Reported / Citable
Background
Jesus Adrian Gonzalez-Plata appeared with counsel before Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters for a felony guilty-plea proceeding. Gonzalez-Plata consented to having the magistrate judge take his plea; sentencing remains for the presiding district judge.
After Rule 11 advisements, Gonzalez-Plata 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 Gonzalez-Plata understood the charge, potential penalties, and his constitutional and statutory rights, and that he knowingly and voluntarily waived those rights. The judge also found Gonzalez-Plata competent and concluded that a sufficient factual basis supported the plea.
The magistrate judge found Gonzalez-Plata guilty of the count to which he pleaded and recommended that the district court accept the plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The recommendation remains subject to objections and district-court review.
Key Takeaways
- Gonzalez-Plata pleaded guilty to illegal reentry without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge found the plea knowing, voluntary, competent, and supported by a factual basis.
- The magistrate judge recommended acceptance of the plea; sentencing is referred to the district judge.
Why It Matters
The filing is a report and recommendation, not a final district-court judgment accepting the plea. Parties have 14 days to object; absent objections, the district court may review the recommendation without de novo consideration.