Shelton Man Found Guilty Of Illegally Possessing Assault Rifle: Feds

SHELTON, CT — A Shelton man accused of illegally possessing an assault rifle and ammunition was found guilty by a federal jury last week, U.S. Attorney for Connecticut Vanessa Roberts Avery announced in a news release.

Miguel Rivera, also known as "Macho," 31, of Shelton, was found guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon following a trial that began Oct. 17. The jury returned its verdict Thursday afternoon, Avery said.

According to evidence presented during the trial, Waterbury police responded to a shots fired complaint in the area of William Street and Laurel Street early the morning of July 5, 2020.

When officers arrived on William Street, Rivera was found wearing a body armor vest and tried to flee by climbing over a fence, according to Avery.

A Romarm/Cugir, AK Type Model, 7.62 x 39mm caliber, semi-automatic rifle containing a fully-loaded 30-round magazine was found during a search of the area from which Rivera had fled. One round of ammunition was also found in Rivera's pocket, Avery said.

According to Avery, Rivera's criminal history includes convictions for felony firearm, robbery and burglary offenses, and it is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

Rivera's sentencing has not been scheduled. He faces up to 10 years in prison, according to Avery.

Rivera is also accused of unlawfully possessing a stolen 12-gauge shotgun, ammunition and two Kevlar bullet proof vests on June 21, 2022, while released on bond and awaiting trial in this case, according to Avery.

Rivera has been detained since July 13, 2022, and additional charges are pending in federal court, Avery said.

Avery also noted in the release "that a charge is only an allegation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt."