Novato man sentenced in firearms case

A Marin judge has sentenced a Novato resident to more than two years in custody after his conviction on a firearms charge.

Richard Robert Trieber Jr., 30, was arrested in December for possessing an unregistered and loaded semiautomatic rifle when detectives searched his home, according to the Marin County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators also discovered drugs such as fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine under a couch cushion, as well as about 500 rounds of ammunition and a ballistic vest, authorities reported.

Trieber pleaded guilty in June to a felony charge of illegally possessing an assault weapon, according to court records. Other gun and drug possession charges were dismissed.

Judge Geoffrey Howard sentenced Trieber last month to two years in prison and eight months in the Marin County Jail along with one year and four months of mandatory supervision after his release.

“Mr. Trieber is profoundly remorseful for his actions and has accepted responsibility for them,” said defense attorney Jim Reilly. “He is deeply committed to his rehabilitation and recovery.”

Trieber was initially arrested in San Rafael on Oct. 26 on a warrant involving firearm and drug allegations. Sheriff’s investigators discovered a loaded, unregistered handgun in his possession as well as a supply of controlled substances, drug packaging materials and a digital scale, authorities reported.

Trieber was released from the Marin County Jail but then booked again in December after the search at his residence. Sheriff’s investigators alleged that the residence on Poplar Drive was used as a “home base” for drug sales.