Reported / Citable
Background
Treisy Amalia Angel-Macedo was indicted for illegal reentry in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a). She and her counsel appeared before Magistrate Judge Miguel A. Torres and consented to entry of her guilty plea before a magistrate judge, subject to final approval and sentencing by the presiding district judge.
After receiving the admonishments required by Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11, Angel-Macedo pleaded guilty to the indictment. The magistrate judge questioned her concerning the charge, possible penalties, immigration consequences, trial rights, advisory Sentencing Guidelines, and sentencing factors under 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a).
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Angel-Macedo was competent and that her plea was free, knowing, and voluntary. He also found that she understood the rights she was relinquishing, the nature and consequences of the charge, and the immigration consequences of pleading guilty.
The magistrate judge further found that the plea was not induced by promises, threats, force, or threats of force and that a factual basis supported it. He therefore recommended that the district judge accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt; the report itself did not finally accept the plea or impose a sentence.
Key Takeaways
- Angel-Macedo pleaded guilty to illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a).
- The magistrate judge found that the Rule 11 requirements were satisfied and that the plea was knowing, voluntary, and factually supported.
- Acceptance of the plea and entry of judgment remained subject to the district judge’s approval.
Why It Matters
The report documents the procedural safeguards required before a federal court may accept a guilty plea, including confirmation that the defendant understands her trial rights, sentencing exposure, and immigration consequences.
It also underscores the limited posture of a magistrate judge’s report and recommendation: the magistrate judge recommended acceptance, while final approval and sentencing remained with the district judge.