Reported / Citable
Background
Jose Esteban Cano-Alcocer 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 take the felony guilty plea.
At an August 4, 2026 hearing, Cano-Alcocer appeared with counsel and consented to having the magistrate judge take his plea. He pleaded guilty to Count One without a plea agreement; sentencing was reserved for the presiding district judge.
The Court’s Holding
After personally addressing Cano-Alcocer and giving the Rule 11 admonishments, Judge Watters found that Cano-Alcocer understood the charge, potential penalties, and the rights he was waiving. The magistrate judge also found the plea knowing, voluntary, and supported by a sufficient factual basis.
Judge Watters found Cano-Alcocer guilty of the charge to which he pleaded and recommended that the district court accept the plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The recommendation remained subject to objections and final action by the district judge.
Key Takeaways
- The defendant pleaded guilty to illegal reentry without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge found the Rule 11 requirements satisfied and a factual basis for the plea.
- The magistrate judge recommended acceptance of the plea; the district judge will sentence the defendant.
Why It Matters
The filing is a report and recommendation, not a final district-court order accepting the plea or imposing sentence. Parties have 14 days to object; absent timely objections, review of unobjected-to findings is limited as stated in the report.