Reported / Citable
Background
Pedro Euceda-Aguero was charged in the Western District of Texas with illegal reentry into the United States, in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326. The case was referred to U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Cordova to take a felony guilty plea.
At an August 25, 2026 hearing, Euceda-Aguero, represented by counsel, 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
Magistrate Judge Cordova found that Euceda-Aguero understood the charge, potential penalties, and his constitutional and statutory rights; knowingly and voluntarily waived those rights; and was competent to plead guilty.
The magistrate judge further found a sufficient factual basis for the plea and found Euceda-Aguero guilty of illegal reentry. The report recommended that the district court accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. It did not itself finally accept the plea or impose sentence.
Key Takeaways
- The defendant pleaded guilty to illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326 without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge concluded that the Rule 11 plea requirements were satisfied.
- The recommendation remains subject to objections and district-court review; sentencing will be conducted by the district judge.
Why It Matters
The filing illustrates the magistrate-judge plea process in a felony case: with the defendant’s consent, a magistrate judge may conduct the plea proceeding and recommend acceptance, while the district judge retains responsibility for final action and sentencing.