Reported / Citable
Background
Dagoberto RODRIGUEZ-Cardona appeared with counsel before a U.S. magistrate judge on July 7, 2026, to enter a felony guilty plea. The matter had been referred to the magistrate judge under a general order for the taking of the plea.
After being advised that he could have the district judge take his plea, Rodriguez-Cardona consented to proceed before the magistrate judge. Following the required Rule 11 admonishments, he pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to Count One of the indictment, which charged illegal reentry into the United States.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Rodriguez-Cardona understood the charge, potential penalties, and the constitutional and statutory rights he was waiving. The judge also found that Rodriguez-Cardona was competent, that his plea was knowing and voluntary, and that a sufficient factual basis supported it.
The magistrate judge found Rodriguez-Cardona guilty of the charge to which he pleaded 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 notified that objections to the findings and recommendation were due within 14 days after receipt.
Key Takeaways
- Rodriguez-Cardona pleaded guilty to illegal reentry without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge found the plea knowing, voluntary, factually supported, and entered by a competent defendant.
- The recommendation leaves acceptance of the plea, entry of judgment, and sentencing for the presiding district judge.
Why It Matters
The recommendation records the Rule 11 findings necessary to support the felony guilty plea while preserving the district judge’s role in formally accepting the plea, entering judgment, and imposing sentence.