Angel Gabriel Hernandez, 29, of LaBelle, has pleaded guilty to unlawfully possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon. Hernandez, who faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison, pleaded guilty to the charge in a Fort Myers court.
According to court documents, Hernandez sold a Beretta 9mm handgun to an undercover ATF agent on August 9, 2023. As a convicted felon who previously served time in Florida state prison for burglary, Hernandez is prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law.
The guilty plea is a significant development in the case, which is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence. The program brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to make neighborhoods safer for everyone.
The Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy in May 2021, which strengthened PSN based on core principles such as fostering trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting community-based organizations, and setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities. The case against Hernandez is an example of this strategy in action.
The investigation into Hernandez was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon Eth. The sentencing date for Hernandez has not yet been set, but he faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.
The guilty plea is a reminder of the importance of enforcing federal laws related to firearm possession, particularly for individuals with a history of violent crime. The case against Hernandez demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to reducing violent crime and making communities safer.
In a statement, United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced the guilty plea and emphasized the importance of Project Safe Neighborhoods in reducing violent crime. The program has been successful in bringing together law enforcement agencies and communities to address the root causes of violent crime and to develop effective strategies for prevention and enforcement.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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