Reported / Citable
Background
Maikel Alejandro Rodriguez-Savon appeared with counsel before a U.S. magistrate judge on July 6, 2026, for a felony guilty-plea proceeding. The matter had been referred under a general order for the taking of the plea.
After being advised of his right to have the plea taken by a district judge and receiving the required Rule 11 admonishments, Rodriguez-Savon pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to Count One of the indictment: conspiracy to transport illegal aliens. Sentencing remains before the presiding district judge.
The Court’s Holding
Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters found that Rodriguez-Savon knowingly and voluntarily consented to the magistrate judge’s taking of the plea; understood the charge, penalties, and rights he was waiving; and was competent to plead guilty.
The magistrate judge also found a sufficient factual basis for the plea, found Rodriguez-Savon guilty of the charged offense, and recommended that the district court accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The recommendation remains subject to objections and district-court review.
Key Takeaways
- Rodriguez-Savon pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to conspiracy to transport illegal aliens.
- The magistrate judge found the plea knowing, voluntary, competent, and supported by an adequate factual basis.
- The district judge will conduct sentencing, and parties have 14 days to object to the recommendation.
Why It Matters
The filing is a report and recommendation, not a final district-court acceptance of the plea or sentence. Unless timely objections prompt further review, the district court may accept the recommendation and enter judgment before proceeding to sentencing.