Reported / Citable
Background
Mauricio Caballero-Gonzalez was charged with illegal reentry into the United States in Count One of the indictment. The case was referred by general order to a U.S. magistrate judge to take his felony guilty plea under 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(3) and United States v. Dees.
Caballero-Gonzalez appeared with counsel on July 10, 2026. After being told that he had the right to have the district judge take his plea, he consented to proceed before the magistrate judge and pleaded guilty without a plea agreement.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Caballero-Gonzalez understood the charge, potential penalties, and the constitutional and statutory rights he was waiving. The judge also found that he was competent, that his plea was knowing and voluntary, and that the plea had a sufficient factual basis.
Based on those findings, the magistrate judge found Caballero-Gonzalez guilty of the charge 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, and the parties were given 14 days to object to the findings and recommendation.
Key Takeaways
- Caballero-Gonzalez pleaded guilty to illegal reentry without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge found the plea knowing, voluntary, competent, and supported by a sufficient factual basis.
- The magistrate judge recommended acceptance of the plea and entry of judgment, while sentencing remained for the presiding district judge.
Why It Matters
The recommendation documents compliance with the procedural safeguards governing a felony guilty plea, including personal admonishment of the defendant and findings concerning competence, voluntariness, waiver of rights, and factual support.
It also preserves the district judge’s role in accepting the recommendation and imposing sentence, while warning that failure to object within 14 days may limit later review.