Reported / Citable
Background
Francisco Javier Baez-Razo was charged in the Western District of Texas with conspiracy to transport illegal aliens. The case was referred by general order to U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters to take Baez-Razo’s felony guilty plea.
Baez-Razo appeared with counsel on July 6, 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 proceed before the magistrate judge and pleaded guilty to Count One without a plea agreement.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Baez-Razo understood the charge, possible penalties, and the rights he was waiving. The judge also found that Baez-Razo was competent, that his plea was free and voluntary, and that a sufficient factual basis supported it.
Based on those findings, 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 given 14 days to object to the findings and recommendation.
Key Takeaways
- Baez-Razo pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport illegal aliens without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge found that the plea satisfied Rule 11’s competency, voluntariness, and factual-basis requirements.
- The recommendation does not impose a sentence; sentencing remains for the presiding district judge.
Why It Matters
The findings document the procedural safeguards required before a federal felony guilty plea may be accepted. It also preserves the district judge’s role in reviewing the recommendation, entering judgment, and conducting sentencing.