United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Neighborhoods: NEW HAVEN MAN INVOLVED IN STRAW PURCHASING SCHEME SENTENCED TO SEVEN YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON

Kevin J. O’Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JUAN RODRIGUEZ, 46, of New Haven, was sentenced yesterday, January 7, by Chief United States District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.  On July 31, 2007, RODRIGUEZ pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to documents filed with the Court and statements made in court, in October and November 2006, RODRIGUEZ acted as a “straw purchaser” for the purchase of a total of six rifles on behalf of another individual.

Prior to October 2006, RODRIGUEZ sustained felony convictions in Connecticut and New York.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the New Haven Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony E. Kaplan.

The Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative is aimed at reducing gun violence, deterring illegal possession of guns, and improving the safety of residents of Connecticut’s cities. Participants in the initiative include community members and organizations as well as federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

CONTACT:

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