Opinion
21-cr-20148-MOORE
10-18-2021
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, v. CARLOS MANUEL MERO MUNOZ, Defendant.
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION ON CHANGE OF PLEA
LAUREN F. LOUIS UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE.
THIS CAUSE was before the Court following an Order of Reference to conduct a proceeding for acceptance of a guilty plea by Defendant Carlos Manuel Mero Munoz in this case. Based upon the change of plea hearing conducted on October 14, 2021, the undersigned makes the following findings, and recommends that the guilty plea be accepted.
1. This Court advised Defendant of his right to have these proceedings conducted by the District Judge assigned to the case, and that this Court was conducting the change of plea hearing pursuant to an Order of Reference from the District Court. This Court further advised Defendant that the District Judge assigned to this case would be the sentencing judge and would make all findings and rulings concerning Defendant's sentence. This Court advised Defendant that he did not have to permit the undersigned United States Magistrate Judge to conduct this hearing and could request that the change of plea hearing be conducted by the District Judge assigned to the case. Defendant, Defendant's attorney and the Assistant United States Attorney all consented on the record to this Court conducting the change of plea hearing.
2. The Court also advised Defendant of his right to appear at the plea hearing in person. Defendant waived his right to appear in person. Defendant, Defendant's attorney and the Assistant United States Attorney all consented to proceed by videoconference. Counsel supported his position that the change of plea should not be delayed on the basis that Defendant seeks finality and sentencing so that he may return to his country of origin after serving that sentence. Pursuant to the Administrative Orders of this Court, specifically, 2020-95 and 2021-20, I find that Defendant's guilty plea could not be further delayed without serious harm to the interests of justice.
3. This Court conducted a plea colloquy in accordance with the outline set forth in the Bench Book for District Judges, and in accordance with Fed. R. Crim. P. 11.
4. Defendant pled guilty to the Indictment, which charges him with conspiring to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance (five kilograms or more of cocaine) while aboard a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the US, in violation of Title 46, United States Code Section, Section 70506(b). The Court advised Defendant that maximum sentence that may be imposed is a sentence of: (a) at least ten years imprisonment and up to life imprisonment; (b) followed by a term of supervised release of at least five years and up to life; (c) a fine of up to $10,000,000; and (d) a mandatory special assessment of $100.00. Defendant was also advised of the possibility of restitution and forfeiture. Defendant acknowledged that he understood the possible maximum penalties that could be imposed in the case.
5. To set forth the factual basis for the entry of the plea, the Government proffered the facts it would have established at trial. The Government established all the essential elements of the crime to which Defendant is pleading guilty. Defendant acknowledged that the facts proffered by the Government were accurate, and defense counsel agreed that the proffer satisfied all elements of the crime charged and stipulated that the facts were sufficient to confer the Court's jurisdiction over the Defendant for this offense.
6. The parties entered into a written plea agreement that was thereafter filed with the Court. I reviewed that plea agreement on the record and Defendant acknowledged that he had reviewed the entire agreement with his counsel, and the agreement had been translated for him, before he signed the agreement on his behalf. Defendant acknowledged that he is satisfied with his attorney and that he has had a full opportunity to discuss all facets of his case with him.
7. Based upon all of the foregoing and the plea colloquy conducted by this Court, the undersigned finds that Defendant is fully competent and capable of entering an informed plea, that Defendant is aware of the nature of the charges and the consequences of the plea, and that the plea of guilty is a knowing and voluntary plea supported by an independent basis in fact containing each of the essential elements of the offense. In addition, the undersigned specifically finds that the Defendant's waiver of his right to appeal his sentence in this case is knowing and voluntary.
8. A pre-sentence investigation report is being prepared for the District Court by the United States Probation Office. Therefore, it is hereby:
RECOMMENDED that Defendant's plea of guilty be accepted, that Defendant be adjudicated guilty of both Counts charged in the the Indictment filed in this case, as more particularly described herein, and that a sentencing hearing be conducted for final disposition of this matter.
The parties will have fourteen calendar days from the date of service of this Report and Recommendation within which to file written objections, if any, for consideration by the United States District Judge. Pursuant to Fed. R. Crim. P. 59(b), Eleventh Circuit Rule 3-1, and accompanying Internal Operating Procedure 3, the parties are hereby notified that failure to object in accordance with 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1) waives the right to challenge on appeal the District Court's order based on unobjected-to factual and legal conclusions. See Thomas v. Arn, 474 U.S. 140 (1985).
DONE AND SUBMITTED.