Opinion
2:20-cr-015-Z-BR-3
09-02-2020
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Plaintiff, v. ROBERT VERA Defendant.
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION CONCERNING PLEA OF GUILTY
ROBERT VERA, by consent, under authority of United States v. Dees, 125 F.3d 261 (5th Cir. 1997), has appeared before me pursuant to FED. R. CRIM. P. 11, and has entered a plea of guilty to Count 5 of the Indictment. ROBERT VERA previously filed a written consent to appear via Video Teleconference ("VTC"), pursuant to Special Order 13-9 and Amended Special Order 13-9 signed by Chief Judge Lynn, for his guilty plea hearing. After cautioning and examining ROBERT VERA under oath concerning his consent to appear for such hearing via VTC, I determined that the consent to proceed via VTC was knowledgeable and voluntarily made. After cautioning and examining ROBERT VERA under oath concerning each of the subjects mentioned in Rule 11, I determined that the guilty plea was knowledgeable and voluntary and that the offense charged is supported by an independent basis in fact containing each of the essential elements of such offense. I therefore recommend that the plea of guilty be accepted, and that ROBERT VERA be adjudged guilty of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(l) and 841(b)(l)(B)(viii) - DISTRIBUTION AND POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE FIVE GRAMS OR MORE OF METHAMPHETAMINE (ACTUAL) and have sentence imposed accordingly. After being found guilty of the offense by the District Judge, [×] The defendant is currently in custody and should be ordered to remain in custody. [ ] The defendant must be ordered detained pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3143(a)(1) unless the Court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant is not likely to flee or pose a danger to any other person or the community if released.
[ ] The Government does not oppose release.
[ ] The defendant has been compliant with the current conditions of release.
[ ] I find by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant is not likely to flee or pose a danger to any other person or the community if released and should therefore be released under § 3142(b) or (c).
[ ] The Government opposes release.[ ] The defendant must be ordered detained pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3143(a)(2) unless (1)(a) the Court finds there is a substantial likelihood that a motion for acquittal or new trial will be granted, or (b) the Government has recommended that no sentence of imprisonment be imposed, or (c) exceptional circumstances are clearly shown under § 3145(c) why the defendant should not be detained, and (2) the Court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant is not likely to flee or pose a danger to any other person or the community if released.
[ ] The defendant has not been compliant with the conditions of release.
[ ] If the Court accepts this recommendation, this matter should be set for hearing upon motion of the Government.
SIGNED SEPTEMBER 2, 2020.
/s/_________
LEE ANN RENO
UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE
NOTICE
Failure to file written objections to this Report and Recommendation within fourteen (14) days from the date of its service shall bar an aggrieved party from attacking such Report and Recommendation before the assigned United States District Judge. 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(B).