The following transcript contains a word-for-word account of what was said during a federal violation of supervised release (VOSR) hearing for the USA v. Luke Wenke case that took place on November 21st, 2023. Wenke had previously pleaded guilty to a violation charge and was due to be sentenced during the hearing, but his sentencing was postponed for a few reasons.

During the proceeding, the parties involved in the case discussed some unforeseen hurdles they had encountered in their efforts to situate Wenke’s court-mandated intensive outpatient mental health treatment. Wenke’s probation officer revealed that the defendant’s most recent provider of services had recommended a type of evaluation that Wenke had not yet undergone, while U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo, aka the prosecution, emphasized the importance of determining whether Luke Wenke is merely a prolific letter-writer or if he poses a physical danger to the community.

Echoing the aforementioned sentiments, the judge highlighted the need for Luke Wenke’s public defender to help Wenke understand the distinction between legally protected freedom of speech and speech that constitutes criminal conduct. Wenke was ordered to undergo the recommended evaluation and remanded into continued custody while the parties overseeing his case made arrangements for the assessment to take place.

USA v. Luke Wenke – Transcript
November 21^st, 2023

Case #1:22-cr-00035, DOC. #207