A 38-year-old convicted felon from Kissimmee who pleaded guilty to possessing a pistol is facing up to 15 years in federal prison.
On Tuesday, September 3, U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced that Giovanny Rivera-Sanchez has pleaded guilty to the firearm possession charge.
According to court records, Rivera-Sanchez was convicted of felony offenses in 2004 and 2008. After being released from prison in September 2021, he began serving a term of federal supervised release.
Six months later, on March 25, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a residence belonging to Rivera-Sanchez. While searching the master bedroom, the officers located a Glock pistol and ammunition in the closet.
In close proximity to the pistol, the officers observed “paperwork related to Rivera-Sanchez’s federal supervision,” along with “a copy of his judgement and sentence for a prior conviction for drug trafficking.”
During an interview conducted by the officers, Rivera-Sanchez admitted to knowing that the firearm was inside his home.
As a convicted felon, Rivera-Sanchez is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under Federal law.
A sentencing hearing for Rivera-Sanchez is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. He is facing a maximum penalty of 15 years behind bars.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam J. Nate.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence.