Kissimmee Felon Pleads Guilty To Possessing Firearm

Orlando, Florida - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Giovanny Rivera-Sanchez (38, Kissimmee) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Rivera-Sanchez faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 17, 2024.

According to court records, Rivera-Sanchez was convicted of felony offenses in 2004 and 2008. He began serving a term of federal supervised release on September 16, 2021, after being released from prison. On March 25, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Rivera-Sanchez's residence and located a Glock pistol and ammunition in the closet of the master bedroom. Near the firearm was paperwork related to Rivera-Sanchez's federal supervision and a copy of his judgement and sentence for a prior conviction for drug trafficking. As a previously convicted felon, Rivera-Sanchez is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. Officers interviewed Rivera-Sanchez, who stated he knew 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Nate.

This case is 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 launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these 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.