Sean Patrick, a 46-year-old resident of Watervliet, New York, has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for dealing firearms without a license. The sentencing took place after Patrick admitted to building and selling four non-serialized, semi-automatic pistols between June 2021 and November 2022. He conducted these sales without the required federal license, paperwork, or tax payments.
Federal agents executed a search warrant at Patrick’s home on November 10, 2022. During the search, they found four additional privately manufactured, non-serialized semi-automatic pistols, another pistol with an obliterated serial number, gun kits and fabrication tools, and more than one thousand rounds of ammunition.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III commented on the case: “People need to sell firearms the right way, in accordance with federal law. If you deal firearms without a license, be ready to spend time in federal prison. We will not tolerate the unlicensed sale of firearms in the Northern District of New York.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli added: “Mr. Patrick’s decision to bypass federal laws and manufacture and sell illegal weapons has landed him in federal prison. The FBI will continue to work with our partners at the United States Attorney’s Office to investigate anyone looking to push illegal firearms into our communities and ensure they are held accountable.”
Senior United States District Judge Frederick J. Scullin, Jr. imposed not only the prison sentence but also a three-year term of supervised release and a $7,500 fine. The court also ordered forfeiture of multiple firearms and ammunition.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and its Capital District Safe Streets Gang Task Force — which includes members from various federal, state, and local agencies such as the Colonie and Watervliet Police Departments — with prosecution handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney A.J. Vickey.
