USA v. Slabaugh

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF TENNESSEE
AT CHATTANOOGA
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
v.
JOSEPH SLABAUGH
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)
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)
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Case No. 1:25-cr-00107
District Judge Charles E. Atchley, Jr.
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 12, 2025. At the hearing, Defendant entered a plea of
guilty to Count One of the one count Information. 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 one count Information; (2) accept Defendant’s guilty plea to Count
One of the one count Information; (3) adjudicate Defendant guilty of attempt to possess child
pornography in violation of 18 U.S.C § 2252A(a)(5)(B) and 2252A(b)(2); and (4) order that
Defendant remain out of custody subject to the Order Setting Conditions of Release [Doc. 8]
pending sentencing or further order of the Court.
Defendant’s sentencing hearing is scheduled before the Honorable United States District
Judge Charles E. Atchley, Jr., on May 7, 2026, at 10:00 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 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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