Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty To Illegally Possessing A Firearm

Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Patraic Setzer (28, New Port Richey) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Setzer faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and forfeiture of the firearm involved in the case.

According to court documents, on March 31, 2022, Setzer, a convicted felon, possessed a firearm in his vehicle. Law enforcement had conducted a traffic stop on Setzer’s vehicle where he was the only occupant. During the stop, a K9 alerted on the vehicle and officers searched Setzer’s car. The officers located a loaded Sig Sauer Inc, Model 9365 in the center console. During an interview with the New Port Richey Police Department, Setzer admitted to possessing the firearm, but denied ownership. At the time, Setzer had previous felony convictions for possession of alprazolam, possession of a controlled substance, possession of methamphetamine, possession of cocaine, and felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and is therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

This case was investigated by the New Port Richey Police Department, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Beckman.