LOS ANGELES– A Compton man has been sentenced to more than ten years in federal prison for illegal methamphetamine and firearms sales.

Luis Rodriguez Jr., 29, was sentenced on Monday to 121 months in federal prison by United States District Judge R. Gary Klausner. Rodriguez pled guilty earlier this year to distribution of methamphetamine and illegal firearm sales without a license.

Rodriguez pled guilty to selling methamphetamine and three firearms to a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives confidential informant on multiple occasions. The firearms included a Smith & Wesson, Model 66 .357 caliber Magnum revolver, a Ceska Zbrojovka (CZ) Model CZ 52 7.62mm caliber Tokarev rifle, a Ruger Model 22/45 MK III .22 caliber pistol, which had been reported stolen in Texas, and a Colt Model 1911 U.S. Army .45 caliber pistol.

Rodriguez obtained the firearms from his sister and co-defendant, Laura Salas, who was sentenced on April 25, 2016 to 120 months' imprisonment for her participation in the crimes. The government stated in its sentencing position that, for one of the firearms transaction, a young boy who appeared to be Salas's son handled the firearm.

“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 last year with various counts of distributing methamphetamine, distributing methamphetamine in a premises with children, selling firearms without a license, being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, and possessing an unregistered firearm.

“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 investigation into Rodriguez was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Aron Ketchel of the Violent and Organized Crime Section and Eddie Jauregui of the General Crimes Section.

USAO – California, Central Updated October 18, 2016

Central District of California DOJ / 16-252 / October 18, 2016