Reported / Citable
Background
William Buck Harris appeared before a U.S. magistrate judge on September 6, 2017, and pleaded guilty to Count One of an information. The count charged him with knowingly and intentionally possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1).
The district court had referred administration of the guilty plea under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11 to the magistrate judge. Harris consented to that procedure after consulting counsel, subject to final approval and sentencing by the district court. He and the government also entered a plea agreement that was disclosed and addressed in open court and filed under seal.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Harris was competent, understood the charge and consequences of pleading guilty, and entered his plea knowingly, freely, and voluntarily. The judge also found that the plea was supported by an independent factual basis establishing every essential element of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
The magistrate judge recommended that the district judge accept Harris’s guilty plea and adjudge him guilty on Count One. The recommendation called for deferring acceptance or rejection of the plea agreement until after review of the presentence report and directed Harris to report to the probation department for preparation of that report.
Key Takeaways
- A magistrate judge may administer a felony guilty-plea proceeding as an additional duty when the defendant consents, subject to final action by the district court.
- The Rule 11 inquiry established that Harris’s plea was informed, voluntary, and supported by an adequate factual basis.
- The recommendation addressed acceptance of the guilty plea but left the plea agreement and sentencing for later consideration by the district judge.
Why It Matters
The recommendation illustrates the division of responsibility when a magistrate judge conducts a felony plea proceeding: the magistrate judge evaluates Rule 11 compliance and recommends a disposition, while the district judge retains authority to accept the plea agreement, enter the adjudication, and impose sentence.