Esteban Garcia-Gutierrez, a 31-year-old resident of Arcadia, was sentenced on Mar. 17 to six years in federal prison for possessing a loaded firearm as a convicted felon, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe.
The sentencing follows an incident on April 17, 2025, when a Florida Highway Patrol trooper stopped Garcia-Gutierrez during a routine traffic stop. During the stop, the trooper found that Garcia-Gutierrez, who has multiple felony convictions including aggravated battery and felony battery, was unlawfully carrying a loaded .45 caliber pistol. Federal law prohibits convicted felons from possessing firearms or ammunition.
The investigation into the case involved the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Florida Highway Patrol, and the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Simon Eth prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America. The initiative brings together resources from the Department of Justice to address illegal immigration and eliminate cartels and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime. Operation Take Back America coordinates efforts with programs such as the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
