Armed Felon Sentenced To Eight Years In Prison Following Struggle With Deputy

Tampa, FL - U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Richard Salino Garcia (40, Pasco County) to 8 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Garcia to forfeit a Taurus 66, .357 caliber revolver, and assorted ammunition which were used in the offense. Garcia was found guilty following a bench trial on April 29, 2024.

According to court documents, on December 2, 2022, a deputy from the Pasco Sheriff's Office encountered Garcia during a loitering and prowling investigation behind a closed business. The deputy attempted to conduct a pat down for weapons after Garcia made motions towards his waistband, but Garcia fled on foot. The deputy tackled Garcia to the ground where the two began struggling as Garcia made attempts to reach into his waistband. Citizens assisted the deputy until backup deputies arrived. Once Garcia was handcuffed, deputies removed the loaded .357 Taurus revolver from a holster on Garcia's waist. At the time, Garcia had numerous convictions for felony offenses including fleeing to elude and felony battery. As a convicted felon he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pasco Sheriff's Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha E. Beckman.

This case is part of the 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 for occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.