Reported / Citable
Background
Carlos Arturo Villasenor-Cortes was charged with illegal reentry into the United States in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326. The district court referred the matter to a magistrate judge to conduct the felony guilty-plea proceeding.
Villasenor-Cortes appeared with counsel on July 1, 2026. After being advised of his right to have a district judge take his plea and receiving the admonishments required by Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11, he pleaded guilty to Count One without a plea agreement.
The Court’s Holding
The magistrate judge found that Villasenor-Cortes was competent, understood the charge, penalties, and rights he was waiving, and entered his plea freely and voluntarily with the advice of counsel. The judge also found a sufficient factual basis for the plea and found Villasenor-Cortes guilty of the charge to which he pleaded.
The magistrate judge recommended that the district judge accept the guilty plea and enter a judgment of guilt. The report referred the case to the presiding district judge for sentencing and advised the parties that objections were due within 14 days.
Key Takeaways
- Villasenor-Cortes pleaded guilty to illegal reentry under 8 U.S.C. § 1326 without a plea agreement.
- The magistrate judge found the plea knowing, voluntary, factually supported, and entered by a competent defendant.
- The recommendation was not a sentencing decision; sentencing remained for the presiding district judge.
Why It Matters
The findings document compliance with Rule 11 and support acceptance of the felony guilty plea. They also preserve the district judge’s authority to review objections, enter judgment, and impose sentence.