Reported / Citable
Background
Jose Antonio Rodriguez-Alvarez 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 a felony guilty plea.
At an August 4, 2026 hearing, Rodriguez-Alvarez appeared with counsel and consented to having the magistrate judge conduct the plea proceeding. He pleaded guilty to Count One without a plea agreement. Sentencing remains with the presiding district judge.
The Court’s Holding
After personally addressing Rodriguez-Alvarez and giving the Rule 11 advisements, Magistrate Judge Watters found that Rodriguez-Alvarez understood the charge, potential penalties, and his constitutional and statutory rights. The court found that he knowingly, freely, and voluntarily waived those rights and entered his plea.
The magistrate judge also found Rodriguez-Alvarez competent, determined that a sufficient factual basis supported the plea, and found him guilty of the offense to which he pleaded. The judge recommended that the district court accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt.
Key Takeaways
- The magistrate judge recommended acceptance of Rodriguez-Alvarez’s guilty plea to illegal reentry.
- The plea was entered without a plea agreement after Rule 11 admonishments.
- Parties have 14 days to object to the findings and recommendation; sentencing will be conducted by the presiding district judge.
Why It Matters
The filing is a recommendation rather than a final district-court acceptance of the plea or sentencing decision. Unless timely objections alter the result, the district judge will decide whether to accept the recommendation and will impose sentence.