FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

EDMUND F. BRENNAN, Magistrate Judge.

This matter came before the Honorable Judge Edmund F. Brennan on plaintiff United States' ex parte motion for default judgment. There was no appearance by or on behalf of any other person or entity claiming an interest in the defendant real property to oppose plaintiff's motion. Based on plaintiff's motion and the files and records of the court, THE COURT FINDS as follows:

1. This action arose out of a Verified Complaint for Forfeiture In Rem filed January 26, 2011.

2. Plaintiff United States of America has moved this Court, pursuant to Local Rule 540, for entry of default judgment of forfeiture against potential claimant Josh Ruppert.

3. The Clerk entered default against potential claimant Josh Ruppert on March 29, 2011.

4. Plaintiff has shown that a complaint for forfeiture was filed; that potential claimant Josh Ruppert received notice of the forfeiture action; that any and all other unknown potential claimants have been served by publication; and that grounds exist for entry of a final judgment of forfeiture.

Therefore, IT IS RECOMMENDED as follows:

1. That plaintiff's motion for default judgment and final judgment of forfeiture be granted;

2. That a judgment by default be entered against any right, title, or interest of potential claimant Josh Ruppert in the defendant real property;

3. That a final judgment be entered, forfeiting all right, title, and interest in the defendant real property to the United States of America, to be disposed of according to law.

4. That the Default Judgment and Final Judgment of Forfeiture lodged herein be signed by the Honorable Morrison C. England, Jr. and filed by the Clerk of the Court.