Margate man convicted of lying about gun purchase; linked to leaving dead animals at Parkland massacre memorial – WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) – A Margate man was sentenced to 33 months in prison followed by three years of probation for making false statements during the purchase of a firearm and possession of a firearm while an illegal user of a controlled substance.

U.S. District Judge William P. Dimitrouleas announced the verdict on Friday in Fort Lauderdale.

According to court findings, Robert Zildjian Mondragon, 31, falsely stated on an ATF gun transaction record in June 2019 that he was not an illegal marijuana user when he tried to buy a Radical Arms rifle in Miami.

However, authorities stated that Mondragon had been using marijuana illegally for several years before the attempted purchase.

In November 2021, Mondragon was photographed with a different firearm, and his phone had 71 marijuana references in the previous year, court records show.

Court records revealed Mondragon’s disturbing past, including multiple threats to commit mass murder since 2013.

In 2018, after the public safety law went into effect at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Coral Springs officials obtained a temporary restraining order against Mondragon, which remained in effect during his attempt to purchase a firearm in 2019.

Mondragon is also accused of leaving dead animals at a memorial for the 17 victims of the 2018 Parkland School massacre.

In July 2021, he is said to have left a dead duck, a raccoon and an opossum on a bench near the memorial three times.

When he was arrested, officers reportedly found blood and feathers in his car.

He reportedly told police he had a dead bird in his car because he liked the smell.

Mondragon is currently awaiting trial in this case.

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