Executive Summary
Laws and Precedent
A Venezuelan national, Alvis Alexander Briceno-Yajures, 24, was sentenced Thursday to eight years and nine months in federal prison for unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition while illegally in the United States. Senior U.S. District Judge John Antoon II handed down the sentence after Briceno-Yajures pleaded guilty on May 8, 2025, to charges stemming from his involvement in multiple armed robberies in Florida.
Details of the Offenses
According to court documents, the incidents occurred in the early morning hours of July 30, 2024. Briceno-Yajures first robbed a victim at gunpoint in a Daytona Beach motel room, taking her personal possessions. He then brutally dragged the victim by her hair down a flight of stairs, attempting to force her into a vehicle with two accomplices.
A bystander intervened during this abduction attempt, helping the victim escape as Briceno-Yajures discharged the firearm. Within hours of this initial incident, Briceno-Yajures and his accomplices drove to an apartment complex in Holly Hill.
At the Holly Hill location, Briceno-Yajures and an accomplice pointed firearms at another victim and her friend, subsequently stealing the victim’s car. Law enforcement quickly responded, and officers from the Daytona Beach Police Department arrested Briceno-Yajures shortly after the carjacking.
Upon his arrest, officers recovered a loaded firearm that Briceno-Yajures had concealed in his underwear. This weapon was later linked to the earlier robberies and the unlawful discharge.
Investigation and Prosecution
The case was a collaborative effort involving several law enforcement agencies. These included Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Local agencies also played a crucial role in the investigation, including the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, the Daytona Beach Police Department, and the Holly Hill Police Department. Special Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Del Mastro prosecuted the case, which culminated in Briceno-Yajures’ guilty plea and subsequent sentencing.
Significance of the Sentencing
This sentencing highlights the concerted efforts of federal and local law enforcement agencies to combat violent crime and illegal firearm possession, particularly involving individuals unlawfully present in the country. The outcome serves as a strong deterrent against such offenses and reinforces the commitment to maintaining public safety within the community.
