Compton Man Luis Rodriguez Jr. Gets 10+ Years for Guns, Meth Sales

Luis Rodriguez Jr., a 29-year-old Compton man, has been sentenced to 121 months in federal prison for flooding Los Angeles neighborhoods with methamphetamine and unlicensed firearms. The sentence, handed down by U.S. District Judge R. Gary Klausner, marks the end of a federal crackdown targeting a street-level dealer whose actions directly endangered community safety.

Rodriguez pled guilty earlier this year to distribution of methamphetamine and selling firearms without a license. Over multiple transactions, he sold three firearms and multiple quantities of meth to a confidential informant working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Among the weapons: a Smith & Wesson Model 66 .357 Magnum revolver, a Ceska Zbrojovka CZ 52 7.62mm Tokarev rifle, a stolen Ruger Model 22/45 MK III .22 caliber pistol, and a Colt Model 1911 .45 caliber handgun.

The Ruger had been reported stolen in Texas—further evidence of the underground pipeline feeding illegal gun markets. Rodriguez obtained the weapons through his sister and co-defendant, Laura Salas, who was sentenced April 25, 2016, to 120 months in prison. Prosecutors highlighted a disturbing detail: during one exchange, a young boy, believed to be Salas’s son, was seen handling a loaded firearm—underscoring the brazen disregard for public safety.

“The actions of this defendant were intended to place dangerous drugs and guns on the streets,” said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker. “Having illegal drugs and guns readily available contributes to violence in our community. This case is an example of my office’s commitment to curbing violent crime by eliminating its sources.”

Rodriguez was one of eight defendants charged in a broader sweep targeting drug distribution, illegal firearms sales, and child-endangerment zones. Charges included being a felon in possession of firearms, selling guns without a license, and maintaining drug premises where children were present—crimes that expose the toxic overlap between narcotics trade and gun violence.

“This investigation served the most vulnerable victims of firearm and drug crimes,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Eric D. Harden. “The challenge of reducing gun violence in our communities today and for future generations is much greater when the underground market is a family business.” The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aron Ketchel and Eddie Jauregui, with the ATF leading the investigation.