Reported / Citable
Background
Reymundo Julian Perez appeared with counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Cordova for a felony guilty-plea proceeding referred under a general order. Perez was advised that he could have his plea taken by a district judge and consented to proceeding before the magistrate judge.
After receiving Rule 11 admonishments, Perez pleaded guilty under a plea agreement to Count One: conspiracy to transport illegal aliens, in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1324(a)(1)(A)(v)(I) and (B)(i). Sentencing was reserved for the presiding district judge.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Perez understood the charge, potential penalties, and his constitutional and statutory rights; knowingly and voluntarily waived those rights; and was competent to plead guilty. The magistrate judge also found a sufficient factual basis for the plea.
Based on those findings, the magistrate judge found Perez guilty of the charged offense and recommended that the district court accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The recommendation also noted that Perez may be subject to restitution.
Key Takeaways
- The order is a report and recommendation, not a final district-court acceptance of the plea.
- Perez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport illegal aliens.
- Objections to the recommendation were subject to a 14-day deadline.
Why It Matters
The ruling completes the magistrate judge’s Rule 11 plea inquiry and places the case before the district judge for consideration of the recommendation and, if accepted, sentencing. Parties who do not timely object risk forfeiting de novo review and limiting appellate challenges to plain error.