JACKSONVILLE – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger sentenced Anthony Rodriguez Jr., 32, of Orange Park, to 21 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Rodriguez was arrested on July 9 and ordered detained.

According to court records, on May 11, 2024, Rodriguez shoplifted a pair of shoes and a bar of soap from the Orange Park Walmart. Walmart personnel stopped Rodriguez and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office subsequently responded. As the CCSO searched Rodriguez during his arrest, a loaded Glock 43 9mm pistol fell to the ground from Rodriguez’s clothing. At the time of the incident, Rodriguez had seven previous felony convictions, including two convictions involving a firearm and ammunition. As a previously convicted felon, he is 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. Assistant U.S. States Attorney Kevin C. Frein prosecuted it.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). The program brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence and make 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.