In a recent court case, Michael Thomas Delguidice, a 62-year-old man from Westminster, Colorado, was sentenced to 124 months in federal prison for his involvement in weapons and drug trafficking charges. Delguidice was found guilty of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The case originated from a domestic disturbance call, where police discovered Delguidice in possession of baggies of methamphetamine, a loaded revolver, speed re-loaders, and a significant amount of cash. Additionally, a stolen handgun and ammunition were found in his motorcycle bag, matching shell casings from a previous drive-by shooting. This investigation was conducted by the FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force and the Westminster Police Department, and Assistant United States Attorney Brian Dunn handled the prosecution. Delguidice’s sentencing aligns with Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence within communities.
Westminster Man Sentenced to 124 Months in Federal Prison for Weapons and Drug Trafficking Charges
Introduction
In a recent case that highlights the seriousness of weapons and drug trafficking offenses, Michael Thomas Delguidice, a 62-year-old resident of Westminster, Colorado, was sentenced to 124 months in federal prison. The sentencing comes after Delguidice was found guilty of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The case, which involved a domestic disturbance and a drive-by shooting, underscores the importance of law enforcement agencies’ efforts to combat violent crime and drug trafficking in our communities.
Background
The incident took place on December 5, 2020, when the Westminster police responded to a domestic disturbance call at Delguidice’s residence. The victim reported that her car had been shot the previous night and claimed that Delguidice had circled her block on his motorcycle. Upon contacting Delguidice, law enforcement officers discovered several incriminating items on his person and in his possession.
Possession of Drugs and Firearms
During the encounter with Delguidice, law enforcement personnel recovered 93 grams of methamphetamine, packaged into multiple baggies. The discovery of such a substantial quantity of drugs suggests that Delguidice was involved in drug distribution activities. This finding is consistent with the charge of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine that he was subsequently convicted of.
Furthermore, officers also uncovered a loaded .38 caliber revolver, two speed re-loaders, and $3,405 in cash concealed in Delguidice’s jacket. These items, along with the large quantity of methamphetamine, indicate a clear connection between Delguidice’s possession of firearms and his involvement in drug trafficking. The combination of drugs and firearms poses a significant threat to public safety and is a serious offense under federal law.
Stolen Firearm and Drive-By Shooting
Additionally, the investigation revealed that Delguidice had a stolen 10mm Glock semi-automatic handgun and ammunition in his motorcycle bag. Forensic analysis of shell casings recovered from the previous night’s drive-by shooting conclusively matched the 10mm handgun found in Delguidice’s possession. This evidence further strengthened the case against him and demonstrated his involvement in a violent crime.
Sentencing and Consequences
On February 7, 2023, Judge William J. Martinez sentenced Delguidice to 124 months in federal prison for his crimes. In addition to the prison term, Delguidice will also be subject to three years of supervised release upon completion of his sentence. This sentencing serves as a clear message that the justice system will not tolerate individuals who engage in drug trafficking and use firearms to further their criminal activities.
Collaboration Between Law Enforcement Agencies
The successful investigation and prosecution of this case would not have been possible without the collaboration between the FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force and the Westminster Police Department. Their joint efforts exemplify the commitment of law enforcement agencies at various levels to combat violent crime and make our communities safer.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN)
This particular case falls under the purview of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by bringing together law enforcement agencies and communities. PSN focuses on fostering trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting violence prevention efforts, setting targeted enforcement priorities, and measuring the efficacy of these strategies.
With the launch of a new violent crime reduction strategy in May 2021, the Department of Justice reinvigorated its commitment to the principles of PSN. By implementing evidence-based approaches and strengthening cooperation between law enforcement agencies and community organizations, the Department strives to create safer neighborhoods for all.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Michael Thomas Delguidice to 124 months in federal prison for weapons and drug trafficking charges reiterates the severity with which the justice system treats these offenses. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies, particularly the FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force and the Westminster Police Department, have played a crucial role in achieving this outcome. Through initiatives like Project Safe Neighborhoods, the Department of Justice aims to reduce violence and gun-related crimes while promoting trust, safety, and security within our communities.