Reported / Citable
Background
Washington Luiz De Freitas, also known as Valdeci Moraes and Valdeci Morales, was charged by indictment with false personation in immigration matters under 18 U.S.C. § 1546(a).
At an October 15, 2026 plea hearing, De Freitas appeared with counsel and pleaded guilty after receiving the admonishments required by Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11. He consented to entering the plea before a magistrate judge, subject to final approval and sentencing by the district judge.
The Court’s Holding
Magistrate Judge Laura Enriquez found that De Freitas was competent and that his guilty plea was knowing, voluntary, and supported by a factual basis. The court found that he understood the charge, potential penalties, immigration consequences, trial rights, and the advisory nature of the Sentencing Guidelines.
The magistrate judge recommended that the district judge accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The report did not itself finally accept the plea or impose sentence.
Key Takeaways
- The magistrate judge found the Rule 11 plea requirements satisfied.
- De Freitas pleaded guilty to false personation in immigration matters under 18 U.S.C. § 1546(a).
- The recommendation remained subject to the district judge’s final approval and sentencing.
Why It Matters
The report preserves the distinction between a magistrate judge’s plea recommendation and the district judge’s final acceptance of a felony guilty plea. Parties had fourteen days to file written objections, with failure to object potentially barring de novo review and appellate review of factual findings adopted by the district judge.