A probation compliance check in Seffner ended with a 17-year-old back in custody after detectives say they found six firearms and ammunition inside his residence. Arturo Garcia is facing multiple new weapons charges, even though investigators say the case is still developing.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said in HCSO's Friday post that its detectives worked with the Florida Department of Corrections to check on Garcia, whom the agency describes as an adjudicated adult and convicted felon. Garcia was arrested after the compliance check and taken back behind bars, according to the sheriff's office.
Six firearms found during residence search
Detectives obtained a search warrant for Garcia's residence after the compliance check, according to HCSO. Investigators located three pistols, three rifles and ammunition, bringing the firearm total to six. The agency said additional charges are pending as the investigation continues.
Charges include firearm and probation violations
Garcia was charged with seven counts of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, along with a charge for possessing ammunition as a convicted felon. He also faces an alleged probation violation tied to unlawful carrying of a concealed firearm.
The sheriff's office did not release details about where each firearm was found or explain what prompted the search warrant. Garcia is accused in the new case and has not been convicted on these charges.
What Florida law says
Florida's state statute generally makes it unlawful for a person convicted of a felony to possess a firearm or ammunition. The law also covers certain people under 24 who have been found to have committed a delinquent act that would have been a felony if committed by an adult.
Because Garcia is 17 and is being described by HCSO as an adjudicated adult, the case involves both juvenile-age and adult-court terminology. Court filings and future charging decisions should provide more detail about the allegations and how the case will proceed.
