Fresno Man Sentenced to 8.5 Years in Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition

FRESNO, Calif. - Patrick Kasper, 33, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley to eight years and six months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.

According to court records, on March 16, 2022, Kasper failed to yield when law enforcement attempted to pull him over for a traffic stop. Kasper engaged law enforcement in a vehicle pursuit at speeds of over 110 miles per hour. Kasper stopped at a residence and fled inside, leaving on the ground a black Smith & Wesson M&P 40 Shield .40-caliber pistol loaded with seven rounds of .40-caliber Smith & Wesson ammunition. Kasper is a five-time convicted felon for offenses that include possession of a controlled substance for sale, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and domestic violence. Because of these felony convictions, Kasper is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.

The Fresno Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Arelis M. Clemente prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.