Matthew Pellerito, a 49-year-old resident of Wewahitchka, Florida, has pleaded guilty to charges of possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon and carrying a firearm without written notice. The announcement was made by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin stated, “I applaud the excellent coordination of our state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies in their detection and investigation of these crimes. My office is committed to aggressively investigating and prosecuting those who unlawfully possess weapons or ammunition.”
According to court documents, on September 5, 2024, Pellerito attempted to board a commercial flight in Panama City, Florida. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) flagged his checked luggage during screening and discovered an undeclared firearm along with a 50-round box of ammunition inside. Pellerito told authorities he was traveling to Oregon for a camping trip and had forgotten to declare the firearm with the airline. Further investigation determined that Pellerito is a convicted felon prohibited by law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Sentencing is set for September 18, 2025, before United States District Judge Mark Walker in Tallahassee. Pellerito could face up to fifteen years in prison for the firearm and ammunition charge and up to five years for carrying a firearm without written notice.
The case was investigated by multiple agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the TSA; Panama City Airport Police Department; and Bay County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph A. Ravelo is prosecuting.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), an initiative designed by the Department of Justice to address illegal immigration issues, combat cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect communities from violent crime through coordinated efforts such as Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices nationwide serving as principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. More information about public court documents can be found at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website or at http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
