Reported / Citable
Background
Axel Udiel Rodriguez-Salgado appeared with counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters for a felony guilty-plea proceeding. The matter had been referred under a general order for the magistrate judge to take the plea.
Rodriguez-Salgado consented to having the magistrate judge take his plea. After receiving Rule 11 admonishments, 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 Rodriguez-Salgado understood the charge, potential penalties, and his constitutional and statutory rights; voluntarily waived those rights; was competent; and entered the plea freely and voluntarily. The magistrate judge also found a sufficient factual basis for the plea.
The magistrate judge found Rodriguez-Salgado guilty of the offense to which he pleaded and recommended that Chief U.S. District Judge Alia Moses accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The case was referred to the district judge for sentencing.
Key Takeaways
- The defendant pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to illegal reentry.
- The magistrate judge recommended acceptance of the plea rather than entering a final district-court judgment.
- Any objections to the findings and recommendation must be filed within 14 days; failure to object limits later review.
Why It Matters
The filing confirms that the plea colloquy satisfied the magistrate judge as to voluntariness, competency, and factual basis, but the recommendation remains subject to district-court review and any timely objections. Sentencing will be conducted by the presiding district judge.