Reported / Citable
Background
Dorian Fabrisio Torres-Rodriguez 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, Torres-Rodriguez consented to proceed before the magistrate judge. 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 Torres-Rodriguez understood the charge, potential penalties, and the constitutional and statutory rights he was waiving. The judge also found that Torres-Rodriguez was competent, that his plea was knowing and voluntary, and that a sufficient factual basis supported it.
The magistrate judge found Torres-Rodriguez 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
- Torres-Rodriguez pleaded guilty to illegal reentry without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge concluded that the plea satisfied Rule 11’s competency, voluntariness, waiver, and factual-basis requirements.
- The recommendation remains subject to review by the district judge, who will conduct sentencing.
Why It Matters
The findings document the procedural safeguards required before a federal felony guilty plea may be accepted. They also preserve the division of responsibility between the magistrate judge who conducted the plea proceeding and the district judge who will act on the recommendation and impose sentence.