Reported / Citable
Background
Yusniel Santana-Delgado appeared with counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters for a felony guilty-plea proceeding. The case had been referred under a general order for the magistrate judge to take the plea.
Santana-Delgado, after being advised that he could have the district judge take the plea, consented to proceed before the magistrate judge. He pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to Count One of the indictment, charging illegal reentry into the United States.
The Court’s Holding
Judge Watters found that Santana-Delgado understood the charge, potential penalties, and his constitutional and statutory rights; voluntarily waived those rights; was competent; and entered his plea freely and voluntarily. The magistrate judge also found a sufficient factual basis for the plea.
The magistrate judge found Santana-Delgado guilty of the charge to which he pleaded and recommended that the district court accept the plea and enter a judgment of guilt. Sentencing was referred to Chief U.S. District Judge Alia Moses.
Key Takeaways
- The defendant pleaded guilty to illegal reentry without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge recommended acceptance of the plea after completing the Rule 11 colloquy.
- Parties have 14 days to object to the findings and recommendation.
Why It Matters
The document is a magistrate judge’s findings and recommendation, not the district court’s final acceptance of the plea or sentencing decision. Unless timely objections are filed, the district court may accept the recommended plea disposition before imposing sentence.