Orlando Felon Pleads Guilty To Possessing Firearm

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Xavier Hernandez-Gerena, (34, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Hernandez-Gerena faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. Sentencing is set for October 23, 2024.

According to court records, in July 2022, Hernandez-Gerena was pulled over for a traffic violation as the sole occupant of a vehicle. Sitting near his lap was an unzipped bag that contained a Ruger firearm. Prior to possessing the firearm, Hernandez-Gerena had been convicted in federal court for possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute. As a convicted felon Hernandez-Gerena was 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie A. McNeff.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.