Reported / Citable
Background
Erika Concepcion Flores-Sevilla appeared with counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters for a felony guilty-plea proceeding referred under a general order. The magistrate judge advised Flores-Sevilla that she could have her plea taken by a district judge and gave the Rule 11 admonishments.
Flores-Sevilla pleaded guilty, without a plea agreement, to Count One of the indictment, charging illegal reentry into the United States. Sentencing remains assigned to the presiding district judge.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Flores-Sevilla knowingly and voluntarily waived her constitutional and statutory rights, understood the charge and penalties, and was competent to plead guilty. The court also found a sufficient factual basis for the plea.
Judge Watters found Flores-Sevilla guilty of the charged count and recommended that the district court accept the plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The recommendation is subject to objections within 14 days and final action by the district judge.
Key Takeaways
- Flores-Sevilla pleaded guilty to illegal reentry without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge found the plea voluntary, knowing, competent, and supported by a factual basis.
- The district judge will determine whether to accept the recommendation and will conduct sentencing.
Why It Matters
The filing confirms that the Rule 11 plea colloquy was completed and that the magistrate judge recommends acceptance of the guilty plea. It does not itself impose sentence or constitute the district judge’s final acceptance of the plea.