Reported / Citable
Background
Yohnni Rivera-Acho was charged in the Western District of Texas 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.
Rivera-Acho appeared with counsel on July 9, 2026. After being advised that he could have the district judge take his plea and receiving the admonishments required by Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11, he consented to proceeding before the magistrate judge and pleaded guilty to Count One without a plea agreement.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Rivera-Acho understood the charge, potential penalties, and rights he was waiving; entered the plea freely and voluntarily; was competent to plead guilty; and admitted conduct supported by a sufficient factual basis. The judge also noted that Rivera-Acho acknowledged he might be subject to restitution.
Based on those findings, the magistrate judge recommended that the presiding district judge accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. This document was a report and recommendation, not the district judge’s final acceptance of the plea, and the case was referred to the district judge for sentencing.
Key Takeaways
- Rivera-Acho pleaded guilty to illegal reentry without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge found the plea knowing, voluntary, competent, and supported by a sufficient factual basis.
- The recommendation remained subject to district-court review, with objections due within 14 days after receipt.
Why It Matters
The recommendation records compliance with Rule 11 and supplies the findings needed for the district judge to accept Rivera-Acho’s 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 enter judgment and impose sentence.