Reported / Citable
Background
Riley Dale Roussarie was charged in Count One of the indictment with violating 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C). The district judge referred the matter to U.S. Magistrate Judge Ronald C. Griffin under 28 U.S.C. § 636(b) to administer the guilty plea and allocution required by Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11.
At a July 16, 2026 hearing, Roussarie consented in writing to plead before the magistrate judge and entered a guilty plea under a written plea agreement. He was advised that Count One carried up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $1 million, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.
The Court’s Holding
After conducting the Rule 11 proceeding, the magistrate judge found that Roussarie knowingly and voluntarily consented to the magistrate judge’s administration of the plea, subject to the district judge’s final approval and imposition of sentence. The magistrate judge also found that Roussarie was competent, understood the charge and the consequences of pleading guilty, and entered a knowing and voluntary plea.
The magistrate judge further found an independent factual basis supporting every essential element of the offense. He therefore recommended—not finally ordered—that the district judge accept Roussarie’s guilty plea and adjudge him guilty of Count One. The parties were given 14 days after service to file specific written objections.
Key Takeaways
- The magistrate judge found that Roussarie’s guilty plea satisfied Rule 11’s competency, knowledge, voluntariness, and factual-basis requirements.
- The recommendation concerns Count One, charging a violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C).
- Final acceptance of the plea, adjudication of guilt, and sentencing remain with the district judge.
Why It Matters
The recommendation documents the procedural findings necessary before a federal felony guilty plea may be accepted. It also preserves the district judge’s authority to make the final decision while allowing the parties an opportunity to object to the magistrate judge’s findings and recommendation.