A Shelton man has received additional federal prison time after he was found with a gun and ammunition while awaiting trial in another federal case.
Miguel Rivera, also known as “Macho,” 33, of Shelton, was sentenced Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to 40 months in prison, consecutive to a 60-month prison term that Rivera is currently serving, after pleading guilty to to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon on Dec. 1, 2025, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut.
In the early morning hours of July 5, 2020, Waterbury Police Department officers responded to a report of shots-fired in the area of William Street and Laurel Street. Arriving officers observed Rivera, who was wearing a body armor vest. Rivera attempted to flee and was taken into custody as he tried to climb over a fence.
Officers located Romarm/Cugir, AK Type Model, 7.62 x 39mm caliber, semiautomatic rifle that contained a fully loaded 30-round magazine during a search of the area where Rivera attempted to flee. Police said one round of ammunition was also found in Rivera’s pocket.
While released on bond and awaiting trial for the shots-fired incident, Rivera was found in possession of a stolen 12-gauge shotgun, ammunition and two Kevlar bullet proof vests.
Rivera’s criminal history includes convictions for felony firearm, robbery, and burglary offenses making it illegal for him to possess a firearm or ammunition.
On Oct. 19, 2023, a jury found Rivera guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon related to the July 2020 incident. On Nov. 22, 2024, he was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison.
Rivera has been detained since July 13, 2022. On Dec. 1, 2025, Rivera pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon.