10 January, 2011

Former Arizona Man Pleads Guilty to Firearms Offenses

Defendant Arrested After Guns Found in Trailer Near the National Mall
James M. Patock, 66, pled guilty to charges stemming from a November 3, 2010,
incident in which firearms and ammunition were recovered by police in his trailer,
which was parked on the National Mall.
Patock, formerly of Arizona, appeared in the Superior Court of the District of
Columbia and pled guilty to one count each of attempted carrying a pistol without a
license and possession of an unregistered firearm. The Honorable Judge Thomas J.
Motley, who accepted the plea, scheduled sentencing for January 14, 2011.
FACTS: According to the government=s evidence, on November 3, 2010, at
approximately 2:50 p.m., members of the United States Park Police responded to Patock=s
trailer, which was parked in front of the Air and Space Museum, and which appeared
suspicious. This led to the closing of nearby streets while authorities inspected the
vehicle for explosives.
No explosives were discovered, but upon making contact with Patock, officers learned
that a number of firearms were in the trailer, including a revolver and two rifles, as well
as ammunition. The firearms were operable and not registered in the District of
Columbia. Further investigation revealed that Patock did not have a license to carry the
pistol in the District of Columbia.
The defendant admitted that the weapons were his, and told the police that he had been
living in the trailer while he was in and around the District.

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