State v. Russ, 2007-T-0045 (4-18-2008)

OPINION

{¶ 1} After trial by jury, appellant, Irving R. Russ, was convicted of "hit and skip," tampering with evidence, and complicity to tampering with evidence. He now appeals from the judgment of conviction entered by the Trumbull County Court of Common on the jury's verdict. For the reasons discussed below, we affirm.

{¶ 2} At approximately 9:40 p.m., on August 16, 2004, appellant was traveling west on Route 422 in Niles, Ohio. Appellant was driving a Mazda Navajo SUV which belonged to his girlfriend, Raheema Wright. He was talking on his cell phone as was his passenger, Jarrell Reed. As…