Reported / Citable
Background
Aroldo Vela-Sanabria appeared with counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Cordova for a felony guilty-plea proceeding. The case had been referred under a general order for the taking of the plea.
After receiving Rule 11 admonishments, Vela-Sanabria consented to the magistrate judge taking his plea and pleaded guilty, without a plea agreement, to Count One: illegal reentry into the United States in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326. Sentencing remains with the presiding district judge.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Vela-Sanabria understood the charge, penalties, and his constitutional and statutory rights; voluntarily waived those rights; was competent to plead; and entered his guilty plea freely and voluntarily.
The magistrate judge also found a sufficient factual basis for the plea and found Vela-Sanabria guilty of the charge to which he pleaded. The court recommended that the district judge accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt.
Key Takeaways
- The recommendation concerns acceptance of a guilty plea, not sentencing.
- Vela-Sanabria pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326.
- Parties have 14 days to file written objections to the findings and recommendation.
Why It Matters
The filing clears the Rule 11 stage after a magistrate judge found the plea knowing, voluntary, and supported by an adequate factual basis. If the district judge accepts the recommendation, the case will proceed to sentencing before Chief U.S. District Judge Alia Moses.