Reported / Citable
Background
Santos Israel Rangel-Rivera appeared with counsel before Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Cordova for a felony guilty-plea proceeding referred under a general order. The magistrate judge advised Rangel-Rivera that he could have the district judge take his plea and gave the Rule 11 admonishments.
Rangel-Rivera, with counsel’s advice, consented to having the magistrate judge conduct the plea proceeding. He pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to Count One, charging illegal reentry into the United States in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Rangel-Rivera understood the charge, penalties, and rights he was waiving; that his plea was knowing, free, and voluntary; and that he was competent to plead guilty. The court also found a sufficient factual basis for the plea.
The magistrate judge found Rangel-Rivera guilty of the charged offense and recommended that the district judge accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The matter was referred to the presiding district judge for sentencing.
Key Takeaways
- The defendant pleaded guilty to illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326 without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge concluded that the Rule 11 requirements were satisfied and that a factual basis supported the plea.
- The recommendation is subject to objections; sentencing remains with the district judge.
Why It Matters
The filing is a guilty-plea recommendation, not a sentencing decision or a final district-court order accepting the plea. It documents the magistrate judge’s Rule 11 findings and sends the case to the district judge for any objections, acceptance decision, and sentencing.