A federal court in Miami has sentenced Joseph John Pyrzyk to 11 years in prison for firearm and ammunition possession and failing to report to authorities on a previous gun-related felony charge. U.S. District Judge Aileen M. Cannon issued the sentence on Thursday.
Pyrzyk, 29, had earlier pleaded guilty to the charges in November last year. His legal troubles began in 2021 when he was charged in the Southern District of Florida for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon, as per case number 21-cr-80180.
Following his plea in the 2021 case, Pyrzyk was sentenced to two years of imprisonment in June 2022. However, he did not commence his sentence immediately and remained free on bond. His failure to surrender on August 29, 2022, resulted in a warrant for his arrest.
In a January 2023 law enforcement operation, Pyrzyk was apprehended at a West Palm Beach location. Officers discovered marijuana and a pistol in a vehicle associated with him, leading to additional charges for bond jumping and possessing a Glock pistol and ammunition.
Pyrzyk has since completed his sentence from the 2021-gun charge and will now serve the 11-year term imposed for the new offenses.
The announcement came from several officials, including U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne, Acting Special Agent in Charge John F. Dion Jr. of the ATF, Miami Field Division, and U.S. Marshal Gadyaces S. Serralta. Authorities from ATF West Palm Beach and U.S. Marshals West Palm Beach carried out the investigation, with prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie Sadlo.
The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program focused on reducing gun violence and strengthening community safety by collaborating with law enforcement and community organizations. This initiative echoes a strategy launched by the Department on May 26, 2021, aimed at reducing violent crime.
For further details on the case, individuals are directed to visit the District Court for the Southern District of Florida's website or access information through the PACER system under case number 24-cr-80088.