Wilmington Man Sentenced to Over 8 Years for Federal Drug Distribution and Weapon Offenses

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that Robert Rodriguez, age 58, was sentenced today to 105 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm. U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika pronounced the sentence.

According to court documents, on August 10, 2020, FBI conducted a search of the defendant’s apartment in the 1300 block of W. 4^th Street, Wilmington, Delaware, and a nearby garage where law enforcement recovered over 100 bundles of fentanyl, a loaded black Glock handgun 9mm, and $18,268 in cash. 

“Illegal drug dealing fuels an epidemic of addiction and violence, which challenges our communities and law enforcement officers on a daily basis. Fentanyl is a particularly lethal drug, causing most of Delaware’s overdose deaths in 2021. My office is committed to aggressively prosecuting individuals who choose to distribute drugs while illegally possessing firearms, and I wish to thank our law enforcement partners for investigating this case,” stated U.S. Attorney Weiss. 

“Today’s sentencing exemplifies the commitment FBI Baltimore has to work with our local, state and federal partners to target and dismantle drug dealers that threaten the safety of our communities,” said FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski.  “The citizens of Delaware have the FBI’s commitment that we will continue to use every resource available to investigate and prosecute dealers like Robert Rodriquez and remove dangerous criminals from the neighborhoods of Wilmington.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael McTaggart prosecuted the case.  The case was investigated by the FBI’s Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Taskforce in the Wilmington Resident Agency.

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. 

The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to helping those who suffer from substance abuse. While COVID-19 has made access to drug addiction treatment more difficult for many, it need not remain a barrier. If you need help, drug treatment information is available any time through the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Treatment Referral Routing Service, found online at dpt2.samhsa.gov/treatment/ or by dialing 1.888.545.2600.   Don’t let the pandemic stop you from beginning treatment.