Reported / Citable
Background
Gloria Arias-Aguilera, also known as Gloria Marlen-Arias, appeared with counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters for a felony guilty-plea proceeding referred under a general order. The magistrate judge advised Arias-Aguilera that she had the right to have a district judge take her plea and gave the Rule 11 admonishments.
Arias-Aguilera consented to the magistrate judge’s taking of her plea. She pleaded guilty, without a plea agreement, to Count One of the indictment charging illegal reentry into the United States. Sentencing was reserved for the presiding district judge.
The Court’s Holding
Judge Watters found that Arias-Aguilera understood the charge, possible penalties, and her constitutional and statutory rights, and that she knowingly and voluntarily waived those rights. The judge also found her competent, concluded that her plea was free and voluntary, and found a sufficient factual basis for the plea.
The magistrate judge found Arias-Aguilera guilty of the charged offense and recommended that the district court accept her guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The recommendation did not itself impose sentence; the matter was referred to the presiding district judge for sentencing.
Key Takeaways
- The defendant pleaded guilty to illegal reentry without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge concluded that Rule 11 requirements were satisfied and that the plea had a sufficient factual basis.
- Parties have 14 days to object to the recommendation; unobjected-to findings may be subject to limited appellate review.
Why It Matters
The ruling reflects the magistrate judge’s role in conducting a consented felony plea hearing and issuing findings for the district judge’s consideration. The district judge retains responsibility for accepting the recommendation and sentencing the defendant.