Reported / Citable
Background
Matthew Josiah Rodriguez appeared with counsel before Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Cordova for a felony guilty-plea proceeding referred under a general order. Rodriguez consented to having the magistrate judge take his plea, while sentencing remained with District Judge Ernest Gonzalez.
After Rule 11 advisements, Rodriguez pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to Count One of the superseding indictment: conspiracy to transport illegal aliens, in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1324(a)(1)(A)(v)(I) and (B)(i).
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Rodriguez understood the charge, potential penalties, and his constitutional and statutory rights; voluntarily waived those rights; was competent to plead; and entered his plea freely and voluntarily. The court also found a sufficient factual basis for the plea and found Rodriguez guilty of the charged offense.
The magistrate judge recommended that the district court accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The matter was referred to the presiding district judge for sentencing, and the parties were advised that objections to the recommendation were due within 14 days.
Key Takeaways
- Rodriguez pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to conspiracy to transport illegal aliens.
- The magistrate judge found the Rule 11 plea requirements satisfied, including competency, voluntariness, and a factual basis.
- The recommendation to accept the plea remains subject to district-court review and any timely objections.
Why It Matters
The filing is a report and recommendation, not a final district-court order accepting the plea or imposing sentence. It documents the magistrate judge’s conclusion that the guilty plea was validly entered and puts the case on track for district-court acceptance and sentencing.