A Miami federal jury has convicted Alphonso Gainer, 37, of North Miami, on charges of kidnapping and multiple firearm offenses following a violent home invasion that occurred on July 11, 2023.
Court documents and trial evidence showed that Gainer broke into a North Miami residence around 6 a.m. and fired several shots inside the home, nearly killing the victim. The incident was captured during a 911 call made by the victim, which recorded three additional gunshots as the victim sought cover.
“This victim endured unimaginable fear and terror in his own home,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “Thanks to the courage of the victim and the swift work of law enforcement, justice was delivered. We will never relent in pursuing those who use guns to threaten, harm, or intimidate others.”
Responding officers arrived within minutes but were unable to locate Gainer at that time. Later that day, after police had left the scene, Gainer returned to the residence armed with a gun and kidnapped the victim by forcing him into his rental vehicle. The victim escaped unharmed and managed to photograph the vehicle’s license plate. Law enforcement traced this information back to Gainer. Ballistics analysis linked a firearm found at Gainer’s residence to shell casings collected from the scene.
Gainer was found guilty of one count of kidnapping and three counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm or ammunition. He faces up to life in prison for kidnapping and up to 15 years for each firearm possession charge. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge after reviewing relevant guidelines and statutory factors.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Reding A. Quiñones and Special Agent in Charge Jason Stankiewicz of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Division.
The ATF Miami Field Office led the investigation with significant support from the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael C. Mikulic and Altanese P. Phenelus are prosecuting.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative focused on using Department of Justice resources against illegal immigration, criminal organizations, and violent crime.
Additional court records can be accessed through www.flsd.uscourts.gov or http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 25-cr-20226.
