Reported / Citable
Background
The district court referred Darwin Munoz’s guilty plea to a U.S. magistrate judge for administration under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11.
After conducting the Rule 11 hearing, the magistrate judge issued findings and recommended that the court accept Munoz’s plea and adjudge him guilty on Count One of the First Superseding Indictment. Neither party objected.
The Court’s Holding
Judge Sean D. Jordan adopted the magistrate judge’s findings and recommendation, accepted Munoz’s guilty plea, and found him guilty on Count One.
Count One charged Munoz with violating 21 U.S.C. § 959(a) by distributing five kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride, a Schedule II controlled substance, for the purpose of unlawful importation into the United States. The court deferred acceptance of the plea agreement until it reviews the presentence report.
Key Takeaways
- The court adopted the magistrate judge’s unopposed Rule 11 findings.
- Munoz was adjudged guilty of the charged cocaine-distribution offense.
- Acceptance of the plea agreement remains deferred pending presentence review.
Why It Matters
The order completes the guilty-plea adjudication while leaving the plea agreement for later consideration. It does not impose sentence or resolve the terms of the parties’ agreement.