Sur 13 Gang Member Sentenced to 35 Years

TAMPA, FL—U.S. Attorney Robert E. O'Neill announces that U.S. District Judge James S. Moody, Jr. today sentenced Basillio Alvardo (44, Wachula) to 35 years in federal prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and possession of a firearm and ammunition after having been convicted of a felony offense.

Alvardo was found guilty on February 23, 2011, following a trial. According to court documents, the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) initially arrested Alvardo on June 15, 2010, following a traffic stop on Bee Ridge Road. An officer observed Alvardo's vehicle, a Mitsubishi Gallant, had excessive window tint. Alvardo was the driver and sole occupant of the car.

During the stop, an SCSO canine alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle. Deputies searched the car and found more than 200 grams of methamphetamine, a loaded .38 caliber revolver, and a digital scale. Alvardo later admitted to being a member of the Sur 13 gang. He also admitted to having fired the revolver earlier on June 15, 2010, because he thought someone might be following him and trying to steal his drugs. Subsequent investigation revealed that Alvardo was a convicted felon.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Southwest Florida Violent Crimes Task Force; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher F. Murray.