Brandon Williams, a 39-year-old resident of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to nine and a half years in federal prison. The sentence comes after Williams pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. In addition to the prison term, he will undergo three years of supervised release and pay a $1,000 fine.
Court documents reveal that Williams began serving a home detention sentence on December 2, 2022, through Marion County Community Corrections due to prior felony convictions for dealing methamphetamine and battery against a public safety official. On October 18, 2023, officers from Community Corrections and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department conducted a search of his home to ensure compliance with detention rules.
During the search, authorities found thirty-two grams of fentanyl, eighteen methamphetamine pills, three grams of crystal methamphetamine, THC vape cartridges and edibles in Williams' kitchen drawers. They also discovered drug paraphernalia such as scales and baggies used for packaging narcotics for sale. Additionally, $8,280 in cash was found.
In Williams’ bedroom, officers located a .40 caliber handgun with an obliterated serial number inside a plastic tote. Given his status as a convicted felon with previous charges including methamphetamine distribution and unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, Williams is permanently barred from possessing firearms under federal law.
Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana stated: “Illegally armed, repeat violent criminals are responsible for a disproportionate share of the gun violence suffered in Indianapolis and all of our communities These offenses will not be tolerated." He emphasized the choices available to offenders returning to the community: "There are many services and supporters dedicated to keeping you safe, alive, and successful... If instead you choose to illegally carry a firearm you risk serving a serious sentence in federal prison with no possibility of parole.”
The investigation was conducted by IMPD and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Chief U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt imposed the sentence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jayson W. McGrath prosecuted the case.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by uniting various levels of law enforcement with communities they serve. The Department's strategy focuses on building trust within communities, supporting organizations that prevent violence before it occurs, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.