Steven Rivera, Felon in Possession of Ammunition, Massachusetts 2017

A Worcester man is facing serious charges after being accused of possessing ammunition despite having prior felony convictions. Steven Rivera, 24, was arrested on June 29, 2017, as part of a coordinated federal and state sweep that resulted in the arrests of nine individuals for firearms-related offenses.

According to the indictment, Rivera sold two handguns and numerous rounds of ammunition to a cooperating source in Worcester on February 14, 2017. Just two weeks later, on February 28, 2017, Rivera sold the same cooperating source two more handguns and numerous rounds of ammunition.

Documents show that Rivera offered to sell the cooperating source heroin during a recorded phone call. This investigation into gun and narcotics trafficking in the Worcester area led to the arrest of eight others on state charges.

Law enforcement purchased nine guns, including several handguns, two shotguns, and an assault rifle with a 100-round capacity drum magazine, from nine defendants. They also seized multiple rounds of ammunition and narcotics during the investigation.

The charge of possessing ammunition after being convicted of a felony carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The investigation was a collaborative effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Massachusetts State Police, the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office, and the Worcester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney William F. Abely is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations, and Rivera is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Steven Rivera, who has multiple prior felony convictions, including drug-related offenses, faces serious consequences if found guilty. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of enforcing firearms laws and combating gun and narcotics trafficking in the community.