Reported / Citable
Background
The case was referred to U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters to take Eber Exequiel Meza-Portillo’s felony guilty plea. Meza-Portillo appeared with counsel on September 3, 2026.
After being advised of his right to have a district judge take the plea and receiving Rule 11 admonishments, Meza-Portillo pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to Count One of the indictment, illegal reentry into the United States. Sentencing remains for the presiding district judge.
The Court’s Holding
Judge Watters found that Meza-Portillo consented to the magistrate judge’s taking of the plea; understood the charge, penalties, and rights he was waiving; and entered the plea knowingly, freely, and voluntarily.
The magistrate judge also found Meza-Portillo competent and concluded that a sufficient factual basis supported the plea. The report and recommendation recommends that the district court accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt.
Key Takeaways
- The document is a report and recommendation, not a final district-court acceptance of the plea.
- Meza-Portillo pleaded guilty to illegal reentry without a plea agreement.
- The parties have 14 days to file written objections to the recommendation.
Why It Matters
The recommendation clears the case for the district judge to decide whether to accept the plea and proceed to sentencing. Absent timely objections, the proposed findings may be reviewed only under the limits stated in the report.