Opinion
CR 23-11-BU-DLC
12-18-2023
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff, v. JUAN JOSE ROMERO, Defendant.
FINDINGS & RECOMMENDATION CONCERNING PLEA
KATHLEEN L. DESOTO, UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE.
The Defendant, by consent, has appeared before me under Fed. R. Crim. P. 11 and has entered a plea of guilty to the charge of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) (Count I), as set forth in the Indictment. In exchange for Defendant's plea, the United States as agreed to dismiss Count II of the Indictment and the forfeiture allegation.
After examining the Defendant under oath, I have made the following determinations:
1. That the Defendant is fully competent and capable of entering an informed and voluntary plea, 2. That the Defendant is aware of the nature of the charge against him and consequences of pleading guilty to. the charge,
3. That the Defendant fully understands his constitutional rights, and the extent to which he is waiving those rights by pleading guilty, and
4. That the plea of guilty is a knowing and voluntary plea, supported by an independent basis in fact sufficient to prove each of the essential elements of the offense charged.
The Court further concludes that the Defendant had adequate time to review the Plea Agreement with counsel, that he fully understands each and every provision of the agreement and that all of the statements in the Plea Agreement are true. Therefore, I recommend that the Defendant be adjudged guilty of Count I of the Indictment, and that sentence be imposed. I further recommend that Count II of the Indictment and the forfeiture allegation be dismissed.
This report is forwarded with the recommendation that the Court defer a decision regarding acceptance until the Court has reviewed the Plea Agreement and the presentence report.