Reported / Citable
Background
Jhonathan Julian Salas-Martinez 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.
After being advised under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11, Salas-Martinez consented to having the magistrate judge take his plea. He pleaded guilty, without a plea agreement, to Count One of the indictment, charging illegal reentry into the United States.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Salas-Martinez understood the charge, potential penalties, and his constitutional and statutory rights; that he knowingly, freely, and voluntarily waived those rights; and that he was competent to plead guilty.
The magistrate judge also found a sufficient factual basis for the plea and found Salas-Martinez guilty of the charged offense. The judge recommended that the district judge accept the 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 found the Rule 11 plea knowing, voluntary, and supported by a factual basis.
- The recommendation remains subject to objections and acceptance by the district judge.
Why It Matters
This is a plea-stage findings and recommendation, not a final sentencing decision. It documents the Rule 11 determinations supporting the proposed acceptance of the guilty plea and preserves the parties’ opportunity to object within 14 days.