Reported / Citable
Background
Ernesto Guadalupe Flores III appeared with counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters to enter a felony guilty plea. The matter had been referred to the magistrate judge under a general order for the taking of the plea.
After being advised that he could have the district judge take his plea, Flores consented to proceed before the magistrate judge. He pleaded guilty, without a plea agreement, to Count One of the indictment, which charged illegal alien transportation.
The Court’s Holding
After addressing Flores personally in open court and providing the admonishments required by Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11, the magistrate judge found that Flores understood the charge, penalties, and rights he was waiving. The judge also found that Flores was competent, that his plea was knowing and voluntary, and that a sufficient factual basis supported it.
The magistrate judge found Flores guilty of the charge and 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, and the parties were given 14 days to object to the findings and recommendation.
Key Takeaways
- Flores pleaded guilty to illegal alien transportation without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge found the plea knowing, voluntary, competent, and supported by a sufficient factual basis.
- The recommendation remains subject to review by the district judge, who will also conduct sentencing.
Why It Matters
The filing documents the Rule 11 safeguards used when a magistrate judge takes a felony guilty plea with the defendant’s consent. It recommends acceptance of the plea and entry of judgment but is not itself the district judge’s final acceptance or sentencing decision.