Reported / Citable
Background
Alfredo DeJesus appeared with counsel before a U.S. magistrate judge to enter a felony guilty plea. He consented to have the magistrate judge conduct the plea proceeding, subject to final approval and sentencing by the district judge.
During the July 28, 2026 hearing, the magistrate judge conducted an allocution under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11 and personally advised DeJesus of the required admonishments. DeJesus pleaded guilty to one count of illegal reentry into the United States in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that DeJesus understood the nature of the charge and the possible penalties, as well as his constitutional and statutory rights and the consequences of waiving them. The judge also found that DeJesus was competent, that his plea was free and voluntary, and that the plea had a factual basis.
Based on those findings, the magistrate judge recommended that the district court accept DeJesus’s guilty plea and, after reviewing the presentence investigation report, enter a final judgment of guilt. The report and recommendation does not itself accept the plea, adjudicate guilt, or impose a sentence.
Key Takeaways
- DeJesus pleaded guilty to one count of illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326.
- The magistrate judge found that the plea satisfied Rule 11’s requirements, including competence, voluntariness, understanding, and a factual basis.
- The recommendation remains subject to the district judge’s review, and the parties have 14 days after service to file specific written objections.
Why It Matters
The report documents the procedural safeguards required before a federal court may accept a felony guilty plea. It also underscores the limited role of the magistrate judge here: the magistrate conducted the plea hearing and issued findings, while final acceptance of the plea and sentencing remain with the district judge.