SALT LAKE CITY – A known gang member from Orem is staring down the barrel of a potential ten-year federal prison sentence after admitting to illegally possessing a stolen handgun. Deny De La Cruz Rodriguez, age 23, pleaded guilty Thursday to possession of a firearm and ammunition following a prior felony conviction, and is scheduled to be sentenced July 27, 2017, before U.S. District Chief Judge David Nuffer.
Rodriguez’s criminal history already includes a felony conviction for attempted robbery in California, automatically disqualifying him from owning a firearm under federal law. But that didn’t stop him. The case unfolded after a brazen shooting at Orem High School on October 20, 2016, where a confrontation between rival gangs – Florencia 13 and Norteños 13 – escalated with gunfire. No one was injured, but the incident triggered a police investigation leading directly to Rodriguez.
On October 25, 2016, Orem police, backed by the Utah County Major Crimes Task Force, secured a warrant to search a residence believed connected to the high school shooting. Inside, they found Rodriguez and a family member. Tucked between the mattress and box spring of Rodriguez’s bedroom, officers discovered a loaded pistol. The weapon was later identified as stolen from Millard County. The room itself was a canvas of gang affiliation, plastered with tags identifying Florencia 13 and Rodriguez’s own moniker, “Dreamer.”
“No good will come from an armed gang member who is prohibited from lawfully possessing a firearm,” stated U.S. Attorney John W. Huber. His statement came as a stark warning about the rising violent crime rates sweeping the state and the nation. Huber emphasized that targeting armed gang members is a critical strategy in maintaining public safety in Utah communities.
Another individual is already facing state charges related to the October 20th shooting at Orem High. Rodriguez, however, faces up to 10 years in federal prison for the firearms conviction. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Isaac C. Workman, working alongside Deputy Utah County Attorney Lance E. Bastian, who has been designated as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney.
Homeland Security Investigations special agents also contributed to the investigation. This case highlights the ongoing struggle to curb gang violence and illegal firearm possession in Utah, and the collaborative effort between federal and local law enforcement to bring perpetrators to justice. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the sentencing of Deny De La Cruz Rodriguez.
Related Federal Cases
- Lonnie Everill Sentenced to Decade for Child Pornography · Mississippi
- NY AG Secures $720M from Eight Opioid Drug Companies · North Carolina
- Live Nation Faces Trial Over Monopoly Practices · Washington
- NY AG James Slams $720M Opioid Settlement on Drug Cos · North Carolina
- Mylan Pays $335M for Role in Opioid Crisis · North Carolina
Key Facts
- State: Utah
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Organized Crime|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
