Reported / Citable
Background
Ricardo Samir Cruz-Mendoza 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 receiving Rule 11 admonishments, Cruz-Mendoza consented to have the magistrate judge take his plea. He 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 Cruz-Mendoza understood the charge, potential penalties, and the constitutional and statutory rights he waived by pleading guilty. The magistrate judge also found that the plea was knowing, voluntary, and supported by a sufficient factual basis, and that Cruz-Mendoza was competent to enter it.
The magistrate judge found Cruz-Mendoza guilty of the charged offense and recommended that the district court accept the plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The recommendation remained subject to objections and ultimate action by Chief U.S. District Judge Alia Moses.
Key Takeaways
- Cruz-Mendoza pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to illegal reentry.
- The magistrate judge recommended acceptance of the plea after finding Rule 11 requirements satisfied.
- The district judge, not the magistrate judge, will conduct sentencing.
Why It Matters
This is a guilty-plea recommendation, not a final sentencing decision. Unless objections alter the result, the district court may accept the recommendation and proceed to sentencing on the illegal-reentry conviction.