JACKSONVILLE – U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced Anthony Rodriguez, Jr., 32, of Orange Park, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Rodriguez faces up to 15 years in federal prison and forfeiture of a Glock pistol and ammunition traceable to the offense. Rodriguez appeared in federal court on July 9 and was ordered detained.  

According to court records, on May 11 Rodriguez shoplifted a pair of shoes and a pack of soap from the Walmart in Orange Park. Store personnel stopped Rodriguez, and deputies from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office subsequently responded. As deputies searched Rodriguez incident to his arrest, a loaded Glock 43 9mm pistol fell onto the ground from Rodriguez’s clothing. At the time of the incident, Rodriguez had seven prior felony convictions, including two involving a firearm and ammunition. As a previously convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives — Jacksonville Office investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin C. Frein is prosecuting.

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