Richard Lee Dazo, 40, of West Sacramento, was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta to four years and three months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
According to court documents, on Aug. 13, 2024, law enforcement officers conducted a probation search of Dazo and his motel room. A firearm was in plain view on the bed. Although Dazo claimed it was fake; it was identified as a CO2 -powered pellet gun designed to resemble a 357 magnum revolver and loaded with four 357 rounds of magnum ammunition and two rounds of .38 special ammunition.
Nearby was a knife handle with metal knuckles and an automatic-release blade. A purse-style bag in the room contained separate baggies of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin. Under the bed, officers found a loaded Remington 870 12-gauge shotgun with a 16-inch barrel, along with additional shotgun shells.
Dazo is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to prior felony convictions. This is his third conviction for being a felon with a firearm. Dazo pleaded guilty on Dec. 4, 2025.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the West Sacramento Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit conducted the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew De Moura and Assistant U.S. Attorney Caily Nelson prosecuted the case.
This case is also part of the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney program, a partnership between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and local District Attorney’s Offices. These attorneys remain employed by the District Attorney’s Offices but work on federal investigations and can prosecute cases in both state and federal court, strengthening efforts to combat transnational organized crime and violent crime in the region.
Currently, the District Attorney’s Offices of Fresno, Sacramento, Stanislaus, and Yolo Counties are participating. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt De Moura serves as a Deputy District Attorney in Yolo County.