Reported / Citable
Background
Natanael Moreno Hernandez was charged with illegal reentry into the United States in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326. On June 29, 2026, the defendant appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Cordova with his counsel for a felony guilty plea proceeding, referred under 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(3) and Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 11.
The magistrate judge personally addressed the defendant in open court, informing him of his rights and the consequences of his plea. The defendant was admonished regarding his constitutional and statutory rights, including his right to have the plea taken directly by the presiding district judge.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Moreno Hernandez understood the nature of the charges and penalties, understood his constitutional and statutory rights, and freely and voluntarily waived them. The defendant entered a guilty plea to Count One (illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326) without a plea agreement. The magistrate found the defendant competent to enter the plea and that a sufficient factual basis existed to support it.
The magistrate recommended that the defendant’s guilty plea be accepted and that a judgment of guilt be entered. The case was referred to United States District Judge Ernest Gonzalez for sentencing. The parties have 14 days from receipt of this recommendation to file written objections; failure to do so bars de novo review and limits appellate challenges to plain error.
Key Takeaways
- Defendant pled guilty to a felony charge of illegal reentry without a negotiated plea agreement.
- Magistrate judge found all Rule 11 requirements met: knowing, voluntary waiver of rights and factual basis for plea.
- Sentencing will be conducted by the presiding district judge following the standard 14-day objection period.
- Defendant is subject to potential restitution.
Why It Matters
This case reflects routine federal criminal procedure in immigration cases involving illegal reentry prosecutions. The magistrate’s findings establish the procedural foundation for the sentencing phase, where the district judge will determine the appropriate sentence within statutory parameters for this federal felony offense.