Reported / Citable
Background
Arturo Reyes-Candelas 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 conduct the felony guilty-plea proceeding.
On July 2, 2026, Reyes-Candelas appeared with counsel and consented to have the magistrate judge take his plea. After receiving the required Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11 admonishments, he pleaded guilty to Count One without a plea agreement.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Reyes-Candelas understood the charge, potential penalties, and rights he was waiving; was competent to plead; and entered the plea freely and voluntarily. The judge also found a sufficient factual basis for the plea and found Reyes-Candelas guilty of the charge to which he pleaded.
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
- Reyes-Candelas pleaded guilty to illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326 without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge concluded that the plea satisfied Rule 11 and was supported by a sufficient factual basis.
- The recommendation did not impose a sentence; sentencing remained for the presiding district judge.
Why It Matters
The filing documents the procedural findings required before a federal court accepts a felony guilty plea. It is a magistrate judge’s recommendation, rather than a final sentencing decision, and preserves a 14-day period for objections before district-court review.