Alexander Rivera-Santiago, Felon in Possession of Firearm, New York 2016

A 32-year-old Buffalo man with a prior felony record is facing up to a decade behind bars after pleading guilty to illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition. Alexander Rivera-Santiago admitted in federal court to being a felon in possession of a .22 caliber revolver and six live rounds, a charge that carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The guilty plea, entered before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo, stems from a high-speed flight from police on January 31, 2016. According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler, Buffalo Police activated lights and sirens to stop the vehicle Rivera-Santiago was riding in during a routine patrol. Instead of complying, the driver sped off, blowing through stop signs, driving over sidewalks, and careening through a parking lot in a reckless bid to evade capture.

When the vehicle finally stopped, both the driver and Rivera-Santiago bolted on foot. Officers quickly apprehended Rivera-Santiago, who was found with six .22 caliber rounds stuffed in his left pocket. A short distance from his flight path, cops recovered a .22 caliber revolver—directly linking him to illegal firearm possession.

Rivera-Santiago’s criminal history sealed his fate under federal law. Previously convicted of felony charges in the State of Florida, he is legally barred from possessing any firearm or ammunition. That prior record transforms what might be a local offense into a serious federal crime, triggering enhanced penalties and prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The case was the result of a coordinated investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, led by Commissioner Daniel Derenda, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), under Special Agent in Charge Ashan M. Benedict of the New York Field Division. Their joint effort underscores the federal crackdown on repeat offenders armed with illegal guns.

U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr., who announced the guilty plea, emphasized that individuals with felony convictions caught with firearms will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Sentencing for Alexander Rivera-Santiago is scheduled for a later date before Judge Vilardo, with federal prosecutors expected to argue for a sentence at or near the 10-year maximum.

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