Reported / Citable
Background
Andy Hernandez appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dustin Howell for a felony plea proceeding and an allocution under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11. Hernandez waived his appearance before the district court.
On September 15, 2026, the magistrate judge filed a report and recommendation advising that Hernandez’s guilty plea be accepted. Hernandez did not oppose the recommendation.
The Court’s Holding
U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman reviewed the case file and the magistrate judge’s report and recommendation.
The court accepted Hernandez’s guilty plea to Count One of the indictment.
Key Takeaways
- A magistrate judge conducted Hernandez’s felony plea proceeding and Rule 11 allocution.
- The magistrate judge recommended acceptance of the guilty plea, and Hernandez filed no opposition.
- The district court accepted Hernandez’s guilty plea to Count One.
Why It Matters
The order confirms the district court’s acceptance of Hernandez’s felony guilty plea following proceedings before a magistrate judge. The one-page order does not identify the offense charged in Count One or address sentencing.