A Boston federal court witnessed the admission of guilt by a Federal Firearms Licensee involved in a serious case of firearm trafficking and straw purchasing conspiracy. Cory Daigle, 29, of Revere, entered a guilty plea to several charges, including trafficking in firearms and conspiracy to make false statements in records an FFL must maintain. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin has slated the sentencing for Nov. 20, 2024, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office District of Massachusetts.
The indictment against Daigle highlighted a span between August and November of 2022 when he, together with Gustavo Rodriguez, allegedly orchestrated the falsification of records to hide the unlawful sale of firearms to Rodriguez—who was not legally permitted to own them. Daigle attempted a cover-up by lying to law enforcement, making the situation worse, and one of the sold firearms was linked to a shooting near Rodriguez's home. The same weapon was later found in the hands of a juvenile in New Bedford by the police. Searching Daigle's home this January, law enforcement officers uncovered multiple guns stored in a manner far from secure, dispersed across various rooms and openly accessible areas.
Co-conspirators in the case, Rodriguez and Shakim Grant, also pled guilty to their roles. Rodriguez entered his plea last November and is under the hold of justice awaiting his sentence. Grant, after a guilty plea in May, is ticking down to his sentencing, scheduled for Oct. 18, 2024. These events shed light on the troubling ease with which firearms can change hands and the potential dangers this poses to our communities.
Each charge involved in Daigle's case carries significant weight. Conspiracy to make false statements could land Daigle a maximum of five years in prison, alongside a fine of $250,000. The same penalty extends to the aiding and abetting charge. Trafficking in firearms ramps up the stakes, with up to 15 years imprisonment at stake, and the illegal possession of a machine gun could result in another 10 years added to the sentence. Final sentencing is under the purview of a federal district court judge, taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
The announcement of the guilty plea included remarks from Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy, Special Agent in Charge James M. Ferguson of the ATF Boston Field Division, and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox. The cooperation and efforts of the Revere Police Department were also recognized as instrumental in the uncovering of this criminal operation. The case is currently in the hands of Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm from the Major Crimes Unit, as it moves towards the closure of sentencing.
