Roger B. Handberg, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced that Walner Josue Alvarado-Sabonje, a 27-year-old Honduran national, has pleaded guilty to being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. Alvarado faces up to 15 years in federal prison, though a sentencing date is yet to be determined.
Court records indicate that Alvarado entered the United States illegally near Hidalgo, Texas, in April 2019 and is under a final order of removal. On June 16, 2024, deputies from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of gunshots at Alvarado's residence. They found nine 9mm shell casings in his backyard after receiving permission to search.
On September 22, 2024, deputies were called by Alvarado’s wife who reported that he was intoxicated and behaving recklessly with a firearm on their front porch. When deputies arrived minutes later, they discovered that Alvarado had left the premises in his red Chevrolet Suburban SUV.
Shortly thereafter, a deputy found Alvarado alone in his vehicle parked at a nearby 7-Eleven. He was arrested for driving under the influence after officers noted the smell of alcohol and two open beer cans inside the vehicle. A loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol was also found in the center console; both the pistol and ammunition are linked to the offense and are subject to forfeiture.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Adam W. McCall is prosecuting the case.
This incident falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The Department launched an enhanced violent crime reduction strategy for PSN on May 26, 2021.
