Reported / Citable
Background
Arlin Oseas Valle-Peraza appeared with counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Cordova for a felony guilty-plea proceeding. The case had been referred under a general order for the magistrate judge to take the plea.
Valle-Peraza pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to Count One, conspiracy to transport illegal aliens, and Count Two, transportation of illegal aliens for profit. He also consented to the requested forfeiture and acknowledged that restitution could be imposed.
The Court’s Holding
Judge Cordova found that Valle-Peraza knowingly and voluntarily waived his rights, understood the charges and potential penalties, was competent to plead guilty, and had admitted facts sufficient to support the plea.
The magistrate judge therefore recommended that the district judge accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The matter was referred to the presiding district judge for sentencing, subject to the parties’ opportunity to object to the recommendation within 14 days.
Key Takeaways
- The recommendation concerns acceptance of a guilty plea, not sentencing.
- Valle-Peraza pleaded guilty to conspiracy and for-profit transportation of illegal aliens.
- The plea was entered without a plea agreement.
Why It Matters
The recommendation clears the case for the district judge to enter judgment and proceed to sentencing if the plea is accepted. It also preserves the parties’ right to seek district-court review through timely objections.