Reported / Citable
Background
Navor MALDONADO-Lozano was charged with illegal reentry into the United States in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326. The case was referred by general order to a U.S. magistrate judge to take a felony guilty plea under 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(3).
On July 1, 2026, Maldonado-Lozano appeared with counsel and consented to have the magistrate judge take his plea. After receiving the required Rule 11 admonishments, he pleaded guilty to Count One without a plea agreement.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Maldonado-Lozano understood the charge, potential penalties, and the constitutional and statutory rights he was waiving. The judge also found that the plea was knowing and voluntary, that Maldonado-Lozano was competent to plead guilty, and that a sufficient factual basis supported the plea.
The magistrate judge found Maldonado-Lozano 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, and the parties were advised that they had 14 days to object to the findings and recommendation.
Key Takeaways
- Maldonado-Lozano pleaded guilty to illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326 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 review by the district judge, who will conduct sentencing.
Why It Matters
The recommendation documents the procedural safeguards required before accepting a felony guilty plea, including confirmation that the defendant understands the charge, penalties, and waived rights. It also preserves the district judge’s role in accepting the recommended disposition and imposing sentence.