Federal charges added in home invasion case

Christopher Evonne Rodriguez, in front, and Jose Luis Rodriguez cover their faces as they enter the Bedford County Sheriff's Department after federal weapons charges were filed against them Wednesday. Escorting officers are, from left, BCSD Capt. Tony Barrett, Det. Charles Merlo of the Shelbyville Police Department, SPD Det. Sgt. Brian Crews, Sheriff Randall Boyce, FBI special agent Richard Poff and, rear, BCSD Det. Sgt. Brian Farris.
(T-G Photo by David Melson)

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Christopher Evonne Rodriguez, 26, Woodland Avenue, and Jose Luis Rodriguez, 27, Morton Street, are now each charged with being a convicted felon in possession of a handgun, FBI special agent Richard Poff said.

"These charges can be sentence enhancers," Poff said.

Christopher Rodriguez is locally charged with aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, aggravated burglary, criminal conspiracy and possession of a weapon. Jose Rodriguez faces charges of aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary and theft of property.

They were allegedly among Latin Kings gang members considered as suspects in home invasions at the Riverbend Country Club Road residence of former State Rep. Clarence "Pete" Phillips, Bridlewood Drive and Butler Street; robberies of Depot Street Market and a pizza delivery person on Warners Bridge Road; and a home burglary on Christopher Court, investigators said.

Four long guns and two handguns were stolen in the Christopher Court incident, Det. Charles Merlo of the Shelbyville Police Department said.