Reported / Citable
Background
Carlos Antonio Guillen-Guillen appeared with counsel before Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters for a felony guilty-plea proceeding referred under a general order. Guillen-Guillen consented to having the magistrate judge take his plea, while sentencing remained for the presiding district judge.
After receiving Rule 11 admonishments, Guillen-Guillen 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 Guillen-Guillen understood the charge, potential penalties, and his rights; knowingly and voluntarily waived his rights; was competent to plead; and entered his plea freely and voluntarily. The judge also found a sufficient factual basis for the plea.
Judge Watters found Guillen-Guillen guilty of the count to which he pleaded and recommended that the district judge accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The report also noted that Guillen-Guillen may be subject to restitution and referred the case to the presiding district judge for sentencing.
Key Takeaways
- The recommendation followed a Rule 11 plea colloquy in which the defendant consented to the magistrate judge’s role.
- The defendant pleaded guilty to illegal reentry without a plea agreement.
- The parties had 14 days to object; absent objections, review of unobjected-to findings would be limited as stated in the report.
Why It Matters
This is a guilty-plea recommendation, not a final district-court acceptance or sentencing decision. The district judge remains responsible for acting on the recommendation and imposing sentence.