REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS

MICHAEL R. MERZ, Magistrate Judge.

This case came on for hearing on April 13, 2018. The Unites States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Hunt and Defendant was represented by Attorney Christopher Deal. Pursuant to General Order DAY 13-01, Judge Rice requested the Magistrate Judge to preside and Defendant orally consented.

The undersigned examined Defendant under oath as to her understanding of the Plea Agreement and the effect of entering a guilty plea pursuant to that Agreement. Having conducted the colloquy, the Magistrate Judge is persuaded the Defendant understands the rights waived by entering a guilty plea and is competent to do so. The Magistrate Judge also concludes that execution of the Plea Agreement, which was acknowledged in open court, is Defendant=s voluntary, knowing, and intelligent act. It is therefore respectfully recommended that the Plea Agreement be accepted.

Defendant having executed the Plea Agreement, she tendered a plea of guilty to the offense charged in the Information. The Magistrate Judge concludes the guilty plea is knowing, intelligent, and voluntary and that the Statement of Facts made a part of the Plea Agreement, whose truth Defendant acknowledged, provides a sufficient factual basis for a finding of guilt. It is therefore respectfully recommended that the guilty plea be accepted and Defendant be found guilty as charged in the Information.

Anticipating the District Court=s adoption of this Report and Recommendations, the Magistrate Judge referred the Defendant for a pre-sentence investigation, continued Defendant on bond, and set sentencing before District Judge Walter H. Rice on July 10, 2018, at 1:30 A.M. in Courtroom No. 1.