Source: http://oh.findacase.com/research/wfrmDocViewer.aspx/xq/fac.20180328_0001153.SOH.htm/qx
Timestamp: 2019-04-24 09:50:42+00:00

Document:
Defendant Hernan Emilio Caldas-Estupinan is charged in an Indictment with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine while on board a vessel within the jurisdiction of the United States, in violation of 46 U.S.C. § 70506 and 21 U.S.C. § 960(b)(1), and one count of possession with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine while on board a vessel within the jurisdiction of the United States, in violation of 46 U.S.C. § 70506 and 21 U.S.C. § 841. Indictment, ECF No. 3. The United States and defendant entered into a plea agreement, executed pursuant to the provisions of Rule 11(c)(1)(A) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, whereby defendant agreed to enter a plea of guilty to Count 1 of the Indictment. On March 28, 2018, defendant, accompanied by his counsel and with the assistance of a Spanish interpreter, appeared for a change of plea proceeding. Defendant consented, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §636(b)(3), to enter a guilty plea before a Magistrate Judge. See United States v. Cukaj, 2001 WL 1587410 at *1 (6th Cir. 2001)(Magistrate Judge may accept a guilty plea with the express consent of the defendant and where no objection to the report and recommendation is filed).
Prior to accepting defendant's plea, the undersigned addressed defendant personally and in open court and determined his competence to plead. Based on the observations of the undersigned, defendant understands the nature and meaning of the charges in the Indictment and the consequences of the plea to Count 1 of the Indictment. Defendant was also addressed personally and in open court and advised of each of the rights referred to in Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.
Having engaged in the colloquy required by Rule 11, the Court concludes that defendant's plea is voluntary. Defendant acknowledged that the plea agreement signed by him, his attorney and the attorney for the United States and filed on March 8, 2018, represents the only promises made by anyone regarding the charges in the Indictment. Defendant was advised that the District Judge may accept or reject the plea agreement and that, even if the Court refuses to accept any provision of the plea agreement not binding on the Court, defendant may nevertheless not withdraw his guilty plea.
Defendant confirmed the accuracy of the material aspects of the statement of facts supporting the charge, which is attached to the Plea Agreement. He confirmed that he is pleading guilty to Count 1 of the Indictment because he is in fact guilty of that offense. The Court concludes that there is a factual basis for the plea.
The Court concludes that defendant's plea of guilty to Count 1 of the Indictment is knowingly and voluntarily made with understanding of the nature and meaning of the charge and of the consequences of the plea.
It is therefore RECOMMENDED that defendant's guilty plea to Count 1 of the Indictment be accepted. Decision on acceptance or rejection of the plea agreement was deferred for consideration by the District Judge after the preparation of a presentence investigation report.

References: § 70506
 § 960
 § 70506
 § 841
 §636
 v.