Reported / Citable
Background
Ramon Ernesto Jimenez-Cover appeared with counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Cordova for a felony guilty-plea proceeding. The matter had been referred to the magistrate judge under a general order for the taking of the plea.
After receiving Rule 11 admonishments, Jimenez-Cover pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to Count One of the indictment: illegal reentry into the United States, in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326. He consented to having the magistrate judge take the plea; sentencing remains for the presiding district judge.
The Court’s Holding
Judge Cordova found that Jimenez-Cover understood the charge, possible penalties, and his constitutional and statutory rights, and that he knowingly and voluntarily waived those rights. The magistrate judge also found him competent to plead guilty and found a sufficient factual basis for the plea.
The magistrate judge found Jimenez-Cover guilty of the charged offense and recommended that the district court accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The recommendation is subject to objections and district-court review.
Key Takeaways
- Jimenez-Cover pleaded guilty to illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326 without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge found the plea knowing, voluntary, competent, and supported by a sufficient factual basis.
- The district judge must decide whether to accept the recommendation and will conduct sentencing.
Why It Matters
The filing does not impose sentence or finally resolve the case. It records the magistrate judge’s Rule 11 findings and recommendation that the district court accept the plea.