Reported / Citable
Background
Jonathan David Echeverria-Cerna appeared with counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters for a felony guilty-plea proceeding referred under a general order. The magistrate judge advised Echeverria-Cerna that he could have the plea taken by a U.S. district judge and conducted the Rule 11 colloquy.
Echeverria-Cerna, with counsel’s advice, consented to having the magistrate judge take his plea. He pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to Count One of the indictment, charging illegal reentry into the United States. Sentencing was reserved for the presiding district judge.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Echeverria-Cerna understood the charge, penalties, and his constitutional and statutory rights; knowingly and voluntarily waived those rights; was competent; and entered his guilty plea freely and voluntarily. The court also found a sufficient factual basis for the plea.
Based on those findings, the magistrate judge found Echeverria-Cerna guilty of the offense to which he pleaded and recommended that the district court accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The recommendation remained subject to objections and district-court review.
Key Takeaways
- The defendant pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to illegal reentry.
- The magistrate judge found the Rule 11 requirements satisfied and a factual basis for the plea.
- The filing is a recommendation to the district judge, who will conduct sentencing.
Why It Matters
The order reflects a completed guilty-plea colloquy and recommends entry of judgment, but it is not itself the district court’s final acceptance of the plea or a sentencing decision. Parties had 14 days to object to the findings and recommendation.