CASPER, WY – Patrick Charles Schutz, 38, is headed to federal prison after a raid on his Casper home uncovered a cache of firearms, ammunition, and illegally manufactured silencers. Schutz was sentenced on April 24, 2023, to 28 months behind bars, followed by three years of supervised release, for being a convicted felon in possession of firearms. A $100 special assessment was also levied.
The bust went down October 19, 2022, when Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) agents moved in on Schutz’s residence. The ATF had received tips from witnesses who reported seeing Schutz firing multiple weapons at a local shooting range. It wasn’t just the guns themselves that raised red flags; agents also found two homemade suppressors – devices that illegally muffle the sound of gunfire.
Court documents reveal Schutz freely admitted to being a convicted felon illegally possessing the firearms. As part of his plea agreement, he’s forfeiting all the weapons and ammunition seized during the raid. Details of the prior conviction were not immediately released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson handed down the sentence, signaling a clear message that illegally possessing firearms will not be tolerated, especially by those already barred from owning them due to past criminal activity. The case highlights the ATF’s ongoing efforts to keep weapons out of the hands of dangerous individuals.
Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan C. Coppom led the prosecution, building the case based on the evidence gathered by ATF agents. The investigation, according to sources, was thorough and focused on establishing both Schutz’s possession of the weapons and his prior felony conviction. The case number is 22-CR-00132.
The Denver Field Division of the ATF spearheaded the investigation. While authorities remain tight-lipped about the specifics of the original crime that led to Schutz’s prior conviction, the sentence underscores the federal government’s commitment to enforcing gun laws and protecting communities from violent offenders. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments.
Related Federal Cases
- Clayton William Wenner, Felon in Possession of Firearms, WY 2016 · Colorado
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- Adam Hayat, Possession of Firearms Not Registered, Colorado 2017 · Wyoming
- Devon Matthew Gerlosky, Possession of Stolen Firearms, Wyoming 2019 · Florida
- Justin Clayburn, Firearms Possession, Wyoming 2023 · Wyoming
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