Reported / Citable
Background
Henry Reniery Aguilar-Morazan was charged in Count One of the indictment with illegal reentry into the United States. Under a general referral order, the matter went to a U.S. magistrate judge to conduct the felony guilty-plea proceeding.
Aguilar-Morazan appeared with counsel on July 8, 2026, and consented to having the magistrate judge take his plea. After receiving the admonishments required by Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11, he pleaded guilty to Count One without a plea agreement.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Aguilar-Morazan understood the charge, possible penalties, and the constitutional and statutory rights he was waiving. The judge also found that Aguilar-Morazan was competent, that his plea was knowing and voluntary, and that a sufficient factual basis supported it.
The magistrate judge found Aguilar-Morazan guilty of the charge to which he pleaded and recommended that the district judge accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The matter was referred to the presiding district judge for sentencing.
Key Takeaways
- Aguilar-Morazan pleaded guilty to illegal reentry without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge found that the plea satisfied Rule 11 and was supported by a sufficient factual basis.
- The recommendation remains subject to district-court review, and objections are due within 14 days after receipt.
Why It Matters
The findings document the safeguards required before a federal court may accept a felony guilty plea, including competency, voluntariness, an understanding of the charge and penalties, waiver of rights, and a factual basis.
The recommendation also preserves the district judge’s role in formally accepting the plea, entering judgment, and imposing sentence.