Reported / Citable
Background
Obdulio Hernan Munguia-Escobar 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 a U.S. magistrate judge to take his felony guilty plea.
On July 2, 2026, Munguia-Escobar appeared with counsel before the magistrate judge. After being advised of his right to have the district judge take the plea and receiving the admonishments required by Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11, he pleaded guilty to Count One without a plea agreement.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Munguia-Escobar consented to the plea proceeding, understood the charge, penalties, and rights at issue, and freely and voluntarily waived those rights. The judge also found him competent to plead guilty and determined that the plea had a sufficient factual basis.
The magistrate judge found Munguia-Escobar 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 notified that objections to the findings and recommendation were due within 14 days after receipt.
Key Takeaways
- Munguia-Escobar pleaded guilty to illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326 without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge found that the plea satisfied Rule 11, was knowing and voluntary, and rested on a sufficient factual basis.
- The recommendation calls for acceptance of the plea and entry of judgment, while sentencing remains with the presiding district judge.
Why It Matters
The findings document the procedural and substantive requirements supporting a valid felony guilty plea. They also clarify the magistrate judge’s limited role: taking the plea and recommending its acceptance while leaving final acceptance and sentencing to the district judge.