Reported / Citable
Background
Brayan Abrahan Ulloa-Martinez was charged in Count One of an indictment with illegal reentry into the United States. Under a general referral order, the matter came before a U.S. magistrate judge to take Ulloa-Martinez’s felony guilty plea.
Ulloa-Martinez and his counsel appeared before the magistrate judge on July 7, 2026. After being told that he could have the district judge take his plea, Ulloa-Martinez consented to proceed before the magistrate judge and pleaded guilty without a plea agreement. The magistrate judge personally addressed him in open court and gave the admonishments required by Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Ulloa-Martinez understood the charge, potential penalties, and the rights he was waiving. The judge also found that Ulloa-Martinez was competent, that his plea was knowing and voluntary, and that a sufficient factual basis supported it.
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. The recommendation also advised the parties that they had 14 days to object and warned of the consequences of failing to do so.
Key Takeaways
- Ulloa-Martinez pleaded guilty to illegal reentry without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge found that the plea satisfied Rule 11 and was supported by a sufficient factual basis.
- The magistrate judge recommended acceptance of the plea; sentencing remains for the presiding district judge.
Why It Matters
The recommendation documents the procedural safeguards required before a federal felony guilty plea may be accepted. It also preserves the distinction between the magistrate judge’s role in conducting the plea proceeding and recommending acceptance and the district judge’s role in acting on that recommendation and imposing sentence.