Hayden O’Byrne United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida | The Florida Bar
A convicted gun felon who failed to appear for his prison sentence has been sentenced to an 11-year term in federal prison. Joseph John Pyrzyk, 29, addressed his charges in front of U.S. District Judge Aileen M. Cannon in Miami. He was found guilty of illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition and for evading federal authorities.
"Pyrzyk pleaded guilty to the charges in this case on Nov. 21, 2024," according to court records. The initial offense dates back to a 2021 charge in the Southern District of Florida, where Pyrzyk was accused of firearm possession as a convicted felon. The court, in case 21-cr-80180, granted him release on bond.
Despite pleading guilty and receiving a two-year sentence on June 30, 2022, Pyrzyk did not report for his sentence as scheduled on August 29, 2022. This prompted a warrant for his arrest. Pyrzyk's location in West Palm Beach, Florida, was discovered in January 2023, where law enforcement eventually apprehended him.
While searching Pyrzyk’s vehicle, "an agent saw marijuana on the center console... and saw a pistol under the driver’s seat." Further investigation revealed the possession of a Tan/Black Glock Model 17 9mm pistol and accompanying ammunition. Consequently, Pyrzyk faced additional charges for bond-jumping and possession of firearms.
Following his arrest, Pyrzyk completed his initial two-year sentence while in custody. He is now set to serve the new 11-year sentence. U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne, Acting Special Agent John F. Dion Jr. of the ATF, and U.S. Marshal Gadyaces S. Serralta confirmed this development.
The case was scrutinized by the ATF West Palm Beach and U.S. Marshals West Palm Beach. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie Sadlo prosecuted the case under Project Safe Neighborhoods. The program is designed to reduce gun violence by uniting law enforcement and communities with the shared goal of fostering trust and reducing crime.
Details and court documents are accessible on Florida's Southern District Court websites.
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