Reported / Citable
Background
The case was referred by general order to U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters to take the defendant’s felony guilty plea. On August 5, 2026, Michael Isidro Rodriguez-Rosa appeared with counsel and was advised personally in open court of his right to have a district judge take the plea.
After receiving Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11 admonishments, Rodriguez-Rosa pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to Count One of the indictment, charging illegal reentry into the United States. Sentencing was reserved for the presiding district judge.
The Court’s Holding
Judge Watters found that Rodriguez-Rosa knowingly and voluntarily consented to the magistrate judge’s taking of his plea; understood the charge, penalties, and rights he was waiving; and was competent to plead guilty.
The magistrate judge further found a sufficient factual basis for the plea and recommended that the district court accept it and enter a judgment of guilt. The recommendation remained subject to objections within 14 days and ultimate action by the district judge.
Key Takeaways
- Rodriguez-Rosa pleaded guilty to illegal reentry without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge found the Rule 11 plea requirements satisfied.
- The magistrate judge recommended acceptance; the district judge will sentence the defendant.
Why It Matters
The filing reflects a magistrate judge’s proposed findings following a felony plea colloquy, not a final district-court acceptance of the plea. Parties have 14 days to object, and sentencing will proceed before the presiding district judge.