Laredo Man Sentenced for Possessing Firearms and 200+ Rounds of Ammunition

LAREDO, Texas – Pedro Rodriguez III, 25, of Laredo, has been ordered to federal prison for his conviction of felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson. Rodriguez pleaded guilty Dec. 10, 2014.

Today, U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana handed Rodriguez a sentence of 60 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. He was further ordered to serve 50 hours of community service. At the hearing, an agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) testified that Rodriguez had firearms and ammunition scattered throughout his residence, including near his infant children. When imposing the sentence, Judge Saldana noted that Rodriguez was a danger to society and that prison would help with his rehabilitation.

On Oct. 2, 2014, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) arrived at a residence on Springfield Avenue in Laredo. As they approached, Rodriguez fled the scene in his vehicle. After an exhaustive police chase, he was eventually apprehended by the Laredo Police Department (LPD).

At the time of the search, agents discovered a .45 caliber Colt semi-automatic pistol, a 9 mm Beretta semi-automatic pistol (loaded with six rounds of ammunition), 100 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition, 118 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 45 rounds of .45 caliber ammunition, a magazine assist speed loaded, two firearm holsters, a Winchester firearms cleaning kit, 71 rounds of ammunition of various manufacturers and calibers, one high-capacity magazine loaded with 27 rounds of 9mm ammunition, one magazine loaded with 10 rounds of 9mm ammunition, one camouflage ski mask and various cell phones.

He admitted responsibility for all the firearms and ammunitions in the Springfield Avenue residence. Rodriguez has a prior felony conviction for possession of controlled substances and is, therefore, prohibited from possessing such items.

Previously convicted for possession of a controlled substance, he is prohibited by federal law of possessing firearms or ammunition.

He will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The case was investigated by ATF and LPD. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sanjeev Bhasker is prosecuting.