Reported / Citable
Background
The case was referred by general order to U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters to take Shelby Lynne Gunn’s felony guilty plea. Gunn and her counsel appeared before the magistrate judge on August 3, 2026.
After advising Gunn that she could have her plea taken by a district judge, the magistrate judge conducted Rule 11 plea colloquy. Gunn pleaded guilty, pursuant to a plea agreement, to Count One of the indictment: conspiracy to transport illegal aliens.
The Court’s Holding
Judge Watters found that Gunn knowingly and voluntarily consented to the magistrate judge’s taking of her plea; understood the charge, penalties, and rights she waived; and was competent to plead guilty. The court also found a sufficient factual basis for the plea.
The magistrate judge found Gunn guilty of the offense to which she pleaded and recommended that the district judge accept the plea and enter a judgment of guilt. Sentencing remains for the presiding district judge.
Key Takeaways
- The magistrate judge recommended acceptance of Gunn’s guilty plea to conspiracy to transport illegal aliens.
- The recommendation followed findings of competency, voluntariness, Rule 11 compliance, and a sufficient factual basis.
- Any objections to the recommendation must be filed within 14 days.
Why It Matters
The filing is a plea-stage recommendation, not a sentencing decision. Unless the district judge rejects the recommendation or sustains objections, the case will proceed to acceptance of the plea and sentencing.