Reported / Citable
Background
Edison Junior Bone-Cuevas was charged in Count One of an indictment with illegal reentry in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a). On September 21, 2026, he appeared with counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Laura Enriquez and pleaded guilty to that count.
Bone-Cuevas consented to enter his plea before a magistrate judge, subject to final approval and sentencing by the presiding district judge. The magistrate judge conducted the plea proceeding under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11 and advised him of his trial rights, the charge and potential penalties, the immigration consequences of pleading guilty, and the role of the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and the 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a) factors.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Bone-Cuevas was competent and that his plea was free, knowing, and voluntary. The court also found that he understood the rights he was giving up, the nature and consequences of the charge, and the possible sentence, and that his plea was not induced by promises, threats, force, or threats of force.
The court further found a factual basis supporting the guilty plea. Based on those findings, the magistrate judge recommended that the district judge accept the plea and enter a judgment of guilt; the report and recommendation did not itself finally accept the plea or impose sentence.
Key Takeaways
- Bone-Cuevas pleaded guilty to illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a).
- The magistrate judge found the plea knowing, voluntary, and supported by a factual basis after conducting a Rule 11 inquiry.
- Acceptance of the plea and entry of judgment remain subject to action by the presiding district judge.
Why It Matters
The report documents the procedural safeguards required before a federal court may accept a guilty plea, including confirmation that the defendant understands the surrendered trial rights, sentencing exposure, and immigration consequences.
It also underscores the limited posture of a magistrate judge’s recommendation: the district judge retains responsibility for final approval of the plea, entry of judgment, and sentencing.