Reported / Citable
Background
Gerardo Gonzalez-Moreno was charged in Count One of an indictment with illegal reentry into the United States. The case was referred by general order to U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters to conduct felony guilty-plea proceedings.
At a July 7, 2026 hearing, Gonzalez-Moreno appeared with counsel and consented to having the magistrate judge take his plea. He pleaded guilty to Count One without a plea agreement. Sentencing remains for the presiding district judge.
The Court’s Holding
After giving the defendant the required Rule 11 admonishments, the magistrate judge found that Gonzalez-Moreno understood the charge, penalties, and his constitutional and statutory rights, and that he knowingly and voluntarily waived those rights.
The magistrate judge further found Gonzalez-Moreno competent, concluded that his plea was voluntary and supported by a sufficient factual basis, and found him guilty of the charged offense. The court recommended that the district judge accept the plea and enter a judgment of guilt.
Key Takeaways
- The defendant pleaded guilty to illegal reentry without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge found the Rule 11 plea requirements satisfied.
- The recommendation is subject to objections within 14 days and awaits action by the district judge.
Why It Matters
The filing is a report and recommendation, not the district court’s final acceptance of the plea or imposition of sentence. Unless timely objections are filed, the district judge may accept the recommendation and proceed to sentencing.