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Convicted Felon Jason Peterson Sentenced to Over 11 Years in Prison for Illegal Firearms Possession

Felon Jason Peterson gets 11 years in prison for illegal firearm possession. He had multiple prior convictions.

byEditorial Staff

November 14, 2025, 12:27 PM

Black handgun tied with an evidence tag, lying on a table with a bullet casing and evidence container.

A handgun secured with an evidence tag, along with a bullet casing, on a forensic investigation table. By MDL.

Executive Summary

Jason Peterson, 29, was sentenced to 11 years and 5 months in federal prison for illegal possession of firearms as a convicted felon.

Peterson’s arrest stemmed from a 911 call, leading to the recovery of multiple firearms and his admission of possession despite prior felony convictions.

The prosecution was conducted jointly by the ATF and Manatee County Sheriff’s Office as part of Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative.

Laws and Precedent

Jason Peterson’s conviction and 11-year federal prison sentence stem from his violation of the federal prohibition against convicted felons possessing firearms, a statute designed to prevent individuals with prior felony convictions from owning weapons. This prosecution is part of “Operation Take Back America,” a nationwide Department of Justice initiative specifically aimed at leveraging federal resources to combat violent crime, including illegal firearms trafficking.

A Parrish man, Jason Peterson, 29, has been sentenced to 11 years and 5 months in federal prison for illegal possession of firearms as a convicted felon. U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven handed down the sentence in Tampa, Florida, on November 14, 2025, following Peterson’s guilty plea on June 11, 2025.

The court also ordered Peterson to forfeit the firearms involved in the offense. His conviction stems from his possession of multiple firearms despite a federal prohibition against felons owning such weapons.

Incident Details

The case began on November 16, 2024, when deputies from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call from a residence in Parrish. The caller reported that Peterson, who had previously battered her, was in possession of a firearm.

Upon arrival, deputies arrested Peterson and recovered a Smith & Wesson handgun and a Bauer handgun from the residence. Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) later interviewed Peterson, during which he admitted to possessing the Smith & Wesson handgun and acknowledged his prohibited status as a convicted felon.

Additional Firearms and Prior Convictions

During the interview, Peterson also disclosed information about a Rossi shotgun. He stated that his wife had purchased the shotgun for him at a gun store in Sarasota, and he subsequently sold it to another individual who was also a felon. Surveillance video from October 2024 later confirmed Peterson’s possession of the shotgun.

Peterson was aware of his inability to possess firearms due to his extensive criminal history. His prior felony convictions include battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting an officer with violence, and delivery of a controlled substance.

Investigation and Prosecution

The investigation into Peterson’s firearms offenses was conducted jointly by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang prosecuted the case.

This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative. The operation aims to leverage federal resources to combat violent crime, illegal immigration, and the activities of transnational criminal organizations, including illegal firearms trafficking.

Key Takeaways

Jason Peterson’s substantial prison sentence underscores the federal government’s commitment to enforcing laws that prohibit convicted felons from possessing firearms. Such measures are vital for enhancing public safety and deterring violent crime within communities.