Reported / Citable
Background
Rolando Chacon-Vasquez appeared with counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters for a felony guilty-plea proceeding. The matter had been referred under a general order, and Chacon-Vasquez consented to having the magistrate judge take his plea. Sentencing remains assigned to the presiding district judge.
After receiving Rule 11 admonishments, Chacon-Vasquez pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to Count One of the indictment, charging illegal reentry into the United States.
The Court’s Holding
Judge Watters found that Chacon-Vasquez understood the charge, penalties, and rights he was waiving; that he entered the plea freely and voluntarily; and that he was competent to plead guilty. The magistrate judge also found an adequate factual basis for the plea.
The magistrate judge found Chacon-Vasquez guilty of the charged offense and recommended that the district court accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The recommendation advised the parties that objections must be filed within 14 days.
Key Takeaways
- The defendant pleaded guilty to illegal reentry without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge found the Rule 11 requirements satisfied and a factual basis for the plea.
- The district judge must act on the recommendation and will conduct sentencing.
Why It Matters
The filing is a magistrate judge’s findings and recommendation, not a final district-court acceptance of the plea or sentencing decision. Unless timely objections are raised, the district court may accept the recommendation and enter judgment before proceeding to sentencing.