Reported / Citable
Background
Selvin Suazo-Martinez was charged with illegal reentry into the United States. Under a general referral order, U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters conducted the felony guilty-plea proceeding pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(3).
At the July 8, 2026 hearing, Suazo-Martinez appeared with counsel, consented to having the magistrate judge take his plea, and pleaded guilty to Count One of the indictment without a plea agreement. The magistrate judge advised him under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11 and explained that sentencing would be conducted by the presiding district judge.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Suazo-Martinez understood the charge, penalties, and rights he was waiving; entered the plea freely and voluntarily; and was competent to plead guilty. The judge also found a sufficient factual basis for the plea and noted that Suazo-Martinez acknowledged he could be subject to restitution.
The magistrate judge found Suazo-Martinez guilty of the charge to which he pleaded 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, and the parties were given 14 days to object to the findings and recommendation.
Key Takeaways
- Suazo-Martinez pleaded guilty to illegal reentry without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge concluded that the plea satisfied Rule 11 and was knowing, voluntary, competent, and supported by a sufficient factual basis.
- The recommendation calls for the district judge to accept the plea, enter judgment, and conduct sentencing.
Why It Matters
The filing documents the required safeguards for a felony guilty plea taken by a magistrate judge, including the defendant’s consent, Rule 11 advisements, and findings concerning voluntariness, competency, and factual basis.
It is a findings and recommendation rather than a final sentencing decision. Further action by the presiding district judge remains necessary, and objections to the recommendation must be filed within the stated 14-day period to preserve the specified forms of review.