Reported / Citable
Background
Froylan Mondragon-Ugarte appeared with counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters for entry of a felony guilty plea. The case had been referred under a general order for the magistrate judge to take the plea.
Mondragon-Ugarte consented to having the magistrate judge take his plea after being advised that he could instead have the plea taken by a district judge. He pleaded guilty, without a plea agreement, to Count One, conspiracy to transport illegal aliens, and Count Two, illegal alien transportation.
The Court’s Holding
Judge Watters found that Mondragon-Ugarte understood the charges, potential penalties, and his constitutional and statutory rights; knowingly and voluntarily waived those rights; was competent to plead; and entered his plea freely and voluntarily.
The magistrate judge also found a sufficient factual basis for the plea, found Mondragon-Ugarte guilty of the offenses to which he pleaded, and noted that he may be subject to restitution. The court recommended that the district judge accept the plea and enter a judgment of guilt; sentencing remains for the presiding district judge.
Key Takeaways
- The magistrate judge recommended acceptance of guilty pleas to conspiracy to transport illegal aliens and illegal alien transportation.
- The plea was entered without a plea agreement.
- Parties have 14 days to object to the findings and recommendation.
Why It Matters
This is a plea-stage recommendation, not a final sentencing decision. Unless timely objections alter the outcome, the district judge may accept the recommendation and proceed to sentencing.