Reported / Citable
Background
Manuel Salvador Sanchez-Mendoza appeared with counsel before Magistrate Judge Laura Enriquez and pleaded guilty under a plea agreement to Count One of the indictment. The count charges illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a) and (b)(1).
Sanchez-Mendoza consented to enter his plea before a magistrate judge, subject to final approval and sentencing by the presiding district judge. The plea agreement includes a waiver of the right to appeal or collaterally attack the conviction or sentence.
The Court’s Holding
After conducting the Rule 11 plea colloquy, the magistrate judge found that Sanchez-Mendoza understood the charge, penalties, immigration consequences, trial rights, sentencing process, and plea-agreement terms.
The magistrate judge further found that Sanchez-Mendoza was competent and that his plea was knowing, voluntary, and supported by a factual basis. The court recommended that the district judge accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt.
Key Takeaways
- The ruling is a report and recommendation, not the district judge’s final acceptance of the plea or sentence.
- The defendant pleaded guilty to illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a) and (b)(1).
- Written objections filed before sentencing may be necessary to preserve de novo review and appellate review of factual findings adopted by the district judge.
Why It Matters
The recommendation clears the way for the district judge to accept the plea and proceed to sentencing. It also underscores that a defendant’s consent permits a magistrate judge to conduct the plea proceeding, while final approval and sentencing remain with the district judge.