REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION

KATHERINE P. NELSON, Magistrate Judge.

On March 1, 2018, the Defendant, Michael James Reed, along with Paul Brown Esq., his counsel of record, appeared before the undersigned United States Magistrate Judge to enter a change of plea pursuant to a written plea agreement. Defendant consented to have his plea taken by the undersigned. Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell was present for the government at the change of plea hearing.

The Court explained to Defendant the nature of the charges against him, the maximum penalties applicable, his constitutional rights, the Sentencing Guidelines, and that the District Judge would not be bound by any agreement of the parties as to the penalty imposed.

After cautioning and examining the Defendant under oath concerning each of the subjects mentioned in Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11, the undersigned determined that the guilty plea was knowing and voluntary as to Count 2 and Count 4 of the Superseding Indictment and that the offenses charged are supported by an independent and factual basis containing each of the essential elements of such offense. Based on the foregoing, it is the recommendation of the undersigned that the plea of guilty be accepted, that a presentence investigation and report be prepared, and that the Defendant be adjudicated guilty and have sentence imposed accordingly.

The matter is hereby scheduled for sentencing on July 24, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. before United States District Judge William H. Steele.