Reported / Citable
Background
Doroteo Alvarez-Gonzalez was charged in Count One of an indictment with illegal reentry into the United States. Under a general referral order, the matter came before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters for the taking of a felony guilty plea.
At the July 9, 2026 hearing, Alvarez-Gonzalez appeared with counsel and consented to have the magistrate judge take his plea. After being advised of his right to proceed before the district judge and receiving the admonishments required by Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11, he pleaded guilty without a plea agreement.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Alvarez-Gonzalez understood the charge, potential penalties, and the constitutional and statutory rights he was waiving. The judge further found that Alvarez-Gonzalez 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 Alvarez-Gonzalez 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
- Alvarez-Gonzalez 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 remained subject to review by the district judge, who would also conduct sentencing.
Why It Matters
The recommendation documents the procedural safeguards required before a federal felony guilty plea may be accepted, including confirmation that the defendant understands the charge, penalties, and waived rights. It also illustrates the magistrate judge’s role in conducting a plea proceeding by consent while leaving formal acceptance, entry of judgment, and sentencing to the district judge.