Traffic stop leads to illegal firearm charge for Florida man

FLORIDA – A Florida convicted felon, who police said had a loaded weapon in his vehicle that they found during a traffic stop, has pleaded guilty to the illegal possession of a firearm.

Patraic Setzer, 28, of New Port Richey, has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida (USAO) has announced. 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, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on Setzer’s vehicle, where he reportedly was the only occupant.

During the stop, police said a K9 alerted on the vehicle, and officers searched Setzer’s car. The officers said they located a loaded Sig Sauer Inc, Model 9365, in the center console.

During an interview with the New Port Richey Police Department, Setzer reportedly 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, the USAO said.

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