Tampa, Florida – Walner Josue Alvarado-Sabonje, a 27-year-old Honduran national, has entered a guilty plea for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. This announcement was made by United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg. Alvarado could face up to 15 years in federal prison, though the date for sentencing remains undetermined.
Court records indicate that Alvarado unlawfully entered the United States near Hidalgo, Texas in April 2019 and is under a final order of removal. On June 16, 2024, deputies from the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office responded to reports of gunshots at Alvarado's residence. They were permitted to search his backyard where they discovered nine 9mm shell casings.
Later on September 22, 2024, sheriff's deputies were dispatched following a call from Alvarado's wife who reported that he was intoxicated and behaving recklessly with a firearm on their front porch. Upon arrival five minutes later, deputies found that both Alvarado and his red Chevrolet Suburban were missing from the premises.
Shortly after this incident, law enforcement located Alvarado alone inside his SUV parked at a nearby 7-Eleven store about one mile away from his home. He had two open beer cans in the vehicle's center console and smelled of alcohol. Following his arrest for driving under the influence, deputies discovered a loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol also in the center console. Both the weapon and ammunition are linked to this offense and are subject to forfeiture.
The investigation into this case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives alongside the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Adam W. McCall is prosecuting the case.
This case forms part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The Department launched an enhanced strategy on May 26, 2021 focusing on fostering community trust and legitimacy while supporting violence prevention efforts through community-based organizations.