Reported / Citable
Background
Erwin Isaias Lopez-Prado appeared with counsel before a magistrate judge on September 17, 2026, and pleaded guilty to Count One of the indictment. The count charged false personation in immigration matters under 18 U.S.C. § 1546.
Lopez-Prado consented to entering his plea before the magistrate judge, subject to final approval and sentencing by the presiding district judge. The magistrate judge conducted the plea colloquy required by Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11.
The Court’s Holding
Magistrate Judge Robert F. Castaneda found that Lopez-Prado understood the rights he would waive by pleading guilty, the charge, the potential penalties, the advisory nature of the Sentencing Guidelines, and the immigration consequences of the plea.
The magistrate judge further found that Lopez-Prado was competent and that his plea was free, knowing, voluntary, and supported by a factual basis. The report therefore recommended that the district judge accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt.
Key Takeaways
- The filing is a report and recommendation, not a final acceptance of the plea or sentencing judgment.
- The defendant consented to a magistrate judge conducting the guilty-plea proceeding, subject to the district judge’s final approval.
- Written objections filed before sentencing are necessary to preserve review of factual findings adopted by the district judge.
Why It Matters
The recommendation clears the case for the district judge to decide whether to accept Lopez-Prado’s plea and later impose sentence. It also documents Rule 11 findings intended to establish that the plea was constitutionally valid.