Reported / Citable
Background
Gerardo Rene Reyes-Martinez was charged with illegal reentry into the United States. The case was referred by general order to a U.S. magistrate judge to take his felony guilty plea under 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(3) and United States v. Dees.
Reyes-Martinez and his counsel appeared before Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters on July 8, 2026. After being advised that he could have the district judge take his plea and receiving the admonishments required by Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11, Reyes-Martinez consented to proceed before the magistrate judge and pleaded guilty to Count One without a plea agreement.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Reyes-Martinez understood the charge, possible penalties, and the rights he was waiving. The judge further found that Reyes-Martinez was competent, that his plea and waiver were knowing and voluntary, and that a sufficient factual basis supported the plea.
Based on those findings, the magistrate judge found Reyes-Martinez guilty of the charge and recommended that the district judge accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The matter was referred to the presiding district judge for sentencing, and the parties were given 14 days to object to the findings and recommendation.
Key Takeaways
- Reyes-Martinez pleaded guilty to illegal reentry without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge concluded that the Rule 11 requirements were satisfied and that the plea was knowing, voluntary, and supported by an adequate factual basis.
- The recommendation does not impose a sentence; sentencing remains before the presiding district judge.
Why It Matters
The recommendation documents the procedural safeguards required before a federal felony guilty plea may be accepted, including confirmation of the defendant’s competence, understanding, voluntariness, and factual basis for the plea.
It also illustrates the magistrate judge’s role in taking a felony plea with the defendant’s consent while leaving final acceptance, entry of judgment, and sentencing to the district judge.