Reported / Citable
Background
Eddin Arturo Ramos-Montufaf, also known as Eddin Arturo Ramos-Montutar, was charged in Count One of an indictment with illegal reentry into the United States. The matter was referred by general order to U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters for the taking of a felony guilty plea under 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(3).
On September 1, 2026, Ramos-Montufaf and counsel appeared before the magistrate judge. After being advised of his right to have the plea taken by a district judge and receiving Rule 11 admonishments, Ramos-Montufaf pleaded guilty to Count One without a plea agreement.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Ramos-Montufaf consented to the magistrate judge’s taking of his plea; understood the charge, possible penalties, and his constitutional and statutory rights; and voluntarily waived those rights. The court also found him competent and determined that a sufficient factual basis supported the plea.
The magistrate judge found Ramos-Montufaf guilty of the charge to which he pleaded and recommended that the district judge accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. Sentencing was referred to the presiding district judge. The recommendation also advised the parties that objections were due within 14 days.
Key Takeaways
- The defendant pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to illegal reentry.
- The magistrate judge found the plea knowing, voluntary, competent, and supported by a factual basis.
- The filing is a recommendation to the district judge, who will decide whether to accept the plea and will conduct sentencing.
Why It Matters
The decision illustrates the magistrate-judge plea procedure in a felony case: with the defendant’s consent, a magistrate judge may conduct the Rule 11 colloquy and issue findings and a recommendation, while the district judge retains responsibility for accepting the plea and imposing sentence.