Deandre Riviera Lopez, Possession of a Loaded Handgun, Florida 2023

TAMPA, FL – Deandre Riviera Lopez, 33, of Tampa, is facing a substantial prison sentence after admitting to illegally possessing a loaded handgun. Lopez pleaded guilty today to a federal charge that carries a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, and could reach a life sentence, under the Armed Career Criminal Act. The case underscores the continued crackdown on violent offenders and illegal firearms in the region.

The bust went down May 15, 2022, when Tampa Police Department officers moved to arrest Lopez on an outstanding felony warrant issued by the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit in Hillsborough County. As officers approached, they observed Lopez reaching towards his waistband. A search revealed a Century Arms “Canik” TP9 Elite Combat Semi-Automatic Pistol, loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition, tucked into his clothing. Lopez reportedly told officers he carried the weapon for personal protection, and had owned it for several months.

But Lopez wasn’t just packing heat – he was legally prohibited from doing so. Court documents show Lopez has a lengthy rap sheet, with multiple prior felony convictions and time served in Florida State Prison. Federal law clearly bars convicted felons from possessing firearms or ammunition, a fact Lopez apparently disregarded. The ATF joined the TPD in investigating the case, building a solid case against Lopez.

This prosecution is part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a broad initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by fostering collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, alongside community partners. The current iteration of PSN, launched in May 2021, focuses on building trust, supporting violence prevention programs, and strategically targeting enforcement efforts.

Assistant United States Attorney David W.A. Chee is leading the prosecution, building the case based on evidence collected by the Tampa Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. While a sentencing date hasn’t been set, legal experts predict a lengthy prison term given the severity of the charge and Lopez’s criminal history. The ATF Tampa Field Division was instrumental in the investigation.

Lopez’s case serves as a stark reminder that illegally possessing a firearm carries severe consequences, especially for those already convicted of felonies. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the sentencing as it becomes available, providing in-depth coverage of federal crime in Florida and beyond.

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