Defendant Jonathan Panuaga pleads guilty; judge sentences him to three years

Jonathan Panuaga pleaded guilty Wednesday in the 187th District Court to possession of a controlled substance, penalty group 1 (between 1 and 4 grams), and was sentenced to three years in prison.

The court called cause 2026 CR0001694. The judge confirmed that defense counsel Tim Molina and the defendant had reviewed discovery and the true bill of indictment. The defendant acknowledged that he had knowingly and voluntarily waived his right to a jury trial and signed plea paperwork and a waiver of appeal.

The court accepted into evidence the state's exhibits and stipulations, then found there was sufficient evidence to find Panuaga guilty. The court sentenced him to three years’ imprisonment, gave credit for time served and ordered collateral conditions including no residing in households with minors and the statutory prohibition on possession of weapons following a felony conviction. After the sentence the judge noted the defendant will not have permission to appeal because he had waived appeal rights as part of a plea-bargain agreement.

"Yes, ma'am," Panuaga responded when the judge reviewed his understanding; later he told the court, "Yes, ma'am. I will," when urged to make better decisions.

The court noted it followed the plea-bargain terms and recorded consideration of prior case numbers referenced by the state. The matter concluded with routine admonishments about appeal limits and firearm prohibitions accompanying felony convictions.

What happens next: The judgment and sentence were entered; the court showed the judgment satisfied to reflect the plea-bargain disposition on the record.