Reported / Citable
Background
Javier Lopez-Yescas was indicted for illegal reentry in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a). On August 11, 2026, he appeared with counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Laura Enriquez and pleaded guilty to the indictment.
Lopez-Yescas consented to entering his plea before a magistrate judge, subject to final approval and sentencing by the presiding district judge. The magistrate judge conducted the plea colloquy required by Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Lopez-Yescas was competent and that his plea was knowing, voluntary, and supported by a factual basis. The judge also found that he understood the charge, his trial rights, the potential penalties and immigration consequences, the advisory Sentencing Guidelines, and the sentencing factors under 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a).
Based on those findings, the magistrate judge recommended that the district judge accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The report and recommendation did not itself finally accept the plea or impose a sentence.
Key Takeaways
- Lopez-Yescas pleaded guilty to illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a).
- The magistrate judge found that the plea satisfied Rule 11 and was knowing, voluntary, and factually supported.
- Final acceptance of the plea and sentencing remained with the presiding district judge.
Why It Matters
The recommendation documents the procedural safeguards required before a federal guilty plea may be accepted, including confirmation that the defendant understands the waived trial rights, possible punishment, immigration consequences, and sentencing process.
Because this was a magistrate judge’s report and recommendation, it represents a proposed disposition rather than a final judgment by the district court. Failure to object before sentencing may limit district-court and appellate review of adopted factual findings.