An Erie man pleaded guilty to federal charges for illegal possession of a firearm, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Friday.

Dustin Patterson, 30, pleaded guilty to both counts of violating federal firearms laws.

Patterson possessed a firearm while being a convicted felon in February 2022, according to information presented to the court. It happened while Patterson was subject to a Protection From Abuse order.

Anyone who has been convicted of a felony is prohibited from possessing a firearm. In addition, the firearm was possessed

He is scheduled to return to court Sept. 19 at 10:30 a.m. for sentencing.

Patterson faces a total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both, based on the seriousness of the offense and any prior criminal history.