Anthony Rodriguez, Jr., a 32-year-old from Orange Park, Florida, apparently thought he could add “shoplifting” to his already impressive resume of felony convictions. Unfortunately for him, he forgot one minor detail: convicted felons aren’t supposed to have guns.
On May 11, 2024, Rodriguez tried his hand at a five-finger discount at a Clay County retail store. Store employees, unimpressed with his amateur thievery, stopped him, and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office promptly arrived on the scene. As deputies searched Rodriguez, a loaded Glock pistol decided to make a dramatic entrance, tumbling out of his clothes.
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Now, Rodriguez wasn’t just facing a shoplifting charge. With seven prior felony convictions, including two related to firearms, he had violated federal law by possessing a gun.
Rodriguez’s attempt to spice up his life with a little shoplifting ended with a federal charge and the possibility of up to 15 years in prison. He’s also saying goodbye to his Glock pistol and ammunition, which will be forfeited.
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