Reported / Citable
Background
The case was referred to U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters under a general order for the taking of a felony guilty plea.
On September 1, 2026, Isrrael Miralda-Rodas appeared with counsel and consented to having the magistrate judge take his plea. He pleaded guilty, without a plea agreement, to Count One of the indictment, charging illegal reentry into the United States.
The Court’s Holding
After conducting Rule 11 admonishments, the magistrate judge found that Miralda-Rodas understood the charge, potential penalties, and his constitutional and statutory rights, and that he knowingly and voluntarily waived those rights.
The magistrate judge further found Miralda-Rodas competent, his plea voluntary, and a sufficient factual basis for the plea. The judge found him guilty and recommended that the district court accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. Sentencing was referred to the presiding district judge.
Key Takeaways
- The ruling is a findings-and-recommendation order; it recommends acceptance of the plea rather than itself constituting the district court’s final acceptance.
- Miralda-Rodas pleaded guilty to illegal reentry without a plea agreement.
- Parties have 14 days to object; absent objections, review of the proposed findings is generally limited.
Why It Matters
The order records the Rule 11 findings supporting a guilty plea and moves the case to the district judge for acceptance of the recommendation and sentencing. It also preserves the parties’ opportunity to object before the district court acts on the recommendation.