Reported / Citable
Background
Hector Estid Hernandez-Matute appeared with counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Cordova for a felony guilty-plea proceeding referred under a general order. The magistrate judge advised Hernandez-Matute that he could have his plea taken by a district judge and gave the Rule 11 admonishments.
Hernandez-Matute, assisted by counsel, consented to the magistrate judge taking the plea. He 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 Hernandez-Matute understood the charge, potential penalties, and his constitutional and statutory rights; that he voluntarily waived those rights; and that he was competent to plead guilty. The court also found that the plea was knowing and voluntary and supported by an adequate factual basis.
Based on those findings, Magistrate Judge Cordova found Hernandez-Matute guilty of the charge to which he pleaded and recommended that Chief U.S. District Judge Alia Moses accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The case was referred to the presiding district judge for sentencing.
Key Takeaways
- The defendant pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326.
- The magistrate judge concluded that the Rule 11 plea requirements were satisfied.
- The document is a recommendation; the district judge remains responsible for accepting the plea and imposing sentence.
Why It Matters
The recommendation clears the case for district-court review of the guilty plea and sentencing. Parties have 14 days to object; absent timely objections, the order warns that review and appellate challenges will be limited as stated in the report.