United States v. Prince Mayele

MEMORANDUM

Prince Martin Mayele appeals the judgment and sentence of the district court following the entry of his guilty plea for engaging in mail and wire fraud. We have jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1291 , and we affirm.

Mayele entered into his guilty plea voluntarily and intelligently. See United States v. Delgado-Ramos, 635 F.3d 1237, 1239 (9th Cir.2011). The lack of a Lingala interpreter at Mayele’s proceedings did not render his guilty plea involuntary or unintelligent. At his change of plea, sentencing, and restitution hearings, Mayele demonstrated his ability to comprehend and communicate fluently in English. See Forrens v. United States, 504 F.2d 65 (9th Cir.1974); see also United States v. Big-man, 906 F.2d 392 , 394 n. 1 (9th Cir.1990). At his change of plea hearing in particular, Mayele explicitly confirmed his ability to understand the proceedings when asked by the district court. Mayele confirmed, inter alia, that he understood his rights; that counsel had read and discussed the plea agreement with him; that he understood the terms of the plea agreement; that he was pleading guilty of his own free will; and that he did not need additional time to discuss…