Reported / Citable
Background
Yusneidi Fuentes-Rivero appeared with counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters for a felony guilty-plea proceeding. The matter had been referred to the magistrate judge under a general order.
After being advised of her right to have the district judge take her plea and receiving the required Rule 11 admonishments, Fuentes-Rivero pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to Count One of the indictment, which charged illegal reentry into the United States.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Fuentes-Rivero consented to the plea proceeding, understood the charge, penalties, and rights she was waiving, and entered the plea freely and voluntarily. The judge also found her competent and determined that the plea had a sufficient factual basis.
Based on those findings, the magistrate judge 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, and the parties were notified that objections to the findings and recommendation were due within 14 days of receipt.
Key Takeaways
- Fuentes-Rivero pleaded guilty to illegal reentry without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge found the plea knowing, voluntary, competent, and supported by a sufficient factual basis.
- The filing is a recommendation to the district judge, not a final sentencing decision.
Why It Matters
The recommendation records the Rule 11 findings needed for the district judge to accept Fuentes-Rivero’s felony guilty plea. It also preserves the distinction between the magistrate judge’s plea-stage role and the district judge’s authority to enter judgment and impose sentence.