Reported / Citable
Background
Luishannys Guadalupe Sangronis-Colina 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 U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph A Cordova to take her felony guilty plea.
On July 2, 2026, Sangronis-Colina appeared with counsel and consented to have the magistrate judge take her plea. After receiving the required Rule 11 admonishments, she pleaded guilty to Count One of the indictment without a plea agreement.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Sangronis-Colina understood the charge, potential penalties, and the rights she was waiving. He also found that she was competent, entered the plea freely and voluntarily, and that the plea had a sufficient factual basis.
The magistrate judge found Sangronis-Colina guilty of the charge to which she pleaded 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
- Sangronis-Colina 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 knowing, voluntary, competent, and supported by a sufficient factual basis.
- The recommendation did not impose a sentence; sentencing remains for the presiding district judge.
Why It Matters
The findings document the procedural safeguards required before a federal felony guilty plea may be accepted. They also clarify the magistrate judge’s limited role: taking the plea and recommending acceptance while leaving final acceptance and sentencing to the district judge.