Reported / Citable
Background
Jesus Rangel-Santos appeared with counsel for a guilty-plea hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert F. Castaneda. The indictment charged him in Count One with illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a).
After receiving the admonishments required by Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11, Rangel-Santos pleaded guilty. He consented to entering the plea before a magistrate judge, subject to final approval and sentencing by the presiding district judge.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Rangel-Santos understood the charge, his trial rights, the potential penalties, the immigration consequences of his plea, and the advisory role of the Sentencing Guidelines. The court also found that he was competent and that his plea was free, knowing, voluntary, and supported by a factual basis.
Based on those findings, Judge Castaneda recommended that the district judge accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The recommendation did not itself impose sentence or finally accept the plea.
Key Takeaways
- The magistrate judge recommended acceptance of Rangel-Santos’s guilty plea to illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a).
- The plea remains subject to final approval and sentencing by the district judge.
- Written objections before sentencing are necessary to preserve review of covered factual findings.
Why It Matters
The report documents Rule 11 compliance and clears the case for the district judge’s consideration of the plea and, if accepted, sentencing. It is a recommendation rather than a final merits judgment or sentence.