USA v. Harris et al

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF TENNESSEE
AT CHATTANOOGA
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
v.
MICHAEL BROWN
)
)
)
)
)
Case No. 1:25-cr-00029
District Judge Travis R. McDonough
Magistrate Judge Christopher H. 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 December 15, 2025. At the hearing, Defendant entered a plea of
guilty to Counts One and Nine 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 Counts One and Nine of the ten count Indictment; (2) accept Defendant’s guilty plea
to Counts One and Nine of the ten count Indictment; (3) adjudicate Defendant guilty of Count
One: conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 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)
adjudicate Defendant guilty of Count Nine: possession with intent to distribute a mixture and
substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§
841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C); and (5) order that Defendant remain in custody pending sentencing or
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further order of this Court.
The Defendant’s sentencing hearing is scheduled before the Honorable Chief United States
District Judge Travis R. McDonough on May 8, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
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 waiver of any further right to challenge
the plea of guilty in this matter. See 28 U.S.C. § 636(b).
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