Reported / Citable
Background
Lazaro Neftaly Mateo, also identified as Lazaro Neftaly Mateo-Virula, was charged by indictment with illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. §§ 1326(a) and 1326(b)(1). Mateo and his counsel appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Miguel A. Torres on September 30, 2026, for a guilty-plea proceeding.
Mateo consented to entering his plea before a magistrate judge, subject to the presiding district judge’s final approval and sentencing. The magistrate judge conducted the colloquy required by Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11, addressing Mateo’s trial rights, the charge and potential penalties, immigration consequences, and the advisory Sentencing Guidelines.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Mateo was competent and that his guilty plea was free, knowing, and voluntary. The court also found that no promises, threats, force, or threats of force induced the plea and that a factual basis supported it.
Based on those findings, the magistrate judge recommended that the district judge accept Mateo’s guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The report and recommendation did not itself finally accept the plea or impose sentence.
Key Takeaways
- Mateo pleaded guilty to illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. §§ 1326(a) and 1326(b)(1).
- The magistrate judge found that the plea satisfied Rule 11 and was knowing, voluntary, and supported by a factual basis.
- Final acceptance of the plea and sentencing remain with the presiding district judge.
Why It Matters
The recommendation documents the procedural safeguards used to ensure the validity of Mateo’s plea, including confirmation that he understood his constitutional rights, sentencing exposure, and immigration consequences. It also preserves the distinction between a magistrate judge’s recommendation and the district judge’s ultimate authority to accept the plea and enter judgment.