Reported / Citable
Background
The case was referred by general order to U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters to take defendant Llony Alexander Meza-Rodriguez’s felony guilty plea under 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(3).
At an August 4, 2026 hearing, Meza-Rodriguez appeared with counsel. After being advised of his right to have a district judge take the plea and receiving Rule 11 admonishments, he pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to Count One of the indictment, illegal reentry into the United States.
The Court’s Holding
Judge Watters found that Meza-Rodriguez knowingly and voluntarily consented to the magistrate judge taking his plea; understood the charge, penalties, and rights he waived; was competent; and pleaded guilty freely and voluntarily.
The magistrate judge further found an adequate factual basis for the plea and found Meza-Rodriguez guilty of the charged offense. The court recommended that the district judge accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. Sentencing remains for the presiding district judge.
Key Takeaways
- The defendant pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to Count One, illegal reentry into the United States.
- The magistrate judge recommended acceptance of the plea after completing the Rule 11 colloquy and finding a sufficient factual basis.
- Parties have 14 days to object to the findings and recommendation.
Why It Matters
This is a plea-stage recommendation, not a sentencing decision or a final district-court acceptance order. Unless objections alter the result, the case proceeds to district-court action on the recommendation and then sentencing.