Gregorio Tabarez-Hernandez, known as "Trigger," a member of the Florencia 13 gang from Sandy, Utah, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for drug and firearm offenses committed in 2023.
U.S. District Court Judge David Barlow issued the sentence after Tabarez-Hernandez pleaded guilty on September 4, 2025, to charges of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and possession of a machine gun.
Court documents reveal that law enforcement executed a search warrant at Tabarez-Hernandez’s home on October 19, 2023. Officers found cocaine, packaging materials, over $23,000 in cash, and two firearms inside his closet. One weapon was a Glock 22 .40 caliber handgun fitted with a machinegun conversion device referred to as a “switch.” Tabarez-Hernandez admitted he distributed cocaine and kept the firearms to protect his drugs and money. Authorities noted that his prior record of firearm offenses aligns with his connection to Florencia 13, which is affiliated with the Surenos criminal street gang.
“I am grateful to our state enforcement partners for their excellent investigation that led to Mr. Tabarez-Hernandez’s arrest,” said U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak of the District of Utah. “This administration is committed to working with our federal and state partners to stop drug trafficking and organized crime in our communities. Mr. Tabarez-Hernandez’s 20-year sentence demonstrates that strong commitment.”
“These types of cases require a lot of work for law enforcement, and the arrest and conviction of Mr. Tabarez-Hernandez is a perfect example of how partnering with local, state and federal agencies gets results,” stated Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera.
“We are thankful for the hard work that the investigators put into this case,” said Sandy City Police Chief Greg Severson. “We are appreciative of our partnerships with local and federal agencies in taking this individual off our streets.”
The investigation was conducted by the Sandy Police Department along with the Salt Lake County Metro Gang Unit. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
