Reported / Citable
Background
Jeremias Perez-Ramirez appeared with counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters for a felony guilty-plea proceeding referred under a general order. Perez-Ramirez consented to having the magistrate judge take his plea, while sentencing remained for the presiding district judge.
After Rule 11 admonishments, Perez-Ramirez 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 Perez-Ramirez understood the charge, potential penalties, and his constitutional and statutory rights; knowingly and voluntarily waived those rights; and was competent to plead guilty. The magistrate judge also found a sufficient factual basis for the plea.
Judge Watters found Perez-Ramirez guilty of the charged offense and recommended that the district judge accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The recommendation was subject to objections within 14 days, and the case was referred to the district judge for sentencing.
Key Takeaways
- The defendant pleaded guilty to illegal reentry without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge concluded that the Rule 11 plea was knowing, voluntary, and supported by an adequate factual basis.
- The document is a recommendation to the district judge, not a final acceptance of the plea or sentence.
Why It Matters
The recommendation clears the case for the district judge to decide whether to accept the plea and then impose sentence. It also preserves the parties’ opportunity to object before the district court conducts any required review.