Reported / Citable
Background
Anthony Ariel Diaz-Pineda appeared with counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters for entry of a felony guilty plea. The matter had been referred under a general order for the magistrate judge to take the plea.
Diaz-Pineda consented to having the magistrate judge take his plea and pleaded guilty, without a plea agreement, to Count One of the indictment: illegal reentry into the United States. Sentencing remains for the presiding district judge.
The Court’s Holding
After personally addressing Diaz-Pineda and providing the required Rule 11 admonishments, the magistrate judge found that Diaz-Pineda understood the charge, possible penalties, and his constitutional and statutory rights. The court also found that he knowingly, freely, and voluntarily waived those rights and was competent to plead guilty.
The magistrate judge further found a sufficient factual basis for the plea and found Diaz-Pineda guilty of the charged offense. The magistrate judge recommended that the district court accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt.
Key Takeaways
- The recommendation concerns acceptance of a guilty plea, not sentencing.
- Diaz-Pineda pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to illegal reentry.
- Any party has 14 days to file written objections to the findings and recommendation.
Why It Matters
The recommendation clears the case for district-court review of the plea and later sentencing. Unless timely objections are filed, failure to object may limit appellate review of the proposed findings and conclusions to plain error.