USA v. Lacey et al

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF TENNESSEE
AT CHATTANOOGA
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 	)
)
v. 	) 	No. 1-25-cr-28-TRM/MJD
)
SARA ASHLEE MEREDITH 	)
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION
On November 19, 2025, this Court conducted a plea hearing pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(b).
At the hearing, Defendant moved to withdraw her not guilty plea to Count Four of the Indictment
and entered a plea of guilty to Count Four of the Indictment in exchange for the undertakings made
by the Government in the written amended plea agreement [Doc. 53]. On the basis of the record
made at the hearing, this Court finds: (1) Defendant is fully capable and competent to enter an
informed plea; (2) Defendant made the plea knowingly and with full understanding of each of the
rights she waived; (3) Defendant made the plea voluntarily and free from any force, threats, or
promises, apart from the promises in the amended plea agreement; (4) Defendant understands the
nature of the charge and penalties provided by law; and (5) the plea has a sufficient basis in fact.
Therefore, this Court RECOMMENDS Defendant’s motion to withdraw her not guilty
plea to Count Four of the Indictment be granted, her plea of guilty to Count Four of the Indictment
be accepted, the District Judge adjudicate Defendant guilty of the charges set forth in Count Four
of the Indictment, and a decision on whether to accept the amended plea agreement be deferred
until sentencing. This Court further RECOMMENDS Defendant remain in custody until
sentencing in this matter. Acceptance of the plea, adjudication of guilt, acceptance of the amended
plea agreement [Doc. 53], and imposition of sentence are specifically reserved for the District
Judge.
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ENTER:
s/
MIKE DUMITRU
UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE
NOTICE TO PARTIES
You have the right to de novo review of the foregoing findings by the district judge. 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 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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