Opinion ID: 3150928
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Criminal Information and Guilty Plea

Text: On September 19, 2014, the government charged Ikejiani by criminal information with one count of holding misbranded drugs for sale in interstate commerce with intent to defraud, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 331(k). Ikejiani initially pleaded not guilty, but later pleaded guilty without the benefit of a plea agreement. At a November 7, 2014 change of plea hearing, the district court placed Ikejiani under oath and informed him that he could be prosecuted for perjury if he made any false statements. Ikejiani testified that he understood the purpose of the hearing, read the criminal information in its entirety, understood the charges against him him, discussed the evidence with his attorney, and understood everything his attorney had told him about the case. The court then read the criminal information aloud, and Ikejiani confirmed that he understood the charge against him. Ikejiani also confirmed that he read the written factual proffer in its entirety and signed it. Moreover, the factual proffer was explained by Ikejiani’s attorney, Ikejiani understood everything in it, and Ikejiani confirmed that all of the facts set forth therein were true and accurate. The district court then informed Ikejiani of the consequences of pleading guilty, including the forfeiture of several rights. The 4 Case: 15-10486 Date Filed: 10/30/2015 Page: 5 of 17 district court ultimately accepted Ikejiani’s guilty plea and adjudicated him guilty of the charged offense.