Reported / Citable
Background
Emmanuel Ayala-Solorio appeared with counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Cordova for a felony guilty-plea proceeding. The matter had been referred to the magistrate judge under a general order for the taking of the plea.
After being advised of his right to have the plea taken by the district judge and receiving the required Rule 11 admonishments, Ayala-Solorio pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to Count One, illegal reentry into the United States in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Ayala-Solorio understood the charge, possible 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 Cordova found Ayala-Solorio guilty of the offense to which he pleaded and recommended that the district court accept the plea and enter a judgment of guilt. Sentencing was referred to Chief U.S. District Judge Alia Moses. The recommendation remained subject to objections within 14 days.
Key Takeaways
- The defendant pleaded guilty to illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326 without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge found the Rule 11 requirements satisfied, including voluntariness, competency, and a factual basis.
- The magistrate judge recommended acceptance of the plea; the district judge retained responsibility for sentencing.
Why It Matters
The decision is a guilty-plea recommendation, not a sentencing ruling or final district-court acceptance order. It documents that the plea proceeding satisfied the prerequisites for the district court to accept Ayala-Solorio’s guilty plea and proceed to sentencing.