Reported / Citable
Background
Wilmer Josue Garcia-Ramos, also known as Wilmer Jose Garcia Ramos, appeared with counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters for a felony guilty-plea proceeding. The case had been referred to the magistrate judge under a general order for the taking of the plea.
After being advised of his right to have the plea taken by a district judge, Garcia-Ramos consented to proceeding before the magistrate judge. He pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to Count One of the indictment, charging illegal reentry into the United States.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Garcia-Ramos understood the charge, potential penalties, and his constitutional and statutory rights, and that he knowingly, freely, and voluntarily waived those rights. The court also found him competent to plead guilty and found a sufficient factual basis for the plea.
Based on those findings, the magistrate judge found Garcia-Ramos guilty of the charge to which he pleaded and recommended that the district judge accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. Sentencing was referred to the presiding district judge.
Key Takeaways
- Garcia-Ramos pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to illegal reentry.
- The magistrate judge found the Rule 11 plea colloquy adequate, the plea voluntary, and the factual basis sufficient.
- The disposition is a recommendation to the district judge; parties have 14 days to object.
Why It Matters
The order reflects the magistrate judge’s role in conducting a felony plea hearing with the defendant’s consent while leaving final acceptance of the plea and sentencing to the district judge. It also preserves the parties’ opportunity to seek district-court review through timely objections.