Miguel Angel Rodriguez, False Statement During Purchase of a Firearm, Texas 2023

MIDLAND, Texas – In a shocking turn of events, Miguel Angel Rodriguez, 21, pleaded guilty in a federal court in Midland on Monday to one count of false statement during purchase of a firearm, a crime that could have far-reaching consequences for the community.

According to court documents, on June 29, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) responded to a fatal shooting in Odessa.  The agents located a Ruger firearm in their investigation and confirmed that it had been purchased on May 26 by Rodriguez.  Further investigation revealed that Rodriguez had straw purchased at least four total firearms, including the Ruger, for persons other than himself.

Rodriguez is scheduled to be sentenced on November 2 and faces up to 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas and Special Agent in Charge Jeffery C. Boshek II for the ATF Dallas Field Division made the announcement.

The ATF is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Mahoney is prosecuting the case.

Rodriguez's guilty plea is a significant blow to the community, highlighting the ongoing issue of straw purchasing and the devastating consequences of firearm-related crimes. As the case moves forward, it remains to be seen how the court will ultimately sentence Rodriguez.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtx/pr/man-pleads-guilty-straw-purchasing-firearm-recovered-near-fatal-odessa-shooting