Reported / Citable
Background
Mario Enrique Coxaj-Gomez, also known as Mario Coxaj-Gomez, 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 for the taking of a felony plea.
After being advised of his right to have a district judge take the plea, Coxaj-Gomez consented to proceed before the magistrate judge. He 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 Coxaj-Gomez understood the charge, possible penalties, and his constitutional and statutory rights; that he knowingly and voluntarily waived those rights; and that he was competent to plead guilty. The judge also found a sufficient factual basis for the plea.
The magistrate judge found Coxaj-Gomez guilty of the charge to which he pleaded and recommended that the district court accept the plea and enter a judgment of guilt. Sentencing was referred to the presiding district judge.
Key Takeaways
- The defendant pleaded guilty to illegal reentry without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge concluded that the Rule 11 plea colloquy supported a knowing, voluntary, and competent plea with a factual basis.
- The recommendation remains subject to objections and district-court review; sentencing will be conducted by the district judge.
Why It Matters
The filing is a magistrate judge’s findings and recommendation, not a final sentencing decision. It clears the case for the district judge to accept the plea, enter judgment, and impose sentence after any timely objections are resolved.