Reported / Citable
Background
Antonio Serafin Banegas-Banegas appeared with counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters to enter a felony guilty plea. The matter had been referred under a general order for the taking of the plea.
After receiving Rule 11 admonishments and being advised of his right to have the plea taken by a district judge, Banegas-Banegas consented to proceed before the magistrate judge. He pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to Count One of the indictment, illegal reentry into the United States.
The Court’s Holding
Judge Watters found that Banegas-Banegas understood the charge, penalties, and his constitutional and statutory rights; knowingly and voluntarily waived those rights; was competent to plead; and entered the plea freely and voluntarily. The magistrate judge also found a sufficient factual basis for the plea.
The magistrate judge found Banegas-Banegas guilty of the charged offense and recommended that Chief U.S. District Judge Alia Moses accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. Sentencing was referred to the presiding district judge.
Key Takeaways
- The defendant pleaded guilty to illegal reentry without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge concluded that the Rule 11 plea colloquy supported a knowing, voluntary, and factually grounded plea.
- The filing is a recommendation; the district judge remains responsible for accepting the plea and sentencing.
Why It Matters
The recommendation clears the way for the district court to enter judgment and impose sentence, subject to any timely objections. The parties have 14 days to object; failure to do so may limit later review.