Reported / Citable
Background
Erick Santiago Mazon-Suarez appeared with counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters for a felony guilty-plea proceeding. The case had been referred under a general order for the magistrate judge to take the plea.
After Rule 11 advisements, Mazon-Suarez consented to the magistrate judge taking his plea and pleaded guilty, without a plea agreement, to Count One of the indictment: illegal reentry into the United States. Sentencing remains with the presiding district judge.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Mazon-Suarez understood the charge, potential penalties, and his constitutional and statutory rights; knowingly and voluntarily waived those rights; was competent to plead guilty; and entered the plea freely and voluntarily.
The magistrate judge also found an adequate factual basis for the plea and found Mazon-Suarez guilty of the charged offense. The report recommends that the district judge 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 Rule 11 plea requirements satisfied, including competence, voluntariness, and a factual basis.
- The recommendation is subject to objections within 14 days and awaits district-court action; sentencing will be conducted by the district judge.
Why It Matters
The filing is a report and recommendation, not the district court’s final acceptance of the plea or a sentencing decision. It preserves the parties’ opportunity to object before the district judge acts.