Reported / Citable
Background
Guadalupe Munoz-Flores was charged in Count One of an indictment with illegal reentry into the United States. The case was referred by general order to Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters to take a felony guilty plea.
At an August 6, 2026 hearing, Munoz-Flores and counsel appeared before the magistrate judge. After being advised of his right to have a district judge take the plea, Munoz-Flores consented to proceed before the magistrate judge and pleaded guilty without a plea agreement. Sentencing was reserved for the presiding district judge.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Munoz-Flores understood the charge, penalties, and the constitutional and statutory 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.
Accordingly, the magistrate judge found Munoz-Flores guilty of illegal reentry and recommended that the district court accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The recommendation advised the parties that objections were due within 14 days.
Key Takeaways
- The ruling is a findings-and-recommendation document, not the district judge’s final acceptance of the plea.
- Munoz-Flores pleaded guilty to illegal reentry without a plea agreement.
- The case was referred to the district judge for sentencing.
Why It Matters
The recommendation clears the case for district-court review of the plea and, if accepted, sentencing. It also preserves the parties’ opportunity to object to the proposed findings within the stated 14-day period.