Reported / Citable
Background
Fredy De Jesus Ruiz-Fajardo appeared with counsel for a guilty-plea hearing on an indictment charging illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a).
Ruiz-Fajardo consented to enter his plea before a magistrate judge, subject to final approval and sentencing by the presiding district judge. After Rule 11 admonishments, he pleaded guilty to Count One.
The Court’s Holding
Magistrate Judge Robert F. Castaneda found that Ruiz-Fajardo was competent and that his guilty plea was knowing, voluntary, and supported by a factual basis. The judge also found that Ruiz-Fajardo understood the charge, the rights he waived, the possible penalties, sentencing considerations, and the immigration consequences of his plea.
The magistrate judge recommended that the district judge accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The recommendation remained subject to objections before sentencing and final action by the district judge.
Key Takeaways
- The magistrate judge recommended acceptance of Ruiz-Fajardo’s guilty plea to illegal reentry.
- The recommendation followed findings that the Rule 11 plea requirements were satisfied.
- Final acceptance and sentencing were reserved for the presiding district judge.
Why It Matters
The report preserves the plea-stage findings for the district judge’s review while confirming that Ruiz-Fajardo knowingly waived trial rights and entered a supported plea. Parties were warned that failing to object before sentencing could bar de novo review and appellate review of factual findings later adopted by the district judge.