News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 27, 2007

Two Stanford Men Indicted on Federal Drug and Gun Charges

JUN 27 -- June W. Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration in New England and Kevin J. O’Connor, United States for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned a five-count indictment charging LUIS RODRIGUEZ, also known as “Face,” age 31, and ANGEL GUZMAN, also known as “Angel,” age 27, both of 91 Finney Lane, Stamford, Connecticut, with conspiracy to distribute and distribution of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”), and possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. The Indictment was returned yesterday, June 26.

The Indictment stems from an incident that occurred on September 28, 2006, when RODRIGUEZ and GUZMAN sold a sawed-off shotgun at their residence to an individual cooperating with law enforcement officers. Subsequently, on October 12, 2006, officers executed a search warrant at 91 Finney Lane that resulted in the discovery of crack cocaine.

The Indictment alleges that both RODRIGUEZ and GUZMAN were previously convicted of felony offenses in the State of Connecticut. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony to possess a firearm that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

If convicted, RODRIGUEZ faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years, a maximum term of life imprisonment, and fines of up to $4,000,000. GUZMAN faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years, a maximum term of 40 years, and fines of up to $2,000,000.

U.S. Attorney O’Connor stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Each defendant is entitled to a fair trial at which it is the Government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Stamford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Edward Kang.

U.S. Attorney O’Connor noted that this prosecution is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative. This program is aimed at reducing gun violence, deterring illegal possession of guns, and improving the safety of residents throughout Connecticut.