Shelton Man Found With Shotgun, Ammunition While Awaiting Trial Sentenced To Additional Prison Time: Feds

SHELTON, CT — A Shelton man accused of unlawfully possessing a shotgun and ammunition while awaiting trial in another case was sentenced to additional prison time Wednesday, David Sullivan, U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced in a news release.

In a release, Sullivan said Miguel Rivera, also known as "Macho," 33, of Shelton, was sentenced to 40 months of imprisonment consecutive to a 60-month prison term that he is currently serving.

According to court documents and statements made in court, 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, who was wearing a body armor vest, tried to run from officers by climbing over a fence, Sullivan said.

Rivera was arrested and a search of the area from which he had run revealed a Romarm/Cugir, AK Type Model, 7.62 x 39mm caliber, semiautomatic rifle containing a fully loaded 30-round magazine, according to Sullivan.

Rivera also had one round of ammunition in his pocket, Sullivan said.

On June 21, 2022, while he was released on bond and awaiting trial, Rivera unlawfully possessed a stolen 12-gauge shotgun, ammunition and two Kevlar bullet proof vests, according to Sullivan.

"Rivera's criminal history includes convictions for felony firearm, robbery, and burglary offenses," Sullivan said in a news release. "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."

On Oct. 19, 2023, a jury found Rivera guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon related to his July 2020 arrest, according to Sullivan.

He was sentenced to 60 months in prison on Nov. 22, 2024, in New Haven federal court.

On Dec. 1, 2025, Rivera pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon related to his June 2022 arrest, according to Sullivan.

He has been detained since July 13, 2022, Sullivan said.