USA v. Walker, et al

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
WESTERN DISTRICT OF MICHIGAN
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
Plaintiff,
v.
WENDELL CHRISTOPHER WELLS,
Defendant.
________________________________/
Hon. Jane M. Beckering
Case No. 1:25-cr-139
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION
Pursuant to W.D.Mich. LCrR. 11.1, I conducted a plea hearing in the captioned case on
February 9, 2026, after receiving consent of defendant and all counsel in writing and on the record.
At the hearing, defendant Wendell Christopher Wells entered a plea of guilty to Count 1 of the
Superseding Indictment in exchange for the undertakings made by the government in the written
plea agreement. In Count 1 of the Superseding Indictment, defendant is charged with conspiracy
to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§
841(a)(1), (b)(1)(A)(viii), 846. On the basis of the record made at the hearing, I find that defendant
is fully capable and competent to enter an informed plea; that the plea is made knowingly and with
full understanding of each of the rights waived by defendant; that it is made voluntarily and free
from any force, threats, or promises, apart from the promises in the plea agreement; that the
defendant understands the nature of the charge and penalties provided by law; and that the plea
has a sufficient basis in fact.
I therefore recommend that defendant's plea of guilty to Count 1 of the Superseding
Indictment be accepted, that the court adjudicate defendant guilty, and that the written plea
agreement be considered for acceptance at the time of sentencing. Acceptance of the plea,
Case 1:25-cr-00139-JMB ECF No. 90, PageID.<pageID> Filed 02/09/26 Page 1 of 2

2
adjudication of guilt, acceptance of the plea agreement, and imposition of sentence are specifically
reserved for the district judge.
Dated: February 9, 2026 	/s/ Sally J. Berens
SALLY J. BERENS
U.S. Magistrate Judge
OBJECTIONS to this Report and Recommendation must be filed with the Clerk of Court
within 14 days of the date of service of this notice. 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(C). Failure to file
objections within the specified time waives the right to appeal the District Court’s order. See
Thomas v. Arn, 474 U.S. 140 (1985); United States v. Walters, 638 F.2d 947 (6th Cir. 1981).
Case 1:25-cr-00139-JMB ECF No. 90, PageID.<pageID> Filed 02/09/26 Page 2 of 2