TAMPA, Fla. — A federal grand jury has indicted a Bradenton man on charges of unlawful possession of firearms, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida announced.
Olvin Javier Gutierrez Ponce, 44, is accused of illegally possessing two handguns in July 2025 while knowing he was unlawfully present in the United States. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in federal prison.
Prosecutors also filed notice that the government intends to forfeit the firearms — a Taurus 9mm pistol and a Springfield 9mm pistol — which are alleged to be connected to the offense.
The indictment states that Gutierrez Ponce, who does not have legal status in the country, was prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, and the Bradenton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abigail K. King is prosecuting the case.
Officials said the indictment is part of Operation Take Back America, a Justice Department initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration, drug cartels, and transnational criminal organizations.
Gutierrez Ponce remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
