UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

NORTHERN DISTRICT OF INDIANA

SOUTH BEND DIVISION

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA )

)

v. ) CAUSE NO. 3:13cr0095 JD

)

DONTRELL SMITH )

FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATION

OF THE MAGISTRATE JUDGE

UPON A PLEA OF GUILTY

On September 12, 2013, the Honorable Jon E. DeGuilio, District Judge, referred this case

to the undersigned to make findings as to whether the defendant (1) is competent to enter a plea;

(2) knowingly and voluntarily wishes to enter a plea to the charge(s); (3) understands the

charge(s); (4) whether there exists a factual basis for the charge(s); and a recommendation as to

whether a plea of guilty should be accepted by the United States District Court Judge. On

September 16, 2013, a hearing was held on the defendant’s request to enter a plea of guilty. 

Appearing for the United States was Assistant United States Donald J. Schmid. Appearing for

the defendant was Matthew D. Soliday; the defendant was personally present. With the written

consent of defendant, his counsel and the counsel for the United States, the undersigned

proceeded to conduct the hearing.

In consideration of that hearing and the statements made by the defendant under oath on

the record and in the presence of counsel, the remarks of the Assistant United States Attorney and

of counsel for defendant,

I FIND as follows:

(1) that defendant is competent to plead guilty;

 (2) that the defendant understands that his answers may later be used against him in a

prosecution for perjury or false statement;

(3) that defendant understands the nature of the charge against him to which the plea is
offered;

(4) that the defendant understands the charge and what the maximum possible sentence is, 

including the effect of the supervised release term, and defendant understands that the sentencing

guidelines apply and that the Court may depart from those guidelines under some circumstances;

(5) that the defendant understands his right to trial by jury, to persist in his plea of not

guilty, to the assistance of counsel at trial, to confront and cross-examine adverse witnesses, and

his right against compelled self-incrimination; to appeal his conviction, if convicted, and that the

defendant has knowingly and voluntarily waived those rights, and wishes to plead guilty.

(6) that the plea of guilty by the defendant has been knowingly and voluntarily made and

is not the result of force or threats or of promises apart from the plea agreement between the

parties; and,

(7) that there is a factual basis for the defendant’s plea.

In light of those findings, I now recommend that; (1) the Court accept the defendant’s

plea of guilty (2) that the defendant be adjudged guilty of Counts 1, 2 and 3 of the Indictment,

both in violation of Title 18, U.S.C. §922(g)(1); Title 21, U.S.C. §841(a)(1) and Title18, U.S.C.

§111 and have sentence imposed. A Presentence Report has been ordered. Should this Report

and Recommendation be accepted and the Defendant adjudged guilty, sentencing has been

scheduled for December 20, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. (EDT), before Judge Jon E. DeGuilio. 

Sentencing memorandum and any motions shall be filed no later than December 13, 2013. 

Objections to the Findings and Recommendation are waived unless filed and served within

fourteen (14) days. 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(B).

DATED: September 16, 2013

 s/Christopher A. Nuechterlein 

Christopher A. Nuechterlein

United States Magistrate Judge

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