A New Castle man has been sentenced to six years in federal prison after pleading guilty to drug and firearm offenses, according to an announcement from Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti.
Michael Rodich, 41, received his sentence from United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy on July 28, 2025. The conviction stems from a September 29, 2023 arrest by the New Brighton Police Department. At the time of his arrest, Rodich was wanted by the Hermitage Police Department on an open warrant. Authorities found a loaded firearm in his waistband along with drug paraphernalia, crack cocaine, fentanyl pills, and $2,380 in cash. Additional drugs and ammunition were located in his backpack.
Rodich had previously been convicted of a felony. Federal law prohibits individuals with felony convictions from possessing firearms or ammunition.
During court proceedings, Rodich admitted to possessing controlled substances with intent to distribute and possessing a firearm both in furtherance of drug trafficking and as a prohibited person due to his prior felony conviction.
Judge Hardy commented during sentencing that “third-party deterrence is very important to this Court” and expressed hope that those considering similar crimes will understand there are “very significant consequences” if they are caught and will “think differently” before acting.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rebecca L. Silinski and Jacqueline C. Brown.
Acting U.S. Attorney Rivetti acknowledged the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with local police departments for their roles in the investigation leading to Rodich’s prosecution.
