Reported / Citable
Background
Inmer Antonio Fuentes-Castro, also known as Jesus Fuentes-Castro, appeared with counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters for a felony guilty-plea proceeding. The case had been referred to the magistrate judge under a general order for the taking of the plea.
After receiving Rule 11 admonishments, Fuentes-Castro pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to Count One of the indictment, charging illegal reentry into the United States. He consented to the magistrate judge’s taking of the plea; sentencing remained for the presiding district judge.
The Court’s Holding
Judge Watters found that Fuentes-Castro understood the charge, potential penalties, and his constitutional and statutory rights, and that he knowingly and voluntarily waived those rights. The court also found him competent and determined that a sufficient factual basis supported the plea.
The magistrate judge found Fuentes-Castro 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 advised the parties that objections were due within 14 days.
Key Takeaways
- The defendant pleaded guilty, without a plea agreement, to illegal reentry.
- The magistrate judge found the plea knowing, voluntary, competent, and supported by an adequate factual basis.
- The filing is a recommendation; the district judge retains acceptance of the plea and sentencing.
Why It Matters
The decision illustrates the magistrate-judge plea process in a federal felony case: with the defendant’s consent, a magistrate judge may conduct the Rule 11 colloquy and recommend acceptance, while the district judge retains final action on the plea and sentencing.