Reported / Citable
Background
Jose Rafael Lara-Reyes appeared with counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters for the taking of a felony guilty plea. The case had been referred to the magistrate judge under a general order.
After receiving Rule 11 admonishments, Lara-Reyes 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
Judge Watters found that Lara-Reyes consented to having the magistrate judge take his plea; understood the charge, potential penalties, and his rights; and knowingly, freely, and voluntarily waived those rights.
The magistrate judge also found Lara-Reyes competent and concluded that a sufficient factual basis supported the plea. The report recommended that the district court accept the plea and enter a judgment of guilt.
Key Takeaways
- The defendant pleaded guilty to illegal reentry without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge found the plea knowing, voluntary, competent, and supported by a factual basis.
- The recommendation is subject to objections and district-court review; sentencing has not yet occurred.
Why It Matters
This is a plea-stage recommendation, not a sentencing decision or a final district-court acceptance order. Unless timely objections are made, the district court may act on the recommendation before proceeding to sentencing.