Reported / Citable
Background
Julius Terrell Nix pleaded guilty to Count One of an information charging him with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1).
The district court had referred the matter to U.S. Magistrate Judge Christine L. Stetson to administer the plea under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11. After conducting the plea hearing, Judge Stetson recommended that the district court accept Nix’s plea and adjudge him guilty. Neither party objected to her findings and recommendation.
The Court’s Holding
U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone adopted the magistrate judge’s findings of fact and recommendation. The court accepted Nix’s guilty plea and adjudged him guilty of Count One.
The court did not yet accept the plea agreement. It deferred that decision until after reviewing the presentence report.
Key Takeaways
- The district court adopted the unopposed recommendation arising from Nix’s Rule 11 plea proceeding.
- Nix was adjudged guilty of possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute under 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1).
- Acceptance of the guilty plea did not constitute acceptance of the plea agreement, which remained subject to review after preparation of the presentence report.
Why It Matters
The order moves the prosecution into its post-plea phase by formally adjudicating Nix guilty. It also preserves the district court’s ability to evaluate the plea agreement after reviewing the sentencing information contained in the presentence report.