The following court transcript provides a word-for-word account of Luke Wenke’s April 18, 2022 guilty plea to a federal cyberstalking charge before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra Jr.

During the hearing, Judge Sinatra questioned Wenke extensively to ensure that he understood the charge, his constitutional rights, and the consequences of pleading guilty. Wenke confirmed that he had read and discussed the plea agreement with his attorney, understood its terms, and agreed with it.

The cyberstalking charge covered conduct between September 22, 2020, and January 24, 2022. According to the charge read in court, Wenke used an interactive computer service and facilities of interstate and foreign commerce as part of a course of conduct intended to harass and cause substantial emotional distress to the victim. The charge further alleged that his conduct placed the victim in reasonable fear of death or serious bodily injury or caused, attempted to cause, and would reasonably be expected to cause substantial emotional distress.

Wenke repeatedly confirmed that he understood the proceedings and was voluntarily giving up his right to a trial. His attorney also told the court that he believed Wenke was competent to proceed, and Judge Sinatra formally found Wenke competent.

The hearing ultimately concluded with Wenke pleading guilty to the federal cyberstalking charge.