Assignment of Similar Cases: Notice of Related Case.

When it appears that two or more pending or completed criminal proceedings filed in this district involve the same or substantially identical transactions, happenings, or events, or for any other reason said actions or proceedings could be more expeditiously handled if assigned to the same judge, the party with knowledge of the related case shall file a Notice of Related Case in each pending proceeding. The Notice of Related Case must briefly describe why the actions or proceedings are related, including all facts that appear material to that determination, and must be served on all parties as soon as practicable. The court may, in its discretion, reassign any or all cases identified in a Notice of Related Case to a single judge, with a presumption that the cases will be assigned to the judge presiding over the case with the oldest case number. Reassignment may also occur sua sponte.