REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION

CHRISTOPHER H. STEGER, Magistrate Judge.

Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(b), I conducted a plea hearing in this case on September 29, 2015. At the hearing, defendant entered a plea of guilty to the lesser included offense in Count Two of the Superseding Indictment, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine actual and fifty grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, in violation of 21 USC §§ 846 and 841(b)(1)(B), in exchange for the undertakings made by the government in the written plea agreement. On the basis of the record made at the hearing, I find that the defendant is fully capable and competent to enter an informed plea; that the plea is made knowingly and with full understanding of each of the rights waived by defendant; that it is made voluntarily and free from any force, threats, or promises, apart from the promises in the plea agreement; that the defendant understands the nature of the charge and penalties provided by law; and that the plea has a sufficient basis in fact.

I therefore recommend that defendant's plea of guilty to the lesser included offense in Count Two of the Superseding Indictment be accepted, that the Court adjudicate defendant guilty of the charges set forth in the lesser included offense in Count Two of the Superseding Indictment, and that the written plea agreement be accepted at the time of sentencing. I further recommend that defendant remain in custody until sentencing in this matter. Acceptance of the plea, adjudication of guilt, acceptance of the plea agreement, and imposition of sentence are specifically reserved for the district judge.

The defendant's sentencing date is scheduled for Monday, March 14, 2016, at 2:00 pm.