Opinion
CAUSE NO.: 2:20-CR-86-TLS-JEM
03-01-2021
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. ERIC JETER
ORDER ACCEPTING FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATION
This matter is before the Court on the Findings and Recommendation of the Magistrate Judge Upon a Plea of Guilty [ECF No. 27], filed on February 4, 2021. The Defendant has waived objections to the Findings and Recommendation.
The Court finds that the change of plea conducted by video teleconference complies with Section 15002(b)(2)(A) of the CARES Act. First, General Orders 2020-08, 2020-20, 2020-29, and 2020-39 authorized video conferencing for felony pleas under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11, finding that such hearings cannot be conducted in person without seriously jeopardizing public health and safety as a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Second, the Court finds that the Defendant's felony plea in this case cannot be delayed without serious harm to the interests of justice due to the Defendant's desire to admit his guilt, plead guilty, and proceed to sentencing in a timely manner and the government and public interest in timely processing criminal matters.
Finally, the Defendant consented to video teleconferencing after consultation with counsel. See CARES ACT § 15002(b)(4). Prior to the February 4, 2021 Change of Plea Hearing, the Defendant submitted a Consent to Appear by Video Teleconference [ECF No. 24], in which he provided his consent for court proceedings to be conducted by video teleconference and indicated that his consent was provided freely and voluntarily and that no threats or promises were made to compel him to sign the form.
The Court being duly advised, ADOPTS the Findings and Recommendation of the Magistrate Judge Upon a Plea of Guilty [ECF No. 27] in its entirety and ACCEPTS the recommended disposition. Subject to this Court's consideration of the Plea Agreement pursuant to Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11(c), if applicable and necessary, the plea of guilty to the offense charged in Count 1 of the Indictment is hereby ACCEPTED, and the Defendant is adjudged GUILTY of the offense.
The Sentencing Scheduling Order scheduling sentencing-related deadlines and hearings will be issued by separate order.
SO ORDERED on March 1, 2021.
s/ Theresa L. Springmann
JUDGE THERESA L. SPRINGMANN
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT