Reported / Citable
Background
Armando Cleto-Cleto was charged in Count One of an indictment with illegal reentry into the United States. The case was referred by general order to a U.S. magistrate judge to take Cleto-Cleto’s felony guilty plea.
Cleto-Cleto appeared with counsel on July 8, 2026. After being advised that he could have the district judge take his plea, he consented to proceed before the magistrate judge and pleaded guilty without a plea agreement.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Cleto-Cleto understood the charge, possible penalties, and the constitutional and statutory rights he was waiving. The judge also found that Cleto-Cleto was competent, that his plea was knowing and voluntary, and that the plea had a sufficient factual basis.
Based on those findings, the magistrate judge found Cleto-Cleto guilty of the charge and recommended that the district judge accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The matter was referred to the presiding district judge for sentencing.
Key Takeaways
- Cleto-Cleto pleaded guilty to illegal reentry without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge concluded that the plea satisfied Rule 11 and was supported by a sufficient factual basis.
- The recommendation remains subject to objections and acceptance by the district judge, who will conduct sentencing.
Why It Matters
The findings document the procedural safeguards required before acceptance of a felony guilty plea, including confirmation of the defendant’s competence, understanding, voluntariness, and waiver of rights.
The recommendation does not impose a sentence; it sends the plea to the district judge for acceptance, entry of judgment, and sentencing.