Reported / Citable
Background
Leonard Stewart, Jr. was charged in Count One of an indictment with violating 18 U.S.C. § 2250(a). The district judge referred the matter to U.S. Magistrate Judge Ronald C. Griffin to administer Stewart’s guilty plea and allocution under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11.
At the September 30, 2026 hearing, Stewart consented in writing to proceed before the magistrate judge and pleaded guilty without a written plea agreement. The court advised him that Count One carried up to 10 years in prison, five years to life of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.
The Court’s Holding
Judge Griffin found that Stewart knowingly and voluntarily consented to the magistrate judge’s administration of the plea proceeding. He further found Stewart competent to enter an informed plea and aware of the charge, the plea’s consequences, and the applicable penalties.
The magistrate judge also found that Stewart’s guilty plea was knowing and voluntary and supported by an independent factual basis establishing every essential element of the offense. He therefore recommended—not finally ordered—that the district judge accept the plea and adjudge Stewart guilty.
Key Takeaways
- Stewart pleaded guilty to violating 18 U.S.C. § 2250(a) without a written plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge found that the Rule 11 requirements were satisfied and that the plea had an adequate factual basis.
- The recommendation remains subject to the district judge’s final approval, and the parties have 14 days after service to file specific written objections.
Why It Matters
The recommendation documents the procedural findings required before a federal felony guilty plea may be accepted. It does not itself constitute final acceptance of the plea, an adjudication of guilt, or a sentence; those matters remain for the district judge.