Reported / Citable
Background
Francisco Eudoro Garay-Flores appeared with counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters on August 5, 2026, for a felony guilty-plea proceeding. The case had been referred to the magistrate judge under a general order for the taking of the plea.
Garay-Flores consented to have the magistrate judge take his plea. He pleaded guilty, without a plea agreement, to Count One of the indictment, illegal reentry into the United States. Sentencing remains with the presiding district judge.
The Court’s Holding
Judge Watters found that Garay-Flores understood the charge, penalties, and rights addressed during the Rule 11 colloquy; knowingly and voluntarily waived his rights; was competent to plead guilty; and entered the plea freely and voluntarily.
The magistrate judge also found a sufficient factual basis for the plea and found Garay-Flores guilty of the count to which he pleaded. The magistrate judge recommended that the district court accept the plea and enter a judgment of guilt, subject to the parties’ opportunity to object within 14 days.
Key Takeaways
- The defendant pleaded guilty to illegal reentry without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge found the Rule 11 plea requirements satisfied.
- The filing is a recommendation; the district judge will decide whether to accept it and will conduct sentencing.
Why It Matters
The opinion reflects the magistrate judge’s limited role in a referred felony plea proceeding: conducting the plea colloquy and recommending acceptance, while leaving final acceptance and sentencing to the district judge. Any objections must be timely filed to preserve de novo review.