Reported / Citable
Background
Francisco Javier CABRERA-Torres appeared with counsel before a U.S. magistrate judge on July 6, 2026, for a felony guilty-plea proceeding. The matter had been referred under a general order for the magistrate judge to take the plea.
After being advised of his right to have the district judge take his plea and receiving the admonishments required by Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11, Cabrera-Torres pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to Count One of the indictment, which charged making a false statement or representation to a federal agency or department.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Cabrera-Torres consented to the plea proceeding, understood the charge, penalties, and rights he was waiving, and entered the plea freely and voluntarily. The judge also found him competent, determined that the plea had a sufficient factual basis, and noted his acknowledgment that restitution might apply.
The magistrate judge recommended that the district judge accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The report referred the case to the presiding district judge for sentencing and advised the parties that objections were due within 14 days of receiving the recommendation.
Key Takeaways
- Cabrera-Torres pleaded guilty to Count One without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge found the plea knowing, voluntary, competent, and supported by a sufficient factual basis.
- The filing was a recommendation to the district judge, who retained responsibility for accepting the plea and conducting sentencing.
Why It Matters
The recommendation documents compliance with Rule 11 and supplies the findings needed for the district judge to decide whether to accept the felony guilty plea. It also preserves the parties’ opportunity to object before the district court acts on the recommendation.