Reported / Citable
Background
Rufo Benitez-Morales appeared with counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters for a felony guilty-plea proceeding. The case had been referred under a general order for the magistrate judge to take the plea.
After being advised under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11, Benitez-Morales consented to having the magistrate judge take his plea. He pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to Count One of the indictment, illegal reentry into the United States.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Benitez-Morales understood the charge, potential penalties, and his constitutional and statutory rights; that he voluntarily waived those rights; and that he was competent to plead guilty. The judge also found that the plea was knowing and voluntary and supported by a sufficient factual basis.
Accordingly, the magistrate judge found Benitez-Morales guilty of the charge to which he pleaded and recommended that the district court accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. Sentencing was referred to Chief U.S. District Judge Alia Moses.
Key Takeaways
- The defendant pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to illegal reentry.
- The magistrate judge recommended acceptance of the plea after completing the Rule 11 colloquy.
- Parties had 14 days to object to the findings and recommendation.
Why It Matters
This was a guilty-plea recommendation, not a final sentencing decision. The district judge retained responsibility for deciding whether to accept the recommendation and for imposing sentence.