Javier Villarreal Convicted On Weapon Charges

LaBelle (July 8, 2024) – Sentencing is scheduled for July 30, 2024, for defendant Javier Villarreal, in a case involving the defendant flashing a gun in a crowded parking lot.
 
The Lehigh Acres resident was convicted of Possession of a Firearm, Ammunition, or Concealed Weapon by a Convicted Felon following a two-day trial in Hendry County. The jury found the defendant had actual possession of the gun, which is an enhancement to the charge, and may result in additional penalties at sentencing.

The crime happened on June 6, 2021, at a Clewiston bar. The defendant began arguing with customers at the bar, so security staff escorted him out. He continued arguing with a group of people in the parking lot. He then got into his pick-up truck and as he drove off, he lowered his window and stuck his arm out, waving a handgun.

The Clewiston Police Department was contacted and arrived on scene. Moments later the defendant pulled back into the parking lot as customers yelled to police that he was the suspect. Police approached the vehicle and asked Villarreal to show his hands and step out. As he got out of the truck, a revolver was seen near the defendant’s leg. He was taken into custody and booked into the Hendry County Jail. 

The defendant is a convicted felon and is not permitted to own a gun.

Assistant State Attorney Trevor Selph prosecuted the case.