Reported / Citable
Background
Amisadai Mendez-Diaz 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.
Mendez-Diaz consented to having the magistrate judge take the plea after being advised of his right to have it taken by a district judge. He pleaded guilty, without a plea agreement, to Count One of the indictment, charging illegal reentry into the United States. Sentencing remains for the presiding district judge.
The Court’s Holding
Judge Watters found that Mendez-Diaz understood the charge, potential penalties, and his constitutional and statutory rights; knowingly and voluntarily waived those rights; was competent; and entered his plea freely and voluntarily.
The magistrate judge also found a sufficient factual basis for the plea and found Mendez-Diaz guilty of the offense to which he pleaded. The court recommended that the district judge accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt.
Key Takeaways
- The magistrate judge recommended acceptance of Mendez-Diaz’s guilty plea to illegal reentry.
- The plea was entered without a plea agreement.
- Any objections to the findings and recommendation must be filed within 14 days; sentencing is referred to the presiding district judge.
Why It Matters
The filing is a plea-stage recommendation, not a sentencing decision. If adopted by the district judge, it will establish Mendez-Diaz’s conviction on Count One, with sentencing to follow.