Reported / Citable
Background
Silvia Lopez-Rivera was charged with illegal reentry into the United States. The case was referred by general order to U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters to conduct the felony guilty-plea proceeding.
On July 10, 2026, Lopez-Rivera appeared with counsel and consented to have the magistrate judge take her plea. After receiving the admonishments required by Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11, she pleaded guilty to Count One of the indictment without a plea agreement.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Lopez-Rivera understood the charge, potential penalties, and rights she was waiving; entered the plea freely and voluntarily; was competent to plead guilty; and admitted a sufficient factual basis for the plea. The magistrate judge also found her guilty of the charge to which she pleaded and noted her acknowledgment that restitution might apply.
The magistrate judge recommended that the presiding district judge accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The matter was referred to the district judge for sentencing, and the parties were advised that objections to the findings and recommendation were due within 14 days of receipt.
Key Takeaways
- Lopez-Rivera pleaded guilty to illegal reentry without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge concluded that the plea satisfied Rule 11 and was knowing, voluntary, competent, and supported by a sufficient factual basis.
- The ruling was a recommendation to the district judge, who remained responsible for accepting the plea, entering judgment, and imposing sentence.
Why It Matters
The recommendation documents the procedural safeguards required before a federal court may accept a felony guilty plea. It also preserves the distinction between the magistrate judge’s role in conducting the plea proceeding and the district judge’s authority to accept the recommendation and sentence the defendant.