Reported / Citable
Background
The district court referred Trevor White, Jr.’s guilty-plea proceeding to U.S. Magistrate Judge Christine L. Stetson for administration under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11. After conducting the required hearing, Judge Stetson issued findings of fact and recommended that the court accept White’s plea.
Judge Stetson also recommended adjudging White guilty on Count One of the indictment, which charged inmate possession of a prohibited object in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1791(a)(2). Neither party objected to the magistrate judge’s findings or recommendation.
The Court’s Holding
The district court adopted Judge Stetson’s findings of fact and recommendation concerning White’s guilty plea. It accepted White’s plea after noting that the parties had filed no objections.
Consistent with the plea and the magistrate judge’s recommendation, the court adjudged White guilty on Count One of the indictment for inmate possession of a prohibited object under 18 U.S.C. § 1791(a)(2).
Key Takeaways
- The court adopted the magistrate judge’s unopposed findings and recommendation on White’s guilty plea.
- The court formally accepted White’s plea following a Rule 11 proceeding before the magistrate judge.
- White was adjudged guilty of inmate possession of a prohibited object under 18 U.S.C. § 1791(a)(2).
Why It Matters
The order completes the plea-acceptance and guilt-adjudication stage of the prosecution. It also illustrates the district court’s use of a magistrate judge to conduct a Rule 11 plea proceeding and recommend whether the plea should be accepted.