Reported / Citable
Background
Eduin Yobani Ramos-Raudales appeared with counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Cordova on August 25, 2026, for a felony guilty-plea proceeding. The matter had been referred to the magistrate judge by general order under 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(3).
After being advised that he had the right to have a district judge take his plea, Ramos-Raudales consented to proceeding before the magistrate judge. He pleaded guilty, without a plea agreement, to Count One of the indictment, which charged illegal reentry into the United States in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326.
The Court’s Holding
Following the Rule 11 colloquy, the magistrate judge found that Ramos-Raudales understood the charge, potential penalties, and the constitutional and statutory rights he was waiving. The judge also found that the plea was knowing and voluntary, that Ramos-Raudales was competent to plead guilty, and that the plea had a sufficient factual basis.
The magistrate judge found Ramos-Raudales guilty of the charge and recommended that the district judge accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The recommendation left sentencing to the presiding district judge and advised the parties that objections were due within 14 days of receiving the report.
Key Takeaways
- Ramos-Raudales pleaded guilty to illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326 without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge concluded that the plea satisfied Rule 11 and was supported by a sufficient factual basis.
- The recommendation remains subject to review by the district judge, who will also conduct sentencing.
Why It Matters
The recommendation documents the procedural safeguards required before acceptance of a felony guilty plea, including confirmation of the defendant’s competence, understanding, voluntariness, and waiver of rights. It also preserves the district judge’s role in accepting the plea, entering judgment, and imposing sentence.