Reported / Citable
Background
Juan Camilo Gonzalez-Moreno was charged with illegal reentry into the United States in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326. The case was referred by general order to U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph A Cordova to take Gonzalez-Moreno’s felony guilty plea.
At a July 1, 2026 hearing, Gonzalez-Moreno appeared with counsel and consented to have the magistrate judge take his plea. After being advised of his rights and admonished under 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 Gonzalez-Moreno understood the charge, potential penalties, and the constitutional and statutory rights he was waiving. The judge also found that Gonzalez-Moreno was competent, that his plea was free and voluntary, and that a sufficient factual basis supported the plea.
Based on those findings, the magistrate judge 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
- Gonzalez-Moreno pleaded guilty to illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326 without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge found that the plea satisfied Rule 11’s requirements for a knowing, voluntary, and factually supported plea.
- The filing is a recommendation to the district judge, who will conduct sentencing, rather than a sentencing decision.
Why It Matters
The recommendation documents the procedural safeguards required before acceptance of a felony guilty plea, including confirmation of the defendant’s competence, understanding of the charge and penalties, voluntary waiver of rights, and the existence of a factual basis.
It also preserves the distinction between the magistrate judge’s role in taking the plea by consent and the district judge’s authority to accept the recommendation, enter judgment, and impose sentence.