Former Federal Firearms Licensee Cory Daigle, 30, of Revere, has been sentenced to two years in prison for his involvement in a firearm trafficking and straw purchasing conspiracy. According to a statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office in Boston, in addition to the prison time, Daigle will subsequently face three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to several charges, including trafficking and illegal possession of firearms.
Daigle, whose indictment occurred in March 2023, operated under the business name Steelworks Defense Solutions in Littleton, Massachusetts. Throughout the course of the illegal dealings, Daigle exploited his privileges to traffic multiple firearms to ineligible individuals—an alarmingly reckless endeavor that landed him before U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin. "By selling illegal deadly weapons, you're not only gambling with public safety – you're gambling with your freedom," United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy was quoted as cautioning licensed federal firearms dealers, from an announcement released today.
The incident that led to Daigle's downfall unfolded when he knowingly sold firearms to Gustavo Rodriguez—a previously convicted felon prohibited from owning guns—and aided Shakim Grant in making false statements on required records. The U.S. Attorney's Office statement reveals that Daigle went as far as filing paperwork that falsely indicated Grant as the actual buyer of the weapons, which included three Glock pistols.
Shortly following the unlawful transaction, on November 6, 2022, a shooting outside of Rodriguez’s apartment saw the involvement of one of the firearms supplied by Daigle. Although only the manufacturer’s box for the Glock 19X was found at the scene, the weapon itself was later recovered from a juvenile in New Bedford. James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of ATF's Boston Field Division, denounced the illegal sale of firearms, saying, "Today’s sentencing demonstrates that those who exploit firearms laws for personal gain will be held accountable," as per press released.
During Daigle's arrest, executed in January 2023, law enforcement discovered an arsenal of weapons and one incendiary device in his home, with several firearms scattered around the residence in a display of blatant negligence. When discovered, Daigle reportedly attempted to deceive authorities regarding the illegal straw purchase and allegedly made combative statements concerning the protection of his arsenal. For their participation in the conspiracy, Grant received a sentence of three years probation, while Rodriguez awaits his sentencing next month.
