Reported / Citable
Background
Miguel Adoni Manchame-Guerra appeared with counsel for a guilty-plea proceeding on an indictment charging one count of illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a).
Manchame-Guerra consented to enter his plea before a magistrate judge, subject to final approval and sentencing by the presiding district judge. After the required Rule 11 admonishments, he pleaded guilty.
The Court’s Holding
Magistrate Judge Robert F. Castaneda found that Manchame-Guerra was competent and that his plea was knowing, voluntary, and supported by a factual basis. The court found that he understood the charge, the consequences of pleading guilty, the potential penalties, and the rights he was giving up.
The magistrate judge recommended that the district judge accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The recommendation did not itself finally accept the plea or impose sentence.
Key Takeaways
- The magistrate judge found the Rule 11 plea requirements satisfied.
- The defendant pleaded guilty to illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a).
- Final acceptance of the plea and sentencing remain for the district judge.
Why It Matters
The report preserves the distinction between a magistrate judge’s plea recommendation and the district judge’s final action. It also warns that objections to the findings must be filed before sentencing to avoid limits on later review.