An SLC man previously convicted of federal crimes was charged with alleged mail, drug and firearms offenses while on probation

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, October 5, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) – A local man previously convicted of felonies has been charged with alleged drug and firearms offenses while on probation, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Justice, District of Utah.

Andres “Junior” Garcia, 35, of Salt Lake City, was indicted twice by a federal grand jury in June 2024, once for mail theft and then for distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl and possessing firearms and ammunition. Since Garcia's arrest, both charges have been dismissed.

Garcia, who is incarcerated, appeared in court for the first time Friday on two separate charges. The defendant was arrested last month after allegedly committing mail robbery, drug and gun crimes while on federal probation in the spring of 2024.

“According to court documents, in February 2024, Garcia allegedly stole mail from a U.S. Postal Service delivery truck and threatened the postal worker when he confronted Garcia,” the release said. “As alleged, Garcia reached into his sweatshirt as if he had a weapon and told the postal worker to 'come back.' Garcia then ran off with the mail.

“In the second case, in March 2024, Garcia allegedly sold, on three separate occasions, 500 fentanyl pills, four ounces of methamphetamine and three firearms, including a Bersa Firestorm pistol, a Smith & Wesson M&P 9C pistol and a Girsan MC 1911 S.” XLV -Pistol and associated ammunition.”

Garcia, a convicted felon, is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition and was on probation at the time he allegedly committed these new crimes.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah.

The cases are being jointly investigated by the Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake, the Metro Gang Unit, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the United States Postal Inspection Service. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.