Case Information
*1 Case 2:24-cr-00255-JDC-TPL Document 52 Filed 05/19/25 Page 1 of 2 PageID #:
125 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT WESTERN DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA LAKE CHARLES DIVISION UNITED STATES OF AMERICA : CRIMINAL NO. 2:24-cr-00255 VERSUS : JUDGE JAMES D. CAIN, JR. CHRISTOPHER CULTON : MAGISTRATE JUDGE LEBLANC
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION ON FELONY GUILTY PLEA BEFORE UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE
Pursuant to Title 28, United States Code, Section 636(b), and with the written and oral consent of the defendant, this matter has been referred by the District Court for administration of Guilty Plea and Allocution under Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.
This cause came before the undersigned U. S. Magistrate Judge on May 19, 2025, at which time the defendant expressed a desire to waive his right to plead guilty before a District Judge and enter into a plea before the U. S. Magistrate Judge. Defendant indicated on the record his desire to consent to proceed before the undersigned and executed a waiver. Defendant was at all times represented by counsel, Frank Granger and John S McLindon.
After said hearing and for reasons orally assigned, it is the finding of the undersigned that the defendant is fully competent, that his plea of guilty is knowing and voluntary, that his guilty plea to Count Four of the Indictment is fully supported by the written factual basis acknowledged by defendant orally in court and by his signature on the written document. This factual basis supports each essential element of the offense to which the defendant pled.
1 *2 Case 2:24-cr-00255-JDC-TPL Document 52 Filed 05/19/25 Page 2 of 2 PageID #:
126 Therefore the undersigned U.S. Magistrate Judge recommends that the District Court ACCEPT the guilty plea of the defendant, CHRISTOPHER CULTON, and that he be finally adjudged guilty of the offense charged in Count Four of the Indictment.
Sentencing is set for September 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., before the Honorable James David Cain, Jr. in Courtroom #4, Lake Charles, Louisiana. Defendant’s presentencing memorandum is due 14 days before the sentencing hearing, and any response by the government is due 7 days thereafter. Defendant is to remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing.
THUS DONE AND SIGNED in Chambers this 19 th day of May, 2025.
___________________________________ THOMAS P. LEBLANC UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE 2
