Reported / Citable
Background
Ronald Santiago Criollo-Delgado appeared with counsel and pleaded guilty to Count One of the indictment, which charged illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a).
Criollo-Delgado consented to enter his plea before a magistrate judge, subject to final approval and sentencing by the presiding district judge.
The Court’s Holding
Magistrate Judge Robert F. Castaneda found that Criollo-Delgado was competent and that his guilty plea was free, knowing, voluntary, and supported by a factual basis.
The magistrate judge recommended that the district judge accept the plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The report did not itself finally accept the plea or impose sentence.
Key Takeaways
- The defendant pleaded guilty to illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a).
- The court found the Rule 11 advisements adequate and the plea voluntary.
- Final acceptance and sentencing remain for the district judge.
Why It Matters
The recommendation preserves the district judge’s role in final plea acceptance and sentencing while concluding that the guilty plea satisfies Rule 11’s core requirements. Written objections filed before sentencing may be necessary to preserve review of factual findings adopted by the district judge.