Convicted Felon Sentenced To 57 Months In Federal Prison For Possessing A Firearm (DOJ)

Orlando, Florida - U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger has sentenced Giovanny Rivera-Sanchez (38, Kissimmee) to 57 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Rivera-Sanchez to forfeit a Glock 22 .40 caliber pistol, which was involved in his offense. Rivera-Sanchez entered a guilty plea on August 21, 2024.

Rivera-Sanchez was convicted of felony offenses in 2004, 2007, and 2008, and was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition as a result. On March 25, 2022, when Rivera-Sanchez was serving a term of federal supervised release, the Orange County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant at his residence. During the search, law enforcement officers discovered a firearm loaded with twelve rounds of ammunition. Officers interviewed Rivera-Sanchez, who stated that he was aware that the firearm was inside his residence.

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 United States Attorney Adam J. Nate.

This case was part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on the following core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.