Gabriel Lopes Da Silva Santos, a 27-year-old Brazilian national, has been charged with illegal firearm possession while unlawfully in the United States. This announcement came from the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont. Santos was detained after appearing before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle on April 16, 2025.
Court documents show that Santos was in possession of an AR-15 style rifle on June 9, 2024, at an apartment complex in Ludlow, Vermont. Law enforcement responded to reports of gunfire and found Santos with the rifle and a shotgun. It was later revealed that Santos had overstayed his visa, which expired in September 2020.
The case is part of the Operation Take Back America initiative, focusing on combating illegal immigration and transnational crime. Santos could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted, but the sentence will be decided by the District Court, which will consider the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.
The United States Attorney’s Office mentioned that "the complaint contains allegations only and that Santos is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty." The investigation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the United States Border Patrol. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua L. Banker, with Santos represented by the Federal Public Defender’s Office for the District of Vermont.
This case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime by coordinating with law enforcement and community organizations. This strategy is based on principles like building community trust, supporting violence prevention efforts, and setting strategic enforcement priorities. More information about this project is available at Justice.gov/PSN.
