SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A West Sacramento man was sentenced to more than 4 years in prison for illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California.
Richard Lee Dazo, 40, received a sentence of 4 years and 3 months on Thursday from U.S. District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta. This marks Dazo’s third conviction for being a felon with a firearm.
According to court documents, law enforcement officers conducted a probation search of Dazo and his motel room on Aug. 13, 2024. Officers found a firearm in plain view on the bed.
Dazo claimed the weapon was fake, but officers identified it as a CO2-powered pellet gun designed to resemble a 357 magnum revolver. The gun was loaded with 4 rounds of 357 magnum ammunition and 2 rounds of .38 special ammunition.
Officers also found a knife handle with metal knuckles and an automatic-release blade nearby. A purse-style bag in the room contained separate baggies of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin.
Under the bed, officers discovered 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.
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.