Reported / Citable
Background
Edgar Eli Guerrero-Mejia was charged in Count One with illegal reentry into the United States, in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326. The case was referred to Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Cordova to take a felony guilty plea.
At the August 26, 2026 hearing, Guerrero-Mejia appeared with counsel and consented to having the magistrate judge take his plea. He pleaded guilty without a plea agreement; sentencing remained for the presiding district judge.
The Court’s Holding
After conducting the Rule 11 colloquy, the magistrate judge found that Guerrero-Mejia understood the charge, penalties, and rights he was waiving; that he was competent; and that his plea was knowing, free, and voluntary.
The magistrate judge also found a sufficient factual basis for the plea and found Guerrero-Mejia guilty of the charged offense. The judge recommended that the district court accept the plea and enter a judgment of guilt.
Key Takeaways
- The recommendation concerns acceptance of a guilty plea, not sentencing.
- Guerrero-Mejia pleaded guilty to illegal reentry without a plea agreement.
- Parties have 14 days to object to the findings and recommendation.
Why It Matters
The report preserves the district judge’s role in accepting the plea and imposing sentence while documenting that the Rule 11 requirements were satisfied. Absent timely objections, the recommendation may be reviewed only under the limits stated in the notice.