Tampa Republic

Giovanny Rivera-Sanchez, a 38-year-old resident of Kissimmee, has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, according to an announcement by United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg. Rivera-Sanchez could face up to 15 years in federal prison. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 17, 2024.

Court records indicate that Rivera-Sanchez was previously convicted of felony offenses in 2004 and 2008. He began serving a term of federal supervised release on September 16, 2021, following his release from prison. On March 25, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at his residence and discovered a Glock pistol and ammunition in the master bedroom closet. Near the firearm were documents related to Rivera-Sanchez’s federal supervision and a copy of his judgment and sentence for a prior drug trafficking conviction. As a convicted felon, Rivera-Sanchez is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. During an interview with officers, he admitted knowing about the firearm's presence in his residence.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Nate is prosecuting the case.

This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. Launched on May 26, 2021, the Department's violent crime reduction strategy under PSN focuses on fostering community trust and legitimacy, supporting community-based violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.