A 35-year-old Orlando man has been sentenced to four years behind bars for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
On Monday, October 28, U.S. District Judge Paul G. Bryon sentenced Xavier Hernandez-Gerena to four years in federal prison. Hernandez-Gerena had entered a guilty plea nearly three months earlier.
According to court records, in July of 2022, Hernandez-Gerena’s vehicle was pulled over by law enforcement for an unspecified traffic infraction. He was the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle.
During the traffic stop, a law enforcement officer smelled marijuana, which prompted a search of the vehicle. While searching the vehicle’s interior, a small unzipped bag containing a Ruger firearm was found in close proximity to where Hernandez-Gerena had been sitting.
Prior to possessing the firearm, Hernandez-Gerena had been convicted in federal court of fentanyl possession with intent to distribute it.
As a convicted felon, Hernandez-Gerena is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. McNeff.
Additionally, this case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, which brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence.