A federal grand jury in Columbia has indicted Brandon Chanell Joyner, 28, of Columbia, on a single count for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment alleges that Joyner possessed a firearm on July 18, 2023, after having been convicted of a felony. On the same date, he was arrested on state charges related to a shooting incident near Stoneridge Drive and Greystone Boulevard in Columbia. This incident involved significant law enforcement response from multiple agencies.
Joyner's previous felony convictions prohibit him from legally possessing a firearm. He is currently detained while awaiting trial for the state charges associated with the incident. Federally, he is charged only with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
If convicted, Joyner faces up to 15 years in prison, fines up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that unites various levels of law enforcement and communities to reduce violent crime and gun violence. The program aims to make neighborhoods safer by fostering trust within communities, supporting organizations that prevent violence, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division; the Columbia Police Department; and the Richland County Sheriff's Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Sanford is prosecuting the case.
It should be noted that all charges are accusations at this stage. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.