United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

NAUGATUCK MAN ADMITS POSSESSING SAWED-OFF SHOTGUN, SELLING GUNS

Nora R. Dannehy, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MIGUEL RODRIGUEZ, 33, most recently of Carroll Street, Naugatuck, pleaded guilty today before United States Magistrate Judge Thomas P. Smith in Hartford to one count of unlawful possession of an unregistered firearm, stemming from his illegal possession and sale of a sawed-off shotgun and other firearms.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between January 13 and February 3, 2010, RODRIGUEZ possessed, transported or transferred three firearms, including a sawed-off Winchester, Model 120, 12 gauge pump action shotgun; a Bryco .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol with an obliterated serial number; and a Norinco, Model SKS, 7.62X39 MM semi-automatic rifle.  RODRIGUEZ also unlawfully possessed 14 assorted 12 gauge shotgun shells.  RODRIGUEZ sold the firearms to an individual working with law enforcement, and he made representations that he could obtain additional firearms for sale or delivery.

The sawed-off shotgun was not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.  It is a violation of federal law to possess an unregistered shotgun with a barrel of less than 18 inches.

RODRIGUEZ has been detained since his arrest on February 3, 2010.  On that date, he possessed a Hi Point, Model C9, 9 MM semi-automatic pistol, as well as cocaine that he intended to distribute.

RODRIGUEZ will be sentenced by United States District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on August 2, 2010, at which time RODRIGUEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $10,000.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Naugatuck Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brian P. Leaming.

CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
thomas.carson@usdoj.gov