Reported / Citable
Background
The case was referred by general order to U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters to take a felony guilty plea. On August 3, 2026, Mario Alberto Garcia-Cuevas and his counsel appeared before the magistrate judge.
Garcia-Cuevas consented to having the magistrate judge take his plea after being advised of his right to have the plea taken by a district judge. He pleaded guilty, under a plea agreement, to Count Two of the indictment, illegal alien transportation.
The Court’s Holding
After conducting the Rule 11 colloquy, the magistrate judge found that Garcia-Cuevas understood the charge, penalties, and rights he was waiving; that he was competent; and that his plea was knowing, free, and voluntary.
The magistrate judge also found a sufficient factual basis for the plea and found Garcia-Cuevas guilty of the offense to which he pleaded. The court recommended that the district judge accept the plea and enter a judgment of guilt; sentencing remains for the presiding district judge.
Key Takeaways
- The defendant pleaded guilty to Count Two, illegal alien transportation.
- The magistrate judge found the Rule 11 requirements satisfied and a factual basis for the plea.
- The filing is a recommendation, with objections due within 14 days.
Why It Matters
The recommendation clears the case for the district judge to decide whether to accept the plea and later impose sentence. Parties who do not timely object risk losing de novo review of the proposed findings and recommendations.