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Florence 13 Gang Member Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Drug and Firearm Crimes
Gregorio Tabarez-Hernandez, aka ‘Trigger,’ a 20-year-old member of the Florencia 13 gang from Sandy, Utah, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for his role in drug and firearm crimes. The sentencing comes after Tabarez-Hernandez pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and possession of a machine gun on September 4, 2025.
According to court documents and admissions made during Tabarez-Hernandez’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence on October 19, 2023. During the search, investigators found cocaine, small plastic bags, over $23,000 in cash, and two firearms. One of the firearms was a Glock 22 .40 caliber handgun equipped with a machine gun conversion device known as a ‘switch.’
Tabarez-Hernandez admitted to distributing cocaine and possessing the firearms to protect his drugs and money. His history of firearm offenses is consistent with his association with the Florencia 13 gang, a criminal street gang affiliated with the Surenos.
U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak of the District of Utah praised the state enforcement partners for their excellent investigation that led to Tabarez-Hernandez’s arrest. ‘This administration is committed to working with our federal and state partners to stop drug trafficking and organized crime in our communities,’ she said. ‘Mr. Tabarez-Hernandez’s 20-year sentence demonstrates that strong commitment.’
The case was investigated jointly by the Sandy City Police Department and the Salt Lake County Metro Gang Unit. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
Tabarez-Hernandez’s 20-year sentence is a significant blow to the Florencia 13 gang and a testament to the hard work of law enforcement agencies in Utah. The case serves as a reminder that the authorities will continue to work together to take down gangs and dismantle their operations.
This article must include all mandatory facts: Defendant/respondent name: Gregorio Tabarez-Hernandez, Exact criminal charges: possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and possession of a machine gun, City and state: Sandy, Utah, Exact date: September 4, 2025 (sentencing), October 19, 2023 (crime date), Sentence or outcome: 20 years’ imprisonment, and three years’ supervised release, Dollar amounts: over $23,000.
Key Facts
- State: Utah
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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