Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

United States Attorney Scott C. Blader

Western District of Wisconsin

MADISON, WIS. – Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Christian Dejesus Rodriguez, 19, Sanford, Florida, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge James Peterson to seven years in federal prison. On April 25, 2018, Rodriguez pleaded guilty to committing three armed robberies of Madison businesses and with brandishing a firearm during one of the robberies.

Rodriguez committed the following robberies in Madison:

1. Mobil Gas Station, Cottage Grove Road, on December 6, 2017;
2. 7-Eleven, Beltline Highway, on December 13, 2017; and
3. BP Gas Station, Pflaum Road, on December 18, 2017.

Rodriguez admitted that he brandished a firearm during the December 6 robbery.

On December 19, 2017, Rodriguez left Wisconsin and returned to Florida. Based on information developed during the investigation of the robberies, an arrest warrant was issued for him. Pursuant to that warrant, Rodriguez was arrested by members of the Sanford Police Department on January 18, 2018, and subsequently returned to Wisconsin.

Judge Peterson noted the severity of the crimes, the fact that Rodriguez had used a firearm, and the lasting impact on the victims. Because of this, Judge Peterson determined that a lengthy term of imprisonment was appropriate to protect the public.

The charges against Rodriguez were the result of an investigation by the Madison Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rita M. Rumbelow.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions 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, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.

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