Taunton Man, 34, Sentenced for Illegal Firearm Possession

A Taunton man will spend years behind bars after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Jermaine Rodrigues, 34, of Taunton, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty today to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley scheduled sentencing for October 10, 2024.

In July 2023, Rodrigues was indicted by a federal grand jury. The charge stems from his possession of two Anderson Manufacturing AM-15, .300 blackout firearms, which were seized in June 2022.

According to court documents, one of the firearms was equipped with a laser sight and optics affixed to the top rail. Almost 100 rounds of .300 blackout ammunition were also found in Rodrigues’ possession.

The charge of being a felon in possession provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Taunton and Fall River Police Departments.

Assistant United States Attorneys Luke A Goldworm and Meghan C. Cleary of the Major Crimes Unit are prosecuting the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program aimed at reducing gun violence and making neighborhoods safer for everyone.

The Department of Justice launched Project Safe Neighborhoods in May 2021, with a focus on fostering trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting organizations that prevent violence, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring results.

Rodrigues’ sentencing is scheduled for October 10, 2024. He will face a lengthy prison term and a hefty fine for his crime.