Opinion
Case No. 1:17-cr-00019
05-24-2017
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff, v. CARLTON DUANE BALLARD, JR., Defendant.
Honorable Janet T. Neff REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION
Pursuant to W.D. MICH. L.CR.R. 11.1, I conducted a plea hearing in the captioned case on May 24, 2017, after receiving the written consent of defendant and all counsel. At the hearing, defendant Carlton Duane Ballard, Jr. entered a plea of guilty to counts 1 and 2 of the Indictment in exchange for the undertakings made by the government in the written plea agreement. In count 1 of the Indictment, defendant is charged with possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine. In count 2 of the indictment, defendant is charged with possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. Both counts are in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841 (a)(1) and (b)(1)(B)(I). On the basis of the record made at the hearing, I find that defendant is fully capable and competent to enter an informed plea; that the plea is made knowingly and with full understanding of each of the rights waived by defendant; that it is made voluntarily and free from any force, threats, or promises, apart from the promises in the plea agreement; that the defendant understands the nature of the charge and penalties provided by law; and that the plea has a sufficient basis in fact.
Accordingly, I recommend that defendant's plea of guilty to counts 1 and 2 of the Indictment be accepted, that the court adjudicate defendant guilty, and that the written plea agreement be considered for acceptance at the time of sentencing. Acceptance of the plea, adjudication of guilt, acceptance of the plea agreement, and imposition of sentence are specifically reserved for the district judge. Date: May 24, 2017
/s/ Phillip J. Green
PHILLIP J. GREEN
United States Magistrate Judge
NOTICE TO PARTIES
You have the right to de novo review of the foregoing findings by the district judge. Any application for review must be in writing, must specify the portions of the findings or proceedings objected to, and must be filed and served no later than14 days after the plea hearing. See W.D. MICH. L.CR.R. 11.1(d).