Reported / Citable
Background
J Santos Zarazua-Flores, also known as Jose Santos Zarazua-Flores, was charged with illegal reentry into the United States. The case was referred by general order to a U.S. magistrate judge to take the felony guilty plea.
On July 7, 2026, Zarazua-Flores 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 of the indictment without a plea agreement.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Zarazua-Flores understood the charge, possible penalties, and the constitutional and statutory rights he was waiving. The judge also found that the plea was knowing and voluntary, that Zarazua-Flores was competent, and that a sufficient factual basis supported the plea.
The magistrate judge found Zarazua-Flores guilty 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 given 14 days to object to the findings and recommendation.
Key Takeaways
- Zarazua-Flores 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 review by the district judge, who will conduct sentencing.
Why It Matters
The recommendation documents the procedural safeguards required before acceptance of a felony guilty plea, including confirmation of the defendant’s competence, understanding, voluntariness, and waiver of rights.
It also illustrates the magistrate judge’s role in taking a felony plea with the defendant’s consent while leaving formal acceptance, entry of judgment, and sentencing to the district judge.