Reported / Citable
Background
Jorge Conde-Cuamatzi appeared with counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters for a felony guilty-plea proceeding. The case had been referred by general order for the magistrate judge to take the plea.
After receiving Rule 11 admonishments, Conde-Cuamatzi consented to having the magistrate judge take his plea. He pleaded guilty, without a plea agreement, to Count One of the indictment, charging illegal reentry into the United States.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Conde-Cuamatzi understood the charge, potential penalties, and his constitutional and statutory rights; voluntarily waived those rights; and was competent to plead guilty. The court also found that the plea was knowing and voluntary and supported by a sufficient factual basis.
Judge Watters found Conde-Cuamatzi guilty of the count to which he pleaded and recommended that the district judge accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The case was referred to the presiding district judge for sentencing.
Key Takeaways
- Conde-Cuamatzi pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to illegal reentry.
- The magistrate judge concluded that the Rule 11 plea requirements were satisfied.
- The recommendation remains subject to objections and action by the district judge.
Why It Matters
The order documents a magistrate judge’s recommended acceptance of a felony guilty plea after a Rule 11 colloquy. Unless timely objections are filed, unobjected-to findings and recommendations may receive only plain-error review on appeal.