Reported / Citable
Background
Cleveland Henry Reneau-Zapata appeared with counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters on August 5, 2026, for a felony guilty-plea proceeding. The matter had been referred to the magistrate judge under a general order for the taking of the plea.
After Rule 11 admonishments, Reneau-Zapata consented to having the magistrate judge take his plea. He pleaded guilty, without a plea agreement, to Count One of the indictment, charging illegal reentry into the United States.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Reneau-Zapata understood the charge, potential penalties, and his constitutional and statutory rights; that he knowingly and voluntarily waived those rights; and that he was competent to plead guilty. The judge also found an adequate factual basis for the plea.
The findings state that Reneau-Zapata was guilty of the offense to which he pleaded and acknowledge that he may be subject to restitution. The magistrate judge recommended that the district judge accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt, with sentencing to be conducted by the presiding district judge.
Key Takeaways
- The defendant pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to Count One, illegal reentry into the United States.
- The magistrate judge found the plea knowing, voluntary, competent, and supported by a sufficient factual basis.
- The document is a findings-and-recommendation ruling; parties have 14 days to object before district-court review.
Why It Matters
The ruling does not itself impose sentence. It clears the case for the district judge to decide whether to accept the recommended plea disposition and to conduct sentencing.
Absent timely objections, the parties may forfeit de novo district-court review and face limits on appellate challenges to unobjected-to findings and conclusions.