Reported / Citable
Background
Jesus Roberto Salas-Belmonte 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 the felony guilty plea.
Salas-Belmonte appeared with counsel on July 2, 2026. After being advised that he could have the district judge take his plea and receiving the admonishments required by 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 Salas-Belmonte consented to the magistrate judge taking his plea, understood the charge, penalties, and rights at issue, and freely and voluntarily waived those rights. The judge also found him competent and determined that the plea was voluntary and supported by a sufficient factual basis.
The magistrate judge found Salas-Belmonte guilty of the charge to which he pleaded and 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.
Key Takeaways
- Salas-Belmonte pleaded guilty to illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326 without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge found the Rule 11 requirements satisfied, including competence, voluntariness, and a sufficient factual basis.
- The recommendation remained subject to district-court review, with written objections due within 14 days after receipt.
Why It Matters
The findings document the procedural basis for accepting a felony guilty plea taken by a magistrate judge. They also preserve the district judge’s role in reviewing the recommendation, entering judgment, and conducting sentencing.