Miguel Rivera, also known as “Macho,” 33, of Shelton, has been sentenced to an additional 40 months in prison for possessing a shotgun and ammunition while he was awaiting trial in another federal case. The sentence will be served consecutively to the 60-month term Rivera is already serving.
According to information presented in court, Waterbury Police responded to reports of gunfire on July 5, 2020, near William Street and Laurel Street. Officers found Rivera wearing a body armor vest. He attempted to escape by climbing over a fence but was apprehended. A search of the area led police to recover a semiautomatic rifle with a fully loaded magazine and one round of ammunition found in Rivera’s pocket.
While out on bond and awaiting trial on June 21, 2022, Rivera unlawfully possessed a stolen shotgun, ammunition, and two Kevlar bulletproof vests.
Rivera has prior convictions for felony firearm offenses as well as robbery and burglary. Federal law prohibits individuals convicted of felonies from possessing firearms or ammunition that have traveled through interstate or foreign commerce.
A jury convicted Rivera on October 19, 2023, for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition related to his actions in July 2020. He received a five-year prison sentence for that offense on November 22, 2024. On December 1, 2025, he pleaded guilty to similar charges connected to his conduct in June 2022.
Rivera has been detained since July 13, 2022.
The investigation involved the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Waterbury Police Department, and the Connecticut State Police.
“These cases were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha M. Freismuth and Patricia Stolfi Collins.”
“David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut,” announced the sentencing.
