Department of Justice
For Immediate Release
Convicted Felon and Former Gang Member Sentenced to Over Six Years in Prison for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
RENO, Nev. – A former gang member with eight prior felony convictions and a prior conviction for domestic battery was sentenced yesterday to six years and six months for unlawful possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich.
Miguel Rodriguez-Franco, 32, pleaded guilty in May 2019, to one count of felon in possession of a firearm. United States District Judge Larry R. Hicks imposed an upward variance from the sentencing guideline and sentenced Rodriguez-Franco to 78 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release.
On November 28, 2018, officers from the Sparks Police Department responded to the Western Village Inn & Casino. When officers arrived on scene Rodriguez-Franco was detained by security after passing a fraudulent check at a casino cashier cage. Rodriguez-Franco was placed under arrest. Medics were called after Rodriguez-Franco complained of being short of breath. Officers searched him prior to allowing him into the ambulance. During the search, they found a loaded .380 semi-automatic pistol in the jacket pocket Rodriguez-Franco was wearing.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Sparks Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Rachow prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide program by the Department of Justice that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, the Department announced the reinvigoration of PSN. For more information about PSN, visit www.justice.gov/usao-nv.
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