Reported / Citable
Background
Pedro Morales-Sabano 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 a U.S. magistrate judge to take Morales-Sabano’s felony guilty plea.
Morales-Sabano and his counsel appeared before the magistrate judge on June 30, 2026. After being informed of his right to have the district judge take the plea and receiving the admonishments required by Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11, Morales-Sabano consented to proceed before the magistrate judge and pleaded guilty to Count One without a plea agreement.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Morales-Sabano understood the charge, the potential penalties, and his constitutional and statutory rights, and that he knowingly and voluntarily waived those rights. The judge also found Morales-Sabano competent, his plea free and voluntary, and the factual basis sufficient to support the plea.
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 advised that they had 14 days to object to the findings and recommendation.
Key Takeaways
- Morales-Sabano 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 and was knowing, voluntary, competent, and supported by a sufficient factual basis.
- The recommendation did not impose a sentence; sentencing remained for the presiding district judge.
Why It Matters
The recommendation reflects the procedure used when a defendant consents to a magistrate judge’s administration of a felony guilty plea. Although the magistrate judge found the plea valid, acceptance of the recommendation and sentencing remained with the district judge.