A 38-year-old convicted felon from Kissimmee who pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm will spend more than four and a half years behind bars.
On Wednesday, December 18, U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger sentenced Giovanny Rivera-Sanchez to 4 years and 9 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Rivera-Sanchez was also ordered to forfeit a Glock 22 .40 caliber pistol, which was involved in the offense.
Rivera-Sanchez entered a guilty plea in August.
According to court records, Rivera-Sanchez was convicted of felony offenses in 2004, 2007, and 2008. As a result, he is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition under federal law.
After being released from prison in September 2021, Rivera-Sanchez 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.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam J. Nate.
Additionally, this case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, which is a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence.