Reported / Citable
Background
Osvaldo Rodriguez-Luna was charged in the Western District of Texas with illegal reentry into the United States. Under a general referral order, the case was assigned to Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters to take the defendant’s felony guilty plea.
At an August 6, 2026 hearing, Rodriguez-Luna appeared with counsel and consented to having the magistrate judge take her plea. The magistrate judge advised her of her right to have the plea taken by the district judge and conducted the required Rule 11 plea colloquy.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Rodriguez-Luna understood the charge, potential penalties, and her constitutional and statutory rights; voluntarily waived those rights; and was competent to plead guilty. She pleaded guilty under a plea agreement to Count One, illegal reentry into the United States.
The magistrate judge further found a sufficient factual basis for the plea and found Rodriguez-Luna guilty of the charge to which she pleaded. The recommendation was that the district court accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt; sentencing remains for the presiding district judge.
Key Takeaways
- The magistrate judge recommended acceptance of Rodriguez-Luna’s guilty plea to illegal reentry.
- The recommendation followed a Rule 11 colloquy and findings of competence, voluntariness, and factual basis.
- Parties have 14 days to file objections to the findings and recommendation.
Why It Matters
The filing is a recommended disposition rather than the district court’s final acceptance of the plea or sentencing decision. Absent timely objections, the district judge may act on the recommendation, while sentencing will be conducted by the presiding district judge.