United States v. Howard

Case summary

United States v. Howard is a federal court case on the docket of the District Court, N.D. Ohio, where it is recorded under case number 1:25-cr-00179. It was filed on April 16, 2025, and the public docket records no termination date. Court records list 2 parties, among them United States of America (Plaintiff) and Raydon Howard (Defendant). Dan Aaron Polster is the judge assigned to the case. The public docket contains 66 entries. The most recent entry, dated July 29, 2026, reads: Response as to Raydon Howard (1) re 51 Motion to continue Sentencing Hearing (Weintraub, Craig) (Entered: 07/29/2026). The entry before it, dated July 29, 2026, reads: Motion to continue Sentencing Hearing by United States of America as to Raydon Howard (1). (Crook, Elizabeth) (Entered: 07/29/2026). This page compiles publicly available docket information for Howard from the free RECAP archive.

Parties

• United States of AmericaPlaintiff
• Raydon HowardDefendant

Docket entries

66 entries on the public docket.

1. Entry 52July 29, 2026

   Response as to Raydon Howard (1) re 51 Motion to continue Sentencing Hearing (Weintraub, Craig) (Entered: 07/29/2026)

2. Entry 51July 29, 2026

   Motion to continue Sentencing Hearing by United States of America as to Raydon Howard (1). (Crook, Elizabeth) (Entered: 07/29/2026)

3. July 29, 2026

   Order [non-document] The Government's 51 Motion to Continue Sentencing and Set Briefing Schedule as to Raydon Howard (1) is denied. The Court has given Defendant 48 hours to decide how to proceed. If Defendant decides to proceed with his 49 Motion to Withdraw Plea of Guilty, the Court will set a briefing schedule, allowing the Government as much time as necessary to file a response, and set a hearing upon AUSA Doroodian's return to work. If Defendant decides with withdraw his motion, the Court will proceed with sentencing. Entered on behalf of Judge Dan Aaron Polster on 7/29/2026. (K,K)

4. Entry 50July 28, 2026

   Filing Error - Incorrect Document. Motion to continue Sentencing Hearing by United States of America as to Raydon Howard (1). (Crook, Elizabeth) Modified on 7/29/2026 (K,K). (Entered: 07/28/2026)

5. July 28, 2026

   Minutes of proceedings [non-document] before Judge Dan Aaron Polster. Defendant present and represented by Craig Weintraub. Elizabeth Crook present on behalf of the Government. Rene Heiser present on behalf of U.S. Pretrial Services and Probation. On July 25, 2026, Defendant filed a Motion to Withdraw Plea of Guilty (ECF 49 ). As a result, the Court deferred sentencing to discuss the motion with the parties. For the reasons stated on the record, the Court continued the hearing to 7/30/2026 at 11:30 AM in Courtroom 18B to allow the parties additional time to discuss how to proceed. Defendant to remain in custody. (Court Reporter Gregory Mizanin) Time: 52 minutes. (K,K)

6. Entry 49July 25, 2026

   Motion to Withdraw Plea of Guilty by Raydon Howard (1). (Weintraub, Craig) (Entered: 07/25/2026)

7. Entry 46June 18, 2026

   Motion for extension of time until 7/21/26 to file Objections to First Disclosure of the PSR by Raydon Howard (1). (Weintraub, Craig) (Entered: 06/18/2026)

8. June 18, 2026

   Order [non-document] granting Defendant's 46 Motion for extension of time until 7/21/26 to file Objections to First Disclosure of the PSR as to Raydon Howard (1). Approved by Judge Dan Aaron Polster on 6/18/2026. (K,K)

9. Entry 44May 6, 2026

   Preliminary Order of Forfeiture of Property as to Raydon Howard (1). (Related document 43 ) Signed by Judge Dan Aaron Polster on 5/6/2026. (K,K) (Entered: 05/06/2026)

10. Entry 43May 6, 2026

    Motion for Forfeiture of Property (Preliminary) by United States of America as to Raydon Howard (1). (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Preliminary Order of Forfeiture)(Morford, James) (Entered: 05/06/2026)

11. Entry 42April 7, 2026

    Plea Agreement as to Raydon Howard (1). (K,K) (Entered: 04/07/2026)

12. April 7, 2026

    Minutes of proceedings [non-document] before Judge Dan Aaron Polster. Change of Plea Hearing as to Raydon Howard (1) held on 4/7/2026. Defendant Howard present and represented by Craig Weintraub. Elizabeth Crook and Payum Doroodian present on behalf of the Government. Plea entered by Raydon Howard (1) - Guilty to Counts 1, 2, and 3. Sentencing set for 7/28/2026 at 01:30 PM in Courtroom 18B before Judge Dan Aaron Polster. This matter is referred to Pretrial/Probation for preparation of a Presentence Investigation Report. Defendant to remain in custody. (Court Reporter Heather Newman) Time: 20 minutes. (K,K)

13. Entry 41March 24, 2026

    SEALED Document: Manual Filing of Exhibit 4 to Response in Opposition to Motin in Limine by United States of America as to Raydon Howard (1). Flash Drive on file with Clerk's Office. (Related document(s) 39, 37, 40 ). (H,SP) (Entered: 03/24/2026)

14. Entry 40March 24, 2026

    SEALED Document: Supplement to Response in Opposition to Motion in Limine by United States of America as to Raydon Howard (1). Related document(s) 39, 37 . (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - LH Posts, # 2 Exhibit 2 - Raydon Messages, # 3 Exhibit 3 - Instagram, # 4 Exhibit 4 - Placeholder, # 5 Exhibit 5 -Cell Phone Analysis) (Crook, Elizabeth) (Entered: 03/24/2026)

15. Entry 39March 24, 2026

    Marginal Entry Order granting the USA's 38 Motion for leave to seal exhibits in support of Government's 37 Brief in Opposition to Defendant's 34 Motion in Limine as to Raydon Howard (1). Signed by Judge Dan Aaron Polster on 3/24/2026. (K,K) (Entered: 03/24/2026)

16. Entry 38March 23, 2026

    Motion to Seal Exhibits in support of government's brief in opposition to defendant's motion in limine by United States of America as to Raydon Howard (1). (Crook, Elizabeth) Modified text on 4/7/2026 (L,MI). (Entered: 03/23/2026)

17. Entry 37March 23, 2026

    Response by United States of America in opposition to Motion in Limine to Prohibit the Admissibility of non Res Gestae Evidence 34 as to Raydon Howard (1) (Crook, Elizabeth) (Entered: 03/23/2026)

18. Entry 36March 10, 2026

    Notice of Expert Testimony of DEA SA Shaun Moses as to Raydon Howard (1) (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - Expert Summary of Testimony).(Crook, Elizabeth) (Entered: 03/10/2026)

19. March 10, 2026

    Minutes of proceedings [non-document] before Judge Dan Aaron Polster. Final Pretrial Conference as to Raydon Howard (1) held on 3/10/2026. Defendant present and represented by Craig Weintraub. Elizabeth Crook and Payum Doroodian present on behalf of the Government. For the reasons stated on the record, the Court denied Defendant's 35 Motion to prohibit reference to prior convictions and status as a convicted felon, granted Defendant's 31 Unopposed Motion to continue Trial, and granted the Government's oral motion to amend the indictment to correct typographical errors. The Court, finding, under 18 U.S.C. §§ 3161(h)(7)(A), (h)(7)(B)(i), and (h)(B)(iv), that the ends of justice served by continuance of trial outweigh the best interests of the public and the Defendant in a speedy trial, issued the following trial schedule: A Pretrial Conference/Change of Plea Hearing is set for 4/7/2026 at 02:15 PM in Courtroom 18B before Judge Dan Aaron Polster. A Final Pretrial Conference set for 6/9/2026 at 10:00 AM in Courtroom 18B before Judge Dan Aaron Polster. Jury Trial set for 6/15/2026 at 01:00 PM in Courtroom 18B before Judge Dan Aaron Polster. The parties are directed to contact the Court's deputy if an earlier change of plea hearing date is necessary. JERS exhibits are to be submitted to the Court's deputy no later than 6/9/2026. The Court discussed Defendant's 34 Motion in Limine to Prohibit the Admissibility of non Res Gestae Evidence with the parties. The Government's response is due on or before 3/23/2026. Defendant's reply is due on or before 3/30/2026. Defendant to remain in custody. (Court Reporter Gregory Mizanin) Time: 43 minutes.(K,K)

20. Entry 35March 9, 2026

    Motion to prohibit reference to prior convictions and status as a convicted felon by Raydon Howard (1). (Weintraub, Craig) (Entered: 03/09/2026)

21. Entry 35March 9, 2026

    Motion to prohibit reference to prior convictions and status as a convicted felon by Raydon Howard (1). (Weintraub, Craig) (Entered: 03/09/2026)

22. Entry 33March 6, 2026

    Amended Joint Proposed Jury Instructions by United States of America as to Raydon Howard (1). (Doroodian, Payum) Modified text on 3/10/2026 (L,MI). (Entered: 03/06/2026)

23. Entry 32March 6, 2026

    Joint Proposed Preliminary Statement by United States of America as to Raydon Howard (1). (Doroodian, Payum) Modified text on 3/10/2026 (L,MI). (Entered: 03/06/2026)

24. Entry 31March 5, 2026

    Unopposed Motion to continue Trial by Raydon Howard (1). (Weintraub, Craig) (Entered: 03/05/2026)

25. Entry 30March 5, 2026

    Trial Brief by Raydon Howard (1) (Weintraub, Craig) (Entered: 03/05/2026)

26. March 5, 2026

    Minutes of proceedings [non-document] before Judge Dan Aaron Polster. Impromptu Telephone Conference as to Raydon Howard (1) held on 3/5/2026 with defense attorney Craig Weintraub and AUSA's Payum Doroodian and Elizabeth Crook. The Court discussed Defendant's 31 Unopposed Motion to continue Trial with the parties. Defense counsel advised he would meet with his client in the Courthouse prior to the Final Pretrial Conference set for March 10th to determine how he would like to proceed and how much additional time would be necessary for rescheduling trial, if necessary. (Court Reporter Gregory Mizanin) Time: 12 minutes. (K,K)

27. Entry 29March 4, 2026

    Notice of Appearance of Attorney Payum Doroodian appearing for USA. (Doroodian, Payum) (Entered: 03/04/2026)

28. Entry 28March 4, 2026

    Notice of Expert Testimony of Heather Pilch Cooper and Parker Kaskel, Forensic Scientists as to Raydon Howard (1) (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - Lab Reports, # 2 Exhibit 2 - CV and List of Testimony - Pilch Cooper). (Crook, Elizabeth) (Entered: 03/04/2026)

29. Entry 27March 3, 2026

    Notice of Expert Testimony of SA John Remick-Cook as to Raydon Howard (1) (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Expert Opinion, # 2 Exhibit Curriculum Vitae)(Crook, Elizabeth) (Entered: 03/03/2026)

30. Entry 26March 2, 2026

    Trial Brief by United States of America as to Raydon Howard (1) (Crook, Elizabeth) (Entered: 03/02/2026)

31. Entry 25March 2, 2026

    Proposed Verdict Form as to Raydon Howard (1). (Crook, Elizabeth) Modified text on 3/2/2026 (L,MI). (Entered: 03/02/2026)

32. Entry 24March 2, 2026

    Proposed Jury Instructions by United States of America as to Raydon Howard (1) (Crook, Elizabeth) (Entered: 03/02/2026)

33. Entry 23March 2, 2026

    Preliminary Statement by United States of America as to Raydon Howard (1) (Crook, Elizabeth) (Entered: 03/02/2026)

34. Entry 22March 2, 2026

    Proposed Voir Dire by United States of America as to Raydon Howard (1) (Crook, Elizabeth) (Entered: 03/02/2026)

35. Entry 21February 6, 2026

    Notice of Expert Testimony Pursuant to Federal Rule of Evidence 702 of Kelsey Ruddick, FBI as to Raydon Howard (1) (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - Kelsey Ruddick CV, # 2 Exhibit 2 - Lab Report)(Crook, Elizabeth) (Entered: 02/06/2026)

36. Entry 20December 11, 2025

    JERS ORDER re procedures for submission of exhibits to be used with JERS (Jury Evidence Recording System) program. Each party shall submit to Chambers all exhibits on a single storage device USB drive no later than 3:00 pm. on Thursday, March 19, 2026. Signed by Judge Dan Aaron Polster on 12/11/2025. (K,K) (Entered: 12/11/2025)

37. Entry 19December 11, 2025

    Criminal Jury Trial Order as to Raydon Howard (1). Final Pretrial set for 3/10/2026 at 11:15 a.m. Jury Trial set for 3/26/2026 at 9:00 a.m. All hearings to be held in Courtroom 18B before Judge Dan Aaron Polster. Trial documents are due no later than 12:00 p.m. on 3/2/2026. Signed by Judge Dan Aaron Polster on 12/11/2025. (K,K) (Entered: 12/11/2025)

38. December 11, 2025

    Minutes of proceedings [non-document] before Judge Dan Aaron Polster. Pretrial Conference as to Raydon Howard (1) held on 12/11/2025. Defendant present and represented by Craig Weintraub. Elizabeth Crook present on behalf of the Government. The Government placed its plea offer on the record. The Court reviewed the plea offer with the defendant. Defendant rejected the plea offer and requested a jury trial. A Final Pretrial Conference is set for 3/10/2026 at 11:15 AM in Courtroom 18B before Judge Dan Aaron Polster. Jury Trial is set for 3/26/2026 at 09:00 AM in Courtroom 18B before Judge Dan Aaron Polster. Defendant to remain in custody. (Court Reporter Susan Trischan) Time: 20 minutes. (K,K)

39. October 9, 2025

    Minutes of proceedings [non-document] before Judge Dan Aaron Polster. Pretrial Conference as to Raydon Howard (1) held on 10/9/2025. Defendant present and represented by Craig Weintraub. Elizabeth Crook present on behalf of the Government. For the reasons stated on the record, the Court entered a final ends of justice continuance at the request of the defendant. (ECF 18 ) A Pretrial Conference/Change of Plea Hearing is set for 12/11/2025 at 10:00 AM in Courtroom 18B before Judge Dan Aaron Polster. Defendant to remain in custody. (Court Reporter Gregory Mizanin) Time: 3 minutes. (K,K)

40. Entry 18October 6, 2025

    Motion to Extend Plea Deadline by Raydon Howard (1). (Weintraub, Craig) (Entered: 10/06/2025)

41. August 19, 2025

    Notice [non-document] as to Raydon Howard (1). Pretrial Conference/Change of Plea Hearing set for 10/9/2025 at 11:00 AM in Courtroom 18B before Judge Dan Aaron Polster. (K,K)

42. Entry 17August 8, 2025

    Unopposed Motion to continue All Dates for 60 days by Raydon Howard (1). (Weintraub, Craig) (Entered: 08/08/2025)

43. August 8, 2025

    Order [non-document] granting 17 Motion to Continue as to Raydon Howard (1). The Court finds, under 18 U.S.C. §§ 3161(h)(7)(A), (h)(7)(B)(i), and (h)(B)(iv), that the ends of justice served by continuance of trial outweigh the best interests of the public and the Defendant in a speedy trial. The Pretrial Conference/Change of Plea Hearing is reset for 10/14/2025 at 11:00 AM in Courtroom 18B before Judge Dan Aaron Polster. Pretrial motions are due by 10/10/2025. Entered on behalf of Judge Dan Aaron Polster on 8/8/2025. (K,K)

44. Entry 16June 2, 2025

    Motion for continuance of all dates for 60 days by Raydon Howard (1). (Weintraub, Craig) Modified text on 6/3/2025 (L,MI). (Entered: 06/02/2025)

45. June 2, 2025

    Order [non-document] to Continue - Ends of Justice as to Raydon Howard (1). The Court grants Defendant's 16 Motion to continue Pretrial and Trial Dates, finding, under 18 U.S.C. §§ 3161(h)(7)(A), (h)(7)(B)(i), and (h)(B)(iv), that the ends of justice served by continuance of trial outweigh the best interests of the public and the Defendant in a speedy trial. The Pretrial Conference/Change of Plea Hearing is continued to 8/12/2025 at 10:00 AM in Courtroom 18B before Judge Dan Aaron Polster. All previously scheduled hearings are canceled. Entered on behalf of Judge Dan Aaron Polster on 6/2/2025. (K,K)

46. Entry 15May 2, 2025

    Notice of Discovery Request as to Raydon Howard (1) (Weintraub, Craig) (Entered: 05/02/2025)

47. Entry 14May 1, 2025

    Criminal Jury Trial Order as to Raydon Howard (1). Pretrial/Change of Plea Hearing set for 6/5/2025 at 10:30 AM; Final Pretrial Conference set for 6/17/2025 at 12:00 PM; Jury Trial set for 6/23/2025 at 09:00 AM, all in Courtroom 18B before Judge Dan Aaron Polster. Signed by Judge Dan Aaron Polster on 5/1/2025. (M,CE) (Entered: 05/01/2025)

48. Entry 13May 1, 2025

    Brady v. Maryland Notice and Order as to Raydon Howard (1). Signed by Judge Dan Aaron Polster on 5/1/2025. (M,CE) (Entered: 05/01/2025)

49. May 1, 2025

    Minutes of proceedings [non-document] before Judge Dan Aaron Polster. Arraignment as to Raydon Howard (1) Counts 1,2,3 held on 5/1/2025. Defendant was present and represented by Craig Weintraub. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Crook was present on behalf of the Government. Defendant waived reading of the indictment and plead not guilty to all counts. The Defendant previously waived a detention hearing and was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal. Pretrial/Change of Plea Hearing set for 6/5/2025 at 10:30 AM; Final Pretrial Conference set for 6/17/2025 at 12:00 PM; Jury Trial set for 6/23/2025 at 09:00 AM, all in Courtroom 18B before Judge Dan Aaron Polster. (Court Reporter Greg Mizanin) Time: 5 minutes. (M,CE)

50. April 24, 2025

    Notice [non-document] as to Raydon Howard (1). Due to a scheduling conflict with Cuyahoga County Court of Common Please, the arraignment in this matter is rescheduled for 5/1/2025 at 03:30 PM in Courtroom 18B before Judge Dan Aaron Polster.(K,K)

51. April 18, 2025

    Notice [non-document] as to Raydon Howard (1). Arraignment set for 4/24/2025 at 11:00 AM in Courtroom 18B before Judge Dan Aaron Polster.(K,K)

52. Entry 12April 16, 2025

    Indictment filed by USA as to Raydon Howard (1) count(s) 1, 2, 3. (Attachments: # 1 Designation Form and Signature Page) (M,CE) (Entered: 04/17/2025)

53. April 16, 2025

    Random Assignment of Magistrate Judge pursuant to Local Criminal Rule 57.9. In the event of a referral, case will be assigned to Magistrate Judge Jonathan D. Greenberg. (M,CE)

54. Entry 11April 3, 2025

    Arrest Warrant Returned Executed on 4/1/2025 in case as to Raydon Howard (1). (S,DA) [1:25-mj-03080-RJS] (Entered: 04/03/2025)

55. Entry 10April 1, 2025

    Waiver of Detention Hearing and Order as to Raydon Howard (1). Signed by Magistrate Judge Jonathan D. Greenberg on 4/1/25. (D,Ky) [1:25-mj-03080-RJS] (Entered: 04/01/2025)

56. Entry 9April 1, 2025

    Waiver of Preliminary Hearing by Raydon Howard (1). (D,Ky) [1:25-mj-03080-RJS] (Entered: 04/01/2025)

57. Entry 8April 1, 2025

    CJA 23 Financial Affidavit by Raydon Howard (1). Magistrate Judge Jonathan D. Greenberg on 4/1/25. (D,Ky) [1:25-mj-03080-RJS] (Entered: 04/01/2025)

58. April 1, 2025

    CJA 20 [non-document] Appointment of Attorney Craig T. Weintraub for Raydon Howard. Counsel must report to the Court any significant changes in defendant's employment or financial circumstances sufficient to enable defendant to pay, in whole or in part, for legal representation. Magistrate Judge Jonathan D. Greenberg on 4/1/25. (D,Ky) [1:25-mj-03080-RJS]

59. April 1, 2025

    Minutes of proceedings [non-document] Initial Appearance before Magistrate Judge Jonathan D. Greenberg as to Raydon Howard (1) held on 4/1/25. Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Crook present for the Government. Attorney Craig Weintraub present and appointed for the Defendant. Pursuant to the Due Process Protections Act, the Court reminds the Government of its obligations under Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83 (1963), to disclose evidence favorable to the Defendant and material to the Defendant's guilt or punishment. The Government is ordered to comply with Brady and its progeny. The failure to do so in a timely manner may result in consequences, including dismissal of the indictment or information, exclusion of government evidence or witnesses, adverse jury instructions, dismissal of charges, contempt proceedings, sanctions by the Court, or any other remedy that is just under the circumstances. Waiver of preliminary hearing executed. Cause is bound over to the Grand Jury. Government moves for detention. Waiver of detention hearing executed. Defendant is remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal. (ECRO: A. Faluski) (PTS: P. Sidbeck) Time: 15 minutes. (D,Ky) [1:25-mj-03080-RJS]

60. April 1, 2025

    Arrest of Raydon Howard (1) on 4/1/25. (D,Ky) [1:25-mj-03080-RJS]

61. Entry 6March 31, 2025

    Writ of Habeas Corpus ad Prosequendum Issued as to Raydon Howard (1) for Initial Appearance on 4/1/25 at 2:00pm before Magistrate Judge Jonathan D. Greenberg. Original issued to U.S. Marshal on 3/31/25. (D,Ky) [1:25-mj-03080-RJS] (Entered: 03/31/2025)

62. Entry 5March 31, 2025

    Journal Entry granting Government's 3 Application/Motion for Writ of Habeas Corpus ad prosequendum as to Raydon Howard (1). Signed by Magistrate Judge Jonathan D. Greenberg on 3/31/25. (D,Ky) [1:25-mj-03080-RJS] (Entered: 03/31/2025)

63. Entry 3March 31, 2025

    Application (motion) for Writ of Habeas Corpus ad prosequendum by United States of America as to Raydon Howard (1). (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order - Proposed Journal Entry)(Crook, Elizabeth) [1:25-mj-03080-RJS] (Entered: 03/31/2025)

64. March 31, 2025

    IMPORTANT: Notice [non-document] as to Raydon Howard (1). Initial Appearance set for 4/1/2025 at 02:00 PM in Courtroom 10B before Magistrate Judge Jonathan D. Greenberg. (D,Ky) [1:25-mj-03080-RJS]

65. March 31, 2025

    Case unsealed as to Raydon Howard (1). (D,JJ) [1:25-mj-03080-RJS]

66. Entry 1March 26, 2025

    Complaint as to Raydon Howard (1) signed by Magistrate Judge Reuben J. Sheperd on 3/26/2025. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit). (D,JJ) [1:25-mj-03080-RJS] (Entered: 03/26/2025)

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