Olvin Javier Gutierrez Ponce, a 44-year-old resident of Bradenton, has been indicted on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm. The indictment was announced by United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. If found guilty, Gutierrez Ponce could face up to 15 years in federal prison.
The indictment alleges that in July 2025, Gutierrez Ponce knowingly possessed a firearm while being unlawfully present in the United States. Authorities also intend to forfeit two pistols—a Taurus 9mm and a Springfield 9mm—alleged to be linked to the offense.
“An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty,” the statement clarified.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), and the Bradenton Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Abigail K. King will prosecute the case.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America, an initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and violent crime through coordinated efforts among several Department of Justice programs such as Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods.
