Former Arizona Man Pleads Guilty to Firearms Offenses
Defendant Arrested After Guns Found in Trailer Near the National Mall

WASHINGTON—James M. Patock, 66, pled guilty today 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, U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. announced.

Patock, formerly of Arizona, appeared this afternoon 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.

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.

In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Machen praised the work of the United States Park Police, especially Officer Vincent Quadrello, who was the first officer to respond, and Investigator Monique Pettett, who assisted in the investigation. The U.S. Attorney also thanked the members of the Metropolitan Police Department Bomb Squad, and MPD Detective Sgt. J. Greg Somers. Mr. Machen also praised the work of law enforcement partners from the FBI, the Prince William County Police Department, the Capitol Police, the Smithsonian Police, the FBI police, and the United States Secret Service, most notably the special agent who led the investigation. Finally, U.S. Attorney Machen recognized the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rachel Lieber and Lara Worm, who investigated and prosecuted the case.