A New Castle man has been sentenced to six years in federal prison after pleading guilty to drug and firearm offenses, according to an announcement from Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti.
Michael Rodich, 41, received his sentence from United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy on July 28, 2025. The conviction stems from Rodich’s arrest by the New Brighton Police Department on September 29, 2023. At the time of his arrest, Rodich was wanted by the Hermitage Police Department on an outstanding warrant.
Authorities reported that Rodich was found with a loaded firearm in his waistband, along with drug paraphernalia, crack cocaine, fentanyl pills, and $2,380 in cash. His backpack contained additional quantities of crack cocaine and powder cocaine, stamp bags of fentanyl, more drug paraphernalia, a digital scale, a loaded magazine with ten rounds of ammunition, and 27 loose rounds of ammunition. As a previously convicted felon, Rodich was prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Rodich admitted in court to possessing controlled substances with intent to distribute and to illegally possessing both a firearm and ammunition as part of his plea agreement.
In delivering the sentence, Judge Hardy emphasized the importance of deterrence. “Third-party deterrence is very important to this Court,” he said. He added that those considering similar crimes should be aware there are “very significant consequences” if they are caught and will “think differently” before acting.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rebecca L. Silinski and Jacqueline C. Brown.
Acting U.S. Attorney Rivetti recognized the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with local police departments for their roles in investigating the case and supporting the prosecution.
