Reported / Citable
Background
Angel Camacho-Martinez was charged with illegal reentry into the United States in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326. The felony guilty-plea proceeding was referred by general order to a U.S. magistrate judge under 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(3).
Camacho-Martinez appeared with counsel and consented to have the magistrate judge take his plea. After being advised of his rights and the consequences of pleading guilty under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11, he pleaded guilty to Count One without a plea agreement.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Camacho-Martinez understood the charge, potential penalties, and rights he was waiving; was competent to plead; and entered the plea freely and voluntarily. The judge also found a sufficient factual basis for the plea and noted that Camacho-Martinez acknowledged he might be subject to restitution.
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 advised that objections to the findings and recommendation were due within 14 days.
Key Takeaways
- Camacho-Martinez pleaded guilty to illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326 without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge found the plea knowing, voluntary, competent, and supported by an adequate factual basis.
- The recommendation does not impose a sentence; sentencing remains before the presiding district judge.
Why It Matters
The findings document the Rule 11 safeguards required before a federal court accepts a felony guilty plea. They also preserve the distinction between a magistrate judge’s plea recommendation and the district judge’s responsibility to accept the plea formally and conduct sentencing.