U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg | U.S. Department of Justice
Anthony Rodriguez, Jr., a 32-year-old resident of Orange Park, has been sentenced to 21 months in federal prison for firearm possession as a convicted felon. U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger delivered the sentence following Rodriguez's arrest on July 9, 2024.
Court records indicate that Rodriguez was involved in a shoplifting incident at a Wal-Mart in Clay County on May 11, 2024. During his arrest by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), a loaded Glock 43 9mm pistol was discovered falling from his clothing. At that time, Rodriguez had seven prior felony convictions, including two related to firearms and ammunition, which legally barred him from possessing such items.
The investigation was conducted by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – Jacksonville Office. Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein prosecuted the case.
This legal action is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The Department of Justice launched an enhanced strategy for PSN on May 26, 2021, focusing on community trust, supporting violence prevention organizations, strategic enforcement priorities, and result measurement.
