Opinion
Criminal No. 04-419(CCC).
March 30, 2005
MAGISTRATE-JUDGE'S REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION RE: RULE 11 PROCEEDINGS (PLEA OF GUILTY)
I. Personal Background
On December 16, 2004, Erick N. Ramos-Román ("Ramos"), the defendant herein, was charged in a six-count Indictment with violations to Title 18 U.S.C. §§ 2, 371, 500. Specifically, defendant Ramos appears charged in Counts One for knowingly and willfully conspiring to commit money order fraud, and in Count Three for aiding and abetting with the intent to defraud, did falsely alter U.S. Postal money orders.
Subsequently, on February 17, 2005, defendant Ramos filed a written motion to enter a plea of guilty as to Count One ( Docket No. 135) and on March 15, 2005, he filed a written consent to have the Fed.R.Crim.P., Rule 11 proceedings taken by a Magistrate-Judge ( Docket No. 189).
The setting of the Change of Plea Hearing was referred to the undersigned ( Docket No. 145). United States v. Williams, 23 F.3d 629 (2nd Cir.), cert. denied, 115 S.Ct. 641 (1994) (where defendant consented to the magistrate-judge taking his guilty plea to a felony, delegation to magistrate did not contravene Article III of the United States Constitution); United States v. Ciapponi, 77 F.2d 1247 (10th Cir. 1996).
The Change of Plea Hearing was held on March 15, 2005.
II. Consent to Proceed Before a Magistrate-Judge
On March 15, 2005, while assisted by counsel and an interpreter, the defendant, by consent, appeared before me in order to change his previous not guilty plea, entered on January 10, 2005, to a plea of guilty as to Count One. ( See Docket Nos. 91 and 191.)
In open court the defendant was questioned as to the purpose of the hearing being held. Rule 11(c); United States v. Cotal-Crespo, 47 F.3d 1, 5 (1st Cir. 1995) ("At a minimum, Rule 11 requires that court address defendant personally in open court . . ."). Upon confirming his intent to plead guilty, the defendant was advised of his right to have all proceedings, including the change of plea hearing, before a District Judge. Defendant was further given notice of: (a) the nature and purpose of the hearing; (b) the fact that all inquiries were to be conducted under oath and was advised of the possible penalties for committing perjury; and (c) his right to have the change of plea proceedings presided by a District Judge instead of a Magistrate-Judge.
In open court the defendant unequivocally reinstated his consent to have the change of plea hearing before this Magistrate-Judge (see Docket Nos. 189 and 191), a decision he had previously discussed with his counsel, with whom he states to be satisfied. See Rule 11(c)(5); United States v. Dees, 125 F.3d 261 (5th Cir. 1996); United States v. Ciapponi. 77 F.3d at 1250 (10th Cir. 1996) (magistrate-judge may conduct felony plea proceeding with defendant's express consent); United States v. Williams, 23 F.3d 629 (2nd Cir. 1994); United States v. Bryson, 981 F.2d 720 (4th Cir. 1992) (consent to proceed before United States magistrate-judge must be clear, unequivocal and unambiguous); United States v. Khan, 774 F.Supp. 748 (E.D.N.Y. 1991) (taking of guilty pleas may be referred to United States magistrate-judges upon consent of defendant and referred is valid even if United States Attorney does not consent to referral). See also United States v. Dees, 125 F.3d 261 (5th Cir. 1997).
III. Proceedings Under Rule 11, Fed.R.Crim.P.
A. Compliance With Requirements Rule 11(c)(1)
Defendant was advised of the nature of all offenses for which he was being charged. More so, of the charges and allegations contained in Count One, the offense to which he is pleading guilty.
To this Magistrate-Judge's detailed and specific questioning, defendant Ramos admitted that he participated in a conspiracy to commit money order fraud. See United States v. Martínez-Martínez, 69 F.3d 1215, 1220 (1st Cir. 1995) (court's personal examination of defendant required to ensure defendant's understanding of charges against him) (citing United States v. Martínez-Molina, 64 F.3d 719 (1st Cir. 1995)).
In response to further questioning, defendant explained he understood that if convicted as charged in Count One of the Indictment he was exposed to a possible maximum term of five (5) years of imprisonment, and/or fined in the amount of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($250,000.00) and that a supervised release term of not more than three (3) years could be imposed. Defendant acknowledged that he was to pay a monetary assessment fee in the amount of $100.00 ( 18 U.S.C. §§ 3583 and 5033).
Defendant was advised that sentence was a matter solely for the Court to decide and warned that if, in the Court's discretion, the maximum imprisonment term and fine were to be imposed upon him, he later could not withdraw his guilty plea.
Defendant was explained what a monetary assessment fee and supervised release term constitute. As well, he was advised that in passing sentence the Court had to consider the criteria fixed by the sentencing guidelines; the factors to be considered under such guidelines; the fact that the Court could abide by the recommended sentencing range or depart from that range, provided that findings were made; and that, in doing so, the Court could and would consider all relevant facts outlined by the defense, the prosecutor and the probation officer.
Emphasis was made on the fact that at this stage no prediction or promises as to the sentence to be imposed could be made by anyone. Defendant was further advised that any sentencing guideline computation and/or sentencing recommendation contained in the plea agreement was only a recommendation to the Court. Defendant affirmed that, aside from the sentencing recommendation presented in the plea agreement, no promises, threats or predictions as to what sentence will be imposed have been made.
B. Admonishment of Constitutional Rights
Counsel for defendant stated having advised defendant of his constitutional rights. Defendant agreed with counsel's statements and assured that he had understood his explanation.
To assure defendant's comprehension and full awareness of his rights, defendant was advised of his right to:
1. Remain silent and be presumed innocent, inasmuch as it is the government who has the burden of proving all elements of the offense charged.
2. Testify or not to testify at trial, inasmuch as no adverse inference could be drawn from his decision not to testify.
3. A speedy trial before a District Judge and a Jury, at which he would be entitled to see and cross examine the government witnesses, present evidence on his behalf, challenge the government's evidence, the circumstances surrounding his arrest and the voluntariness and admissibility of any statement he might have given.
4. Have a verdict rendered by an unanimous jury which subjected the government to the burden of convincing twelve persons of defendant's guilt beyond reasonable doubt by means of competent evidence.
5. Use the subpoena power of the Court to compel the attendance of witnesses, location and production of identifiable evidence he could use on his behalf.
6. Be assisted and remain assisted by counsel throughout all stages of the proceedings, including trial and sentencing.
Upon listening to defendant's particularized responses, observing his demeanor and corroborating with counsel, that to the best of counsel's belief defendant had fully understood his rights as explained to him prior to the hearing, it is determined that defendant is fully cognizant of his constitutional rights, which he stated he had understood and previously discussed with counsel. See United States v. Cotal-Crespo, 47 F.3d at 4 (due process requires that guilty plea amount to voluntary relinquishment of known right) (citing McCarthy v. United States, 394 U.S. 459, 466 (1969)).
Defendant was given the opportunity to seek further clarification, if needed, from either counsel or this Magistrate-Judge. Defendant declined said opportunity asserting he fully understood his constitutional rights. ( See Rule 11(c)(2) and (3).)
C. Consequences of Pleading Guilty
Upon advising defendant of his constitutional rights, he was further advised of the consequences of pleading guilty. Specifically, defendant was advised that by pleading guilty and upon having his guilty plea accepted by the Court, he will be giving up (waiving) his right to:
1. Remain silent inasmuch as he would be called to state for the record why he considered himself guilty and respond to the Court's questions regarding the elements of the offense charged.
2. See and cross-examine the government witnesses inasmuch as the Court was to examine the government's proffer to pass upon the sufficiency of the government's evidence but no witnesses were to be called for him to cross-examine.
3. Present evidence on his behalf and be presumed innocent and that he was to be adjudged guilty based upon his admissions.
4. Challenge the government's evidence or petition the Court to have all or some of the government's evidence suppressed or excluded.
Furthermore, defendant Ramos was re-admonished of the fact that by pleading guilty he was not to be allowed later on to withdraw his plea because he eventually might disagree with the sentence imposed, and that if under any kind of supervision (probation, parole or supervised release) that privilege could be revoked and he could be required to serve an additional term of imprisonment.
To specific questions of this Magistrate-Judge, defendant acknowledged that the decision of pleading guilty is one he has pondered for quite some time and that he authorized his attorney to engage in plea bargaining negotiations after having examined the government's evidence against him and having discussed with counsel his legal options and sentencing alternatives as well.
Being fully satisfied that defendant was fully aware of the nature of the charges pending against him, the minimum and maximum penalties prescribed by law, his constitutional rights and the consequences of him waiving these rights, we consider his plea one that is voluntary, knowingly and intelligently made.
D. Plea Agreement
The parties have entered into a written plea agreement that, upon being signed by the government, defense attorney and defendant, was filed and made part of the record.
The plea agreement essentially provides a detailed description of the offenses and the sentencing guidelines calculation to which the attorneys and defendant have agreed.
Defendant was clearly warned and recognized having understood that:
1. The plea agreement is not binding upon the sentencing court inasmuch as the sentencing court is not a part of the plea agreement.
2. The plea agreement is an "agreement" between the defendant, defense attorney and the attorney for the government which is presented as a recommendation to the Court in regards to the applicable sentencing adjustments and guidelines and the final disposition of remaining counts.
3. The agreement provides a sentencing recommendation and/or anticipated sentencing guideline computation, that can be either accepted or rejected by the sentencing court.
4. In spite of the plea agreement and any sentencing recommendation contained therein, the sentencing court retains full discretion to reject such plea agreement and impose any sentence up to the possible maximum penalty prescribed by statute.
5. Even though the parties have presented a projected sentencing guidelines computation and have further stipulated to certain sentencing adjustments, the Court is not bound to those computations inasmuch as such determination is contingent to the evidence and factors that the sentencing court will evaluate prior to sentencing. More so, such assessment is contingent to a final determination of what defendant's criminal history category will be.
6. This plea agreement is binding upon the U.S. Attorney's Office in this district but not upon any other federal or state agency or court.
7. The plea agreement contains all clauses and portions of the agreement. Thus, defendant was clearly warned that there are no other verbal agreements or promises made by the defense attorney or the prosecutor. No representations whatsoever in regards to the plea agreement have been made by the Court.
8. The government has reserved its rights to provide information available to the U.S. Probation Office while preparing the pre-sentence investigation report, to provide its version of the facts and seek resolution of any sentencing dispute (factual or legal) that may arise.
9. The Court may not suspend the imposition or execution of sentence.
10. Parole has been abolished, thus any term of imprisonment imposed will be the actual term to be served by the defendant, except for any time credit to which defendant may be entitled by law.In defendant's particular case the plea agreement reflects that the parties have determined that the applicable sentencing base offense level (BOL) is that found under § 2B1.1(a)(2) which provides for a BOL of 6. The parties have further agreed that:
a. a four (4) level enhancement is applicable, pursuant to § 2B1.1(b)(1)(c), inasmuch as the loss exceeded $10,000.00; and
b. a two (2) level adjustment is warranted, pursuant to § 3E1.1(a), provided defendant accepts responsibility for the offense charged.
The U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision in United States v. Booker, Nos. 04-105, 04-105, ___ U.S. ___, 2005 WL 50108 (2005), has determined that the sentencing guidelines are advisory in nature, that sentencing enhancements are to be either determined by a jury or admitted by the defendant and that the new directives in regards to the defendant's Sixth Amendment rights and its remedial interpretation of the Sentencing Act are extensive to all cases on direct review.
Thus, the total adjustments will provide for an adjusted offense level (AOL) of 8. The parties did not stipulate defendant's criminal history category (CHC) which will be determined after considering the pre-sentence investigation report. The government will recommend to the Court that defendant be sentenced at the lower end of the guideline range.
The written plea agreement was filed and made part of the record (Docket No. 191).
Defendant Ramos agrees that if this Honorable Court accepts this Plea Agreement and sentences him according to its terms and conditions, he waives and surrenders his right to appeal the judgment and sentence in this case. See United States v. Molina, 942 F.2d 808
E. Government's Evidence (Basis in Fact)
The government presented, as described in the Indictment, a proffer of its evidence with which the defendant concurred.
Counsel for defendant clearly asserted having received full discovery from the government and being in full agreement with the government's proffer inasmuch as he had no evidence to rebut the same. The government has filed a written version of the facts, wherein defendant's role within the crime charged is described. Defendant expressed his agreement with such version in open court, and proceeded to sign the Government's Version of the Facts. Defendant further verified having discussed said version with his attorney prior to this hearing. Defendant Ramos admitted, as alleged by the government, that he participated in a conspiracy to alter and cash U.S. Postal money orders. Specifically, on or about April 15, 2003, two U.S. Postal Service money orders were purchased in Humacao, Puerto Rico. The money orders bore Nos. 91510754502 and 91610754513 and both were in the amount of $10.00. Then on April 17, 2003, defendant Ramos deposited in his checking account these two U.S. Postal money orders. Money order No. 91610754502 had been altered on its face to $310.00 and money order No. 91610754513 had been altered to $510.00. Both money orders had been endorsed by co-defendant Eduardo Medina-Rodríguez.
From on or about April 22, 2003, to on or about April 29, 2003, defendant Ramos aided and abetted co-defendant Carlos Luis Díaz-Del Valle in the altering of U.S. Postal money order No. 91604850715 by changing the amount from $10.00 to $510.00. Also, on or about May 28, 2003, defendant Ramos cashed U.S. Postal money order No. 91832055625 at a Banco Popular in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This money order had been previously purchased on May 27, 2003, by co-defendant Díaz-Del Valle in the amount of $10.00 and it had been altered to show on its face the amount of $510.00.
Defendant Ramos was arrested on June 18, 2003, after having negotiated an altered money at Ralph's Supermarket in Gurabo, Puerto Rico, the previous day. On August 20, 2003, he was interviewed by Postal Inspector Yvette A. Martínez and Puerto Rico Police//Task Force Agent Cotto Lara. After defendant was read his Miranda rights, he admitted his participation in the conspiracy. He stated that his co-defendant Díaz-Del Valle would "raise" the money orders and explained to the law enforcement officers exactly how the alteration was done and that he could identify the items used in the alteration process. Defendant Ramos acknowledged that among the government's evidence are the testimonies of Postal Inspector Martínez and several witnesses. Also, there is the testimony of the expert witness from the Forensic and Technical Services Division. The Government's Version of Facts was filed and made part of the record ( Docket No. 191).
Accordingly, it is determined that there is a basis in fact and evidence to establish all elements of the offense charged. See United States v. Martínez-Martínez, 69 F.3d at 1220 (defendant's admission to government's statement of facts sufficient to ensure defendant's understanding of charges); Rule 11(f) Fed.R.Crim.P.
F. Voluntariness
Throughout the proceedings defendant Ramos stated that he understood his rights and recognized he had participated in a conspiracy to commit money order fraud.
He accepted that no leniency had been promised, no threats had been made to induce him to plead guilty and that he did not feel pressured to plead guilty. See United States v. Cotal-Crespo, 47 F.3d at 4 (voluntariness or absence of coercion is one of "core concerns" of Rule 11 procedures). Defendant clarified and stated for the record he had had ample opportunity to discuss his case with his counsel who had explained to him the nature of the charges, the possible maximum penalties, his constitutional rights and consequences of his plea. Defendant was given and declined an additional opportunity to consult any other matter with his counsel prior to entering his plea.
Defendant stated he was satisfied with the legal services provided by his counsel.
IV. Conclusion
The defendant, by consent, has appeared before me pursuant to Rule 11, Fed.R.Crim.P., and has entered a plea of guilty to Count One of the Indictment charging a violation to 18 U.S.C. §§ 371 and 500.
After cautioning and examining the defendant under oath and in open court, concerning each of the subject matters mentioned in Rule 11, as described in the preceding sections, it is determined that the defendant (a) is competent to enter this plea and is fully oriented as to time, space and person; (b) is aware of the nature of the offenses charged and the maximum statutory penalties that the same carries; (c) understands that the charges are supported by the government's evidence; (d) has admitted to every element of the offense charged; and (e) has done so in an intelligent and voluntary manner with full knowledge of the consequences of his guilty plea. See, United States v. Isom, 85 F.3d 831, 835 (1st Cir. 1996) (core concerns of Rule 11 proceedings are: 1) absence of coercion; 2) the defendant's understanding of the charges; and 3) defendant's knowledge of the consequences of the guilty plea.
Therefore, it is RECOMMENDED that this Court accept defendant's guilty plea as to Count One of the Indictment and that he be adjudged guilty and have sentence imposed accordingly.
A presentence investigation report was ordered (Docket No. 191). Defendant was notified, in open court, that the sentencing date has been set for June 9, 2005, at 4:30 PM, before Honorable Judge Carmen C. Cerezo.
This Report and Recommendation is filed pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(B) and Rule 72(a) of the Local Rules of Court. Any objections to the same must be specific and must be filed with the Clerk of Court within ten (10) days of its receipt. Rule 510.1, Local Rules of Court; Fed.R.Civ.P. 72(b). Failure to timely file specific objections to the Report and Recommendation is a waiver of the right to review by the District Court. United States v. Valencia-Copete, 792 F.2d 4 (1st Cir. 1986); Park Motor Mart, Inc. v. Ford Motor Co., 616 F.2d 603 (1st Cir. 1980). The parties are advised that review of a Magistrate-Judge's Report and Recommendation by a District Judge does not necessarily confer entitlement as of right to a de novo hearing and does not permit consideration of issues not raised before the Magistrate-Judge. Paterson-Leitch v. Massachusetts Elec., 840 F.2d 985 (1st Cir. 1988).
SO RECOMMENDED.