David A. Faber Senior United States District Judge
MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDERIn Bluefield, on December 3, 2020, came the defendant Jan Rucker, in person and by counsel, Rico R. Moore, Esquire, and came the United States by Timothy D. Boggess, Assistant United States Attorney, for the purpose of considering the defendant's plea of guilty to the two-count indictment, charging him with possession with the intent to distribute hydromorphone, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1), and use and carry of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A).
The court inquired of the defendant, addressing him personally and by counsel, to determine the competency of the defendant to proceed. The court found the defendant competent.
The Assistant United States Attorney then offered for the court's consideration and summarized the entirety of a written plea agreement signed by both the defendant and his counsel, which signatures the defendant and his counsel acknowledged in court.
The court informed the defendant of the maximum penalties to which he will be exposed by virtue of his pleas of guilty and defendant acknowledged his understanding of the same.
The court next inquired as to the defendant's pleas and the defendant responded that he intended to plead guilty. The court explained the range of penalties to which the defendant would be exposed by virtue of his guilty pleas. The court also explained the statutes under which this action is prosecuted and the elements which the United States would have had to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, had the matter been tried. The Assistant United States Attorney then stated the factual basis establishing that the defendant committed the offenses to which he was pleading guilty. The defendant admitted that the factual basis as stated was substantially true.
The court inquired of the defendant personally as to whether any threats or promises had been made to him to induce him to plead, whether any predictions were made regarding the sentence he might receive, and whether he had any second thoughts about entering a pleas of guilty, to which questions the defendant responded in the negative.
Based upon the defendant's pleas of guilty, as well as his factual admission of guilt, the court found that there existed a factual and legal basis for the defendant's pleas of guilty. Based upon the United States' proffer of evidence against the defendant, the court found that there also existed an independent factual basis for the defendant's pleas of guilty. The court further found that the defendant tendered his pleas of guilty voluntarily and with a full understanding and awareness of the constitutional and other rights which he gives up by pleading guilty, and with an awareness of what the United States would have to prove against him if the case went to trial. The court further found that the defendant had an appreciation of the consequences of his pleas and accepted the defendant's pleas of guilty.
Pursuant to Sentencing Guideline § 6B1.1(c), the court deferred acceptance of the plea agreement and an adjudication of guilt pending receipt of the presentence investigation report. Accordingly, the court adjudges and the defendant now stands provisionally guilty of the two-count indictment.
The court scheduled the disposition of this matter for March 23, 2021, at 11:00 a.m., in Bluefield. The Probation Department is directed to conduct a presentence investigation in this matter and to provide a report to this court. Unless otherwise directed by this court, the probation officer is not to disclose the officer's sentencing recommendation to anyone except the court.
Sentencing Memoranda are NOT required. If a party wishes to file a sentencing memorandum, that memorandum must be filed no later than TWO business days prior to the sentencing hearing.
The court found by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant was not a flight risk or a danger to the community and continued the defendant on a $10,000 unsecured bond. Defendant's release on bond shall be subject to the same conditions imposed when bond was originally set.
The Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Memorandum Opinion and Order to counsel of record, the United States Marshal for the Southern District of West Virginia and the Probation Office of this court.
IT IS SO ORDERED this 3rd day of December, 2020.
ENTER:
/s/_________
David A. Faber
Senior United States District Judge
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