RIVERTON, WY – Anthony Oliva, 27, of Las Vegas, Nevada, will spend the next six years and four months behind bars after a federal judge slapped him with a 76-month sentence for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl handed down the sentence on April 15, bringing a close to a case that began with a routine traffic stop gone sideways.
The trouble started July 6, 2023, when officers with the Wind River Police Department responded to a report of a possible drunk driver. The vehicle, driven by Oliva, quickly drew suspicion – not for impaired driving, but for the overwhelming smell of marijuana wafting from within. Oliva’s lack of cooperation during the stop only deepened the officers’ concerns, leading to his arrest.
A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed more than just weed. Authorities discovered two 9mm semi-automatic pistols and several magazines, putting Oliva in immediate violation of federal law. As a convicted felon, Oliva was already prohibited from possessing any firearms or ammunition. The find solidified the charges and set the stage for a swift prosecution.
Oliva ultimately pleaded guilty on January 23, foregoing a trial and accepting responsibility for his actions. While a plea deal didn’t erase the crime, it likely factored into the final sentencing. Judge Skavdahl’s decision to impose a 76-month term sends a clear message: illegally possessing firearms carries significant consequences, especially for those with prior convictions.
The investigation was a collaborative effort, involving the Wind River Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation. The ATF’s involvement underscores the agency’s commitment to tracking and prosecuting illegal gun trafficking and possession cases across the country. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy W. Gist handled the prosecution for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
This case, while seemingly isolated, highlights the ongoing struggle to keep firearms out of the hands of individuals legally barred from owning them. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Wyoming, under United States Attorney Nicholas Vassallo, continues to prioritize these types of prosecutions as part of its broader effort to combat violent crime and ensure public safety. Details can be found at www.justice.gov/usao-wy.
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