Reported / Citable
Background
Cesar Omar Gonzalez-Contreras was charged with illegal reentry into the United States. The case was referred by general order to a U.S. magistrate judge to take his felony guilty plea.
Gonzalez-Contreras and his counsel appeared before Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters on July 7, 2026. After being advised of his right to have the district judge take the plea and receiving the required Rule 11 admonishments, Gonzalez-Contreras pleaded guilty to Count One without a plea agreement.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Gonzalez-Contreras understood the charge, possible penalties, and the rights he was waiving. The judge also found that the plea was knowing and voluntary, that Gonzalez-Contreras was competent, and that a sufficient factual basis supported the plea.
Based on those findings, the magistrate judge found Gonzalez-Contreras guilty of the charge and recommended that the district judge accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. Sentencing remained for the presiding district judge.
Key Takeaways
- Gonzalez-Contreras pleaded guilty to illegal reentry without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge found that the plea satisfied Rule 11 and was supported by a sufficient factual basis.
- The recommendation was subject to objections within 14 days, and sentencing was reserved for the district judge.
Why It Matters
The recommendation documents the procedural findings required before a federal felony guilty plea may be accepted. It also underscores the limited role of the magistrate judge here: taking the plea and recommending acceptance, while leaving final acceptance and sentencing to the presiding district judge.