Reported / Citable
Background
Erick Carmona-Salinas appeared with counsel before 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.
After being advised of his right to have a district judge take the plea and receiving the required Rule 11 admonishments, Carmona-Salinas pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to Count One of the indictment, illegal reentry into the United States.
The Court’s Holding
Judge Watters found that Carmona-Salinas consented to the magistrate judge’s taking of his plea; understood the charge, penalties, and rights he was waiving; and entered the plea knowingly, freely, voluntarily, and competently.
The magistrate judge also found a sufficient factual basis for the plea and found Carmona-Salinas guilty of the charged offense. The report and recommendation advises Chief Judge Alia Moses to accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt; sentencing remains for the presiding district judge.
Key Takeaways
- The filing is a recommendation, not a final district-court acceptance of the plea.
- Carmona-Salinas pleaded guilty to illegal reentry without a plea agreement.
- Parties have 14 days to file written objections to the findings and recommendation.
Why It Matters
The decision clears the case for district-court review of the recommended plea acceptance and for sentencing. Absent timely objections, the parties risk limited appellate review of unobjected-to findings and conclusions.