Reported / Citable
Background
Pedro Arony Guillen-Fuentes, also known as Pedro Aroni Guillen-Fuentes, was charged in Count One of an indictment with illegal reentry into the United States. The matter was referred by general order to U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters to take the felony guilty plea.
At a September 29, 2026 hearing, Guillen-Fuentes appeared with counsel and consented to having the magistrate judge conduct the plea proceeding. He pleaded guilty to Count One without a plea agreement. Sentencing remains for the presiding district judge.
The Court’s Holding
After personally addressing Guillen-Fuentes and giving the Rule 11 advisements, Magistrate Judge Watters found that Guillen-Fuentes understood the charge, potential penalties, and his constitutional and statutory rights, and that he voluntarily waived those rights.
The magistrate judge further found Guillen-Fuentes competent, his guilty plea knowing and voluntary, and a sufficient factual basis for the plea. The judge found him guilty of the offense to which he pleaded and recommended that the district court accept the plea and enter a judgment of guilt.
Key Takeaways
- The defendant pleaded guilty to illegal reentry without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge found the Rule 11 requirements satisfied, including competency, voluntariness, and a factual basis.
- The recommendation is subject to objections within 14 days and awaits district-court action; sentencing will be conducted by the presiding district judge.
Why It Matters
The filing is a report and recommendation, not a final acceptance of the guilty plea by the district court. Unless objections alter the result, the district judge may accept the recommendation, enter judgment, and proceed to sentencing.