No. 1296 June 17, 2009 General Court-Martial convened by Commander, Maintenance and Logistics Command Atlantic. Tried at Norfolk, Virginia, on 5 September 2007. Military Judge: CAPT Brian M. Judge, USCG Trial Counsel: LT Jeffery S. Howard, USCG Assistant Trial Counsel: LT Michael R. Vaughn, USCGR Defense Counsel: LTJG Tim Pasken, JAGC, USNR Appellate Defense Counsel: LT Robert M. Pirone, USCGR Appellate Government Counsel: LT Ronald B. Seely, USCGR BEFORE MCCLELLAND, TOUSLEY & CHANEY Appellate Military Judges Per Curiam: Appellant was tried by general court-martial, military judge alone. Pursuant to his pleas of guilty, entered in accordance with a pretrial agreement, Appellant was convicted of one specification of indecent assault and three specifications of violating 18 U.S.C. § 2252A by receiving or possessing three or more visual depictions of child pornography, all in violation of Article 134, Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). The military judge sentenced Appellant to confinement for thirty-two months, reduction to E-1, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and a bad-conduct discharge. The Convening Authority approved the sentence as adjudged. The sentence was unaffected by the pretrial agreement.  United States v. William E. DANIEL, No. 1296 (C.G.Ct.Crim.App. 2009) Before this Court, Appellant assigns as error that the military judge abused his discretion when he admitted Prosecution Exhibit 3 over defense objection because the photographs were not properly authenticated, nor was a proper foundation established. We find no error and affirm. Appellant was charged with a specification of indecent assault under Article 134, UCMJ. Specification 1 alleges that Appellant “did . . . commit an indecent assault upon [SC], a person not his wife, by lowering [SC’s] pants and fondling and photographing his penis while the said [SC] was asleep, with intent to gratify his sexual desires.” In the stipulation of fact admitted during the providence inquiry, the photographs referred to in the specification were described as “nine photographs of [SC’s] penis, one of which included [Appellant’s] own penis.” (Prosecution Ex. 1 at 2, ¶ 8.) After Appellant was found guilty based on his pleas of guilty, the Government sought to introduce in aggravation sixteen photographs, identified as Prosecution Exhibit 3. (R. at 97.) Appellant objected “based on authenticity, lack of foundation,” as well as based on Rule for Courts-Martial (R.C.M.) 1001(b)(4), Manual for Courts-Martial, United States (2005 ed.) and Military Rule of Evidence 403. (R. at 97.) Special Agent Green of the Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) served as a government witness to authenticate Prosecution Exhibit 3. He testified that Special Agent Tracey had sent Appellant’s computer to the Forensic Unit, and the photographs that became Prosecution Exhibit 3 were found on the computer. (R. at 107-08.) Special Agent Tracey had the responsibility to find out who were the people in the photographs. To that end, Special Agents Tracey and Green interviewed SC concerning the photographs, which they showed to SC in sequence. (R. at 107-110.) Special Agent Green testified that SC identified himself in the first photograph, washing dishes in his apartment. (R. at 109.) According to Special Agent Green, SC narrated the first two photographs as himself cleaning up around the house, and the next five as Appellant photographed by Appellant. (R. at 112.) Special Agent Green described the eighth photograph as SC lying on his back with his penis exposed and Appellant’s hands pulling SC’s pants down. (R. at 110.) He described the sixteenth photograph as SC lying on his back with his penis exposed and Appellant’s hands 2  United States v. William E. DANIEL, No. 1296 (C.G.Ct.Crim.App. 2009) around SC’s penis, masturbating him. (R. at 117.) Special Agent Green testified that SC’s demeanor changed upon seeing the eighth photograph, and by the end of the interview he was very upset. (R. at 112, 114, 115.) This was the first time SC was aware of Appellant’s acts alleged in Specification 1,

UNITED STATES COAST GUARD COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS Washington, D.C. UNITED STATES v. Robert S. TIJERINA, Electronics Technician (E-4), U.S. Coast Guard CGCMS 24395 Docket No. 1306 July 13, 2009 Special Court-Martial convened by Commanding Officer, USCGC GALLATIN (WHEC-721). Tried at Charleston, South Carolina, on 15 January 2008. Military Judge: CAPT Brian M. Judge, USCG Trial Counsel: LT Benedict S. Gullo, USCGR Assistant Trial Counsel: LT Neal J. Lawson, USCGR Defense Counsel: LT Ryan C. Mattina, JAGC, USN Appellate Defense Counsel: LCDR Angela R. Watson, USCG Appellate Government Counsel: CDR Stephen P. McCleary, USCG BEFORE MCCLELLAND, TOUSLEY & CHANEY Appellate Military Judges Per curiam: Appellant was tried by special court-martial, military judge alone. Pursuant to his pleas of guilty, entered in accordance with a pretrial agreement, Appellant was convicted of one specification of conspiracy, in violation of Article 81, Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ); one specification of making a false official statement, in violation of Article 107, UCMJ; one specification each of wrongfully using marijuana and wrongfully using cocaine, both in violation of Article 112a, UCMJ; and one specification each of an indecent act and obstructing justice, both in violation of Article 134, UCMJ. The military judge sentenced Appellant to confinement for three months, reduction to E-1, and a bad-conduct discharge. The Convening Authority approved the sentence as adjudged. The pretrial agreement did not affect the sentence.  United States v. Robert S. TIJERINA, No. 1306 (C.G.Ct.Crim.App. 2009) Before this Court, without admitting that the findings and sentence are correct in law and fact, Appellant has submitted this case on its merits as to any and all errors. Decision We have reviewed the record in accordance with Article 66, UCMJ. Upon such review, the findings and sentence are determined to be correct in law and fact and, on the basis of the entire record, should be approved. Accordingly, the findings of guilty and the sentence, as approved below, are affirmed. For the Court, Ryan M. Gray Clerk of the Court 2

UNITED STATES COAST GUARD COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS Washington, D.C. UNITED STATES v. Steven J. MOLINARI Operations Specialist Third Class (E-4), U.S. Coast Guard CGCMS 24398 Docket No. 1309 2 September 2009 Special Court-Martial convened by Commanding Officer, USCGC GALLATIN (WHEC-721). Tried at Charleston, South Carolina, on 30 January 2008. Military Judge: CDR Sandra J. Selman, USCG Trial Counsel: LT Benedict S. Gullo, USCGR Assistant Trial Counsel: LT Neil J. Lawson, USCGR Defense Counsel: LCDR Fernette Moore, JAGC, USN Appellate Defense Counsel: CDR Necia L Chambliss, USCGR Appellate Government Counsel: LCDR Brian K. Koshulsky, USCG BEFORE MCCLELLAND, TOUSLEY & MCTAGUE Appellate Military Judges Per curiam: Appellant was tried by special court-martial, military judge alone. Pursuant to his pleas of guilty, entered in accordance with a pretrial agreement, Appellant was convicted of one specification of conspiracy, in violation of Article 81, Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ); one specification of making a false official statement, in violation of Article 107, UCMJ; and one specification each of an indecent act and obstructing justice, in violation of Article 134, UCMJ. The military judge sentenced Appellant to confinement for three months, reduction to E-1, and a bad-conduct discharge. The Convening Authority approved the sentence as adjudged, but suspended confinement in excess of forty-five days for six months, pursuant to the pretrial agreement.  United States v. Steven J. MOLINARI, No. 1309 (C.G.Ct.Crim.App. 2009) Before this court, without admitting that the findings and sentence are correct in law and fact, Appellant has submitted this case on its merits as to any and all errors. Decision We have reviewed the record in accordance with Article 66, UCMJ. Upon such review, the findings and sentence are determined to be correct in law and fact and, on the basis of the entire record, should be approved. Accordingly, the findings of guilty and the sentence, as approved and partially suspended below, are affirmed. For the Court, Lane I. McClelland Chief Judge

CORRECTED COPY UNITED STATES COAST GUARD COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS Washington, D.C. UNITED STATES v. Cristina L. VERDECIA Seaman (E-3), U.S. Coast Guard CGCMS 24401 Docket No. 1311 24 November 2009 Special Court-Martial convened by Commander, Coast Guard Sector Charleston. Tried at Charleston, South Carolina, on 5 February 2008. Military Judge: CAPT Donald Rose, USCG Trial Counsel: LCDR Erin M. Ledford, USCG Defense Counsel: CAPT Ada Croom, JAGC, USN Appellate Defense Counsel: LT Jeffery S. Howard, USCG Appellate Government Counsel: LT Emily P. Reuter, USCG BEFORE MCCLELLAND, LODGE & MCTAGUE Appellate Military Judges Per curiam: Appellant was tried by special court-martial, military judge alone. In accordance with a pretrial agreement, Appellant pleaded guilty to one specification of wrongful use of marijuana, in violation of Article 112a, Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ); one specification of dereliction of duty by failing to provide an unadulterated urine sample, in violation of Article 92, UCMJ; and one specification of wrongful solicitation of another to make a false official statement concerning the other’s knowledge of Appellant’s marijuana use, in violation of Article 134, UCMJ. Certain findings of guilty were entered, as will be discussed. The military judge sentenced Appellant to confinement for thirty days and a bad-conduct discharge. The Convening Authority approved the sentence as adjudged. The pretrial agreement did not affect the sentence.  United States v. Cristina L. VERDECIA, No. 1311 (C.G.Ct.Crim.App. 2009) Before this court, without admitting that the findings and sentence are correct in law and fact, Appellant has submitted this case on its merits as to any and all errors. We find it necessary to discuss an irregularity in the trial that has not been raised by any of the parties or participants in this case. The military judge announced findings of guilty that did not match the pleas, in that he referred to Charge I, to which no plea had been entered, but did not refer to Charge III, to which a guilty plea had been entered. In October 2007, four charges were preferred against Appellant under Articles 92, 107, 112a, and 134, UCMJ. In November 2007, they were referred to trial. On 28 January 2008, Charges I and IV were withdrawn and Additional Charges I and II were preferred against Appellant, under Articles 92 and 134 respectively. These additional charges were referred to trial on the same date. In a pretrial agreement dated 30 January 2008 (Appellate Ex. VIII), Appellant agreed to plead guilty to Charge III, Additional Charge I, and Additional Charge II, and the sole specifications under each, while pleading not guilty to Charge II and its sole specification. The pretrial agreement notes that Charges I and IV had been withdrawn. At trial on 5 February 2008, Appellant accordingly pleaded not guilty to Charge II and its specification, and guilty to Charge III, Additional Charge I and Additional Charge II and the sole specifications under each. (R. at 17.) The military judge conducted a thorough providence inquiry, at the end of which he stated that the “plea of guilty is provident and is accepted.” (R. at 80.) The Government then withdrew Charge II. The military judge then announced findings in the following terms: “Seaman Verdecia, in accordance with your pleas, this court martial finds you of charge one and its specification, guilty; of additional charge one and its specifications [sic] guilty; of additional charge two and its specifications [sic] guilty.” (R. at 80.)  United States v. Cristina L. VERDECIA, No. 1311 (C.G.Ct.Crim.App. 2009) It appears that the military judge misspoke, intending to announce findings to Charge III and its specification, but instead speaking of Charge I, when there was no Charge I before the court. The Report of Results of Trial from the trial counsel shows Charge I as having been withdrawn and shows a guilty finding as to Charge III. The Staff Judge Advocate Recommendation under Rule for Courts-Martial 1106, Manual for Courts-Martial, United States (2008 ed.), and the promulgating order both show the same. We conclude that Appellant was found guilty of Charge III and its specification (use of marijuana), Additional Charge I and its specification (dereliction of duty), and Additional Charge II and its specific