Executive Summary
Laws and Precedent
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.
