(a) Pre-trial proceedings in criminal matters may be referred to a Magistrate Judge for decision
or for report and recommendation, in accordance with 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(A) and (B), by
specific referral of the presiding District Judge or by any general or standing orders.
(b) Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3153(c)(1), which governs the availability of the pretrial services
report to counsel for the accused and for the government prior to any detention hearing, the
United States Probation Office for the Middle District of Louisiana is authorized to disclose
pretrial services reports to counsel for the accused and for the government. This disclosure
shall be accomplished by filing the pretrial services report for each case under seal in the
CM/ECF filing system prior to or immediately after an initial appearance. Counsel for the
accused and for the government may retain these reports but must not re-disclose the
reports to other persons. When a copy of the report is filed under seal, it will have a header
on the first page advising the attorney that (a) the report is not to be copied, (b) the report is
not a public record, and (c) the content may not be disclosed to other persons. Other than
the disclosures laid out herein, the reports shall remain confidential, as provided in 18 U.S.C.
§ 3153(c)(1).
