Wilmington Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Distribution and Weapon Offenses

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that Robert Rodriguez, age 58, of Wilmington, DE, pled guilty yesterday to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm by a felon.  U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika accepted the plea.

According to court documents, on August 10, 2020, FBI agents conducted a search of the defendant’s residence and a nearby garage where they recovered over 100 bundles of fentanyl, a loaded black Glock handgun, and $18,268 in cash. 

Rodriguez faces a minimum mandatory five years in prison, and a maximum of life in prison when sentenced on December 13. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. Judge Noreika will determine Rodriguez’s sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors, including the mandatory minimum.

“The negative long-term impact of heroin and fentanyl on our communities is incalculable.  Working with our law enforcement partners, my office will continue to identify and prosecute those who choose to deal in illegal drugs and use firearms to protect their profits,” stated U.S. Attorney Weiss. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael McTaggart are prosecuting the case.  FBI Baltimore’s Wilmington Resident Office conducted the investigation. 

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 20-062-MN.