Reported / Citable
Background
The case was referred to Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters under a general order for the taking of a felony guilty plea. The defendant, Gerson Israel Macario-Ventura, appeared with counsel on July 10, 2026.
After being advised of his right to have the plea taken by a district judge and receiving the required Rule 11 admonishments, Macario-Ventura pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to Count One of the indictment, illegal reentry into the United States.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Macario-Ventura knowingly and voluntarily consented to the magistrate judge’s taking of his plea; understood the charge, penalties, and rights he was waiving; and was competent to plead guilty.
The magistrate judge also found a sufficient factual basis for the plea and found Macario-Ventura guilty of the charge to which he pleaded. The report recommended that the district judge accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt; sentencing was referred to the presiding district judge.
Key Takeaways
- The defendant pleaded guilty to illegal reentry without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge concluded that the plea satisfied Rule 11’s voluntariness, competency, and factual-basis requirements.
- The recommendation remained subject to objections and acceptance by the district judge.
Why It Matters
The decision illustrates the magistrate-judge role in felony plea proceedings: the magistrate judge may conduct the plea colloquy and issue findings and a recommendation, while the district judge retains responsibility for accepting the plea and imposing sentence.