Reported / Citable
Background
Feliciano Sandoval-Cuevas was indicted for illegal reentry in violation of 8 U.S.C. §§ 1326(a) and (b)(1). He and his counsel appeared before a magistrate judge on July 16, 2026, and he consented to enter his plea before the magistrate judge, subject to final approval and sentencing by the presiding district judge.
After receiving the admonishments required by Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11, Sandoval-Cuevas pleaded guilty. The magistrate judge questioned him about the charge, trial rights, potential penalties, immigration consequences, advisory Sentencing Guidelines, and the sentencing factors under 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a).
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Sandoval-Cuevas was competent and that his plea was free, knowing, and voluntary. She also found that he understood the charge, the consequences of pleading guilty, the rights he was relinquishing, and the possible sentence, and that his plea was not induced by promises, threats, or force.
The magistrate judge further found a factual basis supporting the guilty plea. Based on those findings, she recommended that the district judge accept the plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The report itself did not finally accept the plea or impose a sentence.
Key Takeaways
- Sandoval-Cuevas pleaded guilty to illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. §§ 1326(a) and (b)(1).
- The magistrate judge found that the Rule 11 requirements were satisfied and that the plea was knowing, voluntary, and supported by a factual basis.
- Final acceptance of the plea and sentencing remain with the presiding district judge.
Why It Matters
The report documents the findings necessary for a district judge to accept a felony guilty plea taken by a magistrate judge with the defendant’s consent. It also underscores that a magistrate judge’s recommendation is not the final judgment.
The notice warns that failure to object before sentencing may bar de novo review by the district judge and appellate review of adopted factual findings.