Jacksonville man pleads guilty to firearm possession by convicted felon

JACKSONVILLE, Florida — Anthony Rodriguez, Jr., a 32-year-old from Orange Park, has pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, according to the United States Attorney's Office.

Rodriguez faces up to 15 years in federal prison and forfeiture of a Glock pistol and ammunition traceable to the offense. He made his initial appearance in federal court on July 9, 2024, and was ordered detained.

According to court records, Rodriguez shoplifted merchandise from a retail store in Clay County on May 11, 2024. Store personnel stopped Rodriguez, and deputies from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office responded. During a search incident to his arrest, a loaded Glock 43 9mm pistol fell from Rodriguez’s clothing. At the time, Rodriguez had seven prior felony convictions, including two involving a firearm and ammunition, making him prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

The case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – Jacksonville Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make neighborhoods safer. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring results.