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Camden Man Gets 10-Year Sentence for Illegal Firearm Sales in Wharton
Antony S. Rodriguez-Santana must serve a minimum of five years before becoming eligible for parole; convicted of violating New Jersey's Certain Persons Not to Have Firearms law.
Morristown, NJ — Antony S. Rodriguez-Santana, 30, of Camden, New Jersey, has been sentenced to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison, with a mandate to serve at least five years before being eligible for parole. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Judge Ralph E. Amirata on October 13, 2023.
The Case Background
Rodriguez-Santana pleaded guilty on September 12, 2023, to the charge of second degree Certain Persons Not to Have Firearms, a violation of New Jersey statute N.J.S.A. 2C:39-7(b)(1). This guilty plea arose from an investigation led by the Morris County Special Enforcement Unit, which found that Rodriguez-Santana had unlawfully sold firearms and ammunition, including a defaced weapon, in Wharton. He had previously been convicted of aggravated assault.
The Details
During the investigation, Rodriguez-Santana was found to have sold a Smith & Wesson MP .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle, a defaced Raven Arms model P25 .25 caliber semi-automatic pistol, hollow-point bullets, and a large-capacity magazine. The guilty plea and ensuing sentence aim to deter similar crimes and protect the community from unlawful firearm activities.
Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll expressed gratitude towards multiple law enforcement agencies for their role in the investigation.
"Prosecutor Carroll wishes to thank the following agencies for their assistance and commitment to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit: Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit, Town of Boonton Police Department, Morristown Bureau of Police, Wharton Police Department, Roxbury Police Department, and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and MCSO Criminal Investigations Division." - Morris County Press Release
The case serves as a reminder of the vigilance required to keep firearms out of the wrong hands, thereby maintaining the safety and well-being of Morris County residents.
