Opinion
CRIMINAL NO. 15-699 (GAG)
04-26-2017
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff, v. JUSTO ELIAS MATOS [1], Defendant.
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION
Defendant Justo Elias Matos [1] was charged in a two count Indictment and he agreed to plead guilty to Counts One and Two under a straight plea. Count One charged Defendant with a conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute five (5) kilograms or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, a Schedule II Narcotic Drug Controlled Substance, on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, in violation of Title 46, United States Code, Sections 70503(a)(1), 70504(b)(1) and 70506(a) and (b). Count Two charged Defendant with adding and abetting in the possession with the intent to distribute five (5) kilograms or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, a Schedule II Narcotic Drug Controlled Substance, on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, in violation of Title 46, United States Code, Sections 70503(a)(1), 70504(b)(1) and 70506(a) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2.
On April 25, 2017, Defendant appeared before this Magistrate Judge since the Rule 11 hearing was referred by the court. Defendant was provided with the Waiver of Right to Trial by Jury, which he signed and agreed upon voluntarily after examination in open court, under oath.
Defendant indicated and confirmed his intention to plead guilty to Counts One and Two of the Indictment under a straight plea, upon being advised of his right to have said proceedings before a district judge of this court. Upon verifying through Defendant's statement his age, education and any relevant aspect as to the use of medication, drugs, alcohol or substance dependency, and psychological or psychiatric condition, to ascertain his capacity and ability to understand, answer and comprehend the interactive colloquy with this Magistrate Judge, a determination was made as to Defendant's competency and ability to understand the proceedings.
The form entitled Consent to Proceed before a United States Magistrate Judge in a Felony Case for Pleading Guilty (Rule 11, Fed.R.Crim.P.) and Waiver of Jury Trial, signed and consented by both parties is made part of the record. --------
Having further advised Defendant of the charges contained in above-stated Counts One and Two, he was examined and verified as being correct that: he had consulted with his counsel, AFPD Sulay Rios, prior to the hearing, that he was satisfied with the services provided by his legal representative and had time to discuss with her all aspects of the case, insofar, among other things, regarding the change of plea, the consent to proceed before a United States Magistrate Judge, the content of the Indictment and charges therein, his constitutional rights and the consequences of the waiver of same.
Defendant was specifically apprised by this Magistrate Judge that, upon withdrawing his initial plea of not guilty and now entering a plea of guilty to the charges specified, he was waiving his right to a public, speedy, and a trial by jury constituted by twelve jurors who have to unanimously agree to a verdict. He was also waiving his right to be presumed innocent and for the Government to meet the obligation of establishing his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Furthermore, he was waiving his right during said trial to confront the witnesses who were to testify against him and be able to cross-examine them, through counsel at said trial, as well as present evidence on his behalf. He was also waiving the right to compel the attendance of witnesses and that subpoenas be issued to have them appear in court to testify. Defendant was specifically apprised of his right to take the stand and testify, if he so decided, or not to testify, and no inference or decision as to his guilt could be made from the fact if he decides not to testify. Defendant was also explained his right not to incriminate himself; that upon such a waiver of all above-discussed rights a judgment of guilty and his sentence were to be based on his plea of guilty, and he would be sentenced by the judge after considering the information contained in a pre-sentence report.
As to all the above, Defendant provided an individualized and positive acknowledgment of each and every waiver and, with the assistance of his counsel, indicated he freely and voluntarily waived those rights and understood the consequences. During all this colloquy, Defendant was made aware that he could freely request from this Magistrate Judge any additional clarification, repetition, or ask questions and that he may consult with his attorney at any given time as to any issue.
Defendant expressed his understanding of the penalties prescribed by statute for the offenses as to which he was pleading guilty. The penalties for the offenses charged in both Counts One and Two of the Indictment are a term of imprisonment of not less than ten (10) years and up to life, a term of supervised release of at least five (5) years, and a fine not to exceed $10,000,000.00.
Defendant shall also pay a special monetary assessment of one hundred dollars ($100.00), per count, for a total of two hundred dollars ($200.00).
Insofar as Counts One and Two, as to which Defendant already was aware of the maximum possible penalties, Defendant was apprised that it was up to the sole discretion of the sentencing court what the sentence to be imposed on him will be.
Defendant was specifically informed that any sentencing calculations he could have discussed with his counsel were not binding for the sentencing court, but were only estimates of possible terms of his sentence, which could always be imposed, at the sole discretion of the court, up to the maximum penalties allowed by statute, and dependent upon the information and verification thereof of the pre-sentence report that the court would have before it at the time of imposition of the sentence. The Government, Defendant, and his counsel also expressed they are aware the Sentencing Guidelines are no longer mandatory and are thus, considered advisory.
Defendant indicated he understood the consequences of entering a straight plea in this case and discussed the same with his counsel.
The Government presented to this Magistrate Judge and to Defendant, assisted by his counsel, a summary of the basis in fact for the offense charged and the evidence the Government had available to establish, in the event Defendant had elected to go to trial, the commission of the offense, beyond a reasonable doubt. Counsel and Defendant acknowledged the evidence of the Government was fully disclosed to them and previously discussed between them. Defendant did not accept the statement of facts as proffered by the Government and only accepted the essential elements of the offenses as charged in Counts One and Two. As such, there is a basis in fact for entering a guilty plea as to both counts.
Defendant is an alien. Defendant acknowledged that pleading guilty and entering into this plea may have negative effects upon Defendant's immigration status with the United States and this may include deportation or removal.
Having once more ascertained that Defendant indicated not being induced to plead guilty, and was entering such a plea because in fact he is guilty, without any promises or predictions being made as to the sentence to be imposed by the court, Defendant was informed that parole has been abolished under the applicable Sentencing Reform Act and that any sentence of imprisonment would be served, without him being released on parole. Defendant was additionally informed that prior to sentence, the sentencing judge will have a pre-sentence report and that it would be made available to him, to his counsel and to the Government, so that they be allowed to correct or object to any information contained in said report which was not accurate.
Defendant was informed that he can appeal his conviction if he believes that his guilty plea was somehow unlawful or involuntary or if there is some other fundamental defect in the proceedings which was not waived by his guilty plea. Defendant was also informed that he has a statutory right to appeal his sentence under certain circumstances particularly if the sentence is contrary to law. With few exceptions, any notice of appeal must be filed within fourteen (14) days of judgment being entered in the case.
Defendant waived the reading of the Indictment in open court. Defendant indicated he availed himself of the opportunity to further discuss same with his attorney and then he positively stated that what was contained in Counts One and Two of the Indictment was what he had done and to which he was pleading guilty during these proceedings. Thereupon, Defendant indicated he was pleading guilty to Counts One and Two of the Indictment in Criminal No. 15-699 (GAG).
This Magistrate Judge after having explained to Defendant his rights, ascertaining that he was acting freely and voluntarily to the waiver of such rights and in his decision of pleading guilty under a straight plea, with full knowledge of the consequences thereof, and there being a basis in fact for such a plea, is recommending that a plea of guilty be entered as to Counts One and Two of the Indictment in Criminal No. 15-699 (GAG).
IT IS SO RECOMMENDED.
The sentencing hearing is set for August 22, 2017 at 9:00am before Honorable Gustavo A. Gelpí, District Judge.
The parties have fourteen (14) days to file any objections to this report and recommendation. Amended Fed. R. Crim P. 59 (b)(2). See also Amended Local Rules. Failure to file same within the specified time waives the right to appeal this order. Henley Drilling Co. v. McGee, 36 F.3d 143, 150-151 (1st Cir. 1994); United States v. Valencia, 792 F.2d 4 (1st Cir. 1986). See Paterson-Leitch Co. v. Mass. Mun. Wholesale Elec. Co., 840 F.2d 985, 991 (1st Cir. 1988).
In San Juan, Puerto Rico, this 26th day of April of 2017.
s/ CAMILLE L. VELEZ-RIVE
CAMILLE L. VELEZ-RIVE
UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE