Reported / Citable
Background
Ivan Barrera Aguilar appeared with counsel before Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters for a felony guilty-plea proceeding referred under a general order. The magistrate judge advised Barrera Aguilar of his right to have the plea taken by a district judge and gave the required Rule 11 admonishments.
Barrera Aguilar, with counsel’s advice, consented to entering his plea before the magistrate judge. He 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 Barrera Aguilar understood the charge, potential penalties, and his constitutional and statutory rights; knowingly and voluntarily waived those rights; and was competent to plead guilty. The court also found that the plea was voluntary and supported by a sufficient factual basis.
The magistrate judge found Barrera Aguilar guilty of the charged offense and recommended that the district judge accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The matter was referred to the presiding district judge for sentencing, subject to the parties’ opportunity to object to the recommendation.
Key Takeaways
- The defendant pleaded guilty to illegal reentry without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge found the Rule 11 plea requirements satisfied.
- The recommendation to accept the plea remained subject to district-court review and objections.
Why It Matters
The filing is a plea-stage recommendation, not a final sentencing decision. It documents the magistrate judge’s findings supporting acceptance of the guilty plea while reserving sentencing and final action on the recommendation for the district judge.