Reported / Citable
Background
The case was referred by general order to U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters to take a felony guilty plea. On August 3, 2026, Placido Lopez-Ramos appeared with counsel and consented to having the magistrate judge take his plea. Sentencing remains with the presiding district judge.
After receiving Rule 11 admonishments, Lopez-Ramos pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to Count One of the indictment: making a false statement or representation to an agency or department of the United States.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Lopez-Ramos understood the charge, penalties, and his constitutional and statutory rights; voluntarily waived those rights; was competent to plead; and entered the plea freely and voluntarily. The magistrate judge also found a sufficient factual basis for the plea.
The magistrate judge found Lopez-Ramos guilty of the count to which he pleaded and recommended that the district judge accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The report also noted that Lopez-Ramos may be subject to restitution.
Key Takeaways
- The magistrate judge recommended acceptance of Lopez-Ramos’s guilty plea to the false-statement charge.
- The plea was entered without a plea agreement.
- Any objections to the recommendation must be filed within 14 days or may limit further review.
Why It Matters
This is a plea-stage recommendation, not a sentencing decision. Unless the district judge rejects the recommendation or sustains objections, the case will proceed to entry of judgment and sentencing before the presiding district judge.