Reported / Citable
Background
Victor Manuel Solorzano-Sosa was charged with illegal reentry into the United States in the Western District of Texas. The case was referred by general order to a U.S. magistrate judge to take Solorzano-Sosa’s felony guilty plea.
Solorzano-Sosa appeared with counsel on July 7, 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 Solorzano-Sosa consented to the magistrate judge’s taking of the plea, understood the charge, penalties, and rights he was waiving, and entered the plea freely and voluntarily. The judge also found that Solorzano-Sosa was competent and that the plea had a sufficient factual basis.
Based on those findings, 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 notified that they had 14 days to object to the findings and recommendation.
Key Takeaways
- Solorzano-Sosa pleaded guilty to illegal reentry without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge found the plea knowing, voluntary, competent, and supported by a sufficient factual basis.
- The recommendation remains subject to the district judge’s acceptance, with sentencing reserved for the district judge.
Why It Matters
The recommendation documents the Rule 11 findings required before the district judge may accept Solorzano-Sosa’s felony guilty plea. It also preserves the parties’ opportunity to seek district-court review by filing timely objections.