Reported / Citable
Background
The case was referred by general order to U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters to take Ramon Martinez-Martinez’s felony guilty plea. Martinez-Martinez appeared with counsel on August 6, 2026.
After being advised of his right to have a district judge take the plea and receiving Rule 11 admonishments, Martinez-Martinez consented to proceeding 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 Martinez-Martinez understood the charge, penalties, and his constitutional and statutory rights, and that he knowingly and voluntarily waived those rights. The magistrate judge also found him competent and concluded that a sufficient factual basis supported the plea.
The magistrate judge found Martinez-Martinez guilty of the count to which he pleaded and recommended that the district court accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The case was referred to the presiding district judge for sentencing.
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 remains subject to objections and acceptance by the district court.
Why It Matters
This is a plea-stage recommendation, not a sentencing decision. It documents the Rule 11 findings supporting acceptance of the plea while leaving final acceptance and sentencing to the presiding district judge.