USA v. Harris et al

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF TENNESSEE
AT CHATTANOOGA
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
v.
DWAYNE SMITH
)
)
)
)
)
Case No. 1:25-cr-00029
Judges McDonough/Steger
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION
Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(b), the undersigned United States Magistrate Judge conducted
a plea hearing in this case on March 11, 2026. At the hearing, Defendant entered a plea of guilty
to Count One of the ten count Indictment. On the basis of the record made at the hearing, the Court
finds that Defendant is fully competent and capable of entering an informed plea; the plea is made
knowingly and with full understanding of each of the rights waived by Defendant; it is made
voluntarily and free from any force, threats, or promises; Defendant understands the nature of the
charges and penalties provided by law; and the plea has a sufficient basis in fact. Acceptance of
the plea, adjudication of guilt, acceptance of the Plea Agreement, and imposition of sentence are
specifically reserved for the District Judge.
I therefore recommend that the Court: (1) grant Defendant’s motion to withdraw his not
guilty plea to Count One of the ten count Indictment; (2) accept Defendant's guilty plea to Count
One of the ten count Indictment; (3) adjudicate Defendant guilty of conspiracy to distribute 50
grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A),
and 846; and (4) order that Defendant remain in custody pending sentencing or further order of
this Court.
The Defendant’s sentencing hearing is scheduled before the Honorable Chief United States
District Judge Travis R. McDonough on August 7, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
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ENTER.
/s/ Christopher H. Steger
UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE
NOTICE TO PARTIES
You have the right to de novo review by the district judge of the foregoing findings. Any
application for review must be in writing; must specify the portions of the findings or
proceedings objected to; and must be filed and served no later than fourteen (14) days after the
plea hearing. Failure to file objections within fourteen days constitutes a forfeiture of any further
right to challenge the plea of guilty in this matter. See 28 U.S.C. § 636(b).
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